Royal Plaza Mall - a car parked on the side of a road next to a row of trees
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Royal Plaza Mall

4.3
·2k reviews·Oranjestad, Aruba

A vibrant mall blending Dutch architecture with Caribbean flair, offering diverse shopping, dining, and unique attractions like a salt cave and kids' ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
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Royal Plaza Mall - a car parked on the side of a road next to a row of trees

Royal Plaza Mall

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant mall blending Dutch architecture with Caribbean flair, offering diverse shopping, dining, and unique attractions like a salt cave and kids' play zone.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"Great area to walk around and see the influence of the Dutch architecture but the vibrant colors that are used in the Caribbean."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Architecture

Don't miss snapping photos of the unique Dutch-Caribbean architectural blend! :camerawithflash:

🛍️ Souvenir Savvy

Look for handmade items for truly unique finds. Prices can be high, so compare before buying. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Souvenir Shopping

Unique Souvenir Shopping

Various Boutiques

Discover handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind items, perfect for unique souvenirs beyond typical tourist fare.

Reddit
Architectural Charm

Architectural Charm

Exterior and common areas

Admire the blend of Dutch architecture with vibrant Caribbean colors, offering picturesque photo opportunities.

Reddit
Ray's Reef Indoor Playground

Ray's Reef Indoor Playground

2nd Floor

An exciting indoor adventure zone for kids aged 1-14, offering unlimited fun with rides and attractions.

Instagram
Salt Cave Relaxation

Salt Cave Relaxation

Al Sadd

Unwind in a tranquil oasis filled with Himalayan salt, offering a unique spa-like experience.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While Royal Plaza Mall is a popular spot, especially when cruise ships dock, visiting during off-peak hours can offer a more relaxed shopping experience. Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are generally less crowded, allowing you to explore the boutiques and enjoy the ambiance without the rush. Reddit

Cruise Ship Impact

Royal Plaza Mall can get very busy when cruise ships are in port, as it's a prime destination for tourists seeking souvenirs and local culture. Be prepared for larger crowds and potentially higher prices during these times. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Beat the rush, enjoy ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

PHOTOBOX DATE📸 — @Photoplace Indonesia 📍Royal Plaza , Surabaya (depan marugame/hypermart) #surabayadateideas #surabayadateidea #placegotosurabaya #photoplace #photobox #photoboxsurabaya #exploresurabaya
@sbyplace
16.6K likes • 356.2K views

📸 Capture the Architecture

Don't miss snapping photos of the unique Dutch-Caribbean architectural blend! Reddit :camerawithflash:

🛍️ Souvenir Savvy

Look for handmade items for truly unique finds. Prices can be high, so compare before buying. Reddit :moneybag:

А вы были здесь? 📍 Royal Plaza, 5 этаж
@sxodim.shymkent
15.2K likes • 457.2K views
Discover the new Casa Playa at Aruba's Royal Plaza Mall! A fresh take on island life, where ocean views meet the lively vibe of downtown. Casa Playa’s transformation reflects the beauty and heritage of Aruba. . #casaplaya #aruba #downtown #historic #royalplazamall #arubarealestate
casaplaya.aruba
11 likes • 259 views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids' Fun Zone

Ray's Reef offers 2 hours of unlimited play for kids for QAR 40. Instagram :child:

🧘‍♀️ Salt Cave Escape

Experience a unique relaxation session at the Salt Cave for a tranquil escape. Instagram :lotus_position:

✨Enjoy 2 hours of unlimited fun for just QAR 40 Let your kids enjoy endless play at this indoor adventure zone at an unbeatable price! 📍Ray’s Reef, Royal Plaza Mall, 2nd floor ⏰ Weekdays 11:30 am to 10 pm Friday 3:30 pm to 11 pm 🎟️ QAR 40 for 2 hours of unlimited play, including all rides and attractions except arcades 👶🧒 For ages 1 to 14 years old استمتع بساعتين من المرح غير المحدود مقابل ...
kidsloveqatar
512 likes • 89.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Architecture

Don't miss snapping photos of the unique Dutch-Caribbean architectural blend! Reddit :camerawithflash:

🛍️ Souvenir Savvy

Look for handmade items for truly unique finds. Prices can be high, so compare before buying. Reddit :moneybag:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids' Fun Zone

