Top 15 Things to Do in Papeete: Your Layover Plans in Tahiti 2024
Looking for the top things to do in Papeete?
There are so many amazing and adventurous things to do in Papeete, Tahiti! If you are planning a getaway to one of French Polynesia’s breathtaking islands, such as Bora Bora. At some point in your journey, you will have a layover in Papeete, Tahiti.
Why not make the most out of your day in Tahiti and make an adventure out of it? I stayed in Papeete twice during our trip to Bora Bora.
My husband and I loved our time there, which is why I am so excited to share with you all of the top things to do in Papeete, Tahiti, and how to plan an unforgettable layover in Papeete.
Top 15 Things to Do Papeete, Tahiti
Here are my tips for the best things to do in Papeete, Tahiti. First and foremost, you need to get up early if you want to see and experience as much as you can on your layover in Papeete.
We learned from our B&B host that Polynesians traditionally go to bed early so they can rise with the sun. Still being on Pacific Time, we did just that and started our day at 6 am with some coffee and breakfast on the outdoor terrace of our guest house.
Your unforgettable layover in Papeete starts now!
The 3 BEST Things to Do in Papeete
💐Visit the local Papeete Market. Tip, the morning is the best time to go to the market
✅ Experience the highlights of Tahiti (including a coastal Lava tube!) with a unique and adventurous Tour
🍣 Make a pit stop for some delicious food at the Roulettes in downtown Papeete
1. Visit the Papeete Market
The Papeete Market, which is known in Tahiti as the Municipal Market, is a must thing to do in Papeete.
Once you arrive at the market, you are surrounded by the vibrant and beautiful colors of Tahiti. Vendors from all over the island will be at their individual tables selling their crafts.
The market is two floors full of fresh fruits, souvenirs, jewelry, a variety of fish, gorgeous flowers, and other local products.
Music filled the air from a band beautifully playing upbeat Polynesian music outside the entrance. They sat together in a circle on the corner of the street with smiles as they played their instruments.
If you have the opportunity, I think the Municipal Market should absolutely be on your list of things to do in Papeete and your layover in Tahiti.
It helps support the locals and is also a great way to experience a little of their culture. A tip we learned from a local is that morning is the best time to visit the market.
The market is open every day from 6:30AM to 6:00PM, except on Sundays, when it opens from 4:30AM to 9:00AM.
2. Experience the Ultimate Papeete & Tahiti Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4-5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
If you want to skip the self-guided tour and experience as much of Tahiti as you can, then you should book this highly rated Unique Tahiti Tour.
It is a half day tour and perfect for travelers who are only in Papeete for a short trip and want to see the highlights of Tahiti.
Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel, airport, or port to begin your authentic island tour. On this tour, you will learn more about Tahiti’s unique culture, nature, and history.
“We had a wonderful time, and would definitely recommend this company. We only had one day on Tahiti, and this is the absolute best way to see as much as possible.” – Miles R. (read more reviews)
Also, your day will be packed with lots of adventure and unique experiences. You will have the opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path locations including breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, a coastal Lava Tube, the Papeete Market, a visit to a local town, and more with your personal tour guide.
✅ Book this unique and adventurous Tahiti Tour here
3. Eat at the Roulettes (Food Trucks) in Downtown Papeete
I do not want you to miss out on this during your stay in Papeete! If you have time before your flight, stop by Vaiete Square to experience Tahiti’s local cuisine and culture. It is one of the best things to do in Papeete, Tahiti at night.
Located at the waterfront you will find roulettes, which are food trucks. The popular roulettes open up for dinner and serve a variety of delicious cuisines. Including, freshly caught fish, Chinese, burgers, sandwiches, and much more. I recommend saving room for dessert and ordering one of their mouthwatering crepes.
The food trucks tend to be less expensive than restaurants, so stopping at the roulettes for dinner is a great option if you are looking for a more affordable meal in Papeete. They also have big portion sizes, so it is perfect for sharing!
4. Shopping Downtown Papeete
Your layover and visit to Tahiti are not complete without a visit to Downtown Papeete. Getting an early start on your journey downtown is best because most stores close around 5 pm.
Downtown Papeete is bustling with plenty of shopping, cafés, restaurants, and the Papeete Market.
The Downtown area was easy to get around. When we arrived in Downtown Papeete, we did not have a plan, but we decided to walk the streets and see where each turn took us.
While you are there, you should bounce around to the many different stores and browse their souvenirs and local clothing stores.
Or you can make your way to the seafront to the largest shopping area in Papeete, Centre Vaima, or the Vaima Center. It is very similar to a mall you would see in America. The Centre Vaima offers over 60 stores and restaurants.
5. Devour Yummy Macaroons
Craving something sweet? Take a moment and enjoy some fresh and delicious macaroons from Les Rêves De Lucie, a small cafe Downtown.
They had a wonderful display of brightly colored macaroons with various unique flavors to choose from. We could not help ourselves from buying and eating an entire box.
