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Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Philipsburg is the capital of Saint 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.

Saint Martin is an island split between the French collectivity of Saint-Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten (formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, but now a constituent state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands). It is one of the smallest land masses that is divided between two countries.

Cities in Saint Martin

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Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Destination:
Caribbean & Bermuda, Transatlantic

Philipsburg is the capital of Saint 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.

Saint Martin is an island split between the French collectivity of Saint-Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten (formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, but now a constituent state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands). It is one of the smallest land masses that is divided between two countries.

Cities in Saint Martin

  • Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side. This is where most cruise ships dock.

  • Marigot

    is the capital of the French side.

  • Grand Case

    is on the French side and has excellent restaurants.

The northern, French side of the island is known as Saint-Martin and is 54 km²/21 square miles. The southern, "Dutch side" of the island is known as Sint Maarten and is 41 km²/16 square miles. The Dutch side has recently formed its own government and legal system, with its relations with the "French side" to remain unchanged. To avoid confusion between the three variations on the name, the two regions are commonly referred to as "the French side" and "the Dutch side."

Although this island is controlled by two different countries, there is no real border. There are only monuments and signs that delineate the border. Over 350 years ago the two countries decided that residents of either country could travel across both sides of the border without worrying about any trouble. The two countries live peacefully without difficulties, which helps tourism considerably. Any separation is more from separate and dissimilar utilities systems, e.g., power on the French side is 250V 50 Hz, while the Netherlands side is 110/120 60 Hz. In addition, one must take special care when dialing from the French to Dutch or Dutch to French side as it is, in effect, an international call and requires special dialing instructions. These instructions are typically posted at hotels and tourist locations.

The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, has become a leading destination in the property market with more and more developments being constructed. There are high-rise flats and waterfront communities, all of which are popular among buyers, especially American. Tourists on the streets are frequently approached by time-share offers for them. The language on this side of the island is Dutch, but almost everyone speaks English.

On the Dutch side, grocery stores and other businesses may have prices expressed in Netherlands Antilles florins (NAF) which is the local currency also called guilders, but the US dollar and the euro will be gladly accepted at these establishments as well. The florin is officially pegged to the USD. Many large resorts have been built and on many days cruise ships flood Philipsburg with their passengers.

Philipsburg

is one of the Caribbean's best shopping towns. If shopping's not your thing, you can sit out back on Philipsburg's harbor beach and have a drink. Or play at one of the casinos just down the street. There are nine on this side. When it all gets too mellow, go rip it up with a 4x4 excursion around the island. Visit the Maho and Cupecoy area for some of the best nightlife on the island and some of the best beaches.

The French side, Saint Martin, consists of the Northern two-thirds of the island. It is governed by the neighboring island of Guadeloupe and is more European than the Dutch. The native language is French and has the same guiding laws as France. There are no casinos on the French side. It is less developed than the Dutch side but contains more of the island's natural wonders. The French side is popularly known for clothing-optional Orient Beach and the adjacent nudist resort, Club Orient (the clothing optional portion of the beach lies at the far southern end, and can be easily recognized by the large bright yellow beach umbrellas; while the Club Orient does own its beach area, it is open to the public, so you will see both clothed and unclothed people on this particular stretch; if you are with small children, and you don't want them to see unclothed people, it is probably best to not bring them to this part of the beach). However the towns are recognized by the large bright yellow beach umbrellas; while the Club Orient does own its beach area, it is open to the public, so you will see both clothed and unclothed people on this particular stretch; if you are with small children, and you don't want them to see unclothed people, it is probably best to not bring them to this part of the beach). However, the towns of Marigot and Grand Case provide some of the best gourmet meals anywhere and plenty of interesting shops. Beauty abounds on the island, with bluffs overlooking pretty harbors, sandy-cliffed beaches and tranquil rocky coves where fish provide the beauty.

History

The island was first sighted by Christopher Columbus on 11 November 1493, but there was already an Arawak settlement there before his discovery. Philipsburg was founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy; the settlement soon became a bustling center of international trade. Two historic forts bear witness to Philipsburg's strategic importance in St. Maarten's history: Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem.

Climate

Philipsburg has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw), although it is drier than most parts of the northern or eastern Caribbean due to a rain shadow from the island’s mountains drying the northeast trade winds. The driest months are from January to July, and the wettest from September to November, when hurricanes are a frequent occurrence in the region.
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Philipsburg, St. Maarten: Port Information


The pier is located in the center of the town but only one cruise ship can dock at the pier.
Other ships drop an anchor offshore, and passengers are transported by tender boats.
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Get around Philipsburg, St. Maarten


Rental cars are available at Princess Juliana International Airport at a dedicated area outside of the airport. You'll find most of the major rental car companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Unity Cars, EasyTerra, EconomyBooking, and E-Z Rent-A-Car available at the airport. The roads are narrow, sometimes quite bad on both sides of the island, and often very crowded between Philipsburg and Marigot.

