General Aruba Vacation Information about things to do and places to
visit.Butterfly Farm
Located at Palm Beach across from the Aruba Phoenix and Wyndham
Hotels. Open all year from 9:00 -4:30
Step into a tropical garden filled with colorful butterflies from
around the world. Observe the life cycle from egg to caterpillar to
chrysalis to butterfly. Tour guides offer commentary on butterfly
habits. Arrive early and watch new butterflies emerging from their
chrysalis and taking their first flight. The butterfly farm is a
rare opportunity for photography and a delight to visitors of all
ages.
Oranjestad
Aruba's sunny, pastel-colored capital is on the island's southern
leeward coast, just southeast of the main resort area. The bustling
city has a very Caribbean flavor, with part-Spanish, part-Dutch
architecture The main thoroughfare, Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, cuts
in from the airport along the waterfront and on to Palm Beach,
changing its name along the way to J. E. Irausquin Boulevard. Most
tourists visit to shop in its boutiques and duty-free shops, but it
has three small museums that explore the island's history.
Historical Museum
Fort Zoutman/Willem III Tower
Oranjestad.
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There is an entrance fee.
Situated in the oldest building in Aruba, Fort Zoutman and Willem
III Tower, the historical museum offers a collection of articles
from the island's earliest times through early Spanish and Dutch
periods, up to the present.
Numismatic Museum
Zuidstraat 27, Oranjestad
Monday - Friday 7:30 - noon and 1 - 4
30,000 historic coins from Aruba and around the world.
Archaeological Museum
Zoutmanstraat 1, Oranjestad.
Monday - Friday 8 - noon and 1 -4
Located on Zoutmanstraat diagonally across from the bus stop in
Oranjestad, this museum's five rooms exhibit giant earthen jars of
which a few contain the remains of Aruba's original inhabitants.
Also displayed in glass boxes with descriptions are ancient
artifacts, pottery tools and art.
Deep Sea Fishing
Numerous boats and crews are available at the docks. In the
temperate waters around Aruba, a variety of Atlantic game fish can
be caught year-round. Sailfish, white and blue marlin, wahoo, shark,
barracuda, amberjack, kingfish, bonito, and blackfin and yellowfin
tuna are abundant. The captain and his/her first mate will help the
vacationing fishing enthusiast bring in any fish, even if they have
little previous experience. Many restaurants will even cook and
serve your catch of the day You can sail for either a full day or a
half-day on many of the fishing boats. Excursions can be arranged
through your hotel activity desk or De Palm Tours, or directly with
the captain of the boat of your choice.
Schooner Harbor
In this harbor are moored many fishing boats and schooners ,some
from Venezuela.. Nearly all newcomers to Aruba like to photograph
the Colorful boats dock along the quay, and boat owners display
their wares in open stalls. Fresh fish are sold at the market
nearby.
Wilhelmina Park
This park, named after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, is also
on the sea side of Oranjestad. It features a tropical garden along
the water and a sculpture of the Queen Mother.
Outside the City
A popular pastime is a drive into the cunucu, which in Papiamento
means "the countryside." Here Arubans live in modest, colorful,
pastel-washed houses, decorated with tropical plants that require
expensive desalinated water.
Hooiberg
Caya G. F. Croes (7A) toward Santa Cruz. Hooiberg, also known as
"The Haystack." It is Aruba's highest landmark. Those with energy to
spare can scramble up the steps of this 541-foot-high hill and be
rewarded with a view, on a clear day, of Venezuela.
Casibari
Open daily from 9 - 5, with no admission charge
Aruba is studded with massive boulders. The most impressive ones at
Ayo and Casibari, northeast of Hooiberg. Diorite boulders stack up
as high as city office buildings. The rocks weigh several thousand
tons and puzzle geologists. Ancient Amerindian drawings appear on
the rocks at Ayo. At Casibari, you can climb to the top for a
panoramic view of the island or a close look at rocks that nature
has carved into seats or prehistoric birds and animals.. The lodge
at Casibari sells souvenirs, snacks, soft drinks, and beer.
Caves of Canashito
South of Hooiberg
Tours available. Inquire at your hotel.
Guides can point out drawings on the walls and ceiling of these
unusual caves. There are giant green parakeets in the area as well.
