Sight guide · Tahiti · French Polynesia
Visiting Marché de Papeete
The two-level covered market in central Papeete sells tropical fruit, fish, flower crowns made of tiare blossoms, vanilla and monoi oil downstairs, with pareos, carvings and pearls upstairs.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Marché de Papeete is a market in Papeete, Tahiti. Allow 1 hour; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Market
- Area
- Papeete
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- food, shopping, free and photo spot
- Best months
- April–May and October
Plan a trip to Tahiti
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About Marché de Papeete
The two-level covered market in central Papeete sells tropical fruit, fish, flower crowns made of tiare blossoms, vanilla and monoi oil downstairs, with pareos, carvings and pearls upstairs. It is the busiest early on Sunday morning, when families shop before church and the traditional ma'a Tahiti meal.
Tip: Come early on Sunday to see the market at its liveliest and buy a ready-made poisson cru for breakfast.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Papeete, the capital's waterfront, market and ferry terminal.
Best time to visit Marché de Papeete
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- May: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Tahiti has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tahiti itinerary visits Marché de Papeete on day 1, together with Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete, Musée de Tahiti et des Îles and Roulottes at Place Vaiete.
- No. 1 of the 14 sights in our Tahiti things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Tahiti.
Near Marché de Papeete
Also in Papeete, so you can walk between them:
- Roulottes at Place Vaiete — 1.5 hours, low cost
- Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete — 30 minutes, free
If you like Marché de Papeete
- Arahoho Blowhole — Tiarei, 20 minutes
- Marae Arahurahu — Paea, 45 minutes
Staying near Marché de Papeete
Stay in Papeete ($$) to walk here: the capital's waterfront, market and ferry terminal. All areas to stay in Tahiti.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Marché de Papeete?
Plan 1 hour. With Roulottes at Place Vaiete nearby, it fits a half-day in Papeete.
+Is Marché de Papeete free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Marché de Papeete?
April–May and October, the quietest of the good months. Come early on Sunday to see the market at its liveliest and buy a ready-made poisson cru for breakfast.
+Do I need to book Marché de Papeete in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.