Ray's Reef offers 2 hours of unlimited play for kids for QAR 40. Instagram :child:

🧘‍♀️ Salt Cave Escape

Experience a unique relaxation session at the Salt Cave for a tranquil escape. Instagram :lotus_position:

☕️ Relax at Starbucks

Enjoy refreshments at the large Starbucks, offering free WiFi and seating. Reddit :coffee:

🚗 Easy Access

The bus station is conveniently located here, making it easy to reach. Reddit :bus:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally appreciate Royal Plaza Mall for its good variety of shops, helpful people, and pleasant atmosphere, especially noting its unique architecture and seasonal decorations. However, some find the prices to be a bit high, and shops can close early, even when cruise ships are in port. Reddit+1

"Good variety of shops. Lots of helpful people. Prices are a bit on the salty side. No surprise there. This is a hot spot for the cruise ships after all. But you should still check it out and take advantage of meeting some wonderful people and a new culture."

Greg Walter

"Beautiful for a souvenir photo - made solely for tourists. I came there at 17:45 and all shops were already closed even though my cruise ship was docked till late evening. Nonetheless made nice photos."

Marek Marecki

"Great area to walk around and see the influence of the Dutch architecture but the vibrant colors that are used in the Caribbean. Also a very good place for a few hours of walking around shooting pictures and of course souvenir shopping. Then go to one of the many restaurants and get some lunch and a Caribbean drink."

Kevin Koehler

What People Like

Good variety of shops
Unique architecture
Helpful people

What People Dislike

Prices can be high
Shops close early

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Royal Plaza Mall is easily accessible, with a bus station conveniently located on-site, making it a breeze to reach via public transport. Reddit Many visitors also arrive by taxi or private car. If you're arriving by cruise ship, it's a popular destination for a few hours of exploration. Reddit

Yes, parking is available at Royal Plaza Mall. While some TikToks mention parking fees at similar locations, specific details for Royal Plaza Mall's parking costs are best confirmed upon arrival or via their official channels. TikTok

Absolutely! Royal Plaza Mall offers a diverse range of shops, dining options, and unique attractions like the Salt Cave and Ray's Reef, making it a great destination for locals and tourists alike, not just cruise ship passengers. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general entry into Royal Plaza Mall is free. However, specific attractions within the mall, such as Ray's Reef or the Salt Cave, may have admission fees. Instagram+1

The mall's operating hours can vary, especially for individual shops and attractions. For example, Ray's Reef is open weekdays from 11:30 am to 10 pm and Fridays from 3:30 pm to 11 pm. Instagram It's advisable to check the specific hours for any store or attraction you plan to visit. TikTok

While the Salt Cave is a unique attraction within Royal Plaza Mall, specific pricing details are best confirmed directly with the Salt Cave facility. Instagram

Ray's Reef offers 2 hours of unlimited play for QAR 40, which includes all rides and attractions except arcades. This is a great deal for kids aged 1 to 14. Instagram

Yes, Royal Plaza Mall is mentioned as a place where you can find abayas. Prices can range from 50-80 QAR for standard ones to 80-120 QAR for custom options. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Royal Plaza Mall features a wide array of shops, including clothing boutiques, perfume stores, gold shops, and more, with over 105 boutiques spread across its three floors. Instagram You can also find unique handmade items. Reddit

Some visitors note that prices can be on the higher side, especially as it's a popular spot for tourists and cruise ship passengers. Reddit However, you can find good deals, particularly during promotional events like Ramadhan sales. Instagram

Royal Plaza Mall boasts a fantastic food court offering various culinary choices. Instagram There are also several restaurants and cafes, including a large Starbucks with good refreshments. Reddit

Yes, especially during seasonal events like Ramadhan, Royal Plaza Mall hosts promotions with discounts on clothing and fashion items. Instagram Stores like Sizy fashion also have a presence here. Instagram

Yes, Royal Plaza Mall in Surabaya has photo booths, with options like Photoplace Indonesia offering sessions for around 30,000 IDR. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography & Attractions

Definitely! The mall's architecture, a blend of Dutch and Caribbean styles, offers beautiful backdrops for photos. Reddit It's also a great spot for souvenir shopping photos. Reddit

