What to see in Tahiti

Tahiti is considered by many to be an idyllic paradise and one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its varied and gorgeous landscape, rich history and intriguing culture, this tiny island in the Southern Pacific is a joy to visit. With plenty to see in Tahiti, you can never get bored here.

Aside from the many superb beaches which are found throughout the island, there is much to see here especially in the city of Papeete, which has a rich past. Though a fairly young city, Papeete has several places which are a must visit while here. For those who enjoy shopping and love collecting artifacts and souvenirs, head on down to the Marche de Papeete or Papeete Market. A bustling and colorful place, the market covers a whole block and has two floors. On the ground floor you will find a lot of the local produce and food, while on the second floor there are plenty of gaudy fabrics and souvenirs to pick up. The best time to visit here is a Sunday morning, when residents from all over the island come to shop. Stroll around for cute knickknacks, as well as jewelry and clothing.

There are a number of churches in Tahiti to visit, but two which are the most popular are the Eglise Evangelique de Polynesie Francaise and the Cathedrale de I’Immaculee. The first Protestant Church in Papeete, the Eglise Evangelique de Polynesie Francaise was built in 1818. A large pink church, it is best seen on a Sunday, when it is bursting with the devout. The Cathedrale de I’Immaculee sits in the center of town and was built with stones imported from Australia and granite from the Gambier Archipelago in 1875.

The Pearl Museum or Musee de la Perle, in the Vaima Centre is another must visit place. Built by Robert Wan, a pearl magnate, this museum not only covers the history of pearl cultivation, but also cultivation techniques and the business aspect of pearl trading. You can also visit a pearl boutique out here to buy yourself or your loved ones some genuine pearls.

A great place to visit in Tahiti is Bain Loti or Loti’s Bath. Described in Pierre Loti’s novel Le Mariage de Loti, this place is a favorite meeting spot for locals as well as a swimming pool. If you are interested in catching up on some of Tahiti’s rich history visit the Tomb of Pomare V, who ceded Tahiti to France. Made from coral boulders, this tomb was originally his mother’s before he exhumed her body to make this tomb his own.

The Jardin Botanique and Musee Gauguin is a wonderful place to visit outside Papeete. The botanical garden was built by an American Harrison Smith, while the Musee Gauguin houses many of the original works of artist Paul Gauguin. Fifteen kilometers from Papeete is the Musee de Tahiti et des Iles, which presents a superb exhibit of the history of the island. Built along the coast, you can walk out of here on to one of Tahiti’s most popular surf breaks.

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