6. Book A Tahitian Massage In Tahiti
After a morning and afternoon of walking the city, add a relaxing Tahitian massage to your Papeete itinerary. Our flight was not until 8 pm, so we still had half of the day to see more of Tahiti. We decided to book a massage and have lunch at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort.
This is the perfect idea if you have a later flight in the day. We were able to relax with a great massage, and afterward took a shower, and changed into our clothes for our flight.
Also, something to consider for your budget. If you plan on booking a massage at some point during your stay in the French Polynesian Islands. You will find better prices in Tahiti than booking at your hotel in Bora Bora or one of the other islands.
7. Eat a Traditional Polynesian Meal
Another one of the best things to do in Papeete is to eat and taste all of the delicious Polynesian food! I could not get enough of all of the fresh fish and fruit, and my personal favorite dish the Poisson Cru au Lait de Coco.
If you like ceviche, then you will love this Tahitian dish! Instead of lime, the raw fish is marinated in creamy coconut milk, giving it a rich and velvety texture. I promise you, you will be dreaming about this dish for years to come.
If you are looking for exquisite French food with a Polynesian flair, then I suggest the restaurant l’O à la Bouche.
Trust me, you will not be disappointed. They have top-notch service, a romantic atmosphere, and delicious food. Make sure to order their scrumptious profiteroles for dessert. Book your table in advance, their reservations fill up fast!
8. Day Trip to Moorea
If you are planning on staying in Papeete for more than a day, you may want to consider visiting Moorea.
Moorea is a volcanic island in French Polynesia. It is known for its incredible coral reefs, lush landscapes, whale watching, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Moorea is a quick and easy ferry ride away from Tahiti.
Plan a day of snorkeling at off-the-beaten-path locations and experience Moorea’s diverse marine life and beautiful coral reefs.
✅ Check rates & availability for the Snorkeling Excursion in Moorea here
9. Tahiti Pearl Market
A Tahitian pearl is the perfect gift or souvenir to remember your time in French Polynesia. These rare black pearls are found in the black-lipped oysters that are most commonly found in the South Sea ocean waters in French Polynesia.
A saying we heard was “You don’t pick the pearl, but the pearl picks you.” Well, that’s exactly what happened and we ended up buying a beautiful single black pearl necklace.
If you are interested in buying Tahitian pearls, the Tahiti Pearl Market has an excellent selection in downtown Papeete.
Free Things to Do in Papeete, Tahiti
10. Walk Along the Marina of Papeete
Take the scenic route towards downtown and walk along the stunning Papeete waterfront. It is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a long flight or get some exercise in the morning.
At the waterfront, you will find the beautiful Paofai’s Garden, numerous sailboats, large pontoons, and gorgeous yachts all docked along the port. Enjoy a peaceful walk while you take in all of the splendid views.
11. Admire Paofai’s Lush Garden
As you are walking the waterfront, make sure to stop and admire the lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and tranquil ponds at Paofai’s Garden. The garden feels like a little peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
12. Protestant Temple Papeete
You can’t miss it! Literally, you can’t miss it! It’s a beautiful bright PINK church across from the waterfront. On a Sunday morning, you can stop by the Protestant Temple and enjoy a lovely service.
13. Cathedral of Papeete
Another building you will come across when exploring Papeete is the Cathedral of Papeete, also known as the Notre Dame Cathedral.
It is a small, but adorable church located in the heart of downtown Papeete. It was built in the 19th century, making it the oldest Catholic church in Tahiti. Stop by for Sunday morning mass or get an up-close look and admire the rose-colored windows.
14. Attend a Tahitian Event or Festival
Throughout the year you can find annual events and festivals on the island of Tahiti, including Chinese New Year, a Polynesian canoe race, fashion week, a film festival, music performances, and many more.
One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Heiva Tahiti Festival, which is celebrated during the month of July.
The Heiva Tahiti Festival, known as the Polynesian Celebration of Life, is a deeply rooted Tahitian tradition that showcases the culture and history of the islands. The festival features dancing, singing, art, music, and lots of celebrating!
15. Discover One of the Many Black Sand Beaches
One of the more unique things you can do when visiting Papeete is walk along a black sand beach. Tahiti is famously known for its beautiful black sand beaches that are pretty easy to access from Papeete. Some of the popular ones that are close to Papeete include:
- Lafayette Beach: Approximately 15 to 20 minute drive from Papeete
- Point Venus Black Sand Beach: Approximately 20 minute drive from Papeete
- Plage de Vaiava: Approximately 20 to 30-minute drive from Papeete
- Taharuu: Approximately 1-hour drive from Papeete
We decided to visit Lafayette Beach, this is a great option, especially if you want a bite to eat or a massage at the Le Tahiti Pearl Resort. The resort sits right on the waterfront, features spectacular views, and provides easy access to this secluded beach.
We could not visit Tahiti without sticking our toes in the refreshing ocean waters and walking along the volcanic ash coastline. We were so fortunate to have chosen Pearl Beach Resort to spend the rest of our day in Tahiti.