Natural Bridge
Aruba's natural bridge has been formed over millions of years by
surf eating away at a portion of the rocky northern shore. At 100ft.
long and 23ft. tall, it's no major miracle, but it's a pretty decent
break from the beach and perfect for photos. Andicuri Beach, a short
stroll over the bridge, is a popular boogie-boarding location for
competent swimmers.
Arikok National Park
297/8-28001
The park is a desertlike ecological preserve that covers 18% of the
island's area, starting on the east coast and jutting inland almost
to the west coast. The island's rich crust makes it one of the rare
places in the world with geological origins traceable with the naked
eye. Hiking trails make it easy to explore the preserve's unusual
terrain and diverse flora and fauna. Iguanas and many species of
migratory.
This park encompasses a significant area of land in the interior and
a long stretch of the northern windward coast. The park contains
traces of nearly all the significant forces that have impacted on
Aruba's history, including Arawak petroglyphs in the Fontein Cave,
the remains of Dutch peasant settlements at Masiduri, plantation
houses in the Prins Valley and the ruins of an old gold mining
operation at Miralamar. The park covers 620 sq. ft.
The Aruban government is working on a 10-year ecotourism plan to
preserve the resources of the park. The park is topped by Aruba's
second-highest mountain, the 577-ft Mt. Arikok, so climbing is also
a possibility.
Mount Jamanota
Aruba's highest hill. There's a road running through the park, and
some interesting hiking trails.
Spaans Lagoen Along the highway toward the island's
southernmost section is Spanish Lagoon, where pirates hid and waited
to plunder rich cargo ships in the Caribbean. Today it's an ideal
place for snorkeling and for having a picnic at the tables under the
mangrove trees.
Savaneta
To the east is an area called where some of the most ancient traces
of human habitation have been unearthed.
Lago Oil Transport Company
You'll see here the first oil tanks that marked the position of the
the Exxon subsidiary around which the town of San Nicolas developed.
San Nicolas was a company town until 1985, when the refinery
curtailed operations. Twelve miles from Oranjestad, it is now called
the Aruba Sunrise Side, and tourism has become its main economic
endeavor.
Guadarikiri Cave and Fontein Cave.
The Guadirikiri and Fontein caves are marked with ancient drawings.
Park rangers are available to offer explanations. Both caves were
used by native Indians centuries ago.
Huliba and Tunnel of Love Caves
Baranca Sunu, the so-called Tunnel of Love, has a heart-shape
entrance and, within, naturally sculpted rocks that look like the
Madonna, Abe Lincoln, and even a jaguar At these caves, guides show
visitors the carvings and natural formations. The Tunnel of Love
cave requires some physical stamina to explore. It is filled with
steep climbs, and its steps are illuminated only by hand-held lamps.
Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step.
California Lighthouse
The closed lighthouse stands at the island's far northern end. It's
surrounded by huge boulders and sand dunes tufted with scrub.
Rock Formations
The massive boulders at Ayo and Casibari are said to be a mystery
since they don't match the island's geological makeup. You can climb
to the top of Casibari for fine views of the arid countryside; the
main path has steps and handrails, and you must move through tunnels
and on narrow steps and ledges to reach the top. At Ayo you'll find
ancient pictographs in a small cave. Access to Casibari is via Tanki
Highway 4A, to Ayo via Highway 6A; watch carefully for the turnoff
signs near the center of the island on the way to the windward side.
Scuba Diving And Snorkeling
With visibility of up to 90 ft, Aruban waters are excellent for
snorkeling and diving. Certified divers can go wall or reef diving
or explore wrecks sunk during World War II. The German freighter,
Antilla, is popular with both divers and snorkelers.
Mangel Halto Reef
(Also known as Pos Chiquito Reef or Bao Baranca)Mangel Halto Reef is
excellent for night diving.
Dive Operators:
Aruba Pro Dive
Ponton 88,
297/8-25520
Scuba Aruba
Seaport Village Mall
L. G. Smith Blvd. 82, Oranjestad,
297/8-34142
Unique Sports of Aruba
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 79, Oranjestad,
297/8-60096).
