Top 10 Things to Do in Marigot, Saint-Martin’s capital
Hello adventurers! In our last blog post we introduced to you Saint-Martin (aka Sint Maarten or SXM), also known as the friendly island. As you might know by now, we’ve been living here for over 2 years and it’s been a beautiful adventure so far!
Each side of the island has a unique personality. We will explore each one separately, so today we will begin with the French side and its charming capital, Marigot.
This active town is a mix of Caribbean vibrancy and French elegance. Its streets are full of culture, cuisine and colorful experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie or an art enthusiast, Marigot will offer you something special at every corner. So let’s check out some must-see spots and activities that capture the essence of this unique Caribbean town.
1. Downtown & Rue de la République: Créole architecture
One of the first things we recommend doing is to take a walk down Rue de la République to admire Marigot’s architecture. This street is lined with charming buildings that reflect the town’s colonial past mixed with vibrant Caribbean vibes. We find that exploring the town’s streets on foot is a great way to discover the culture, discover small galleries, bistros and boutiques that offer a peek into the local lifestyle.
2. Marigot Market: A taste of the Caribbean
No visit to Marigot is complete without a stroll through the town’s market. Open on Wednesday and Saturday morning for fresh produce, and every morning except on Sunday for clothes, souvenirs,….
Located on the seafront, in the colorful Creole huts open onto the street, this market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, fish & seafood, spices, infused rums, arts & crafts, souvenirs and clothes.
It’s also the perfect spot to try local delicacies like saltfish, johnny cakes and coconut sweets. The happy atmosphere, colorful huts and friendly locals make it a cultural experience in itself, and a great example of the rich culinary traditions and artisanal skills of the island.
3. Fort Louis: Protecting the Bay
Overlooking Marigot Bay, Fort Louis offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past while giving panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. Built in 1789, this historic fortress was originally made to protect the town from foreign invaders. Today, it’s the perfect spot for history enthusiasts and sunset lovers! It’s definitely an amazing place for breathtaking photographs and quiet contemplation of the mountains, the city and the sea.
4. Marina Royale: Dine, Shop, Relax
Located in the heart of the city, Marina Royale is Marigot’s heartbeat at mealtime. This elegant marina is lined with restaurants, cafes and boutiques, making it a perfect place for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner overlooking the small boats. After suffering heavy damage from hurricane Irma, the marina has been repaired and it’s now open to enjoy a stroll or access the restaurants & boutiques. Here you will find a wide variety of options from French cuisine to fresh seafood. After dinner, take a moonlit walk along the marina to enjoy the soft sea breeze and the gentle clinking of boat masts.
5. West Indies Mall: Shopping in a chic atmosphere
This small intimate luxury mall offers a variety of shops in an architecturally beautiful building. Here, you can find high-end fashion, art & jewelry boutiques and cafeterias. During specially hot days, it’s also a cool retreat, with its airy spaces and soft music playing in the background.
6. Street Art: Urban canvases
One of our personal favorite things to do in Marigot is admiring the colorful street art. From colorful murals to complex graffiti, these artworks offer an interesting contrast to the town’s historic sites (and are perfect for those looking for Instagrammable spots!). A nice walk through downtown will allow you to discover these hidden gems, each telling a story of the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
7. Saint-Martin de Tours: The Catholic Church
Built in the 18th century, and located in the heart of Marigot, this Catholic Church stands as a place of prayer and seclusion. Its simple but beautiful facade invites you to enter and feel the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you want to join in the services or simply sit in quiet contemplation, we recommend visiting this sacred space.
8. Lolos: Flavorful local food
There’s no better way to experience authentic Saint-Martin cuisine than at the lolos, local open-air eateries found along the seafront. These restaurants are famous for their langouste grillée (grilled lobster), accras (salt fish fritters), fricassé de lambi (stewed conch), riz créole (Creole rice), poisson frit (fried fish) and rum-based beverages like ti’punch. Dining here will allow you to explore the different flavors of local cuisine. We especially love the relaxed and friendly environment of these restaurants ! We recommend Rosemary’s for a delicious local breakfast or a midday meal.
9. Other recommended restaurants
Even though lolos are our best recommendation for travelers exploring Marigot, we’d like to recommend other amazing restaurants where you will surely enjoy a delicious meal.
Starting from the furthest part, you can try O Plongeoir. In downtown we recommend La Terrasse for french fine bistro cuisine, So Benedict for quiches, salads and oeufs bénédicte, and Le Marocain for moroccan specialties. If you feel like having an icecream, YögArt is the place to go. Grab your favorite flavor & toppings and enjoy a walk along the nearby marina.
10. Sandy Ground Bridge: Connecting the lagoon and the ocean
If you want to go a bit further than downtown, we recommend visiting the Sandy Ground bridge. Park your car before the bridge (coming from Marigot) and walk to the bridge to watch boats entering and leaving the lagoon. It’s a fascinating spot, especially for first-time visitors, and a great moment to capture in photos. If you are lucky enough you will even see young locals jumping from the bridge to the water. Keep in mind that the bridge opens twice a day (at 8:30 am and 5 pm) to let bigger boats enter or exit the lagoon.
Your turn to explore the Top 10 Things to Do in Marigot, Saint-Martin’s capital
As you can see, the capital of the French side has a lot to offer, so don’t miss it during your next holiday in Saint-Martin! Whether you’re here for the historical sites, the local gastronomy or simply to soak in the Caribbean sun, we are sure you will love Marigot. Don’t forget to check our post on the ultimate Saint-Martin mini-guide to make sure you enjoy all the best places, restaurants, activities and hikes!
Have fun exploring the vibrant town of Marigot. Happy traveling!
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