Motorcycles, quads, and scooters are also available for rent, however, it is advisable that you have some experience on these vehicles before venturing into St. Maarten's sometimes very hectic traffic.

Taxi cabs are usually vans, which are geared towards servicing the cruise ship traffic. Most drivers are quite willing and able to hire-out as tour guides. Most can offer a custom experience for 3-4 people that can be less expensive and more versatile and satisfying than large bus tours offered by cruise ships or hotels.

Saint Martin has a bus system using small minivans. You can get most anywhere on the island for just a few dollars during the day between cities. They run frequently between Philipsburg and Marigot. Ask a local where the bus stops are, and look for license plates that say (oddly enough) "bus." It is possible to flag them elsewhere and they may stop if safe.

If you are driving (especially on the French side) expect a lot of scooters and motorcycles to speed around you on both sides of the road. This can be startling to drivers not used to two-wheeled traffic as it can create a dangerous situation. If you stay in your lane and don't waver you can trust most of the time that the cyclists will pass you safely. It's better to just let them pass you at a steady pace then try and slow down, pull to the side, etc.

Once you reach Philipsburg, Marigot or Grand Case, you can get around nicely on foot. The distances in each are not long. Take some care in Philipsburg and Marigot with heavy traffic, narrow, sometimes missing sidewalks, and the midday sun.
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What to see in Philipsburg, St. Maarten


  • Butterfly Farm, ☎ 590/87-31-21FORMATNOCC. Rte. de Le Galion, Quartier d'Orléans. Daily 9 AM-3 PM. Stroll through hundreds of colorful butterflies under a tented mesh. A fun outing. 
  • Pic du Paradis, Route de Pic du Paradis from Friars Bay Beach. Pic du Paradis is the highest point on the island (1400ft/427m) with two viewing areas that provide great views. The road is steep and isolated and four-wheel drive is required. This is also an isolated area and is safest seen as part of an excursion or tour.
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What to do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten


Beaches are the main attraction on the island of Saint Martin. It has 37 beaches total, with hotels holding property on most of them. Beach Bars and Cafés are very popular attractions on the island. Many offer unusually good dishes with European and Caribbean inspiration. Frozen cocktails are also a trendy treat to keep down the heat.

  • Orient Bay, for example, has an underwater marine reserve where snorkeling and other water sports are available.

All beaches of Saint Martin are fine for swimming and sunbathing, though the west half of the good beach at Philipsburg has better water. The island caters to all, with beaches of fun things to do as well as secluded and more private ones.

Clothing optional beaches. As a European island, topless sunbathing is frequently seen. Some tourists come to Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin because there are clothing optional beaches & resorts on the island. Not every beach is clothing optional.

  • On the Dutch side, there is Cupecoy Beach in the far western tip of the Dutch jurisdiction. The beach is not officially clothing optional, but the local administration does look the other way on nude sunbathing on the far western edge of the beach (Cupecoy is a very small beach located at the base of a cliff face). No other beaches on the Dutch side tolerate it, and you will be fined by the Sint Maarten Police for indecent exposure and/or lewd behavior.
  • On the French side, nudity is permitted officially at the Club Orient beach (Papagayo Beach), and topless sunbathing for women is accepted throughout the French jurisdiction. Unofficially, nude sunbathing is "tolerated" at some of the smaller, less touristy beaches (the southern ends of Prune and Rouge Beaches) generally on weekdays when there are fewer beach patrons. As long as beach guests do not make spectacles of themselves, French gendarmes (police) may overlook your lack of clothing.

One particularly famous beach is Maho Bay beach on the "Dutch side". The beach is situated at the end of the airport's runway, so landing large aircraft fly just feet over the beach. Some people (attempt to) hold on to the fence on airport premises as aircraft depart...not recommended due to flying gravel and debris. People have been injured, a very few killed doing this. However, the spectacular view of airplanes landing so close is one that you might find stunning. The greatest number of large aircraft arrive and depart in the early-mid-morning and mid-late afternoon.

Just beyond Maho Bay is Mullet Bay; some say it has the nicest beach on the island, with food and drink vendors and beach lounger rentals but few facilities. Virtually all beaches are described in websites for the island. A full complement of tours and excursions are also available as well as water sports and para-sailing.