Beaches
Beaches in Aruba are legendary: white sand, turquoise waters, and
virtually no litter everyone takes the No littering signs ("No tira
sushi") signs are taken very seriously. The major beaches, which
back up to the hotels along the southwestern strip, are public and
crowded. Make sure you're well protected from the sun with sunscreen
or sunblock. Sunburns can happen quickly in the intense sun and
gentle breezes. On the island's northeastern side, wind makes the
waters too choppy for swimming, but the views are magnificent, and
the terrain is wonderful for sunbathing and geological exploration.
Baby Beach (Seroe Colorado)
On the island's eastern tip, this semicircular beach borders a bay
that's as placid and just about as deep as a wading pool.
Swimming Conditions: Excellent and a great spot for snorkeling.
White powder sand. Accessible by car or taxi.
Snack truck offers chicken legs, burgers, hot dogs, beer, and soda.
Boca Grandi
Strong swimming skills are a must at this beach near Seagrape Grove
and the Aruba Golf Club toward the island's eastern tip.
Boca Prins
Near the Fontein Cave and Blue Lagoon, this beach is famous for its
backdrop of enormous sand dunes. No swimming. Ideal for a picnic.
Bring a beach blanket and sturdy footwear and climb down the rocks
that form steps to the water's edge. Accessible by four-wheel-drive
vehicle.
Boca Tabla (Bachelor's Beach)
Swimming Conditions: Better suited for snorkeling and windsurfing
than swimming. White powder sand. No facilities. Accessible by car
or taxi.
Dos Playa
Swimming Conditions: Not recommended for swimming due to huge waves
and strong currents., but a beautiful spot for a picnic, or to
admire the view. Accessible by 4-wheel drive only.
Eagle Beach
On the southwestern coast , and recently designated one of the 10
best beaches in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine.
Fisherman's Hut
This beach is a windsurfer's heaven. Take a picnic lunch (tables are
available) and watch the purple, aqua, and orange sails of the
catamarans struggle in the wind.
Grapefield Beach
To the northeast of San Nicolas, this area of blinding white sand in
the shadow of cliffs and boulders is marked by the statue of an
anchor dedicated to all seamen. Swim at your own risk; the waves can
be rough.
Malmok Beach
This small beach is located on the northwestern shore. It is also
known as Boca Catalina, and borders shallow waters that stretch 300
yards from shore. It is a perfect place to learn to windsurf and is
a favorite with divers and snorkelers. A major diving attraction is
the wreck of the German ship Antilla, scuttled in 1940.
Manchebo Beach
(Formerly Punta Brabo Beach) In front of the Manchebo Beach Resort,
this wide stretch of white powder is a favorite spot for top-free
sunbathers.
Mangel Halto (Savaneta)
Swimming Conditions: Shallow water.
White powder sand. This is a good spot for picnics, and is
accessible by car or taxi.
Natural Pool
Not a beach, but this hidden pool on the north coast offers unique
scenery and solitude. Accessible by 4-wheel drive or on horseback.
Palm Beach
This beach is behind the Allegro Resort & Casino, Wyndham Aruba
Beach Resort and Casino, Aruba Grand Beach Resort & Casino, and
Holiday Inn hotels. It is at the center of Aruban tourism, offering
the best in swimming, sailing, and other water sports.
Rodger's Beach
Next to Baby Beach on the island's eastern tip, this is a curving
stretch of sand, unfortunately providing a view of the oil refinery
at the far side of the bay. A new snack bar serves refreshments and
hosts occasional live entertainment at the water's edge. White
powder sand. Accessible by car or taxi.
Swimming Conditions: Excellent.
Santo Largo
Swimming Conditions: Shallow water.
White powder sand. No facilities. Accessible by car or taxi.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Casinos
A few casinos are open 24 hours a day. In most, the opening hours
are 11 a.m. for slots and 1 p.m. through early morning for table
games. Hours vary seasonally, so check before making plans. No one
under 18 is allowed in the casinos. The larger casinos feature live
first class entertainment imported from other countries such as the
United States and Latin America.
Stellaris Casino
The Marriott L.G. Smith Blvd. 101
297/8-69000
is one of the island's most popular.
Excelsior Casino
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 230
297/8-67777
The doors are open from 8am to 4am.
Aruba Grand
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 79
297/8-63900
opens its games at 10:30am; it stays open until 1:30am.
Casino Masquerade
Located at the Radisson Aruba Caribbean Resort Casino
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 81, Palm Beach
297/8-66555
This is one of the newest casinos on Aruba. Located in the lower
lobby of the hotel, it is open from 10am - 4am daily. It offers
blackjack, single deck, roulette, Caribbean stud, craps, and "Let It
Ride."
