Philipsburg
Visit Philipsburg for its walkable center, Dutch Caribbean history and Great Bay Beach.
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Philipsburg is the capital of Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island of St. Martin in the northeastern Caribbean. The town sits between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Its compact center includes Front Street, historic buildings, shops and restaurants. Great Bay Beach runs beside the waterfront, making it easy to combine a walk around town with time by the sand.
Philipsburg suits a short visit focused on shopping, local history and the coast, or a stop during a wider trip around St. Martin. The island is divided between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin. December through April is the drier season. One day is enough to see the center and beach at an easy pace; allow more time if you plan to explore other parts of the island.
Philipsburg in five
- Carry US dollars for small purchasesUS dollars are widely accepted in Philipsburg. Small bills can be useful at market stalls and for short taxi rides.
- Take the water taxi from the cruise pierThe cruise pier is outside central Philipsburg. A water taxi can take you to town; check the fare and service at the pier.
- Walk Front Street and the BoardwalkFront Street runs through Philipsburg’s shopping area, and the Boardwalk is nearby along Great Bay. Wear shoes suitable for walking by the waterfront.
- Check entry rules for your passportSint Maarten’s entry requirements depend on your nationality and trip. Check the official rules before you travel.Visas and entry
- Use a taxi for trips beyond townPhilipsburg’s central streets are walkable. For destinations elsewhere on the island, arrange transport and agree on the taxi fare before setting off.Getting around
Things to do in Philipsburg
See all attractions in Philipsburg
Need to know
- Currency
- Caribbean guilder (XCG)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Check the bill for a service charge; extra tipping is optional
- Time
- UTC−4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry season
- AprilDry season
- MayWarm, quieter
- JuneRain increases
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustHurricane risk
- SeptemberHurricane risk
- OctoberRain, storms
- NovemberRain easing
- DecemberDry season starts
Right now in Philipsburg
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 34°
- Humidity
- 75%
- Wind
- 28 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 37%
Philipsburg
04:42 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°29°37%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 29°. Chance of rain 37%.
- Tue29°28°51%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 51%.
- Wed29°28°30%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 30%.
- Thu29°28°27%Thursday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 27%.
- Fri29°26°69%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Sat28°26°75%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Sun29°27°63%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 63%.
Updated 01:17 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Day trips by train
- Marigotabout 30 to 45 min by carVisit the French-side capital for its market, waterfront and Fort Louis.
- Maho Beachabout 20 to 30 min by carWatch aircraft approach close to the beach beside Princess Juliana International Airport.
- Grand Caseabout 35 to 50 min by carVisit the French-side village for its restaurants and beach.
Before you go to Philipsburg
Rules for Philipsburg, checked
- Check Sint Maarten’s entry requirements for your passport before travelling.
- Check current customs rules before bringing food, plants or animal products into Sint Maarten.
- Agree on the taxi fare before starting your ride.
Plan around Philipsburg
Plan your island trip, from entry requirements to getting around
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan local transport for your trip
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan cards, cash and your travel budget
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport
Read the guideWhere to stayChoose a base for your trip
Read the guidePhilipsburg FAQ
How many days do you need in Philipsburg?
One day is enough for central Philipsburg, Front Street and the Boardwalk. Allow more time if you plan to visit other parts of Sint Maarten.
Is Philipsburg worth visiting?
Philipsburg is a good choice if you want to walk the Dutch-side capital’s shopping streets and waterfront. The center is compact and does not require a long visit.
Where should I stay in Philipsburg?
Stay in central Philipsburg for access to shops and the Boardwalk, or compare other parts of the island for a different base. Check how you will reach the beaches and activities on your itinerary.
Can you walk from the cruise port to Philipsburg?
The cruise pier is outside the center. You can take a water taxi or check the walking route and conditions before setting off.
What currency is used in Philipsburg?
Sint Maarten’s currency is the Caribbean guilder (XCG). US dollars are also widely accepted in Philipsburg.
Do you need a car in Philipsburg?
You do not need a car for the central streets and waterfront. For trips elsewhere on the island, compare taxis and other transport with renting a car.