9 Best Places to Shop in Curaçao

You'll see the striking, colorful Chichi characters all around the island, as everything from key chains and other iconic Curaçao souvenirs to larger-than-life sculptures. \"Chichi\" means \"big sister\" in the local lingo, and the figures are meant to exude the warmth of matronly Caribbean women. The line was created by the artist Serena Janet Israel, who has trained many local female artists to paint them. If you're looking for one-stop shopping and don't want to travel to Serena’s Art Factory—where the brand originates—head to this store tucked away on an alley near Gomezplein. The outlet is open late during Punda Thursday Vibes. 

Curaçao's oldest established gallery, located in Landhuis Habaai, hosts rotating exhibits of works by top local artists. Browse for shimmering landscapes, dazzling photographs, ceramics, or even African-inspired carnival masks. A separate gift shop sells artsy souvenirs.

Situated in Veeris, this massive, multilevel, indoor complex has hundreds of stores, a food court, upscale and casual dining enclaves, a Carrefour Market grocery store, a high-tech cinema, and state-of-the-art bowling alleys. With lots of special events, this is an ideal spot for families seeking respite from the sun for a few hours at their special Kidi's Park (an indoor play space for kids). 

You might have noticed brightly painted sculptures of colorful Caribbean women in many public places around the island, not to mention miniature versions of them for sale as souvenirs. These are Chichis—created by the artist Serena Janet Israel and unique to Curaçao. Chichi means \"big sister\" in the local lingo, and the figures are meant to exude the warmth of matronly Caribbean women; new characters, including a man and a child, have also been created. Serena has trained many local female artists to paint them, and you're also welcome to paint your own for a one-of-a-kind souvenir at Serena’s Art Factory near the Ostrich Farm. Walk-in workshops are offered twice-weekly, and private workshops are available on demand. A stand-alone shop in Willemstad's Punda district also sells Chichi items and offers occasional workshops. There's a $12 participation fee for walk-in workshops (Tuesday and Saturday 9 am--noon) plus the cost of materials.

Also known as La Casa Amarilla, the Yellow House specializes in high-end duty-free perfumes and cosmetics, with exclusive rights to big names like Guerlain. It has recently teamed up with Zylo (another retail chain) to also sell high-end watches, jewelry, handbags, and sunglasses. There are additional outlets at the airport and in Salina and St. Maria.

The Freeport Jeweler's Group consists of six stores (including a Swarovski Boutique) around the island selling high-end brands of jewelry, watches, and collectibles. Willemstad locations are in Punda, Otrobanda, and the Zuikertuin Mall.

This well-established chain, with outlets throughout the Caribbean, specializes in high-end designer jewelry, watches, crystal, china, and leather goods. The Rif Fort location sells items by Tiffany, Cartier, Movado, Tag Heuer, and more at prices much lower than those on the mainland.

Founded in 1865 and still run by the Penha family, this landmark store—situated in a UNESCO property that's one of the island's most photographed—specializes in duty-free items, including French perfumes, cosmetics, clothing, eyewear, watches, and high-end lingerie and accessories. There are several other Penha outlets across island, including at the airport.