Where to Go
Where to Go in St. Maarten
The capital of the islandâs Dutch side, Philipsburg, comes as something of a disappointment beyond the duty free shopping on Front Street, close to the cruise ship pier, particularly after dark. Most visitors congregate around Simpson Bay, the yachting center, and Maho, the entertainment hub. Search for St. Maarten on YouTube and all roads seem to lead to the foot of the airport runway, where Sunset Beach Bar provides a unique spot from which to watch the planes land. St. Maarten is also one of a few Caribbean islands that remains lively year round and well into the night, largely helped by a staggering 13 casinos and plenty of nightclubs.