It is a busy cruise ship port, so it is best to know ahead of time when the ships are in and avoid the city. A better option is Marigot on the French side of the island. For an odd experience, watch the planes land and take off over the beach just outside of Philipsburg.

If you are into plane spotting, Maho Beach is the best place in the world to watch airplanes land.

While conch chowder is ubiquitus here, there are some genuinely good places. Near the main harbor there are eateries above the tourist shops serving good soup with a view.

St maarten has a good beach and one of the best places to shop duty free.for a spectacular view thou, I recommend Marigot, on the french side

find the coffee shops! remember amsterdam...

Full of bars of naughtiness.

Philipsburg is perfect place for shopping electronics. Plenty shops with prices that you could just dream about. there is a nice beach as well and quite a few restaurants with nice food. It is easy to waste your time there. If you want some excitement go to the French side of the island. There is a beautiful few miles long beach called Orient Bay wich is actually the only public slothing optional beach in the Caribbean. At the very end of the beach (going to your right side) there is the real nude beach and the swinger section. If you ready for action, you'll find it there. There is also a nice restaurant with european food. Everywhere is full of european guests especially from France. Get naked and get there! The cost for taxy from Philipsburg is around 20 $ but if catch a van with other people it would be just 4-6 $ per person! Enjoy!

want to see planes taking off and landing? go to 'sunset beach bar' (maho beach), want good food and nice atmosphere? go to 'the stone'. want to hav great sushi? 'bamboo bernie's' the spot. fun after the meal? 'soggy dollar bar'. more fun after the bar? 'mansion', or feeling a bit naughty? 'platinium', 'golden eyes', 'carolina' and more ha ha... casinos to finish the night (til 6 or 7am), u drink for free as long as u play... more tips? well go and see urself!!!!

Beer costs only $1, great after paying $4 to $6 for two weeks! Also visit the local bars - the guys are really friendly.

Check out the "Lolos" in Grand Case over on the French side. Local ladies have beach side grills where they do up everything from a decent burger to the local lobster. Authentic local dining experiance at excellant prices right on the beach!