Things to do in Papeete

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Papeete
Papeete Town Hall which includes a garden and heritage architecture
Papeete Market which includes interior views and markets as well as a small group of people
Papeete Market showing flowers
Papeete showing cruising, a bay or harbor and kayaking or canoeing

Papeete Attractions

It's hardly surprising that so many travelers visit Papeete year after year. This appealing city is overflowing with amazing things to do. Whether you're interested in exploring tourist attractions or attempting more adventurous activities, you won't have a dull moment here.

Find out what makes Papeete tick with the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {64 fun activities in Papeete fun activities in Papeete}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Papeete must see attractions

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 featuring markets and food

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 which includes a river or creek and a park

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 fashion

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 which includes an administrative buidling

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 which includes religious aspects and a church or cathedral

6. 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 which includes a park

7. 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 featuring general coastal views and a garden

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What to do in Papeete

Free Things to Do in Papeete

An escape to Papeete doesn't have to cost a lot. You won't even need your wallet if you check out:

Black Pearl Museum

- Check to see if there are any special displays or tours on at this popular museum.

Papeete Market

- Pay a visit and learn about the significance of this place to the local community.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

- Do a bit of quiet contemplation and discover a few things about this site's religious importance.

Parc Bougainville

- Whether you can separate your peonies from poppies, it's easy to find beauty in this magnificent display.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Papeete? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Papeete

Papeete Market featuring markets and food

Papeete Market

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 which includes a river or creek and a park

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 showing fashion

Robert Wan Pearl Museum

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 which includes an administrative buidling

Papeete Town Hall

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 which includes religious aspects 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
Parc Bougainville which includes a park

Parc Bougainville

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
Place Jacques Chirac featuring general coastal views and a garden

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

Port de Papeete

Explore the waterfront in Papeete with a trip to Port de Papeete. Wander 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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Papeete

Photo by Marixa Schroeder

Pirae

Photo by Life Outside the Box

Faaa

Frequently asked questions

Is Papeete worth visiting?
Known for its markets and nature, discovering cool things to do in Papeete is simple. Don't forget to add Plage Toaroto to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Papeete?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Plage Toaroto and Fautaua Waterfall. Then, check out different areas of Papeete for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Papeete?
Don't go home without exploring Plage Toaroto, ranked the top tourist attraction in Papeete.
Is three days enough to stay in Papeete?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city sights, including Fautaua Waterfall, Fautaua Waterfall and Plage Lafayette. The average stay in Papeete is two days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, Faaa isn't far away.
Is Papeete a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your type of getaway, Papeete is a perfect place to visit. Find major sights, like Jardins de Paofai, within walking distance of downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll around Pā'ōfa'i, a vibrant neighborhood located about 1 mile from the city center.
What are some activities to do in Papeete with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all ages, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Papeete with kids.

What to do in Papeete for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Papeete for adults including Place Vaiete and Musee de la Perle Robert WAN - The Robert WAN Pearl Museum.
Are there free things to do in Papeete?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Papeete. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Plage Lafayette is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.

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