Culture, history and things to do in Sint Maarten
Explore Philipsburg’s landmarks, the island’s salt-making past, a historic fort and an estate museum, with a stop at a local rhum distillery.
These places connect Sint Maarten’s history with its everyday town life and local production. They range from Philipsburg landmarks to the ruins at Little Bay and a museum in the hills behind the capital.
Fort Amsterdam
Things to do, Little Bay
Fort Amsterdam dates to 1631, and its low walls, rusting cannon and informational signs recall the island’s early Dutch fortifications. The headland is also a nesting site for brown pelicans.
Great Salt Pond
Parks & Nature, Philipsburg
Great Salt Pond was once central to the island’s salt-harvesting economy and helped determine where Philipsburg was founded. Today, the pond is also an Important Bird Area.
Philipsburg Boardwalk & Front Street
Things to do, Philipsburg
The boardwalk and historic Front Street bring together Great Bay Beach, shops, cafes and pastel colonial-style buildings in the capital.
Rainforest Adventures Rockland Estate
Things to do, Cul de Sac
Rockland/Emilio Wilson estate combines hillside activities with a small museum on the island’s plantation history, housed in restored estate buildings.
The Courthouse (Philipsburg)
Things to do, Philipsburg
The Courthouse has stood on Wathey Square since 1793 and still serves as a government building. It has also been used as a council hall, weigh station, jail and post office.
Topper's Rhum Distillery & Restaurant
Food & Drink, Cole Bay
Topper’s offers guided tours of its family-run distillery, with tastings of its flavoured rhums. The waterfront site also includes a gift shop, gelato counter and restaurant.