Crystal Casino
Located at the Aruba Sonesta Resort Casino at Seaport Village
297/8-36000
Open daily 24 hours.
The 14,000-square-foot casino offers 11 blackjack tables, 270 slot
machines, four roulette tables, three Caribbean stud-poker tables,
two craps tables, one mini -baccarat table, and three full size
baccarat tables. It has luxurious furnishings, ornate moldings,
marble, and crystal chandeliers.
Wyndham Hotel and Resort Casino
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 77
297/8-64466
One of the newest casinos on the island.
Copacabana Casino
Hyatt Regency Aruba
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 85
297/8-61234
Also a recent addition to the casino scene. It is an enormous
complex with a Carnival in Rio theme and live entertainment.
Royal Cabana Casino
J. E. Irausquin Blvd.
250 297/8-79000
Located at the La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort Casino. This casino
is known for its multitheme three-in-one restaurant and its showcase
cabaret theater and nightclub, with Las Vegas-style revues, female
impersonators, and comedy series on the weekend. The largest casino
on Aruba, it offers 33 tables and games, plus 320 slot machines.
Alhambra
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 47
297/8-35000
10am till very early in the morning, usually 3am.
The Alhambra is a complex of buildings and courtyards designed like
an 18th-century Dutch village.. A busy casino operates on the
premises.
Cinema
Seaport Cinema
Seaport Market Place
297/8-30318
The complex has six theaters showing the latest American movies in
English.
Shows The Cabaret Royale (Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort and Casino, J.E.
Irausquin Blvd. 77, Palm Beach, 297/8-64466) has an entertaining
Cuban review (with a bit of flesh) Tuesday through Saturday at 9 PM.
Dinner (seating at 7:30) and the show cost $34; $20 gets you two
cocktails (starting at 8:30) and admission to the show.
The Tropicana Showroom (J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 250,
297/8-77000 ext. 731 or 727), the Royal Cabana Casino's cabaret
theater and nightclub, features first-class Las Vegas-style revues,
usually showcasing female impersonators, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Saturday at 9 PM and Wednesday and Friday at 10 PM; the cost is
$35 per person. Dinner/show combinations are available ($119 for two
people).
Twinklebone's House Of Roast Beef (Noord 124, Noord,
297/8-26780) serves succulent prime rib and the like, but it's best
known for the fun, impromptu cabaret of Carnival music put on by the
staff every night but Sunday. Some customers find it hokey; others
eat it up.
Bars
Iguana Joe's (Royal Plaza Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 94, Oranjestad,
297/8-39373) has a creative reptilian-theme decor and a color scheme
featuring such planter's punch colors as lime and grape.
Kukoo Kunuku
297/8-62010
a psychedelically painted '57 Chevy bus. Weeknights, as many as 40
passengers board to make the rounds of six local bars from sundown
to midnight, with a stop for dinner. Group and private charter rates
are available; these include hotel pick up and drop off.
Mambo Jambos
2nd floor, Royal Plaza Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 94, Oranjestad
297/8-33632
Painted in sunset colors, with parrots painted on the ceiling. It
offers several house-specialty drinks and a gift shop.
Dance Clubs
Café Bahia
Weststraat 7, Oranjestad
297/8-89982
An elegant spiral staircase leads up to a bar and dance floor backed
by a mural of colorful cacti against a blue, cloud-smattered Aruban
sky. Locals and tourists drink Balashi cocktails and salsa to music
provided by island bands.
E-Zone
(Bayside Mall, Weststraat 5, Oranjestad, 297/9-36784) has a huge
dance floor, walls decorated with hair-dryer tubes and slinkies,
bartenders in hard hats, and a cozy VIP lounge.
La Fiesta
(Aventura Mall, Plaza Daniel Leo, 297/8-35896), an upscale
indoor-outdoor space, serves cocktails and attracts a casual yet
classy crowd.
Havana Club
(L.G. Smith Blvd. 1, 297/8-80557) has purple walls adorned with
gold-framed mirrors, antique lanterns, and dried flowers. The two
oversize dance floors are often packed on weekends; Wednesday
Ladies' Night draws a crowd of about 3,000. The music alternates
between pop, rock, and international hits; local bands sometimes
play. Escape from the crowds by taking refuge on a patio complete
with a bar, a mini-swimming pool, and a private stretch of beach.