Casinos are also a popular attraction on the island...only on the Dutch side. Some of them are in the Cupecoy, Maho, Cole Bay areas, while in Philipsburg you'll find five.

  • Kid Connect, ☎ +1 721 526-6152. An activity center for kids is open daily from 9 AM until 7 PM and until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Kid Connect is on the Dutch side across the street from Caribbean Cinemas and not too far from both Paradise Plaza Casino and Tropicana Casino.

Loterie Farm, Rte. de Pic du Paradis, Phone: 590/87-86-16 or 590/57-28-55. Location features an excellent restaurant, a Lounge with Tapas, Hikes, and Ecotours on a 150-acre preserve, and "The Fly Zone" a fun Zip Line experience with rope zips and an obstacle course high up in the trees. Also has a "Ti' Tarzan" zip course for the kids and "The Fly Zone Extreme" a new Zip that goes up over 100ft. On the "French side" but patronized by many American tourists, prices are shown in euros and dollars. You should call in advance for prices and check whether a cruise ship shore tour is visiting, as it is pretty packed on those days. If you're going on the Zips, wear closed shoes, flip-flops are a no-no. The Activities are open only during the day, but the Restaurant and Lounge are open in the evenings as well...try the Curry Chicken.

  • Harley Davidson, Cole Bay, ☎ +1 721 544-2704. Don't hop on a bus and get herded around. If you're an experienced biker, ride a hog and enjoy the views, the right way. Contact Super Bikes located in Cole Bay on the Dutch side of the island and rent a Harley Davidson Fat Boy (My Favorite), or any of the other superbikes for the day or for your whole trip. There are special Harley Cruises that let the riders travel with their bikes and then head out with locals for a ride that hits all the hot spots. Go to this link (http://www.h-dstmartin.com/) and view a short video that includes footage of one of the rides. The Caribbean Eagles have their monthly ride on the first Saturday of every month, or just climb onto one of the most famous of all motorcycles and go your own way. If interested, contact Neo at SuperBikes for more info. Phone: +1 (721) 544-2704
  • Harley Motorcycles Tour (Guided Rides on a Harley around St Martin), Cole Bay. Enjoy the freedom of the road and the intoxicating sights, smells and sounds of Saint Martin - St Maarten sitting on the saddle of a classic Harley.

The tour takes you along roads where you are overlooking beaches with white sand and turquoise sea, passing lush, green hills, and colorful meadows. On the tour, you will be escorted by two experienced guides who know the island well. With one guide leading the way riding a Harley and the second driving the back-up jeep. It also secures the side roads and protects the rear. 
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What to eat and drink in Philipsburg, St. Maarten


Eat

The island has some 300 restaurants with a wide variety of offerings available to both tourists and locals. Tuesday evenings in Grand Case are not to be missed. The excellent local restaurants are open 'till late. Restaurant L'Auberge Gourmande is one of the region's culinary highlights with exceptional French dining.

The French cuisine and the local creole fare is an exciting experience for most, but if you are apprehensive about trying new things, there are other restaurants. The island has restaurants that are American, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, vegetarian and more. If self-catering, you'll find large modern supermarkets with excellent selections of American, European and other products as well...all imported.

If you are not feeling adventurous, the Dutch Side has several American fast food franchises including McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, KFC and Bubble Tea. In Philipsburg, you'll find a "Macs" a block west on Front Street...at least convenient for a cold soft drink (even a beer) during your "hot" shopping.

If you want to save some cash, eat where the locals eat on the cheap, both the French and Dutch sides of the island feature many Chinese restaurants, but the Dutch Side is the hands down winner with over 40 of them. In addition to the regular far eastern fare, these inexpensive eateries feature many local dishes and "Caribbeanized" Chinese food.

Want to try something really different? Stop at one of the roadside food trucks for some take-away, one of these trucks located in Phillipsburg serves some of the best Suriname food on the island. Try the Chicken Sate with Bami or go light with a Soato Soup.

Saving Money, etc.

When dining:

  • Some restaurants on the island will add 15% to your bill and it will be listed as Tax or SC (Service charge). The truth is, the island has no dining tax so the restaurant may be taking advantage of North American tourists used to paying tax. You can consider the 15% your tip, those who aren't aware may pay another 15% to 20% when the "Tax/SC" is really a tip already going to the waiter.
  • If you ask for water in any restaurant they will assume you mean bottled water. Surprisingly this is sometimes more expensive than beer or wine. If you don't want to pay the higher price make sure you specify very clearly that you want tap water.
  • In many countries, it is illegal to print the full credit card number on any receipt, on many islands it is not. Therefore, when you are signing a receipt make sure to check if your CC# is on the merchant copy and scribble it out. It's not illegal to do so and it protects your card.

