While we were strolling around this small area of Sint Maarten, I read a mural that said: “I left my heart in St. Maarten,” and that’s exactly how I felt after visiting Philipsburg and falling in love with it—I left my heart in St. Maarten. What a beautiful place! We visited the capital of the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, a vibrant destination that combines history, shopping, and dreamlike beaches. If you only have a few hours to explore Philipsburg in Sint Maarten, trust me, it’s enough time to immerse yourself in its Caribbean charm. Of course, I’d love to come back for more days and discover other beautiful spots on the island, both on the Dutch side that we visited and the French side.

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The island of Saint Martin is divided into two territories: the northern side belongs to France and is known as Saint-Martin, while the southern side is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is called Sint Maarten. Although it’s a single island, each side has its own government, official language, and cultural style, making it a unique destination where you can experience two different European cultures in one place.

Exploring the Boardwalk

The famous Philipsburg Boardwalk stretches approximately 1.5 miles along the golden sands of Great Bay. This beachfront walkway is the heart of the city, where local culture, food, and entertainment come together. Along the Boardwalk, you’ll find a variety of lively beach bars, restaurants offering everything from Caribbean cuisine to American-style burgers—and I even found a Peruvian restaurant! So you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

A highlight is Walter Plantz Square, a scenic area that marks the end of the Boardwalk and serves as an open-air museum reflecting the island’s rich history. Locals and visitors gather here to enjoy cultural events and Sint Maarten’s signature hospitality. It’s a beautiful spot surrounded by fountains and small businesses.

Front Street: A Shopper’s Paradise

Just steps from the Boardwalk, Front Street is Philipsburg’s main shopping artery. This street is packed with stores offering everything from local souvenirs to luxury brands like Cartier, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren.

Don’t miss the little side streets! Some of them offer beautiful spots perfect for your next Instagram photo — and even what’s claimed to be the smallest bar in the world! …Although I still have my doubts about that, since I’ve also visited the world’s smallest bar in Key West 🙂

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit: A Cinematic Treasure

For film buffs and especially Star Wars fans, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit is a must-visit. This museum, created by Nick Maley—special effects artist involved in creating Master Yoda—houses an impressive collection of movie memorabilia. The museum is located at 19A Front Street and generally opens Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. I always recommend checking current opening hours in advance, as they may vary depending on cruise ship schedules and Nick Maley’s availability.

Here’s the link to their Facebook page, where you’ll find more info, photos, videos, and updates.

Philipsburg in Sint Maarten is a Caribbean gem offering the perfect blend of culture, shopping, and natural beauty. Even if your time on the island is short, every moment can become an unforgettable experience.

Now I invite you to explore more of the charming corners of Philipsburg with our video, where we show you spectacular views from this unforgettable stop.