Location: Papeete
Top Things to do in Papeete
The 10 Best Things to do in Papeete, Society Islands
Papeete is a great base for exploring Tahiti’s lagoons, black- and white-sand beaches and volcanoes. You’ll find a lively nightlife scene centered around the ferry dock. For an authentic island experience, visit Mapuru a Paraita market or Musee de la Perle to find local black pearls.
Restaurants in Papeete
1. Manua Exquisite Tahitian Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Our Gallery features stunning and unique art pieces gathered from the most talented artists of French Polynesia by Raimana POROI, passionated collector. An amazing collection reflecting Tahiti and her Islands’ rich diversity of styles.
Reviewed By Experience689375 - Idaho, United States
Pleasent staff. I am not an expert on polynesian art ,but appear knowledgeable and helpful. Ended up purchasing a nice appearing piece. Many of the works appear quite exquisite.
2. Aremiti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,302 reviews
Fast and confortable ferrys crossing between Tahiti and Moorea. Operating 7 days a week, from 05:00am to 05:30pm.
Reviewed By cyb72800
This is a great ferry to Moorea from Tahiti! It takes about 30 minutes and it is a beautiful, smooth, relaxing ride. A lot of seats to accommodate lots of passengers. Make sure you check the schedule, they usually leave on time.
3. Paofai Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By paulaY1594EG
Get away from the shops and streets and enjoy a relaxing walk through this park. A lot of effort has been put into this area to make it lovely and great place to walk, view the harbour, stop and have a meal or drink or both and enjoy the activities going on around you.
4. Terevau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
The Terevau is a high speed catamaran that runs between Tahiti and Moorea. It takes you from one side to the other one within 30 mn dock to dock, since 2012. It offers 360 comfortable seats and can board 8 vehicles, has air conditionned halls and a fully furnished snack bar.
Reviewed By BigSur707 - Paris, France
Best and fastest way to get to Moorea from Papeete. Super fast ferry, I was amazed at the speed. 17 nautical miles covered in 30 minutes. Flies through the waves. No frills, free seating. Hop on, hop off. Got our tickets on the website. No reservation required, just the actual tickets. Makes for a fun and quick crossing.
5. Municipal Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,066 reviews
This large and bustling market hall offers local farm products, handicrafts, souvenirs and a variety of fish and food products.
Reviewed By Global_Traveller11 - Salt Lake City, United States
We were initially disappointed to find the market was closed early however we managed to find time the next morning to visit and we’re glad we did. The market was bustling with locals selling everything from fresh fish to pearls, fragranced oils, carvings, flowers and everything in between. Definitely a good place to do your souvenir shopping and buy your pearls. Some vendors take card however definitely bring cash.
6. Arahoho Blowhole
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 483 reviews
Reviewed By brynnb2014 - Cahors, France
We stopped by on our way back from the waterfalls. The splash and roar from the blowhole was very exciting. We walked down a step to an observation area (partially blocked by tape, plus mangled stone and a torn up metal railing). As we stood there to watch the waves, my husband said, “Wow, that’s a big one!” just as the wave hit the rocks and totally drenched the family, including my 74-year-old mother. She declared it the most fun she had in all of Tahiti, and we haven’t stopped laughing about it yet. There’s a nice bathroom in the parking lot as well as freshwater showers. It’s a great vantage point to watch surfers and boogie boarders.
7. Musee de la perle et Bijouterie
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 383 reviews
The Robert WAN Pearl Museum provides a comprehensive guide to the history and legends of pearls, crossing different cultures and civilizations. Visitors to the museum learn how the pearls are grafted and can see a collection of the world’s most beautiful cultured gems. A highlight of the collection is the largest round Tahitian cultured pearl in existence: a 22mm round Tahitian Silver (grey) of AAA quality, weighing 8.7 grams. Fittings, this pearl is called the “Robert WAN”. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum is a must do activity of the island of Tahiti. It confides to its visitors not only all the Cultured Pearl’s secrets and its History, but also all the tools and trust to choose their pearls. Only Museum dedicated to the Pearl, the Robert Wan Pearl Museum provides numerous illustrations and explanations that are as adapted for amateurs as for experienced people. Robert Wan reveals all the secrets of conception of the Tahitian Cultured Pearls and discloses its symbol over the centuries.
Reviewed By Bing676 - Ipoh, Malaysia
I would recommend all first-time visitors to French Polynesia to visit this place: the Robert Wan's pearl museum in Papeete. You will gain first-hand knowledge on the cultivation of Tahitian pearls in French Polynesia from several life-sized dioramas and 2 large television screens playing videos of Tahitian pearl farming. There is a pearl store connected to the pearl museum and you will learn about how expensive the top quality Tahitian pearls are! We saw a strand of large, round multi-coloured pearls which had a price tag of USD510,000.00(Yes, Five hundred & Ten thousand American Dollars!!!). But have no fear, the salespersons here will not harass you or throw you out of their store for not buying anything, my Uncle & I didn't buy anything here and we spent around 45 minutes watching the various videos and admiring all the beautiful pearls on display. Mr. Robert Wan is very generous to allow everyone to enter his pearl museum Free-of-Charge and you can browse around the pearl store without any pressure at all while enjoying the air-conditioning!
8. Notre Dame Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By Experience149082
I recommand to see this church for those who love history, architecture and for those who love church singing.
9. Bougainville Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By jerryg364 - Montgomery, United States
The park is a relatively quiet place in the midst of a bustling port area. It features beautiful flowering plants and trees and a pond with water lilies and koi fish. Great place to relax and enjoy a lunch or just cool your heels (your heels do get hot in Papeete!)