Music Clubs
Cellar
(Klipstraat 2, Oranjestad, 297/8-28567) live bands perform Monday
and Thursday-Saturday; the music du jour might be blues, jazz, funk,
reggae, or rock.
Garufa Cocktail Lounge
(Wilhelminastraat 63, Oranjestad, 297/8-27205 or 297/8-23677). For
jazz and local music try the This cozy cigar bar serves as a
comfortable lounge for customers awaiting a table at El Gaucho
Steakhouse ( 297/8-27205 or 297/8-23677), across the street (you're
issued a beeper so that the restaurant can notify you when your
table is ready).
Theme Nights
There are more than 30 theme nights offered during the course of a
week. Each one features a buffet dinner, entertainment (usually of
the limbo, steel-band, stilt-walking, variety), and dancing. The top
groups tend to rotate among the resorts.
Clubs that host theme nights are: Aruba Extravaganza
Manchebo Beach Resort
J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 55, Eagle Beach
297/8-23444
Havana Tropical
Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort and Casino
J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 77
Palm Beach, 297/8-64466
Caribbean Beach BBQ
Aruba Sonesta Resorts at Seaport Village
L.G. Smith Blvd. 9, Oranjestad
297/8-36000
Shopping
Aruba has the advantage of being a low-tax-free member of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands, which makes it a fairly good place to
buy European luxuries, jewelry, and perfume. Designated duty-free
shops are located at the departure terminal of the airport. Dutch
treats are, of course, plentiful and well priced; high quality
original art, one-of-a-kind fashions, and handmade articles produced
by local artisans make sensible souvenirs of your trip.
Oranjestad is the primary shopping area with several open-air malls,
a wharf-side market, and a half mile stretch of top stores. Since
the town is small, all the stores are located within a few blocks,
and you can easily walk to each. Additional shops are located in the
resorts and in the town of San Nicholas, on the South shore.
Aruba offers merchandise from six continents along the
half-mile-long Caya G. F. Betico Croes, Oranjestad's main shopping
street. Technically this is not a free port, but the duty is so low
(3.3%) that prices are attractive, and Aruba has no sales tax. There
are numerous Swiss watches; German and Japanese cameras; jewelry;
liquor; English bone china and porcelain; Dutch, Swedish, and Danish
silver and pewter; French perfume; British woolens; Indonesian
specialties; and Madeira embroidery. Delft blue pottery is an
especially good buy.
Other good buys include Dutch cheese (Edam and
Gouda), Dutch chocolate, and English cigarettes in the airport
departure area. Philatelists will love the wealth of colorful,
artistic stamps issued in honor of Aruba's changed governmental
status. Major credit cards are welcome virtually everywhere, U.S.
dollars are accepted almost as readily as local currency, and
traveler's checks can be cashed with proof of identity. Since
there's no sales tax, the price you see on the tag is what you pay.
Don't try to bargain. Arubans consider it rude.
Jewelry
Colombian Emeralds
Seaport Village Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 82, Oranjestad
297/8-36238
Has a dazzling array of emeralds, as well as watches by Breitling,
Baume & Mercier, Jaeger, Le Coultre, Ebel, Seiko, and Tissot.
Gandelman Jewelers
Royal Plaza Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 94, Oranjestad
297/8-34433
sells Gucci and Rolex watches at reasonable prices, gold bracelets,
and a full line of Lladro figurines.
Kenro Jewelers
Seaport Village Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd., Oranjestad
297/8-34847 or 297/9-33171
Has two stores in the same mall, attesting to the popularity of such
merchandise as Mikimoto pearls, the Ramon leopard collection, and
various brands of watches.
Crafts
Art And Tradition Handicrafts
Caya G.F. Betico Croes 30, Oranjestad
297/8-36534
Royal Plaza Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 94, Oranjestad
297/8-27862) sells items that look hand-painted but are really
unique. Buds from the mopa mopa tree are boiled to form a resin, to
which artists add vegetable colors. This resin is then stretched by
hand and mouth. Tiny pieces are cut and layered to form intricate
designs on wooden shapes.
