Philipsburg

Photo © Sarmu

Travel Guide Caribbean Sint Maarten Philipsburg

Introduction

Philipsburg is the main town and capital of the country of Sint Maarten. The town is situated on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. It functions as the commercial center of Saint Martin island, whereof Sint Maarten encompasses the southern half. 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 centre of international trade. A historic fort bears witness to Philipsburg's strategic importance in St. Maarten's history: Fort Amsterdam.
The main shopping district, Front Street, is in the heart of the city. Philipsburg also has a port that is visited by many cruise liners.

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Neighbourhoods

Philipsburg is 2 miles long and only hundreds of meters narrow, in between of Great Bay Beach and the Great Salt Pond.

The eastern part, containing the boardwalk, is thriving and busy. Its western part breathes the past, is quiet and untouched. This area is called the "Down Street" area.

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Sights and Activities

Every 1st of January, Philipsburg is the (bi)national hotspot for fireworks. On a large pontoon, the national fireworks ceremonially kick off the new year.

Friday evening is the evening that many bars stay open later, and brings many locals to "town" as it is lovingly called on island.

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Events and Festivals

Flavors of St Maarten Food & Wine Festival

Held in November and celebrated with growing popularity is this showcase of the island’s top chefs and their signature dishes. The festival’s locations vary, although the boardwalk in Philipsburg hosts a large array of events.

Regatta

This is a three-day boat race held in March every year. The first day sees a race around the island, and then there are special courses designed on the second and third days. At the end of each racing event, the day is closed with a celebration party. The event attracts sailors from around the globe to compete.

Carnival

This festival goes on for three weeks, commencing in the middle of April and finishing at the first weekend of May. It is celebrated on both sides of St Maarten, although on the Dutch side the grand parade happens in the capital city, where people dressed in flamboyant Caribbean costumes dance through the streets to the sounds of soca and calypso music.

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Weather

Philipsburg has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28 °C and 30 °C and average nights around 23 °C. Most rain falls between June and October with a chance of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weatherwise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budgetwise these latter months may be a good option as well.

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Getting There

By Plane

Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is the base of Winair (Windward Islands Airways), which serves Sint Eustatius, Saba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Barthélemy, Montserrat, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda and Santo Domingo. Numerous airlines serve Sint Maarten from both the Caribbean and beyond, for example with KLM to Amsterdam and GOL to Manaus and Sao Paulo. North America is well served as well, with destinations being Washington, D.C., New York, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Charlotte and Chicago. Other main cities served include Toronto, Caracas and Paris. There are numerous taxis waiting for you to bring you to places on the island.

By Car

If you are coming from other parts of the island, it is wise to park the car. Bobby's Marina has a guarded parking lot on the eastern side. The Pondfill main artery along the salt pond has many parking spots too.

By Bus

All bus lines meet in Philipsburg, with the final stop at Emma square or Emmaplein, not far from the cruise port.

By Boat

Ferries arrive in / depart from Bobby's Marina to St. Barths, Saba, Statia and St. Kitts.

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Getting Around

By Car

If you are staying on the island for multiple days, don't be afraid to explore. Rent a car; it is very simple to get around and people are friendly. You can get around the island in about 1 and a half hours total time. Don't leave anything of value in the car.

By Public Transport

Buses can take you from Emmaplein through Philipsburg, but walking is the main way to go from point A to B in town.

By Foot

The two-mile town is very walkable, and easy to understand, with the boardwalk, Front street, Back street and pondfill road as main, recognizable roads running parallel for miles.

By Bike

Many bike tours are available in Philipsburg, and also for rent individually. Most are e-bikes, providing speed if the Caribbean sun is asking too much.

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Eat

Philipsburg has various restaurants on offer that are open after the cruise ships depart.

Azianas offers asian fusion cuisine
Ocean Lounge (French & cosmopolitan inspired)
Big Bastards (northamerican dishes)
Seaview (pizza and many other plates)
The Pier (Caribbean and Dutch snacks)

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Drink

Above restaurants all have bars. Local brews are Pelikaan beer (only at Seaview), SXM Beer (on draft), Dutch Blonde Beer (bottles) and famed Toppers Rhum.

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Sleep

Budget

Alicia's Inn is a decent and affordable lodging in the middle of town. Seaview Hotel is also in this price league.

Mid-Range

Horizon View is a no frills business hotel close to the beach, many of its rooms overlooking it. For a resort feel and amenities, Belair beach resort is a 5 minute drive or a 30 minute walk from town.

Upscale

Holland House Beach Hotel is the most upscale hotel in the middle of the city. Divi Little Bay is the closest by full amenity resort and located next to Belair, opposite the city on Great Bay.

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