Discover the best of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten with our guide to top shopping destinations and vibrant nightlife options. From the bustling markets and chic boutiques of Marigot to the duty-free shops in Philipsburg and the lively bars and nightclubs in Maho Village, the island offers an eclectic mix of retail and entertainment experiences. Explore to your heart's content!
Shopping in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
Shopping in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is a delightful experience offering a mix of local crafts, luxury goods, and duty-free items. Here are some of the best areas to indulge in some retail therapy:
French Side (Saint Martin):
Marigot Market: Located in the capital city, this is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, textiles, and souvenirs. It's particularly vibrant on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
West Indies Mall: Situated in Marigot, this mall offers a range of high-end boutiques selling fashion, perfumes, and jewelry.
Marina Royale: This area in Marigot is lined with chic boutiques and art galleries, making it a great spot for luxury shopping.
Dutch Side (Sint Maarten):
Front Street in Philipsburg: The main shopping area, Front Street is filled with duty-free shops offering electronics, jewelry, watches, and liquor.
Back Street: Located parallel to Front Street, this is where you'll find more budget-friendly stores, including local crafts and textiles.
Maho Plaza: Close to the famous Maho Beach, this shopping plaza offers a mix of boutiques and souvenir shops.
Porto Cupecoy: This Mediterranean-style marina complex has several high-end shops and boutiques offering a variety of goods.
Simpson Bay: Filled with small shops and boutiques, this area is perfect for picking up local crafts, clothing, and beachwear.
Duty-Free Shopping:
Both sides of the island offer duty-free shopping, but it's more prevalent on the Dutch side. Popular duty-free items include jewelry, electronics, alcohol, and tobacco products.
Entertainment and Nightlife in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
Saint Martin/Sint Maarten offers a diverse range of entertainment and nightlife options to suit all tastes. Whether you're into live music, casinos, beach bars, or elegant lounges, the island has something for everyone.
French Side (Saint Martin):
Calmos Café in Grand Case: This is a great spot for beachside cocktails and live music, offering a relaxed ambiance.
Rainbow Café: Located in Grand Case, it's known for its sunset views, DJs, and beach parties.
Le Cottage Restaurant: While primarily a dining spot, Le Cottage also offers a sophisticated wine and cocktail bar.
Palm Beach: This beach club offers a lively atmosphere with themed nights, DJs, and a range of cocktails.
Dutch Side (Sint Maarten):
Maho Village: The nightlife hub of the Dutch side, with multiple bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, plus regular street parties.
Sunset Beach Bar: Located close to Maho Beach, it's the perfect spot for plane-watching with a cold drink in hand.
Soggy Dollar Bar: This Simpson Bay staple offers a casual atmosphere with live music, games, and a great selection of drinks.
Casinos: The Dutch side offers a variety of casinos including Casino Royale and Hollywood Casino where you can try your luck at slot machines, blackjack, poker, and more.
Red Piano: A popular bar in Simpson Bay known for its live music, especially the piano performances.
Karakter: This beachside lounge offers a chill vibe with DJs, cocktails, and sunset views.
The Hole in the Wall: One of the oldest bars in Sint Maarten, located in Maho, known for its friendly atmosphere and cheap drinks.