Key attractions include the unique shops, the food court, Ray's Reef indoor playground for kids, and the relaxing Salt Cave. Instagram+1 The mall also hosts events and fashion shows. Instagram

The Salt Cave offers a unique spa-like experience with Himalayan salt, and Ray's Reef provides an exciting indoor play area for children. Instagram+1

The mall is well-decorated for seasons and holidays, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Reddit It can be vibrant and busy, especially when cruise ships are in port, but also offers quieter moments for exploration. Reddit

While some TikToks mention amusement parks in similar-sounding locations, Royal Plaza Mall's primary attractions are shopping, dining, Ray's Reef playground, and the Salt Cave, rather than traditional amusement rides. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Royal Plaza Mall is a great option for families. Ray's Reef on the second floor offers an exciting indoor playground where kids aged 1-14 can have a blast for QAR 40 for two hours of unlimited play. Instagram This provides a safe and entertaining environment for children to expend their energy. The mall also has a food court with diverse options to satisfy picky eaters. Instagram

Beyond the playground, the mall's general ambiance and shops can be interesting for older children and teens. Consider a visit to the Salt Cave for a unique, calming experience that parents might enjoy while kids are entertained elsewhere or if they are old enough to appreciate the quiet. Instagram

🛍️ Budget-Conscious Shoppers

While Royal Plaza Mall is known for its variety of shops, some visitors find prices to be on the higher side. Reddit However, savvy shoppers can still find value. Look for promotional events and sales, especially during festive seasons like Ramadhan, where significant discounts are common. Instagram Comparing prices across different boutiques for souvenirs is also recommended. Reddit

For affordable entertainment, the food court offers a range of dining options at various price points. Instagram While not a 'budget' destination per se, strategic shopping and dining can make a visit more economical.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Royal Plaza Mall to be a visually interesting location. The unique architecture, a blend of Dutch and Caribbean styles, provides a distinctive backdrop for photos. Reddit Capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of the buildings. The mall is also well-decorated for different seasons, offering changing visual themes throughout the year. Reddit

Beyond the architecture, look for opportunities to capture the lively atmosphere, especially when it's busy with shoppers or during events. The various shops themselves, with their displays and unique items, can also make for interesting photographic subjects. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Shopping Experience at Royal Plaza Mall

Royal Plaza Mall is a hub for diverse shopping, boasting over 105 boutiques across its three floors. You'll find everything from high-end fashion and perfumes to gold jewelry and unique handmade crafts. Instagram While some visitors note that prices can be a bit steep, especially during peak tourist times, the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs makes it worthwhile for many. Reddit+1 Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions and sales, particularly during events like Ramadhan, where significant discounts are often available on clothing and other items. Instagram

For those looking for specific items, the mall is known to have abaya shops, with prices varying based on customization and material. Reddit The presence of international brands alongside local boutiques offers a varied shopping experience. Whether you're hunting for a specific fashion piece or just browsing for gifts, Royal Plaza Mall provides ample options. Instagram

Family Fun and Relaxation

Families visiting Royal Plaza Mall have excellent options for both entertainment and relaxation. Ray's Reef, located on the second floor, is an indoor adventure zone designed for children aged 1 to 14. For a reasonable price of QAR 40, kids can enjoy two hours of unlimited play on various rides and attractions, making it a perfect spot to burn off energy. Instagram

For a more tranquil experience, the Salt Cave offers a unique oasis of calm. Filled with original Himalayan salt, visitors can sit, relax, and even enjoy a massage in an ambiance designed to mimic a 'salty beach.' The dim lighting and soothing music create a perfect environment for unwinding. Instagram This combination of active play for kids and serene relaxation for adults makes Royal Plaza Mall a well-rounded destination for families.

Architectural and Cultural Insights

Royal Plaza Mall is more than just a shopping destination; it's a place where you can appreciate a unique architectural blend. The mall showcases the influence of Dutch architecture, a nod to historical ties, combined with the vibrant, colorful aesthetic characteristic of the Caribbean. Reddit This fusion creates a visually appealing environment that's perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. Reddit

Beyond its visual appeal, the mall serves as a cultural touchpoint, especially for tourists. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in local crafts, interact with vendors, and get a feel for the local culture. Reddit While it can get busy, particularly when cruise ships are in port, taking the time to explore its nooks and crannies can reveal hidden gems and offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Reddit

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