Papeete, a Family Destination

Published on 23 August 2023

Reading time: 4 min.

Welcome to Papeete, the vibrant capital of Tahiti. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, take a tour round the town center with the family. There’s plenty to do for children and adults. Visit the lively market, stroll along the waterfront and let the family get its first taste of this South Sea island.

A visit to Papeete market is a unique experience, especially on a Sunday morning. Colorful market stands run by colorful market traders selling fresh produce, local craftsmanship and souvenirs from all over French Polynesia. The kids wil love the hustle and bustle, and the chance to taste exotic fruits and see fish that they’ve never seen before. After visiting the market, stroll around the town and admire the works of street art on the walls; the fruit of an international street art fair held in the capital. Make your way down to the waterfront to look at the sailing boats and catamarans. Continue on to the park at Paofai. There’s a children’s playground and a small tourist train which goes round the park. Enjoy an ice cream and a fresh fruit juice as you watch the sunset over the island of Moorea.

Culture for the whole family

There are cultural activities for all the family in Papeete. At the Musée de la Perle you can learn all about pearl cultivation and its importance to the economy of The Islands of Tahiti. Visit the Jardin de la Reine (The Queen’s Garden) at the Assemblée to learn about the history of French Polynesia and relax in the pleasant surroundings. In July, don’t miss the Heiva i Tahiti, traditional dance and music festival. The dances are a magnificent spectacle and the cosutmes are really sumptuous.

Papeete waterfront ©Grégoire Le Bacon — Musée de la Perle © Audrey Svoboda

The Heiva i Tahiti is the most important expression of Polynesian culture in The Islands of Tahiti, and watching an evening of traditional music and dance is a truly unforgettable experience. For a different type of culture, visit the Kanti Chinese temple where you’ll discover the rich Asian influence in French Polynesia. On Sundays, there are church services at the cathedral in Papeete and at Paofai temple. You are welcome to attend and enjoy the beautiful singing of the congregation.

Leisure activities for all the family

Visit the Maison de la Culture to learn about the ancestral Polynesian culture of The Islands of Tahiti. You can also attend the traditional music and dance spectacles that are regularly organized here.

For the more energetic families, a hiking expedition to the Fautaua valley is an opportunity to explore another aspect of French Polynesia. The views are superb and the luxuriant vegetation will give the kids a first view of the different and unique environment in The Islands of Tahiti. When you get back to Papeete, you’ll find a vast choice of restaurants, snackbars, and food trucks. You can find all types of cuisine, from pizzas and hamburgers to gourmet French and Chinese cooking. You’ll also be able to enjoy traditional Tahitian dishes, including the delicious poisson cru..

Discover the natural beauty of French Polynesia by staying on the island of Tahiti. Take advantage of our holiday offers to immerse yourself in the Polynesian way of life and let yourself be seduced by the island’s wild nature.

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