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Sightseeing in Papeete - what to see. Complete travel guide

Papeete One of the oldest cities in French Polynesia, Papeete-Tahiti is the administrative center of Tahiti. The city’s name can be literally translated as "water from the basket". This unusual name appeared due to the area’s orientation – this place had always been an important center of agriculture. When first Europeans appeared on the island, they were astonished by the level of economic and social relations.
Excursion over cultural sights of Papeete - 'must visit' points of interest
A major part of historical and cultural landmarks and sights of the tourist destination was destroyed in the end of the 19th century by an extensive fire. A ruinous cyclone battered on … Open
Within last few centuries Papeete has been damaged by disasters several times. They have led to serious damages and have taken thousands of citizens’ lives. In 1884 the city was almost completely burnt by fire, and after 12 years it was severely damaged by the torrential rains. Today Papeete is one of the most popular beach resorts. This is a modern city full of attractions and perfect for attractive and comfortable rest.
The central part of city is Toata Square. Here are located main cultural events, concerts and performances. The square can accommodate several thousand spectators. The main government buildings of the city - the Palace of the President, the High Commissioner and other buildings – are located nearby. The square on which stands the building of the Territorial Assembly and several other monuments is also a remarkable place recommended for visiting. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Your active city break in Papeete. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Papeete is a genuine paradise for active leisure enthusiasts and night life fans. The resort offers its guests scenic gardens and parks for serene leisure and sporting activities, plenty of … Open
The main shopping street of the city is called Centre Vaima. While walking in shops and trading rows, you can reach another notable building - the magnificent Notre Dame of Papeete Cathedral built in 1875. The city has several botanical gardens, the most popular of which are Mataoa Garden and the garden of Harrison Smith. You should definitely visit the Museum of Tahiti, the Museum of Ocean, and the Museum of Gauguin, and the Tahiti Pearl Center Museum that exhibit most wonderful items and collections.
Many interesting attractions are associated with the names of royal figures and prominent artists. Here you will find a magnificent old mansion, which formerly belonged to Johanna Marau Taʻaroa, the last Queen of Tahiti. Today the luxury mansion standing in a beautiful tropical garden is considered one of the most beautiful buildings on the islands.
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Papeete
1. Tourists are recommended to explore the city of Papeete on foot as all the significant landmarks and sights as well as entertaining facilities are located in close vicinity to each other. … Open
While vacationing in the capital of Tahiti, you can take an unforgettable walk in the Chinese style. The city has preserved an ancient Chinese quarter called Ku Man Tong. It is remarkable for its picturesque oriental-style buildings. This colorful quarter allows you to meet a lot of interesting souvenir shops. It also accommodates attractive Chinese restaurants offering affordable prices, as well as gastronomic shops where you could buy interesting Chinese specialties.
Papeete, Tahiti An amazing place perfectly suited for admiring nature is the Assembly Park. Once founded by order of the Queen, every year this park is decorated with spectacular landscape elements and chic flower beds. In the immediate vicinity of the park, there is Queen's Pond - these two sights are considered to be a single whole.
Extraordinary weekend in Papeete - unusual places, services and attractions for travel gourmet
… Open
Many tourists are familiar with the historic To'ota Square, which serves as a starting point for many sightseeing tours. However, not all travelers know about the main secret of this square - a huge banyan tree adorning it. According to local residents, Gauguin liked to relax in the shade of this tree, having previously bought a bottle of his favorite absinthe in one of the nearby shops.
\"Downtown Papeete\", Tahiti An important monument of colonial times is the surviving Waiami hospital building. Prominent architectural monuments also include the historic Stewart Hotel building. This hotel has long acquired the status of an important city landmark. Today anyone can book a suitable room here. Many travelers stay in a luxury hotel for a few days just to appreciate its unique historic atmosphere.
Cuisine of Papeete for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe
Considering all remarkable gastronomy establishments of Papeete the Jimmy Restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine is best worth visiting. The eating house serves its guests till late night … Open
Fans of long walks should definitely climb to the top of the Fire Hill where they will find one of the most beautiful and interesting in viewing platforms. Once there was an observatory on the top of the hill, but a few years ago it was completely destroyed by fire. Today, a commemorative stele set on a hilltop reminds us of this sad event.
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Papeete is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
Papeete - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

City tours, excursions and tickets in Papeete and surroundings

Sights around Papeete from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Moorea

From the series “The Most Beautiful Islands on the Planet”
Check on the map:   Distance from Papeete center - 23.3 km.
There are about 16,000 people living on Moorea Island. Although there are no historical sites on the island, the local natural attractions are simply invaluable. The nature and hiking lovers can climb up the mountain Belvedere and appreciate the panorama of the island from the height, as well as the wonderfully beautiful Golfe Cooks and Opunohu. The beauty and harmony of the snow-white sandy beaches of Moore can hardly be described with the words. The island has a lot of wonderful beaches without any infrastructure. … Read further

Sightseeing in French Polynesia: things to see

Moorea Island is no less beautiful than Tahiti. This island is famous for its numerous sanctuaries. There are more than a hundred churches and cathedrals on the island, but besides that Moorea is a great place to see the beauty of nature in its splendour. The most famous destinations there include the Dolphin Centre, Vairoro Falls and Opunohu Bay. The bay is also an important historic site as that is the place where Captain Cook landed in 1769. … Open
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Papeete photo gallery

Travel News
Hilton builds third luxury hotel in Kyoto

The Hilton Kyoto hotel will be attractive to a wide range of guests. Leisure travelers will appreciate the close proximity to famous attractions such as Heian and Yasaka Temples, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the scenic Gion Historical District. In a few minutes, guests can reach the metro stations, the path to the sights of interest will not take much time. Read this

24.04.2024

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Sightseeing in regions nearby Papeete

Tahiti Island
Among the historical monuments the tomb of the last king of Tahiti, Pomare V, has to be mentioned. It was built in the late 19th century; slabs of volcanic lava and coral served as main construction materials. The construction is made keeping with the most important national traditions and thus remains one of the most revered historical monuments. Much of the important sights ... Open »
Vaiare
In case you like something hot, you will still find plenty of interesting activities here. For example, you can make an excursion to Shark Feeding Park and feed real sharks from your hands. Not far away from the resort is located a cozy village named Tiki. Its inhabitants often organize dancing performances for guests of the resort. In order to see the wonderful tropical ... Open »
Moorea
Visitors with adventurous nature will also find entertainment in Moorea. They can make an excursion to the Shark feeding park and feed real sharks from their own hands. Not far away from the beach area is located a cozy village named Tiki. Its inhabitants usually organize dance performances for the guests of the resort. In order to explore the island better and see the true ... Open »
Bora Bora
Travelers can diversify their relaxation at wonderful beaches and water sports with sightseeing tours and an acquaintance with nature and dwellers. So, you can feed sharks and stingrays in some lagoons and see fabulous coral gardens when diving. However, you can dive here only if you have some scuba diving skills. If you don’t, you can attend several training sessions and ... Open »
Manihi
Despite the fact, that large-scale archaeological excavations on the island have never been carried out, there are still some curious places for studying the regions. Scientists have found several priceless artifacts, indicating that the island of Manihi began to be actively developed and colonized in the 7th century. The best way to get acquainted with the culture and ... Open »
Aitutaki Island
Many hundreds of years ago, basalt has been the main building material; amazing building in traditional style constructed of it have perfectly preserved to this day. They are of great value, and each of the buildings has its own unique history. The largest settlement on the island is the town of Arutanga, the amazingly beautiful architectural complex; it’sstrongly ... Open »
All about Papeete, French Polynesia - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Papeete, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Papeete in few days.
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