Published on 24 July 2023
Reading time: 4 min.
Papeete is pronounced “Papé-été”, which means waterbasket. It is a place you should definitely visit during your vacation in The Islands of Tahiti. Shopping, gastronomy, modern and ancestral culture – a day in Papeete is always a memorable experience.
What to do in Papeete
Notre-Dame Cathedral, a historic start
All distances in Tahiti are measured from Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is at PK0 (kilometer point zero). Inaugurated in 1875, this emblematic monument with its imposing belltower, magnificent stained-glass windows and bright yellow exterior, welcomes visitors.

Cultural immersion at Paofai Protestant Temple
On a Sunday morning, visit the Protestant temple in Paofai to admire the beautiful hats and traditional dresses of the parishioners. The hymn singing is uplifting and simply wonderful.



Paofai gardens and sea front
After listening to the singing, go for a stroll through the gardens of Paofai and along the seafront. You’ll certainly appreciate the magnificent views over the lagoon.

Place To’ata and the Heiva i Tahiti in July
As you head back towards the center, you’ll pass Place To’ata, where the Heiva i Tahiti traditional festival is held each year in July. With spectacular performances of traditional music and dance, it is the most important and popular cultural festival in French Polynesia.

Papeete market
On any weekday, step out of the glaring sun into the cool shade of Papeete market. You’ll find a wide variety of local produce as well as stalls selling examples of all the traditional arts and crafts, from pareos to tiki sculptures.

A day trip to Moorea
To end your visit in style, reserve an excursion to Moorea from the Gare Maritime in Papeete. You’ll discover the magnificent beaches, crystal clear turquoise lagoon and breathtaking scenery of this jewel in The Islands of Tahiti.

Thematics
Did you find this content useful?
Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to let us know that you found this content useful. Your encouragement is important to us, and your feedback helps us to improve.
Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to let us know that this content was not useful to you. We apologise for any inconvenience.
This form is currently unavailable.
Share this content
Share this content
You might also like
- Culture
- Discovery experience
- Fakarava Island
- Family
- Hiva Oa Island
- Marquesas Islands
- Nature
- Nuku Hiva Island
- Raiatea Island
- Society Islands
- Sustainable
- Tuamotu Islands
- Ua Huka Island
- Ua Pou Island
All UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Published on 04 Dec 2024
Reading time: 4 min.
- Discovery experience
The most Instagram worthy spots in The Islands of Tahiti
Published on 01 Feb 2024
Reading time: 1 min.
- Culture
- Discovery experience
- Hiva Oa Island
- Marquesas Islands
- Nature
The Tiki of Taaoa and the Upeke Archeological Site
Published on 09 Sep 2023
Reading time: 4 min.
- Activity experience
- Beach
- Culinary
- Discovery experience
- Family
- Nature
Published on 07 Sep 2023
Reading time: 4 min.
- Beach
- Discovery experience
- Rangiroa Island
- Tuamotu Islands
Published on 04 Sep 2023
Reading time: 4 min.
- Discovery experience
- Shopping
- Tahiti Island
Published on 01 Sep 2023
Reading time: 3 min.