Philipsburg Courthouse
The Basics
As the Philipsburg Courthouse is a working courthouse, it may not always be open to visitors. To learn more about the courthouse, book a guided sightseeing tour of the area. Such tours might start in Philipsburg and stop at a former plantation and perhaps Fort Amsterdam in Philipsburg and Fort Louis in the French-sde capital of Marigot. Guides often speak of the island’s history both before and after France and Holland divided the land in half.
Things to Know Before You Go
Philipsburg Courthouse appeals to travelers interested in the history of the island.
Tours may include pickup and drop-off for cruise ship passengers, and some food and drink. Check tours for specific details.
Listen for the sound of the tower’s 25 bells.
Remember sun protection and water for hydration.
How to Get There
The courthouse sits right at the center of downtown Philipsburg on Front Street. From the cruise ship dock, it’s a 10-minute walk. If you drive, there's a parking lot about a block from the courthouse.
When to Get There
The best time to visit St. Martin/St. Maarten is in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall when cheaper rates are offered and rain is less likely. With pleasant year-round weather, there’s no bad time to visit, but summer is the warmest.
For History Buffs
Travelers curious about the history of both the town and the island should make a visit to the St. Maarten Museum, about a 5-minute walk east down Front Street from the Courthouse. On display are Arawak pottery shards, artifacts and photos from the plantation era, and items from the excavatedHMS Proselyte, a frigate that sank off Fort Amsterdam in 1801.