To get to Lafayette Beach, you can either take a cab, drive, or take a bus from downtown Papeete. The bus
Lafayette Beach is about a 15 to 20-minute taxi ride from downtown Papeete. Have lunch outside by their pool that overlooks the ocean and stunning black sand beach. Afterward, take a stroll down to the gorgeous black beach that stretches along the coastline for miles.
A visit to Lafayette Beach is the perfect opportunity to get away from the city and relax in front of some incredible views!
Best Things To Do Near Papeete
If you have more time to explore Papeete and Tahiti here are some of the top things to do in Tahiti:
- Hike One of Tahiti’s Breathtaking Trails
- Surf at the Famous Teahupoo
- Admire Tahiti’s Incredible Waterfalls: Faarumai Waterfalls & Papeno’o Valley
- Visit La Plage de Maui: One of the only white sand beaches in Tahiti.
Where to Stay in Papeete
If you are only staying in Tahiti for a one-night layover, I would highly consider staying in Papeete. You will be close to the airport and be in a walkable location to explore the city during the day.
My husband and I stayed at Fare Suisse twice during our time in Tahiti. I do recommend staying here, especially if you want a more budget-friendly option. It was not an overly fancy place to stay, but the owners and the hospitality were outstanding.
Budget Friendly Recommendation Fare Suisse Tahiti:
We booked Fare Suisse because of its location, it was about a 15-minute walk to downtown and only a 10 minute drive to the airport or ferry dock.
Also, Fare Suisse is owned and run by a couple who you can tell put a lot of hard work and love into their business. They offer a free and private shuttle to and from the airport or ferry dock. Breakfast is available every morning for a small fee. Faire Suisse provides free baggage storage and a bathroom with a shower is offered for free for guests who have a late flight out.
The owners, Thérèse and Beni were extremely accommodating and informative, which made for a great stay and layover in Papeete, Tahiti.
Mid to Luxury Range Recommendation: Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
Le Tahiti is located outside of Papeete and only a 25-minute drive to Fa’a’ā International Airport. We visited Le Tahiti on one of our days in Tahiti. What really stood out to us about this resort is its stunning views and access to one of Tahiti’s famous black sand beaches.
Take a dip in their spacious infinity pool that overlooks Lafayette Beach. Or enjoy lunch and a tropical cocktail at the waterfront restaurant that serves a mix of Tahitian, southeast Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Tip: If you are looking to save on your vacation, the cheapest time to visit Bora Bora is during the off-season, which starts in Bora Bora in December through March.
Frequently Asked Questions: Papeete
Is Papeete Worth Visiting
While you are traveling to the islands of French Polynesia, Papeete is worth visiting and exploring. The city may not be as well known or sought after as Bora Bora. However, Papeete still has its own unique charm and attractions.
As the capital of Tahiti, Papeete allows you to immerse yourself in the Tahitian culture. You can visit the Papeete Market to sample traditional foods, shop for local handicrafts, and experience the sights and sounds of daily life.
As the transportation hub of the French Polynesia Islands, you cannot travel to popular destinations like Raiatea, Moorea, and the iconic Bora Bora without visiting Papeete first.
So even if it is just for a short period of time like a layover, Papeete is still worth a visit to experience the local culture, cuisine, shopping, and bustling city life of Tahiti.
What is Papeete, Tahiti Known For
Papeete is the capital of Tahiti and the main hub of the French Polynesian Islands. This is mainly because it is where the Faa’a International Airport is located. The Papeete airport is the only international airport in French Polynesia.
I quickly learned and later experienced that Papeete is the heart of Tahiti. During the day you can find a lively city bursting with culture, restaurants, food trucks, and tons of shopping.
My personal favorite thing to do in Papeete was the Municipal Market, where we spent time with the locals and experienced their everyday life in Tahiti.
How Do You Get Around Papeete Without a Car
The best way to get around Tahiti is either by walking or by taxi. You can also get around by bus, but there is no Uber or Lyft in Papeete. We pretty much walked everywhere in Papeete. We only needed a cab when we wanted to go outside of downtown.
There are also tours you can book if you want to explore the island and get outside of the city, like to see Tahiti’s infamous waterfalls!
One thing I wish I knew before traveling to Tahiti is how to hail a taxi in Papeete! We had a very hard time finding a taxi. In fact, I don’t recall ever seeing one while we were in Papeete (not including the airport). We also had a very difficult time calling for one.
If you plan on using a taxi to get around Tahiti, I would have the hotel contact them for you in advance.
In Conclusion: Things To Do In Papeete
There you have it, the list of the top 15 things to do in Papeete, Tahiti to add to your itinerary. Papeete is the heart of Tahiti and is worth visiting!
Even if you are only spending a day or a layover in Tahiti, there is still so much for you to do and see. I hope these tips will help you plan an unforgettable 24 hours in Papeete.
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