Philipsburg

Saint Martin & Sint Maarten, The Caribbean

Philipsburg, the vibrant capital of Sint Maarten, is famous for its stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and rich cultural mix of French and Dutch influences. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque Great Bay Beach, explore local history at the St. Maarten Museum, or dive into the lively nightlife and dining scene along Front Street. Philipsburg also hosts numerous events, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and adventure, from water sports to cultural festivals.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Other

Airport

Princess Juliana

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

11 Best Things to Do in Philipsburg

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax on Great Bay Beach

Stunning beach with soft sand and crystal-clear water.

No booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Philipsburg's Front Street

Vibrant shopping street lined with boutiques and cafes.

No booking required
3

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Fort Amsterdam

Historic fort offering panoramic views of the bay.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover the Sint Maarten Museum

Cultural museum showcasing island's history and heritage.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy Great Bay's Water Sports

Engaging activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and jet skiing.

Booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local cuisine at Salt Plage

Beachfront restaurant serving fresh Caribbean dishes.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Old Street (Old Philipsburg)

Charming historic area with colonial architecture.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a sunset cruise

Relaxing boat ride with breathtaking sunset views.

Booking required
9

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Experience the Carnival Festival

Vibrant cultural festival with parades and music.

No booking required
10

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Boardwalk

Scenic promenade ideal for strolling and dining.

No booking required
11

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Snorkel at Creole Rock

Famous snorkeling site with vibrant marine life.

Booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

No data

LGBTQ+ safety score

-3 (#70 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

US Dollar

Majority religion

No data

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Callaloo Soup

VE

Creamy soup made with callaloo leaves. (National dish)

Johnny Cakes

VE

Fried dough cakes, often served with meals.

Conch and Dumplings

Dumplings served with tender conch meat.

Crab Backs

Crab meat stuffed in shells, baked or fried.

Whelk Soup

Rich soup made with whelk, a type of sea snail.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)