Things to do in Faaa

The oldest attraction on the island, Papeete Market, sits in the heart of French Polynesia’s capital city, just a short walk from the bay. It is a colorful and stimulating place with an array of food and keepsakes. Find hats, necklaces, fruit, vegetables and traditional souvenirs with a Tahitian theme lining the shelves of the modern complex that holds the market. Bright, decorative banners and streamers help to create a festive atmosphere among the inexpensive items for sale.

Moorea Tropical Garden is a small but productive plantation garden on the western foothills of Mount Rotui. Visit this farming estate to learn about the daily operations of the garden and to sample exquisite farm-to-table produce. Peruse the collections of locally grown tropical fruits and sample a range of sweet treats made using garden-grown ingredients. Wander around the gardens and check out the flowerbeds and fragrant vanilla plantations with your camera at hand.

The standout building in French Polynesia’s capital city is the architectural wonder of Papeete Town Hall. This magnificent structure was built as a replica of a former royal palace. Its bright yellow façade, white columns, red roof and scenic gardens perfectly embody the French colonial style that can be seen throughout Tahiti. Notice its red-and-white clock tower, an iconic symbol that hovers over the city.

The Museum of Tahiti is a fascinating institution that describes the history of Tahiti and the other 118 islands of French Polynesia. Learn about the customs and traditions of this intriguing part of the world. Admire the spectacular scenery of the two lagoons and the ocean that border this museum and its picturesque gardens.

The Black Pearl Museum houses the largest Tahitian pearl in the world and is one of the only institutions in the world entirely devoted to pearls. The rare black pearl remains as exceptional today as in the fabled pirate tales and mythology. Enjoy the air of mysticism surrounding this Tahiti museum, where the cultural importance of pearls is explained through storytelling, history exhibits and works of art.