Things to do in Papeete

Activities, attractions and tours

Papeete
Papeete Town Hall showing a park and heritage architecture
Papeete Market featuring markets and interior views as well as a small group of people
Papeete Market showing flowers
Papeete which includes a bay or harbour, cruising and kayaking or canoeing
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Top places to visit

1. Papeete Market

The oldest attraction on the island, Papeete Market, sits in the heart of French Polynesia’s capital city, just a short walk from the bay. It is a colorful and stimulating place with an array of food and keepsakes. Find hats, necklaces, fruit, vegetables and traditional souvenirs with a Tahitian theme lining the shelves of the modern complex that holds the market. Bright, decorative banners and streamers help to create a festive atmosphere among the inexpensive items for sale.
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Papeete Market showing fashion and markets

2. Jardins de Paofai

The Jardins de Paofai are among the most beautiful spots in all of Papeete. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of this Pacific island city and wander through the pretty gardens which stretch all along the waterfront. It is a delightful place to while away a couple of hours and get to know indigenous flora from all over French Polynesia.
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Papeete featuring a park and a river or creek

3. Robert Wan Pearl Museum

The Black Pearl Museum houses the largest Tahitian pearl in the world and is one of the only institutions in the world entirely devoted to pearls. The rare black pearl remains as exceptional today as in the fabled pirate tales and mythology. Enjoy the air of mysticism surrounding this Tahiti museum, where the cultural importance of pearls is explained through storytelling, history exhibits and works of art.
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Black Pearl Museum showing interior views

4. Papeete Town Hall

The standout building in French Polynesia’s capital city is the architectural wonder of Papeete Town Hall. This magnificent structure was built as a replica of a former royal palace. Its bright yellow façade, white columns, red roof and scenic gardens perfectly embody the French colonial style that can be seen throughout Tahiti. Notice its red-and-white clock tower, an iconic symbol that hovers over the city.
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Papeete Town Hall featuring an administrative building

5. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Cathédrale de l’Immaculée Conception is a colorful 19th-century church near the waterfront in French Polynesia’s capital city, Papeete. It is the oldest Catholic church on the island and a surviving example of 19th-century French Colonial architecture. Admire its red steeple and yellow façade with maroon arched windows. Visit this landmark in a spacious plaza in the historic center of town.
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Cathedrale de L\'lmmaculee Conception featuring religious elements and a church or cathedral

6. Place Jacques Chirac

Overlooking Papeete harbor is the picturesque park, Place du 2 Juillet (2nd of July Square), a lush green space known for its sculptures, vegetation and political symbolism. The date in the park’s name commemorates the first nuclear tests carried out in the South Pacific and the park acts as a protest against French Polynesia’s nuclear activity. See carvings that pay tribute to Tahiti’s turbulent past and victims of nuclear catastrophes worldwide. Attend official memorial services and enjoy a clear vista of the bay.
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Place Jacques Chirac showing a park and general coastal views

7. Parc Bougainville

The tranquil and tropical features of Parc Bougainville provide a calm oasis for visitors to Papeete. The park's statues, meandering stream and exotic trees give it an aura of beauty and grandeur.
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Parc Bougainville featuring a bridge

What to do in Papeete

Popular places to visit

Papeete Market showing markets and food

Papeete Market

3.5/5(3 reviews)

Divine aromas, delightful tastes and a sea of color stir the senses in this traditional marketplace full of exotic fruit, tropical fish and handmade artifacts.

Papeete Market
Papeete featuring a park and a river or creek

Jardins de Paofai

Enjoy the serenity and beauty of these botanical gardens in the heart of Papeete as you take advantage of the leisure and sporting facilities.

Jardins de Paofai
Black Pearl Museum which includes fashion

Robert Wan Pearl Museum

4/5(1 review)

One of the largest pearls ever found is displayed in this museum which is entirely dedicated to the mystical gems.

Robert Wan Pearl Museum
Papeete Town Hall featuring an administrative building

Papeete Town Hall

5/5(1 review)

This inspiring structure is the city’s preeminent architectural triumph with its bright colonial features, picturesque grounds and iconic clock tower.

Papeete Town Hall
Cathedrale de L\'lmmaculee Conception featuring religious elements and a church or cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

Explore a red-and-yellow cathedral, which is the oldest Catholic church in Tahiti and serves as a symbol of French colonial presence from the 1800s.

Notre Dame Cathedral
Place Jacques Chirac showing a park and general coastal views

Place Jacques Chirac

This park conveys a profound political statement in protest and memorial of the nuclear tests carried out over a period of 30 years in French Polynesia.

Place Jacques Chirac
Parc Bougainville which includes a garden

Parc Bougainville

4/5(1 review)

This tropical park is home to exotic flora and an historic statue. It is an ideal spot for a picnic in the shade of a banyan tree.

Parc Bougainville

Port de Papeete

Explore the waterfront in Papeete with a trip to Port de Papeete. Wander through the seaside and beautiful beaches in this romantic area.

Port de Papeete

Papeete Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Papeete with a trip to Papeete Ferry Terminal. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in the area.

Papeete Ferry Terminal

 

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Photo by Life Outside the Box

Faaa

Frequently asked questions

Is Papeete worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Papeete is visit Plage Toaroto. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then discover more of the area's markets and nature.
How do I spend a day in Papeete?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Plage Toaroto and Fautaua Waterfall, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Papeete.
What is the top tourist attraction in Papeete?
The top tourist attraction in Papeete is Plage Toaroto, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Papeete?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Fautaua Waterfall, Fautaua Waterfall and Plage Lafayette with a three-day getaway in Papeete. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Faaa.
Is Papeete a walkable city?
With top attractions like Jardins de Paofai in the area, Papeete is every bit a place to explore on foot. Want to discover some exciting neighbourhoods within walking distance of the city centre? Pā'ōfa'i is around 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Papeete with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all of your group, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Papeete with kids.

What to do in Papeete for adults?
Place Vaiete and Musee de la Perle Robert WAN - The Robert WAN Pearl Museum are just a few of the things to do in Papeete. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Papeete?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Papeete is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Plage Lafayette is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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