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Old Street Philipsburg St. Maarten

3.9
·18 reviews·Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

A charming cobblestone alley in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, lined with colorful boutiques, cafes, and duty-free shops.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Cruise Ship Days

Bustling atmosphere & open shops

CrowdHigh
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Buntes Geschäft

Old Street Philipsburg St. Maarten

Best Time

Cruise Ship Days

Bustling atmosphere & open shops

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming cobblestone alley in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, lined with colorful boutiques, cafes, and duty-free shops.

3.9
(18 reviews)

"Such a nice street, very colorful!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🛍️ Duty-Free Deals

Look for duty-free prices on jewelry and souvenirs. Haggle respectfully for the best deals!

👟 Comfortable Shoes

The cobblestone streets are charming but can be uneven. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Colorful Boutiques

Colorful Boutiques

Along the cobblestone alley

Wander through vibrant shops offering unique clothing, accessories, and local crafts.

Larimar Jewelry Stores

Larimar Jewelry Stores

Various shops on Old Street

Discover beautiful jewelry featuring Larimar, a rare blue gemstone found only in the Dominican Republic.

Charming Cafes

Charming Cafes

Along the cobblestone alley

Relax at a quaint cafe with outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching and enjoying a local treat.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Island Vibe

Old Street Philipsburg is a charming cobblestone alley brimming with colorful boutiques and cafes. It's a prime spot for duty-free shopping and soaking in the Caribbean atmosphere. Visit during cruise ship days for the most lively experience, but be prepared for crowds.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Known for its duty-free shopping, Old Street offers a variety of jewelry stores, clothing boutiques, and local artisan shops. Look for unique souvenirs like Larimar jewelry and handmade crafts. Keep an eye out for local artists selling their work.

Best Times

When
Cruise Ship Days
Why
Bustling atmosphere & open shops
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@marcsebastianf
427.2K likes • 2.5M views

🛍️ Duty-Free Deals

Look for duty-free prices on jewelry and souvenirs. Haggle respectfully for the best deals! TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes

The cobblestone streets are charming but can be uneven. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring. Instagram

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@sushi.kingdom8
26.6K likes • 480.9K views
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cacaokanel
15 likes • 184 views

🎨 Support Local Artisans

Keep an eye out for local artists selling handmade crafts and unique art pieces. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

The colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make for fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram

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ashtravelgoals
44 likes • 345 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🛍️ Duty-Free Deals

Look for duty-free prices on jewelry and souvenirs. Haggle respectfully for the best deals! TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes

The cobblestone streets are charming but can be uneven. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring. Instagram

🎨 Support Local Artisans

Keep an eye out for local artists selling handmade crafts and unique art pieces. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

The colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make for fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram

☕ Relax at a Cafe

Take a break at one of the charming cafes with outdoor seating to enjoy the island ambiance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Old Street Philipsburg is praised for its vibrant, colorful architecture and its appeal as a duty-free shopping destination, particularly for jewelry. Visitors enjoy the charming cafes and the lively atmosphere when cruise ships are in port. However, some find it to be a bit overrated and tourist-trappy, with limited open stores on non-cruise days and concerns about the quality of goods in some establishments.

"Beautiful Street, and the place that sells the Larimar jewelry is fantastic!"

Marcella Obdrzalek

"Overrated. The street is small and Lind with beautiful small buildings that seem like old houses. Mostly expensive stores visited by cruise tourists. Without them, the street looks dead."

Carmen Lebron

"Such a nice street, very colorful !"

Michèle Caillaud (mccald_)

What People Like

Colorful buildings
Duty-free shopping
Larimar jewelry

What People Dislike

Overrated
Tourist trap
Limited open stores

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old Street is conveniently located within walking distance of the cruise port in Philipsburg. Simply follow the signs or ask for directions; it's a short and pleasant stroll. Instagram

Yes, taxis are readily available at the cruise port and can take you directly to Old Street. It's a very short ride. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore Old Street and the nearby Great Bay Beach. This allows you to fully appreciate the colorful architecture and discover hidden gems. TikTok

While walking is most common from the port, local buses (vans) operate along the main roads in Philipsburg and can drop you off near Old Street if you're coming from further afield. Reddit

Parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity of Old Street due to its pedestrian-friendly nature. It's best to utilize the public parking areas near the cruise port or along the waterfront. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Old Street is a public thoroughfare and does not require an entrance ticket. You can wander freely and enjoy the atmosphere. Instagram

Shop hours in Old Street generally align with cruise ship schedules. Most shops are open from morning until late afternoon, especially on days when ships are in port. TikTok

There are no admission fees for Old Street itself. Individual shops or cafes may have their own pricing for goods and services. Instagram

