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Papeete

Sightseeing in Papeete - what to see. Complete travel guide

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 …

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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 …

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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. …

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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.

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

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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 …

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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: Moorea on 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

Sightseeing in Papeete - what to see. Complete travel guide

City tours, excursions and tickets in Papeete and surroundings

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

Moorea

Sightseeing in French Polynesia: things to see

Search touristic sites on the map of Papeete

Sightseeing in regions nearby Papeete