Walking through its open-air markets today, you feel that enduring warmth in the scent of frangipani and the genuine smile of vendors haggling over fresh fish. It is no longer just an administrative hub but a lively, colorful gateway where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern island life, inviting you to slow down and savor the rhythm of the Pacific.
Do Papeete the way locals do: start slow at Belvedere Lookout, eat where the regulars do at Papeete Market, let the evening run long at Les 3 Brasseurs.
Top things to do in Papeete Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Papeete Market
Market · ★ 4.4 (2,127 reviews)
City market selling all manner of goods from fruit & vegetables to handicrafts & souvenirs.
Check tours & tickets 2
Cascades de Faarumai
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (816 reviews)
Destination for picturesque hikes leading to 3 large waterfalls in a natural, secluded setting.
Check tours & tickets 3
Water Gardens Vaipahi
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.6 (943 reviews)
Compact nature area with tropical flowers & vegetation, a small waterfall & mountain trailheads.
Check tours & tickets 4
Museum of Tahiti and The Islands
Museum · ★ 4.6 (666 reviews)
Opened in 1974, this Polynesian ethnographic museum offers artifacts, exhibits & a courtyard garden.
Check tours & tickets 6
Pā'ōfa'i Gardens
Park · ★ 4.6 (482 reviews)
Lushly landscaped green space with hundreds of trees, walking trails & ornamental fish ponds.
Check tours & tickets 7
Place Vai'ete
Park · ★ 4.3 (601 reviews)
Waterfront park & gathering place popular for its convergence of food trucks in the evening.
Check tours & tickets 9
Musée de la Perle Robert Wan
Museum · ★ 4.3 (272 reviews)
Intimate museum offering educational exhibits on the legends of pearls & jewelry making.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Papeete Market
Market · ★ 4.4 (2,127 reviews)
City market selling all manner of goods from fruit & vegetables to handicrafts & souvenirs.
12
Place Vai'ete
Park · ★ 4.3 (601 reviews)
Waterfront park & gathering place popular for its convergence of food trucks in the evening.
13
Le RAINA
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (392 reviews)
Website 14
Le Sully
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (318 reviews)
Website 15
L'O A La Bouche
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (251 reviews)
Website 16
Tahiti La Plage
Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (419 reviews)
Website 17
Urban Café
Coffee Shop · ★ 4.4 (350 reviews)
Website 18
Le Retro
Restaurant · ★ 4 (479 reviews)
Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Papeete
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
Get outside 25
Belvedere Lookout
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.8 (1,441 reviews)
Picturesque lookout point boasting striking views of mountains, bays & agricultural fields.
26
Water Gardens Vaipahi
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.6 (943 reviews)
Compact nature area with tropical flowers & vegetation, a small waterfall & mountain trailheads.
Website 27
Pā'ōfa'i Gardens
Park · ★ 4.6 (482 reviews)
Lushly landscaped green space with hundreds of trees, walking trails & ornamental fish ponds.
28
Magic Mountain Overlook
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.8 (372 reviews)
29
Parc Vaira'i
Park · ★ 4.5 (150 reviews)
After dark 30
Les 3 Brasseurs
Sports Bar · ★ 4.1 (851 reviews)
Website 31
Moko Café Tahiti
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.8 (101 reviews)
32
LE QUINN'S RESTAURANT BAR
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (88 reviews)
Website 33
Tiki Bar
Bar · ★ 4.4 (126 reviews)
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