Tourism in Philipsburg St. Maarten

Surrounded by stunning sand beaches, vibrant atmosphere, duty-free shopping, and delicious food, Philipsburg St Maarten offers a vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and pure excitement! Let us walk you through all the reasons that make a vacation in Philipsburg, St Maarten truly a must.

Top 5 reasons that make Philipsburg, St. Maarten worth visiting!

Philipsburg is definitely worth visiting as it has many attractions such as Frontstreet, Boartwalk

© Credit source : Europcar

1. Getting to Philipsburg St. Maarten is super easy!

As one of most easily accessible Caribbean destinations, getting to Philipsburg, St Maarten is extremely easy. Just fly to the island from one of major cities in the United States or Canada book your rental car in St. Maarten in advance to allow for maximum freedom, and set off to explore the endless possibilities that the island offers.

You can also arrive by cruise and you will land on St. Maarten cruise port . From there you will have the opportunity to visit Philipsburg downtown and if you rent a car you can visit can easily visit the rest of island. Please note there are water taxi which can drive you from the cruise to one of the beaches neartby.

2. Stunning beaches and nature at your fingertips

Known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters, Philipsburg St Maarten is a gateway to the best beaches on the Caribbean Sea. In downtown Philipsburg there is one beach along side the shopping street : Great Bay Beach.

If you arrive by cruise and looking for a little hidden beach we recommand you to go to Little Bay Beach, at walking distance. Otherwise you can also go to the famous Great Bay Beach but be ready for at least 20 min walk.

However if you fancy taking a ride you can also discover by car some other beaches further PHilipsburg such as Baie rouge, Orient Bay, Plum Bay, Little Bay Beach, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, and Cupecoy.

Therefore keep in mind that not all beaches are within walking distance, and taxi prices can add up, so we recommend renting a car to make your beach hopping effortless and pocket friendly. Make sure to check the weather, pack your sunscreen, and check out detailed information about the beaches to plan your day!

 3. Immersive duty-free shopping with the best deals

Philipsburg, St Maarten, offers extraordinary shopping experiences to visitors, especially due to its duty-free status. Some of the most popular shopping destinations to check out include Front Street, the Boardwalk, and Little Switzerland.

From jewelry, luxury items, electronics and souvenirs, these shopping destinations offer immersive experiences with the best deals to make your shopping experience a joy. Don’t forget to stop by at the outdoor market on Back Street to check out all the clothing, spices, and local crafts and learn why Philipsburg St. Maarten is called the open air shopping mall!

4.     Culinary adventures of a lifetime

A mix of Caribbean, European, and North American cultures, Philipsburg St. Maarten offers a truly rich dining experience and is often called the Gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. Some of the highest rated restaurants worth checking out include La Villa Hibiscus, JAX Steakhouse, The Captain’s Rib Shack, Ocean Lounge Bar and Restaurant, and Pineapple Pete. If you are looking for casual eateries, some of the local roadside favorite’s worth trying include Dutch Blonde Beach Bar, Lagoonies Bistro, the Palms, Tortuga Beach Bar, Blue Martini, and Sandbar. No matter what you try, we guarantee the culinary richness of the island will leave you wanting more!

Found out the list of the top restaurants in Philipsburg St. Maarten

5. Step into a unique historical and cultural experience

Even tho Philipsburg is on the Dutch side, St Maarten is a dual nation island offering visitors two distinct ( French and Dutch) cultural experiences on the same island. For this reason, immersing yourself in the history and culture of both sides is a must!  To truly experience the island’s pluralism and rich heritage, don’t forget to Visit the St. Maarten Museum. This museum, located in a historic building, is on Marigot Rue Fichot and easily accessible from the beachfront.

A stroll through the Old Street, visit to Fort Amsterdam, Saint Martin of Tours, and Philipsburg Courthouse can help you understand the unique amalgam of cultures that this Island has to offer. While on the cultural kick, don’t forget to check out the art galleries and artists on the Island!

© Credit source : Europcar

While the list of all the things to do in Philipsburg, St Maarten can be exhaustive, we are confident that these top 5 reasons will make Philipsburg, St Maarten the top contender for your next Caribbean getaway! The best way to experience the entirety of the island is by having the freedom of going where you want and when you want. Get your own rental car in St. Maarten  from Europcar upon arrival and experience the Island on your own terms!