The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts.
Browse a wide variety of retail spots throughout the island, from the capital city of Philipsburg on the Dutch side to seaside boutiques with a view. Explore the shops on the opposite side of the island, within the French village of Marigot, where you’ll find that there’s a little something for every shopping interest.
Enjoy the luxury of purchasing duty-free items such as jewelry, liquor, and electronics that are exempt from taxes when shopping in St. Maarten. Traditional Caribbean artwork and other handmade goods, as well as fresh seafood and the iconic Guavaberry liqueur, are just some of the great finds to bring home as a token of your vacation.
In addition to indulging in some fun in the sun at the beautiful beaches, no trip to the island is complete without some St. Maarten shopping at these top spots.
Marigot Market
Marigot Market
A fantastic way to get a taste of island culture is to visit a Caribbean market and experience its lively atmosphere while browsing locally made goods. Located on the French side of the island, Marigot Market is a colorful spectacle filled with produce, t-shirts, perfume, spices, hand-crafted items, and various kiosks where you can taste island fare with a French twist.
Stroll past vendors selling anything from meat, seafood, and spices, as well as handmade goods that make for the perfect souvenir. Sample fresh island fruit such as mangoes, peruse pottery, and make sure to try the famous Shrub cocktail made with Caribbean rum and orange peel.
Take note of the well-known giant-scale fresco painted in 2006 that is proudly on display outside of the market, too. The black history-inspired piece was created by a local island artist and pays homage to the female market sellers of Marigot Market.
Marigot Market
Head to the open-air Creole huts that skirt the waterfront and sample more culinary delights while taking in the bay views—if you aren’t already too full, that is.
For a sit-down meal, you can’t go wrong at the fantastic French restaurants surrounding the market as well. Marigot Market is one of the top St. Maarten shopping spots on the island.
Front Street
Front Street
One of the best things to do in St. Maarten is to explore the iconic Front Street, which stretches a mile long. Practice your bargaining skills as you unearth treasures at the variety of vendor stalls and shops. Discover abundant duty-free deals on items such as electronics, perfume, fine china, watches, and jewelry, too.
Here, you’ll find a good mix of designer brand stores as well as smaller boutiques with authentic Caribbean items. The well-known Guavaberry Emporium is a must-stop to pick up some of the island’s signature liqueur, which is housed within the old governor’s house. Nearby, you’ll find the crossroads sign, a popular landmark and favorite photo spot for visitors.
In addition to shopping, you’ll uncover some cultural and historical points of interest while meandering down Front Street. Take a minute to admire the unique courthouse clocktower, which is in the shape of a pineapple. The building itself is impressive and spans back to the late 1700s when it was previously used as a post office and jail.
This main shopping street also runs parallel to a beautiful beach with a seaside boardwalk that serves as a peaceful escape from the buzzing shopping district. Take in the vista of Great Bay Beach as it dazzles with classic Caribbean charm; a welcome addition to your shopping experience.
Perch yourself at a cafe with a cold drink along the boardwalk to celebrate your shopping wins against a beautiful island-infused backdrop. Front Street in Philipsburg, St. Maarten is shopping at its best.
Maho Village
Maho Village
Located close to the famous Maho Beach (a.k.a. “airplane beach”), where you can get an up-close and personal view of each takeoff and landing at the nearby airport, this area of Maho Village offers great shopping options as well as a unique beach experience.
Jewelry shops, designer clothing, name-brand sunglasses, restaurants, and bars are the main retail focus here, with gaming for casino enthusiasts available as well. On the beach, grab a seat at the well-known Driftwood Boat Bar, a favorite watering hole for visitors and locals alike, where you can sip a drink while watching the planes come and go.
Old Street, Philipsburg
Old Street, Philipsburg Photo by Richie Diesterheft on Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Step back in time and admire the 19th-century style architecture and Creole design that adorn the shops along Old Street in the city of Phillipsburg. This shopping district’s proximity to Front Street and Back Street, allow the opportunity to easily combine all three retail destinations in one trip.
Make sure to wander the quaint side lanes that connect to the larger main streets, where you’ll discover more vendors selling trinkets and keepsakes. While chocolate-lovers will swoon over the Belgian chocolate boutique.
Photography enthusiasts will enjoy capturing images of Old Street and its enchanting surroundings. After shopping until your heart’s content, spend some time relaxing amidst the old world charm. Sip coffee at an adorable French cafe and people-watch in this lively area of Philipsburg.
Chez Fernand la French Bakery
During a vacation on the island of St. Maarten, sampling items from an authentic French bakery is a must. Located in the village of Marigot on St. Maarten’s French side, Chez Fernand la French Bakery is one of the best boulangeries on the island.
