Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of "Dutch Side" Sint Maarten on the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean sea. It is a busy port for cruise ships and one of the Caribbean's best shopping spots. It has won many international awards as cruise port due to its combination of beach close by the port, aforementioned shopping opportunities, activity offer and small town feel.

Most visitors in Philipsburg arrive via the AC Wathey cruise terminal, which is only a 10 minute walk from the town.

Emmaplein bus terminal is the main bus terminal on island and right were cruise and ferry visitors arrive. Buses arrive / depart from here to Marigot, Maho (and airport), St Peters and French Quarter.

At Bobby's Marina, many boats depart and arrive from surrounding islands. Voyager and Great Bay Express go to St. Barths from here. Makana Ferry runs services to Saba, Statia and St. Kitts from Bobby's Marina. There is also inter-island day trips and private yacht charters departing and returning to the marina, like PYC and Eagle Tours .

Philipsburg is easy to explore and navigate. The beach, boardwalk and front street main street run parallel. Parking at Bobby's Marina or Dock Maarten (both paid parking) on its eastern end is easiest.

If you are staying on the island for multiple days, don't be afraid to explore.

Major must-sees in Philipsburg are the boardwalk / Great Bay Beach, shopping street Front Street and Fort Amsterdam.

There is a lot to in Philipsburg. A summary of activities around Philipsburg can be found at visitstmaarten.com.

Key attractions are:

• Great Bay Beach along the full length of the capital
• the Boardwalk alongside it
• Front Street Shopping Street that runs parallel to the boardwalk.
• Monuments like the Courthouse and Fort Amsterdam

Shopping is duty free on the island. Also see notes for St Martin. It is one of the reasons Philipsburg has the reputation of shopping capital of the northeastern Caribbean. Prices are often lower than on surrounding islands.

Front Street (Philipsburg's main street) is particularly well known for upscale shops, varying from many branded jewelries to clothing stores.

Backstreet, parallel to it, caters more to daily needs of citizens, though also visitors. Old Street is an often photographed alley in between.

The boardwalk has many restaurants for lunch. Various remain open after cruise ships leave like The Pier, Big Bastards, Sea View, Ocean Lounge and Aziana.

• Aziana (at the Philipsburg Marina). Asian fusion. The latest restaurant by the Wong family, regionally known for Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese dishes. 
• Ocean Lounge (on the Philipsburg boardwalk). European inspired cuisine from the Netherlands and France with other global influences represented too. 

Try local drinks such as Guavaberry Liqueur which is sold in most bars.

Seaview and Dutch Blonde Beach Bar offer local craft beer.

Ocean Lounge, Seaview, The Pier, Grumpy's and Aziana have a bar and are popular town venues for the evening, especially on Fridays.

• Grumpy's (Philipsburg, on Yrausquin road to cruise port). Beach club styled bar amidst the Dock Maarten marina. Very popular amongst yacht crews of megayachts and residents. 
• The Pier (on most western tip of the Philipsburg boardwalk). Beach club. Provides eclectic mix of pub food with scenic location next to fountains on Walter Plantz square. 

Philipsburg has many smaller hotels in between of Front Street and the boardwalk.

• Seaview
• Horizon View
• Holland House Beach Hotel
• Pasanggrahan.
• 18.024627-63.0536511 The Villas on Great Bay, 211 Front St, ☏ +1 721 542-2898. Beachfront small gated property consisting of twelve 2-bedrooms villa. Features infinity pool on extensive patio areas, all night security guard and on-site management. US$200–300 for up to 4 people.  
• Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort and Casino, 19 Little Bay Rd, ☏ +1 721 542-2446, toll-free: +1-800-SONESTA (7663782). Adults only. All-inclusive available. Three restaurants, bars, pools, water sports, tennis court and gym. After 5pm, the beach is in the shadow of the mountain. Free parking. 
• Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, 1 Rhine Rd, ☏ +1 721 545-2115, toll-free: +1-800-SONESTA (7663782). Features a casino, two outdoor pools, a kids club, three restaurants, a promenade of 40 boutiques and restaurants, four tennis courts, spa and fitness centre. 
• Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Little Bay Rd (15-minute walk from the centre), ☏ +1 721 542-2333. Full-service resort. Some dining options, bars and shops are on-site. There is also a historical fort on the grounds. Rooms need some maintenance, but are safe and generally clean. Beach and water sports (snorkelling, jet skiing) on-site. US$180-280. (updated Aug 2025)
• Belair Beach Resort (15-min walk from the centre).  

From Philipsburg's Marina, boats depart for day trips or Caribbean island hopping to Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba and St. Eustatius.