Sight guide · Tahiti · French Polynesia
Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete
The red-spired Catholic cathedral, completed in 1875, stands near the market in central Papeete.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete is a religious site in Papeete, Tahiti. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Papeete
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, history and architecture
- Best months
- April–May and October
Plan a trip to Tahiti
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete
The red-spired Catholic cathedral, completed in 1875, stands near the market in central Papeete. Sunday Mass features Tahitian-language hymns sung with strong harmonies.
Tip: If you are in town on a Sunday morning, attend part of a service for the singing, dressing modestly.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- 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 Notre-Dame Cathedral of 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 Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete on day 1, together with Marché de Papeete, Musée de Tahiti et des Îles and Roulottes at Place Vaiete.
- No. 12 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 Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete
Also in Papeete, so you can walk between them:
- Roulottes at Place Vaiete — 1.5 hours, low cost
- Marché de Papeete — 1 hour, free
If you like Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete
- Point Venus — Arue and Mahina, 2 hours
- Marae Arahurahu — Paea, 45 minutes
Staying near Notre-Dame Cathedral of 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 Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete?
Plan 30 minutes. With Roulottes at Place Vaiete nearby, it fits a half-day in Papeete.
+Is Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete?
April–May and October, the quietest of the good months. If you are in town on a Sunday morning, attend part of a service for the singing, dressing modestly.
+Do I need to book Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.