Purchase assorted pastries, perfectly baked baguettes, and their iconic deliciously flaky croissants or brioches, and enjoy these bites of heaven during your time in paradise. All of these fantastic items are crafted by expert chefs using traditional French recipes. One of the most popular is the pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) and you can’t go wrong with that classic.
The bakery also specializes in freshly-made sandwiches, pizza, and homemade ice cream. Order a sandwich for an island picnic, or pop in for an ice cream cone treat after spending some time under the sun. Chez Fernand is a great place to visit at any time of the day.
Le West Indies Shopping Mall
Le West Indies Shopping Mall Photo by Paul Sableman on Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
A luxury shopper’s haven, Le West Indies Mall in the village of Marigot has seemingly everything under one roof. The gorgeous waterfront marble building features three levels with a wide array of designer brand stores, such as Cartier, Gucci, and Dior.
Fashion isn’t the only thing you’ll find at this mall, though, you’ll also be treated to a stunning panorama of the bay anywhere you can catch a glimpse outside, as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. Escape from the island heat and browse the shops, or simply enjoy the relaxing ambiance that the tropical plants in the mall’s atrium provide.
The Art Box Gallery
Situated near Simpson Bay on the Dutch side of the island, The Art Box Gallery is one of the top destinations for art enthusiasts in St. Maarten. Founded by an island resident and artist herself, the impressive gallery offers a diverse collection of artwork produced by local talent. Well-known artists such as Sir Roland Richardson, Antoine Chapon, and Francis Eck are often featured in the gallery space.
Discover why it’s deemed “more than a gallery” as you marvel at intricate paintings, jewelry, and hand-made pottery treasures within this creative and colorful space. Pick out a uniquely crafted piece with cultural ties to the island; it’s the perfect souvenir to bring home as a token of your trip. The Art Box Gallery should definitely be on your St. Maarten shopping list.
Marina Port La Royale
Marina Port La Royale
Visit Marigot’s resident marina with waterfront views, shops, and restaurants. Other than serving as a bustling port for boat trips and excursions, Marina Port La Royale is known for its vibrant shopping and dining scene.
Look for beautiful jewelry pieces, wander quaint alleyways lined with boutiques, gaze at gorgeous yachts, and sit back to people-watch with a chilled cocktail in hand. The marina is also a fantastic spot to watch the stunning island sunset each evening.
Topper’s Rhum
Tour the famous Topper’s Rhum Distillery and sample their award-winning varieties by the sea on Simpson Bay Lagoon, situated on St. Maarten’s Dutch side.
Try a collection of the company’s handmade and flavored rums that have been awarded various medals and deemed the world’s best tasting rum by experts. Learn about the history and production of the Caribbean spirit and make sure to wash it down with some amazing Topper’s rum cake, too.
If you’re a fan of liquor, this is a fantastic opportunity to not just bring home an enjoyable, locally sourced souvenir with a strong connection to the island, but also learn all about how it’s made, bottled, and sold. T-shirts, gifts, rum-infused sauces, and other culinary items are available for purchase as well.
Grand Case
Grand Case
Enjoy a tropical shopping experience with a trip to Grand Case, where retail and beach collide in perfect harmony. Known as the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean,” this is an ideal destination for those interested in shopping and dining.
Enjoy local island fare with a side of incredible views that include sparkling azure waters and stunning white sands. Make sure to stop in a local “boulangerie” or bakery to pick up some freshly baked croissants and pastries.
The quaint main drag in Grand Case offers something for everyone; boutiques, eateries, and bars. Look for beachwear, souvenirs, jewelry, and even try your hand at making a signature perfume with a workshop at Tijon Perfume Creation Experiences.
Check out the local Tropismes Art Gallery as well, featuring pieces by island artists. Put your feet up and sip a refreshing cocktail at one of the lively beach bars as the sun sets to cap off a fantastic day.
St. Maarten Nectar
If it’s beauty products that you’re in the market for, look no further than St. Maarten Nectar, a boutique near Cole Bay and Simpson Bay Lagoon. With a wide array of organic beauty goods for sale, this locally owned shop prides itself in producing eco-friendly and Fairtrade vegan products, making it easy to feel good about what you’re buying. The company’s line of chemical-free products is especially great for those with sensitive skin.
Browse for essential oils, hair, and facial care products, sunscreen, baby care items, perfumes, soaps, mosquito repellent, and naturally scented candles. For a fun, unique experience, take part in the make-your-own lotion, soap, or candle workshops.
Watch: Experience St. Maarten on a Cruise
Explore St. Maarten’s lively shopping scene and pick up a souvenir to remember your sun-soaked tropical escape. From seaside boutiques along the beautiful beaches of St. Maarten to bustling markets full of local artwork, this Caribbean destination offers a myriad of retail options.
Embark on one of our cruises where you can experience some of the best St. Maarten shopping with ease. Browse itineraries on our website and book your next island vacation today.