When making an international phone call: Be sure to investigate pre-paid phone cards. The most expensive type of international phone call is to use a credit card. Companies like International Satellite Communications, which handle credit card calls, charge exorbitant connection fees and per-minute rates.

Drink

As of October 2009, the drinking age in town is sixteen, but in tourist areas, they are not so strict about it. St. Martin's nightlife consists of many bars, nightclubs, and casinos where drinking is prevalent. Start out with a happy hour at "Bamboo Bernies" where drinking is free for a half an hour and continues until seven with the highest drink price of a dollar! Many of the clubs have ladies' nights as well as other nightly drink specials. The Dutch side of the island has more night clubs than the French, so if you're up for the party scene, this side is the one where you should stay. "Bernies" where drinking is free for a half an hour and continues until seven with the highest drink price of a dollar! Many of the clubs have ladies' nights as well as other nightly drink specials. The Dutch side of the island has more night clubs than the French, so if you're up for the party scene, this side is the one where you should stay.

Large wine menus are also usually available at most restaurants.

Privé. Trendy sky Bar and lounge, indoor with an open terrace on the top of the Mega Yacht Building and views of Simpson Bay strip and lagoon. Open 6 PM - 3 AM every day. On the Simpson Bay strip at the top of the Market Garden Supermarket.

Bliss Night Club. At Caravanserai Beach Resort. Not far from the Princess Juliana International Airport. Has a restaurant, 2 bars, cabana seating around a pool and ocean views.

Tequila. In Palapa Village, next to Rancho in Simpson Bay. 2nd-floor bar overlooking the lagoon as well as the streetside. Mexican sports bar. Various tequila-based drinks, sports events shown on the big screen. Free WIFI internet. Open 5 PM - 12 PM every day.
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Shopping in Philipsburg, St. Maarten


The island has a deserved reputation as an excellent place to shop, rivaling Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for a price, but with somewhat fewer stores. Some shoppers report better prices for some items than the USVI. Both "sides" of the island offer a wide range of quality, and shopping is duty-free on both, with no tax or duty paid directly by buyers. Merchants on the "Dutch" side" do pay a five percent "turnover tax" on all items they sell. A few sellers may try to add it as a separate cost item on sales slips, despite instructions from the tax authority not to do so.

Euros and US dollars are commonly accepted on both sides of the island, as are credit cards. However there are many places that do not accept cards, so you should ask beforehand. Always have some cash on you in small denominations for small purchases and for transport. Expect the change in local currency for lesser cash transactions.

The French side has a smaller number of retailers, and their goods (e.g., clothing, perfumes, wine) tend to be premium, European brand-name or designer items, at fairly competitive prices. Items are often priced in Euros, so some are or appear to be more expensive (after currency conversion) than on the Dutch side or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Many stores on the French side close between 12 and 3 PM.

  • Unique items (e.g., souvenirs, spices), particularly at the water-front open-air market (large and growing) in Marigot, are very reasonable, and the banter among vendors is worth the visit...especially mornings on Wednesday and Saturday.
  • French wine and delicacy lovers may find premium offerings that are available perhaps nowhere else in the Caribbean.
  • If you are shopping on Sunday, forget the French side...the only places open will likely be restaurants and some food stores.

Dutch side. Front Street in Philipsburg is the center of shopping on the Dutch side. Numerous stores offer jewelry, liquor, cosmetics, cameras, electronics, and tobacco, with souvenirs everywhere. You'll find a small open-air bazaar behind the courthouse.

  • Those looking for well-priced beachwear and souvenirs might try the few places on Back Street...one block farther from the beach than Front Street and parallel to it.
  • Grand Marché and Marché and Sang's supermarkets (the latter beyond the east end of Front Street) both offer a wide range of grocer's items, e.g., mild Dutch Gouda "wheels" are popular buys.
  • Shops are generally open from 8 or 9 AM until noon, and then again from 2 until 6 PM. If one or more cruise ships are visiting, many stores remain open during the "lunch" period and on Sundays.

Warranties: Any electronics (including cameras and lenses) purchased here may have an international warranty...or are grey-market with no warranty. You should clearly understand what "protection" any such product includes, e.g., what's necessary to obtain service at home.

Store recommendations by cruise ship port shopping "advisers" are usually reliable, but recommended stores pay very large fees for those "endorsements"...again, they're ultimately paid by you. Virtually all recommendations apply to stores on the Dutch side. Recommended by advisers or not, large or small, most stores are reliable and will rectify any problem truly their responsibility. Still, you're wise to thoroughly examine an item before purchase & obtain a warranty, or formal appraisal for pricey gems/jewelry.

