Marché de Pape’ete

Top choice


A Pape'ete institution. If you see one site in town, make it this market, which fills an entire city block. Shop for colourful pareu (sarongs), shell necklaces, woven hats and local produce in the main hall. Dotted among the meat and fish sellers are lunchtime hawkers selling takeaway Ma’a Tahiti (traditional Tahitian food), fresh fruit juices and local ice cream.

Grab an ice-cold coconut before strolling upstairs to peruse pearl shops or sit in the cafe sipping an espresso or smoothie. The most fun time to visit is early Sunday morning when local residents flock in as early as 4am.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Olivier Creations

0.11 MILES

Pape’ete is home to a number of art galleries. Olivier Creations is recommended.

3. Place Vaiete

0.14 MILES

Place Vaiete is home to multiple roulottes and occasional live-music performances at night, but is quite peaceful during the day. There are plenty of…

4. Mairie de Pape’ete

0.14 MILES

Pape’ete’s mairie is two blocks back from Blvd Pomare and a block north of Marché de Pape’ete. It was completed in 1990, in vague imitation of the old…

7. Parc Bougainville

0.27 MILES

A great spot to just chill out, Parc Bougainville is a tropical oasis in the middle of the city. Lush and cool, it’s fronted by a 1909 bust of the great…