As the capital, the town of Philipsburg is one of the main commercial and cultural hubs of Sint Maarten. It has a shopping street, a thriving port and an array of white-sand beaches. Wander along the beachside roadway for captivating sights, great shopping opportunities and excellent views of the Caribbean Sea.
Get a sense of the local culture and history with a trip to the Museum of Sint Maarten. Learn through the intriguing exhibits about the island’s past slavery, its salt industry and its first inhabitants, known as the Arawaks. A few blocks northwest is the Cyrus Wathey Square in the heart of the waterfront shopping district. Relax on a bench to rest your feet and watch people going by.
The main attraction of the square is the historic Philipsburg Courthouse. Gaze up at the pineapple that marks the top of the building. The structure is part of the national flag. Admire the colonial style of the off-white façade, which serves as a scenic backdrop in photos of the plaza.
Stroll along the famous Front Street and browse the many quaint and independent shops lining the streets. Note that much of the shopping on the island is duty free.
Enjoy the year-round hot weather with a trip to the beach. The dry season runs from January through June. Choose from the main urban beaches and Little Bay Beach, a little southwest of Philipsburg. Despite its name, this beach is particularly long and serene. Travel to the town’s eastern outskirts to reach Guana Bay Beach via nature trails.
The town is on the Dutch southern half of the island of Saint Martin in the eastern part of the Caribbean. Fly to the Princess Juliana International Airport, which is one of the busiest transportation hubs in the Caribbean. Travel in the town on minibuses and vans, which can take you around the entire island in about 90 minutes.
Philipsburg is a Caribbean treat, with busy shopping avenues and excellent beaches.
