Philipsburg Travel Guide

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Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten and the only town of consequence on the island. It has two main streets, Voorstraat and Achterstraat, connected by several bustling cross-streets, filled mainly with duty-free shops, cafes, hotels and courtyards overflowing with flowers. The town has an unusual setting, sitting on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay, on the south coast of the island, and the Great Salt Pond (a huge marsh). It is the port of call of hundreds of cruise ships, filling the primary need of the day-tripping passengers who come ashore mainly to shop for everything from Italian leather goods and Japanese cameras to native crafts. The town’s nightlife is regarded as among the liveliest to be found in the Caribbean.

Architecturally the town, founded in 1763 by John Philips (a Scots captain in the Dutch navy), is quaint, with characteristic pastel-coloured West Indian houses lining the streets, and a few Dutch colonial landmarks.

Attractions

Dutch Forts

The town of Philipsburg boasts the remains of two historic forts that bear witness to its strategic importance in days of old. Fort Amsterdam, the first Dutch military establishment in the Caribbean, was built in 1631 on a peninsula between Great Bay and... see full details

Front Street (Voorstraat)

Front Street faces south onto the ocean, running about half a mile (1km) east to west, and is the main drawcard in Philipsburg for tourists. At its eastern end is Wathey Square, housing the tourist information kiosk, just a minute's walk from the semi-circular... see full details

Simartin Museum

The tiny Simartin Museum in a century-old house on Front Street is a mine of information for those interested in the island’s history, from Amerindian times through to the colonial period. Among the artefacts on display are pottery from the island's original inhabitants, the... see full details

Zoo

North of Philipsburg on Pondfill Road is the island’s zoo and botanical gardens, situated in the Madam Estate area. The zoo is home to more than 250 animals of about 60 different species, including six on the endangered list such as Bush Dogs,... see full details

Excursions

Beaches

Dutch St Maarten’s prime popular beach resorts extend as a series of sandy bays from Philipsburg along the southwest coast of the island, reaching a grand finale at the great spread of Simpson Bay, site of the international airport. From the headland at... see full details

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