Papeete Travelers Recommend

Many travelers to French Polynesia pass through Papeete because the main international airport is there. The little South Pacific capital is worth more than just a fly-by visit, though. With three days in Papeete, you have time to see the sights, explore the island of Tahiti, and even get out to neighboring Moorea. Here’s how.

Day 1: Get to know Papeete

Papeete is a chilled-out town that combines elements of French and Pasifika culture. In the morning, stop by the lively Municipal Market, the old churches, and the tropical parks and gardens with their French je ne sais quoi. A guided tour is a good way to see the city’s highlights while learning about the culture and history of the islands. After lunch, while away the afternoon on a dolphin-spotting tour, a snorkeling trip, or a sunset cruise. Then at dinnertime, head to the food trucks along the waterfront, and get your fill of fresh seafood or crepes before getting the party started with some local rum punch or Tahitian wine.

Day 2: Explore Tahiti

Tahiti is only one of the French Polynesian islands. It’s the largest, though, so there’s a lot to see beyond Papeete—including miles of black-sand beaches (with a few special white-sand ones), and a mountainous, forest-clad interior. Spend your second day beach hopping on your own or on a guided tour, stopping at waterfalls, blowholes, and a famous lighthouse along the way. At night, sit down to a luxurious dinner at a fine-dining establishment back in Papeete.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Moorea

Just 28 miles (45 kilometers) northwest of Tahiti, Moorea is a major destination in its own right, where the geology and geography are quite different from Tahiti’s. Spend day three on this island paradise, being as active or relaxed as you wish. Go on a boat tour around Moorea’s coastline, stopping to swim and snorkel in sheltered lagoons, or enjoy the thrill of an off-road 4x4 adventure into Moorea’s mountainous interior. Visit pineapple and vanilla plantations inland, or just kick back on a white-sand beach. Joining a guided tour is an easy way to travel between Papeete and Moorea, but ferries are also available to independent visitors.

It’s a pleasure getting to know Papeete (also spelled Pape’ete), the vibrant capital of French Polynesia, on the island of Tahiti. The city’s mix of Polynesian and French culture is on display in the cuisine and architecture, and the natural beauty is 100 percent South Pacific. Here’s how to make the most of a day there.

Morning: Take a city tour

Get an overview of the city and optimize your time by joining a guided tour. You’ll see markets, gardens and parks, churches, museums, and hidden places you might otherwise overlook. See the sights by vehicle, on foot, or for the more adventurous, by Segway or e-bike. As Papeete can be hot, be prepared with plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. At the end of your tour, grab a light lunch at the Municipal Market, and don’t forget to try some of the delicious local fruit.

Afternoon: Join a dolphin-watching cruise

After lunch, head out onto the water to appreciate Tahiti’s spectacular natural beauty. A dolphin-watching cruise is a fun excursion that travelers with a range of interests will enjoy, including kids. Your chance of spotting dolphins is good, but even if you don’t manage to catch a glimpse, cruises typically include time for swimming and snorkeling at a sheltered spot. You might also check out some skilled surfers at play.

Night: Dine on food truck fare

At night, dozens of food trucks set up along Papeete’s waterfront, and there’s no better place to enjoy an inexpensive local dinner and, sometimes, live music. Try a variety of delicacies—think fresh seafood, crepes, frites, and more. If you’re in the mood to celebrate, sample some of the local punch made with rum, lime, and sugar.

Papeete is a good jumping-off point for exploring Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia. With a hybrid culture, delicious food, and beautiful nature, the city and environs have plenty to see and do. Read on for our top suggestions for a 2-day itinerary.

Day 1: Tour around town

**Morning:**Get an overview of the city on a guided walking, cycling, or Segway tour. You’ll stop by churches, gardens, museums, and hidden places you might otherwise overlook. Afterward, experience local culture and pick up a light lunch or some tropical fruit at the bustling Municipal Market. 

**Afternoon:**Take a boat ride around the coast of Tahiti. Dolphin-watching cruises are fun for travelers of all ages, and you also typically get to swim or snorkel in a lagoon. Alternatively, relax over a long, leisurely lunch, then join a sunset cruise to take you into the evening.

**Night:**Every evening, Papeete’s waterfront comes alive with food trucks and, sometimes, live music. Sample delicacies that combine the best of Polynesian and French cuisine. If you want to get the party started, seek out some local punch made with Tahitian rum.

Day 2: Explore Tahiti

**Morning:**Tahiti is more than just Papeete, so head out to see the island. Guided tours lead you to more remote places, such as traditional meeting houses (marae), caves, waterfalls, and an iconic lighthouse.

**Afternoon:**After an active morning, spend the afternoon chilling out on one of Tahiti’s black-sand beaches. The one closest to Papeete, Bain Lot Beach, is within walking distance of the center of town.

**Night:**On your last night in Papeete, try some first-rate cuisine combining French and Tahitian ingredients and flavors. Freshly caught seafood features prominently on most menus, as does French wine. Or taste Tahitian wine, produced from grapes grown on neighboring Rangiroa Atoll.