Most merchants touted by those "advisers" are near or east of the courthouse on Front Street. Those stores and others offer excellent selections. The center and easterly parts were recently renovated for pleasant walking despite heavy vehicle traffic and sometimes crowded sidewalks. (If more than a very few cruise ships are in port, nearly all of Front Street may be "pedestrianized".) Many liquor stores there box bottles and may deliver to your hotel or ship if purchased early enough. West of the courthouse, you'll find a few smaller stores offering aggressively discounted liquor...often cash-only...boxes only for multi-bottle purchases, usually no delivery (so you'll need a sturdy bag and padding to safely carry bottles).

Whenever considering a significant purchase, negotiate amiably; you may well save a bit.

Anyone on the streets touting "freebies" or "cash" will likely lead you incrementally and smoothly to a distant, on-site sales pitch for resort condos or time-shares. Once there, you'll encounter high-pressure tactics over an extended time, with "freebies" governed by the willingness to buy. If you have only a day for your visit, it may be essentially consumed at the sales pitch.

Duty Issues:

  • St Martin is a duty-free port, so merchants pay no up-front duty or tax as they price merchandise. They must, however, pay the above 5% "turnover tax" (TOT), and those funds come from somewhere...you.
  • It offers no special customs duty advantages over other Caribbean islands, and for U.S. citizens a slight disadvantage compared to the U.S. Virgin Islands. But, don't allow yourself to be dissuaded from a purchase here just for fear of customs duties, which may be modest even if you exceed your limit. You may find well-priced items here that you won't find elsewhere, and prices on commodity items (e.g., some premium liquors, wines) may be better than the USVI.
  • Take care when calculating the cost per liter for liquor and wine purchases, and when declaring total liters purchased for Customs as you return home; bottle sizes can vary.
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Safety in Philipsburg, St. Maarten


Locate some common sense and bring it with you when vacationing anywhere in the Caribbean.
  • Sun You can burn within a remarkably short time; use sunscreen or block frequently depending on how long you're exposed. Do not fail to reapply it as recommended depending on where you are (e.g., swimming, on the boat, beach walking), with special attention to feet and backs of knees and neck. Brimmed hats, umbrellas and light clothing can offer further protection.
  • Crime Though the island is generally a safe place like everywhere else in the world there is a crime, and you should be aware of your surroundings at all times. Obviously, you should lock your doors, avoid unpopulated areas and do not flash your money and jewelry around. Remember that this is a foreign country, and act accordingly. Tourists report many instances of parked rental cars being rifled. Organized teams can break in effortlessly. Best advice: Leave nothing of value in them at any time.
  • Drinking Be aware that drinking is practically a national pastime in St. Maarten, and it is relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain alcoholic beverages and therefore extremely easy to over-do it. Driving while impaired on the island is very risky as there are many places where you could end up in the ocean or down the side of a cliff. When in doubt, call a cab.
  • Drugs Like most places, drugs are readily available for those interested, but despite what someone may tell you, marijuana is not legal and certainly is not regulated as in the continental Netherlands.
  • Parking Take care in Philipsburg: There is very little parking and the tow zone areas are very poorly marked. If the spot is free and you think it shouldn't be, then it is probably a tow area.
  • Jet blast If you're on Maho Bay, watch out for approaching and departing planes. Get too close and a jet engine from a plane taking off can blast a lot of air, sand, or water into your face, or worse cause serious injury or death.
  • LGBT travelers If you are LGBT be careful of your surroundings: as with many other Caribbean islands, the local culture doesn't have the same level of acceptance found in other countries. While not a large problem, each year there are reports of attacks based on sexual orientation. Public displays of affection by LGBT individuals (especially on the Dutch side) may not be well tolerated, so practice discretion.
  • Pharmacies are denoted by a cross symbol, usually in neon, and there are hospitals with ambulance service on both sides of the island.
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Language spoken in Philipsburg, St. Maarten


Dutch and French are the official languages on their respective sides of the island. English is an official language of the Dutch side as well and is widely spoken on both sides, especially in tourist areas. Children on both sides of the island are educated in French, Dutch, English, and Spanish; language is typically not a barrier when visiting the island.

LOCAL TIME

12:22 pm
January 20, 2021
America/Lower_Princes

CURRENT WEATHER

25.46 °C / 77.828 °F
light rain
Thu

25.43 °C/78 °F
light rain 		Fri

25.52 °C/78 °F
light rain 		Sat

25.61 °C/78 °F
light rain 		Sun

25.24 °C/77 °F
light rain

LOCAL CURRENCY

ANG

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