Artistic Boutique
Caya G.F. Betico Croes 25, Oranjestad
297/8-23142
Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort and Casino
J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 77
297/8-64466 ext. 3508
Seaport Village Mall L.G. Smith Blvd. 82, Oranjestad
297/8-32567
Holiday Inn Aruba Beach Resort & Casino
J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 230
297/8-33383
Has been in business for 30 years and is known for selling Giuseppe
Armani figurines from Italy, usually at a 20% discount; Aruban
hand-embroidered linens; gold and silver jewelry; and porcelain and
pottery from Spain.
Creative Hands
Socotorolaan 5, Oranjestad
297/8-35665
Sells porcelain and ceramic miniature cunucu houses and divi-divi
trees, but the store's main attraction is its exquisite Japanese
dolls.
Clothing
Les Accessoires
Seaport Village Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 82, Oranjestad
297/8-36000
sells exclusive leather bags and other items, with prices ranging
from $85 to $600. Their Venezuelan pareos (sarong-like wraps) come
in handy as pool cover-ups.
Confetti
Seaport Village Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 82, Oranjestad
297/8-38614
Has the hottest European and American swimsuits, cover-ups, beach
hats, and other beach essentials.
J.L. Penha & Sons
Caya G.F. Betico Croes 11/13, Oranjestad
297/8-24160 or 297/8-24161
A venerated name in Aruban merchandising, sells clothes, perfumes,
and cosmetics and offers such brands as Boucheron, Swiss Army, Dior,
Cartier, and Givenchy.
Wulfsen & Wulfsen
Caya G.F. Betico Croes 52, Oranjestad
297/8-23823
Has been one of the most highly regarded clothing stores in the
Netherlands Antilles for nearly 30 years (and for a century in the
Netherlands.)
Aruba Trading Company (ATC)
Duty-Free
Caya G.F. Betico Croes 12, Oranjestad
297/8-22602
For leather goods (including Bally shoes), perfumes, cosmetics, and
men's and women's clothing, stop in at), which has been in business
more than 70 years. ATC offers internationally known brand names at
discounts, but you have to hunt for them.
Little Switzerland
Caya G.F. Betico Croes 14, Oranjestad
297/8-21192
Royal Plaza Mall
L.G. Smith Blvd. 94, Oranjestad, 297/8-34057
The St. Thomas-based giant, has china, crystal, and fine tableware.
You'll find good buys on Omega and Rado watches, Swarovski and
Baccarat crystal, and Lladro figurines.
Shopping Centers & Neighborhoods
Shopping Centers & Malls
Most malls are in Oranjestad and are attractive gabled, pastel-hue
re-creations of Dutch colonial architecture.
Alhambra Casino Shopping Arcade
L.G. Smith Blvd. 47,
297/8-35000
Open 5 pm-midnight. Souvenir shops, art boutiques, and fast-food
outlets fill the arcade, which is attached to the busy casino.
Aquarius Mall
Elleboogstraat 1
Small but relatively upscale, with shops such as Boolchand's
Jewelers.
Holland Aruba Mall
(Havenstraat 6) houses a collection of smart shops (including
several jewelers) and eateries.
Port Of Call Marketplace
(L.G. Smith Blvd. 17, 297/8-36706) sells fine jewelry, perfumes,
duty-free liquors, batiks, crystal, leather goods, and fashionable
clothing.
Royal Plaza Mall
(L.G. Smith Blvd. 94), across from the cruise-ship terminal, you'll
find cafés, a post office branch (open Monday-Saturday 7-6:45), and
such stores as Nautica, Benetton, Tommy Hilfiger, and Gandelman
Jewelers. There's also the Internet Café, where you can send E-mail
home and get your caffeine fix all in one stop.
Seaport Village Mall
(L.G. Smith Blvd. 82, across from harbor, 297/8-36000) is five
minutes from the cruise-ship terminal. It includes the Crystal
Casino and more than 120 stores, boutiques, and perfumeries, with
merchandise to meet every taste and budget.
Strada I And Strada II
(Corner of Klipstraat and Rifstraat) are two complexes of shops in
tall Dutch buildings painted in pastels.
Shopping Neighborhoods
Oranjestad's Caya G.F. Betico Croes
This is Aruba's chief shopping street, lined with several duty-free
boutiques and jewelry stores noted for the aggressiveness of their
vendors on cruise-ship days.
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