One day: Dutch side or French side?

We've been to the Dutch side years ago. I believe we went snorkeling. So we are kind of leaning towards doing something on the French side (in two weeks). Wondering whether others feel a preference for one side or the other and why?

Interested in maybe spending part of the day at the beach and part wandering/shopping,

Ship docks in Phillipsburg and is there from 9 - 5.

Interested in hearing all your replies.

Thanks.

Also, is the outdoor market (I believe in Marigot) only on Wednesday and Saturday? Our stop is Friday but I would love to do the outdoor market if my research is wrong.

The Marigot Market is open daily except Sundays, but Wednesday and Saturday are the big days -- others are well toned down.

When staying on-island, we spend most of our beach time and enjoy lots of meals on the French side, but overall most of our time is spent on the Dutch side, especially for shopping, casinos and just hanging out.

Now, when cruising, we rarely make it outside of Philipsburg.

gary

The Marigot Market is open daily except Sundays, but Wednesday and Saturday are the big days -- others are well toned down.

 

When staying on-island, we spend most of our beach time and enjoy lots of meals on the French side, but overall most of our time is spent on the Dutch side, especially for shopping, casinos and just hanging out.

 

Now, when cruising, we rarely make it outside of Philipsburg.

 

gary

Are you saying that the shopping is 'better' on the Dutch side? I would have though the reverse.

Thanks!

Are you saying that the shopping is 'better' on the Dutch side? I would have though the reverse.

 

Thanks!

For jewellery and cameras I would stick to the Dutch side. For higher end clothes and purses and shoes the French side is better. There is the Blue Mall in the Cupecoy area that has some nice stores and it's in U.S. dollars as its on the Dutch side of the island. Remember the French side often has prices in euros but will convert to US dollars in most cases.

For jewellery and cameras I would stick to the Dutch side. For higher end clothes and purses and shoes the French side is better. There is the Blue Mall in the Cupecoy area that has some nice stores and it's in U.S. dollars as its on the Dutch side of the island. Remember the French side often has prices in euros but will convert to US dollars in most cases.

I would add liquor and perfume, tablecloths and linens for the Dutch side.

I, personally, wouldn't buy cameras or electronics on the Dutch side without having a great price quote from home and the exact same product/model/version/release date in what they offer.

Most times they will throw in a camera case or a memory card or battery or such, but be prepared.

Think B&H or Adorama or Costco before you go.

What does their warranty cover?

gary

I would add liquor and perfume, tablecloths and linens for the Dutch side.

 

I, personally, wouldn't buy cameras or electronics on the Dutch side without having a great price quote from home and the exact same product/model/version/release date in what they offer.

 

Most times they will throw in a camera case or a memory card or battery or such, but be prepared.

 

Think B&H or Adorama or Costco before you go.

 

What does their warranty cover?

 

gary

I think price,warranty, and authenticity must be kept in mind when shopping any where.

if you are shopping for high end watches and jewelry you should definitely do homework at home prior to shopping.

Thank you for this very helpful information.