Downtown Phillipsburg — Local services in Philipsburg

I found St. Maarten to be a wonderful little island. This place still has character! I was there during a half-day visit with a cruise ship. It's within walking distance from the port to downtown, or you can either take a taxi or a sea taxi (I think that's what they called them). For regular taxis, the price wasn't set, so your negotiating skills will come in handy. I went with a crew member who had been there multiple times and seemed to know everyone.

The town is very walkable with a lot to see. There's plenty of shopping if you have the opportunity and numerous restaurants offering international cuisine. I bought my wife a gift from Pandora, and compared to Canada, the prices weren't much different. We went to an Indian restaurant for lamb biryani, though I can't remember the name. It was good and located at the top of a hill, requiring us to climb a staircase.

Overall, it was a good visit. The locals are friendly, and I recommend using plenty of sunscreen to avoid...

Shopping in St Maarten. Took the water taxi across the bay to the market area ($7 for round trip and took 5ish minutes). If you shop on the main drag, you'll pay tourist rates.

Main drag is called Boardwalk

One block over is Front Street (still touristy)

Two blocks over is Back Street and more for locals.

You can tell by the pics which is which

FWIW, felt safe the whole time. Maybe not so at midnight, but never felt sketchy while...

it tokes only 5 minutes walk from the pier to reach the downtown. the weather was so friendly, the sun shinning and the wind breezing, its perfect to walk around. they have a lot of local souvenir shop on the...