Yes, you can visit Old Street on any day. However, it will be significantly quieter and some shops may have reduced hours or be closed on non-cruise ship days. Reddit

For the most vibrant shopping experience, visit during the day when most shops are open. Weekday mornings can offer a less crowded experience. Instagram

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Old Street is famous for duty-free jewelry, including Larimar pieces, as well as local crafts, art, clothing, and Caribbean-themed items. InstagramReddit

While not always advertised, some vendors, especially for jewelry and higher-priced items, may be open to negotiation. It's worth politely asking. Reddit

Look for smaller boutiques and stalls that feature handmade items. Artists often sell their work directly, offering a more authentic experience. Instagram

Many shops specialize in jewelry, particularly those featuring the blue Larimar stone. Reviews suggest looking for stores with a good selection and quality. Reddit

Yes, Old Street is renowned for its duty-free shopping, offering competitive prices on a range of goods, especially jewelry and luxury items. TikTok

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Old Street features charming cafes with outdoor seating, perfect for a coffee, light snack, or refreshing drink. For more substantial meals, explore nearby areas. Reddit

While Old Street primarily focuses on cafes and quick bites, you can find some local flavors. For a wider range of St. Maarten cuisine, explore restaurants just off Old Street. Reddit

Yes, several cafes along Old Street offer sandwiches, salads, and pastries. You can also find more diverse lunch options a short walk away towards the boardwalk. Reddit

Expect a variety of coffees, teas, fresh juices, and alcoholic beverages like local beers and cocktails at the cafes. Reddit

Prices can be on the higher side, especially in cafes catering to cruise ship passengers. It's advisable to check menus before ordering. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire street is a photographer's dream with its colorful buildings, cobblestone paths, and charming architecture. Capture the vibrant facades and unique shop fronts. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the warm Caribbean glow. Instagram

Generally, there are no restrictions on photographing the street itself. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or inside private shops. Instagram

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for the colorful architecture. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in populated areas and near ports. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Street Philipsburg can be a fun, albeit brief, stop for families. The colorful buildings are visually engaging for children, and the short, walkable nature of the street makes it manageable. Families can enjoy browsing the unique shops for small souvenirs, and the cafes offer a good spot for a treat. It's best to visit during the day when shops are open and the atmosphere is lively. Keep an eye on little ones as the cobblestones can be uneven. Instagram

🛍️ Shoppers & Bargain Hunters

Old Street is a prime destination for duty-free shopping, especially for jewelry. Visitors often seek out Larimar pieces and other precious stones. While prices are generally competitive, don't be afraid to politely negotiate, particularly for higher-ticket items. Reddit Explore the various boutiques for clothing, accessories, and local crafts. Visiting on a cruise ship day will offer the most bustling shopping environment, but be prepared for crowds. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

The vibrant, colorful architecture of Old Street makes it a photographer's delight. Capture the unique facades, charming cafes, and lively street scenes. Instagram The best light for photos is typically during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. While the street is beautiful, some reviewers note it can feel a bit touristy, so focus on capturing the details and unique character of the shops and street itself. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Old Street: A Shopper's Paradise

Old Street in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, is a picturesque cobblestone alley that truly embodies the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean. Lined with colorful boutiques and charming cafes, it's a delightful place to stroll, shop, and soak in the island atmosphere. The architecture itself is a draw, with buildings painted in a spectrum of hues, creating a visually stunning backdrop for your explorations. Many visitors are drawn to the duty-free shopping opportunities, particularly for jewelry, with Larimar pieces being a popular find. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the shops, Old Street offers a relaxed ambiance with its numerous cafes boasting outdoor seating. These spots are perfect for a mid-shopping break, offering a chance to people-watch and enjoy a refreshing drink or a light snack. While some reviews mention that the street can feel a bit tourist-centric, especially when cruise ships are in port, its charm and the unique finds available make it a worthwhile stop for many visitors looking for souvenirs and a taste of local island life. Reddit

Navigating Old Street: Tips from Travelers

When visiting Old Street Philipsburg, comfort is key. The cobblestone streets, while beautiful, can be uneven, so wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended to avoid any stumbles. Instagram Many travelers advise visiting on days when cruise ships are docked to experience the full vibrancy of the street, with shops open and a lively atmosphere. TikTok However, if you prefer a more tranquil experience, visiting on a weekday morning when crowds are thinner can be ideal. Reddit

For those interested in unique finds, keep an eye out for local artisans selling handmade crafts and art. Instagram While Old Street is known for its duty-free jewelry, don't hesitate to explore the smaller boutiques for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Some visitors suggest that while prices can be high, there's potential for respectful negotiation, especially for higher-value items. Reddit Remember to stay hydrated and take advantage of the cafes for a refreshing break during your exploration.

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