On the Dutch side of the island, the capital city of Philipsburg boasts luxury shopping, quaint souvenir shops, and everything in between. Voorstraat, or Front Street, is home to most of the shopping, while the boardwalk along Great Bay is lined with duty-free shops, casinos, and beach bars. It's a quaint and colorful area, set against a backdrop of sparkling turquoise water. This is a must-visit area for shopping, dining, and strolling.

More high-end boutiques and many European brands can be found in Marigot, the capital of the French side of the island.

But if local artisan finds are what you are looking for, explore the local markets on the island, each with its own array of local vendors The Marigot Market is one of the largest open-air markets of its kind in the Caribbean. Visitors can find freshly-caught fish, tropical fruits and vegetables, and “rhum arrangé,” among other local specialties. On the Dutch side of the island, the Philipsburg Market is great for unique, custom-made jewelry and clothing, while local arts and crafts can be found at the market behind the courthouse.

Image Credits: Phil & Garth, St. Martin Tourism Authority, Celebrity Cruises, VacationStMaarten.com