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Shops, markets and duty-free

Shopping in St. Maarten

Duty-free watches and jewelry on Front Street, spices and flavored rums at the Marigot market, a bottle of Guavaberry for the road: where to shop in St. Maarten, and what is worth bringing home.

Updated October 2026

Front Street in Philipsburg, colorful shops under the trees Colorful stalls of the Marigot market on the waterfront

Where to shop

Shops on Front Street in Philipsburg

Dutch side · The duty-free strip

Front Street, Philipsburg

Front Street and Back Street are Philipsburg’s two shopping streets: jewelry, watches, perfume, electronics and liquor, all duty-free. Small alleys such as Old Street hide more shops and a few cafés, and the Boardwalk runs along the beach right behind.

Compare prices from one shop to the next before you buy, and come early on cruise ship days.

Shops open mostly during the day · Very busy on cruise ship days

Explore Philipsburg

Marigot market stalls by the sea

French side · The market and harbor boutiques

The market and Marina Royale, Marigot

At the end of Rue de la République, the waterfront stalls sell spices, tropical fruit, flavored rums, crafts and fabrics. Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the big market days, with fresh fish from the local fishermen.

Steps away, Marina Royale is lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores and café terraces facing the boats.

Big market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings · Market and most shops closed on Sundays

Explore Marigot

Maho Village in the evening, its shops and lit walkways

Dutch side · Evening shopping

Maho Village and Simpson Bay

Around the Maho Village casino, shops, bars and restaurants line the streets, steps from Maho Beach. Browse in the late afternoon, then stay for dinner in the area.

Lively in the late afternoon and evening

Explore Simpson Bay and Maho

What to bring home

Souvenirs that tell the island’s story, and the things people buy for the price.

  • Guavaberry

    The island’s liqueur, made with rum and small wild berries from the hills.

    Front Street, Philipsburg

  • Flavored rums

    Rum infused with fruit, spices or herbs, often homemade.

    Marigot market

  • Spices

    Spice blends from the market stalls, easy to pack in your suitcase.

    Marigot market

  • Crafts and fabrics

    Locally made souvenirs and colorful fabrics, to browse between the stalls.

    Marigot market

  • Jewelry and watches

    Big brands without taxes, worth comparing from shop to shop.

    Front Street, Philipsburg

  • Perfume and liquor

    Big brands without taxes, worth comparing with prices back home.

    Front Street, Philipsburg

When to go

Cruise ship days
When several ships are in port, Front Street gets very busy: come early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Wednesday and Saturday mornings
Big market days in Marigot, with fresh fish. Arrive early: downtown fills up fast.
Sundays
The market and most shops in Marigot are closed. Save the day for the beach.

Before you buy

  • Compare prices at several shops for watches, jewelry and electronics.
  • Ask for an international warranty and a certificate for big purchases.
  • Check your duty-free allowance before a big purchase or several bottles: US travelers can find it on the CBP website.
  • Ask the rate before paying: US dollars and euros are accepted everywhere, but each shop sets its own rate for the currency that is not on the price tag. See currency and payments.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best shopping in St. Maarten?

Front Street in Philipsburg for duty-free shops, and the Marigot market for spices, flavored rums and crafts. Maho Village also has shops around the casino.

Is St. Maarten duty-free?

On the Dutch side, Philipsburg’s shops sell jewelry, watches, perfume, electronics and liquor without taxes. Still check your home country’s duty-free allowance when you return.

When is the Marigot market?

Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the big market days, with fresh fish. The market is closed on Sundays.

What should I bring home from St. Maarten?

A bottle of Guavaberry, the island’s liqueur, flavored rums and spices from the Marigot market, or local crafts.