Philipsburg

Philipsburg is located on the southern coast of Saint Martin, on a stretch of land between Great Bay (Groot baai in Dutch) and the Great Pond (Pond Fill).

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side of Saint Martin.

Combining history and modernity, it is known for its shopping and as a port of call for cruise ships.

Where to stay in Philipsburg

As a dynamic tourist destination, Philipsburg attracts many visitors.

Whether coming for shopping or cultural exploration, visitors have a wide range of accommodations to choose from.

Hostels and guesthouses

For backpackers, hostels and guesthouses are often the ideal solution.

Mid-range and luxury hotels

Philipsburg is an attractive sector.

Many hotels, ranging from mid-range to luxury, are available.

Hotels are generally the choice for short-term visitors, such as those on a cruise stopover.

Vacation rentals

The best way to enjoy Philipsburg for those seeking autonomy and freedom is renting a villa.

Book your villa rental in Saint Martin and explore the island as you wish!

Must-visit establishments in Philipsburg

The Greenhouse
Located on Philipsburg's marina, this restaurant offers delicious dishes.

Enjoy their specialties like Lobster Madness on Tuesdays and Fridays or the happy hour from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM every day.
Phone: +1 (340) 774 7998
https://thegreenhouserestaurant.com/

serresxm@hotmail.com

Pink Pearl

Located on the Great Bay Beach front, this Asian restaurant is very popular in Philipsburg.

If you enjoy Asian specialties, Pink Pearl is the place to go.
Phone: +1 (721) 542 0230

http://www.facebook.com/Pink-Pearl-Bar-Restaurant-409065792492675/

Bold Buddha
For Caribbean specialties, Bold Buddha will surprise you.

Enjoy a pleasant moment by the sea.
Phone: +1 (721) 588 4258
https://www.facebook.com/boldbuddhasxm.com

Activities in Philipsburg

If you want to explore, your stay in Philipsburg will satisfy you.

Here are some recommendations for things to do during your stay.

Relax on the beach

Relax on Great Bay Beach.

Whether on a sunbed or lying on your towel on the sand, a moment of pure relaxation awaits.

Jet skiing, inflatable water games, and a football field on the sand are available for everyone!
Separated from Great Bay from the peninsula dominated by Fort Amsterdam, Little Bay Beach offers additional charm.

Duty-free shopping

Take a stroll along Front Street, Philipsburg's main street, and enjoy the many shops.

Jewelry stores, souvenir shops, and clothing stores Philipsburg’s shops are all tax-free.

The absence of customs duties and VAT keeps taxes very low.

Museum of Sint Maarten

Located east of Front Street, the Sint Maarten Museum presents the island's history.

It’s a must-see spot if you want to discover the island’s evolution.

Fort Amsterdam

Built by the Dutch in 1631 to defend the colonial outpost and the seaport, Fort Amsterdam is located between Great Bay and Little Bay.

Full of history, the fort is now a historical landmark.

Once you’re at the fort, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and Philipsburg.

It’s also a great place to observe birds, including Saint Martin's national bird, the pelican.

Practical tips

Best time to visit Philipsburg

Between January and June, the temperatures are ideal, and rainfall is rare.

For a fully sunny vacation, book your trip now.

The rest of the year remains very manageable, though rain showers and tropical storms are more frequent.

Local transport

To get around Philipsburg, you can take a taxi, private bus, boat, or rent a vehicle such as a car or electric bike.

A French or international driver's license is enough to drive on both sides of the island.

Currency

The official currency is the Netherlands Antilles florin, but the US dollar (USD) dominates everyday transactions.

How to reach Philipsburg

By cruise

Philipsburg is well-known for its cruise port, which is just a few minutes’ walk from downtown. During your cruise, you can enjoy Philipsburg and all its attractions.

By ferries

You can easily sail between islands from Philipsburg.

A 45-minute ferry ride will take you to Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy, where you can spend the day or continue your journey.

Travel with https://www.ferryscanner.com/fr/ferry/results#search/dep/SXM/arr/SBH/date/2025-02-12

From Princess Juliana International Airport

Many destinations are available from Princess Juliana International Airport. You can fly directly to Paris, Atlanta, or Amsterdam, as well as to smaller islands like Antigua, Curaçao, or St. Vincent.