VISIT St. Maarten / St. Martin
The island's official visitor information hub on Back Street.
Why Go
Before you google anything about St. Maarten, know that there is a physical office on Walter Nisbeth Road in Philipsburg staffed by people who actually live here and know the island inside out. VISIT St. Maarten / St. Martin is the island's visitor information service, providing maps, brochures, event calendars, and personalized recommendations to anyone who walks through the door — free of charge and with the kind of nuance that a search engine cannot replicate.
The Experience
Walter Nisbeth Road — known locally as Back Street — is Philipsburg's main commercial artery running parallel to the tourist-facing Front Street. The VISIT office here serves as a bridge between the two worlds: the organized tourist experience and the authentic island knowledge that makes a vacation memorable. Walk in and you can pick up printed maps, learn about upcoming festivals and events, get restaurant recommendations beyond the usual tourist lists, and ask practical questions about transportation, beaches, and day trips to neighboring islands. The staff handles questions ranging from basic (where is the nearest beach?) to complex (how do I get to Saba for a day trip?) with equal patience. For cruise passengers with limited time on the island, a quick stop here at the start of your day can optimize your hours in port. For longer-stay visitors, the office is a resource you can return to as your interests evolve during your trip.
What to Try
Ask about events happening during your visit — the staff typically knows about festivals, music nights, and cultural happenings that do not always appear on tourism websites. Grab a physical map even if you rely on GPS — the island's dual-nation structure makes some navigation apps unreliable near the border.
Insider Tip
Back Street is where locals shop and do business, so your walk to the VISIT office doubles as a window into everyday Philipsburg life. The office is most useful early in your visit when you are still forming your plans. Cruise ship passengers should visit right after disembarking for maximum value.
The Practical Stuff
Location: 33a Walter A. Nisbeth Road (Back Street), Philipsburg, Dutch side. Services: free visitor information, maps, event calendars, destination advice. Hours: business hours, check locally. No appointment needed.
Pair It With
- Cindy's Roti & Local Food — Get your island info, then walk to Back Street's best roti
- Jimmy's The Original Fat Boy BBQ Guide — BBQ lunch nearby after picking up your island maps