While Hurricane Irma hit St. Maarten hard in the fall of 2017, as of January 2018, Philipsburg, the capital, is recovering beautifully. Roads are clear, beaches are clean, and more than 90% of the stores on Front Street are operational.

Princess Juliana International Airport reopened in October 2017 and the cruise port resumed operations in December 2017. The majority of hotels and guest houses are open, with further reopenings anticipated in early 2018. For the latest accommodations, visit the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau Website. Over 80% of land-based activities and 60% of sea-based activities resumed just a month after the hurricane.

Scroll through for a comprehensive tour.

The Courthouse

Philipsburg, the capital city of Dutch St. Maarten, is compact yet filled with intriguing sights and shops, from jewelry stores and casinos to the historic Courthouse on Watney Square.

Built in 1793 as the residence of Commander John Philips, the town’s founder, this building has served many purposes over its extensive history. It is one of St. Maarten’s most recognizable landmarks. The Courthouse is not only a good starting point but an excellent endpoint for your walking tour of Philipsburg. If you’re driving, there’s a municipal parking lot located just a block away.

Front Street

Philipsburg’s main drag, Front Street, is bustling with jewelry stores, electronics boutiques, perfumeries, and other duty-free shops. When cruise ships dock, the narrow streets can get quite crowded; however, the array of jewelers offering high-end watches and precious gem jewelry remains engaging.

At the eastern end of Front Street, closest to the cruise pier, you’ll discover two casinos: the Rouge et Noir and the Coliseum Casino. Back Street, which runs parallel to Front Street on the Salt Pond side, tends to attract more locals and is less touristy.

Dining in Philipsburg

Kangaroo Court stands out as one of Philipsburg’s finest restaurants, located conveniently just a block from the Courthouse on Hendrickstraat. The small indoor dining area leads to a lovely courtyard adorned by the ruins of an ancient salt warehouse. Its menu features creative salads, pizzas, burgers, pastas, and sandwiches, appealing to both locals and tourists. Other dining options include the renowned French L’Escargot on Front Street, as well as beach bars and eateries along the Boardwalk.

The Crossroads

No visit to Philipsburg is complete without snapping a picture at the crossroads sign. This iconic landmark is situated next to the Guavaberry Emporium on Front Street, in a small plaza that attracts tourists and provides a perfect spot for a break from walking around.

Guavaberry Emporium

The Guavaberry Emporium is a must-visit attraction in Philipsburg. Located in a former governor’s residence, this store specializes in a variety of products derived from the native guavaberry, including a delicious folk liqueur mixed with rum and cane sugar. The shop offers samples of this liqueur and guavaberry coladas at an inviting walk-up bar; additionally, you can purchase barbecue sauces, hot sauce, and honey infused with guavaberry juice.

The Boardwalk

The Philipsburg Boardwalk is one of the town’s most popular attractions. Stretching nearly 50 feet in width and running the length of the Great Bay waterfront, it offers a vibrant “back porch” experience for nearby hotels and restaurants. Here, you can witness strollers, skaters, and Segway tours traversing the half-mile ribbon of concrete.

With the cruise-ship dock in view, the Boardwalk is an ideal spot to enjoy a cold Carib or Heineken from one of the many beach bars as you listen to street musicians perform or indulge in local Dutch/Indonesian cuisine or classic fare like burgers or hot dogs from the various restaurants lining the strip. Additional attractions include a sunlit Catholic Church overlooking the bay, an arcade filled with pinball and video games, and a beachfront playground with rental options for chairs and umbrellas.

Philipsburg Hotels

The charming Pasanggrahan Boutique Hotel, situated on Front Street, is perfect for history buffs seeking a tranquil retreat. This establishment, once the original governor’s residence, features an inviting porch for people-watching and a lobby honoring the Netherlands’ Queen Wilhelmina. The hotel incorporates colonial style in its architecture, extending to the Sidney Greenstreet Bar and guest rooms. Visitors can enjoy views of the Boardwalk and Great Bay from the hotel’s restaurant and beach bar.

Further into town, the tall and modern Holland House Beach Hotel has recently undergone redesign and boasts the sleek Ocean Lounge Restaurant & Bar. For budget travelers, numerous guest houses are available for under $100 a night.

Side Streets of Philipsburg

Sprinkled among Back Street, Front Street, and the Boardwalk are several short side streets filled with small souvenir shops and charming cafes. Although many shops offer similar tropical shirts and trinkets, you can also discover unique mom-and-pop shops selling smooth flavored rums and Indian crafts.

Boardwalk Bars

The Black Pearl is but one of the casual dining and drinking options lining the Philipsburg waterfront. Beach bars tend to provide a relaxed atmosphere, including the convenience of snacks to accompany your drinks. Other vibrant choices include Bamboo Bernies, known for its nightlife, and Paula’s Beach Bar.

A Little Miami Beach in the Caribbean

The ambiance of the Boardwalk, beach, lively venues like Island Flava Beach Grill, and the trendy Holland House evoke feelings of Miami Beach along the Philipsburg waterfront. Whether you are shopping, dining, gambling, or simply relaxing on the beach, it’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours, especially when you can easily stroll from the cruise pier. You can enhance your visit further by exploring nearby Fort Amsterdam, established in 1631, or Fort Willem, both historically significant structures built to protect Philipsburg from maritime threats.