Wathey Square Philipsburg
Philipsburg's Wathey Square is a vibrant hub for duty-free shopping, historic charm, and stunning beach views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music
Wathey Square Philipsburg
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Philipsburg's Wathey Square is a vibrant hub for duty-free shopping, historic charm, and stunning beach views.
"It's a very historic sight and when ever you see it you think St Maarten."
🛍️ Haggle for Deals
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for jewelry. You might snag a better bargain!
☕ Relax with a Coffee
Enjoy a peaceful moment with coffee and a cigar at La Casa Del Habano.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Duty-Free Shopping Paradise
Wathey Square and surrounding streets
Score incredible deals on jewelry, watches, perfumes, and more. A shopper's dream!
Historic Architecture
Wathey Square
Admire the well-maintained, colorful colonial-style buildings that give Philipsburg its charm.
La Casa Del Habano
Cyrus Wathey Square #5
Indulge in premium Cuban cigars and fine spirits in a luxurious lounge setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Duty-Free Deals
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Haggle for Deals
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for jewelry. You might snag a better bargain!
☕ Relax with a Coffee
Enjoy a peaceful moment with coffee and a cigar at La Casa Del Habano.
🎶 Catch Local Events
Check for local events or parties happening at Wathey Square for a lively experience.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Take a leisurely walk along the Great Bay Beach boardwalk adjacent to the square.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Haggle for Deals
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for jewelry. You might snag a better bargain!
☕ Relax with a Coffee
Enjoy a peaceful moment with coffee and a cigar at La Casa Del Habano.
🎶 Catch Local Events
Check for local events or parties happening at Wathey Square for a lively experience.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Take a leisurely walk along the Great Bay Beach boardwalk adjacent to the square.
💰 Be Mindful of Cruise Days
Crowds can be intense when cruise ships are in port. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Wathey Square a prime spot for duty-free shopping, with many praising the deals on jewelry and luxury goods. The well-maintained historic buildings and proximity to Great Bay Beach are also highlights. However, some feel it lacks unique attractions beyond shopping and can become overwhelmingly crowded when cruise ships are in port.
"It was really nice to ride a bicycle on St. Maarten island. Plenty of beaches, beautiful weather, friendly people…"
Vladimir Stankovic
"This building has been well taken care of over the years and the outside was completely redone several years ago. It is a vey historic sight and when ever you see it you think St Maarten"
JP Colgan
"After a devastating hurricane. The Square come alive during the Christmas holiday. Thanks to the Philipsburg board."
Stacy-Ann Taylor Studio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wathey Square is centrally located in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. If arriving by cruise ship, it's a short walk from the port. Taxis are readily available, and many visitors find it convenient to explore the area on foot.
Limited street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find, especially on busy days. Consider using taxi services or walking if you're arriving by cruise ship.
Yes, Wathey Square is very close to the cruise port in Philipsburg. It's a pleasant and easy walk along the waterfront.
Local buses operate on St. Maarten and can take you to Philipsburg from various parts of the island. They are an affordable option for reaching the area.
Walking is the best way to experience Wathey Square and the surrounding shopping streets. For longer distances, taxis are readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wathey Square is a public area and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely explore the square and its surroundings.
Shop hours can vary, but most duty-free stores in Wathey Square are open daily from around 10 AM to 6 PM. Some establishments, like La Casa Del Habano, stay open later.
No, there are no tickets required for entry to Wathey Square itself. Shopping and dining are on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Yes, Wathey Square sometimes hosts local events, especially during holiday seasons like Christmas, and music festivals. It's worth checking local listings for any ongoing celebrations.
To avoid the largest crowds, try visiting on a weekday morning, especially if there are no cruise ships scheduled to dock.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Wathey Square is famous for its duty-free shopping, offering a wide selection of jewelry, watches, designer goods, perfumes, and electronics.
Yes, you'll find numerous restaurants and bars along the boardwalk adjacent to Wathey Square, offering local and international cuisine with beautiful beach views.
While known for duty-free luxury goods, you can also find some souvenir shops offering local crafts and mementos in the vicinity of Wathey Square.
La Casa Del Habano in Wathey Square is renowned for its premium Cuban cigars, fine spirits, and a luxurious lounge experience. 
It's common practice to negotiate prices, especially for jewelry and higher-value items. Don't hesitate to politely bargain for a better deal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colorful colonial architecture, the bustling square, and the scenic views of Great Bay Beach. The boardwalk also offers great photo spots.
Generally, photography is allowed in most shops, but it's always polite to ask for permission before taking extensive photos, especially in high-end jewelry stores.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the colorful buildings still make for vibrant shots.
The historic buildings surrounding the square, the Philipsburg Courthouse, and the view of the cruise ships in the bay are popular photo subjects.
Any modern smartphone with a good camera will capture excellent photos. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you can further enhance your shots with different lenses.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💍 Couples
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Duty-Free Shopping
When exploring the duty-free offerings, remember that prices can often be negotiated, especially for more expensive items like diamonds and gold. Don't hesitate to politely haggle to secure the best possible price. This practice is common and expected in many of the local boutiques. The vibrant atmosphere of the shopping district, coupled with the potential for significant savings, makes a shopping excursion in Wathey Square a quintessential St. Maarten experience.
A Taste of St. Maarten: Dining and Drinks
For a more refined experience, La Casa Del Habano St. Maarten, located directly on Cyrus Wathey Square, is a must-visit for aficionados of premium Cuban cigars and fine spirits. This establishment provides a luxurious lounge where guests can savor expertly crafted cocktails and select from an impressive collection of Habanos. It's an ideal place to unwind and indulge in the finer pleasures of island life, offering a sophisticated contrast to the bustling shopping streets.
+1The Historic Heart of Philipsburg
The square has also been a focal point for community events, particularly during the holiday season, where it comes alive with festive decorations and activities. This sense of local pride and the preservation of its historic character make Wathey Square a significant landmark, often evoking a strong sense of place for those who visit.
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