Nestled on the southern coast of the idyllic Caribbean island of Saint Martin, Philipsburg is a vibrant and picturesque destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history and Caribbean flair.

Front Street, the town's main thoroughfare and one of three main parallel streets, is lined with an array of duty-free boutiques, jewellery stores and souvenir shops, selling everything from luxury brands to locally made crafts. 

But first we need to get the confusion out of the way. There are two distinct territories on the island known to the English-speaking world as Saint Martin. That name also applies to the northern part of the island, which belongs to France and is what the French call an overseas collectivity – a semi-autonomous region. The southern part of the island is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and therefore takes the Dutch name, Sint Maarten.

This division dates back to 1648, when the Treaty of Concordia was signed to avoid an all-out war between the two colonial powers. It is said to be the oldest international treaty still enforced and since then each side has developed its own identity and governance. In terms of land mass the island is divided roughly 60:40 in favour of France, but the Dutch part is more heavily populated.

The border between the two territories is seamless – that means no checkpoints, no passport control, just a modest monument marking where one nation ends and the other begins.

Even though the island is an overseas possession of two European Union member states, only the French section of the island is part of the EU. Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch territory and the subject of this feature. 

Philipsburg displays many cultural monuments and a lot of history. Here you can walk along the beautiful side streets and explore endless shopping options, from jewellery to clothing boutiques, electronics and craft shops. Afterwards you can have lunch or dinner at one of the various restaurants, with cuisines ranging from local to international.

Interesting sights

History buffs will enjoy exploring Fort Amsterdam, a 17th-century Dutch fortification perched on a hill overlooking Great Bay. Though only ruins remain, it offers great views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Nearby, the Sint Maarten National Heritage Museum offers context about local history, from indigenous peoples to European settlement.

Nature lovers will appreciate Fresh Pond and Great Salt Pond, significant wetlands near the town that support diverse birdlife and local ecosystems. These natural areas add a quieter contrast to the beach and shopping scenes. 

At the heart of Philipsburg's appeal is Great Bay Beach, a stunning stretch of soft white sand and turquoise water right beside the cruise port and boardwalk. The beach's proximity means cruise ship visitors can be swimming or relaxing under a beach umbrella within minutes of disembarkation. The adjacent boardwalk features bars, seafood restaurants and cafés with sea views.

Just a short taxi ride away is Maho Beach, one of the Caribbean's most famous and unique beaches. Here, beachgoers can watch massive airliners fly extremely low over the sand as they land at Princess Juliana International Airport—a thrilling sight and one of the island's most photographed experiences. 

But it was the colourful buildings that caught my eye. Following are just a few of them. In contrast the Courthouse is a striking white building overlooking Great Bay, and a notable landmark in the town.  

Getting there

The Princess Juliana International Airport, mentioned above, is the main airport for the entire island, and it just happens to be at Philipsburg (15 kilometres northwest.) It is the second busiest airport in the north-eastern Caribbean and caters to 1.8 million passengers annually, originating primarily from the Americas, Europe and the Caribbean. It also serves as the foundation for growth and economic development, being responsible for 60 per cent of the island's GDP.

Cruise ship visits

Philipsburg's cruise port is exceptionally busy in 2026, with many major ships scheduled to visit throughout the year. In March multiple large cruise liners—including Allure of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Celebrity Eclipse, Britannia and Marella Explorer—are scheduled to arrive on the same day, bringing thousands of visitors to the island.

Other dates throughout the year show a plethora of arrivals as well. Many of these calls are day visits where ships arrive in the morning and depart in the evening, creating lively port days filled with activity in town and on the beaches. 

Additionally, cruises that start or end in Philipsburg are part of longer itineraries in 2026, with several lines offering Caribbean voyages that begin in Saint Martin before visiting other islands. These departures add another layer of maritime tourism to the destination, making Philipsburg not just a stopover but a home port for some Caribbean cruises.

Overall, Philipsburg blends laid-back Caribbean charm with lively cultural and recreational offerings, all enhanced by its status as a key cruise destination. Whether you're relaxing on the beach, exploring historic sites, shopping or venturing further afield, there's something for every traveller.

More information:

Hotels, Things to do in Philipsburg, St Maarten / St Martin

Photos © Judy Barford except where otherwise credited