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Municipal Market

Francois Cardella & Colette Streets, Papeete, French Polynesia
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Ranked #9 of 16 attractions in Papeete
Type: Flea/ Street Markets
Activities: Shopping
Description: This large and bustling market hall offers local farm products, handicrafts, souvenirs and a variety of fish and food products.
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28 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    11
    10
    2
    5
    0
Date Rating
St. John's, Canada
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

A fabulous shopping experience for everything Tahitian - vanilla beans, incense, local crafts, textiles, fresh fruits and vegetables in full array and fish in abundance! Plus much, much more! On the second floor it's fun to look down over the rails to the colourful vendors tables below and watch the buzz. There is no pressure to buy, but its nice... More

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Bristol, United Kingdom
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

I'm not sure it's worth travelling to visit the market, but if you find yourself in Papeete with time to spare, it offers a little glimpse into Tahitian life. With such strong ties to France, you would expect a huge respect for the quality and variety of fresh food on sale, add in the abundant seafood and the warmth of... More

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Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 30, 2013

A place to go to see a true Tahitian market on the basement : exotic fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices . On the first floor, it's more for tourists : pareos, pearls, handcrafts, etc. When you're hungry, try one the little retaurants on the basement : chinese food, Tahitian food, French food... and listen to the music : a charming band... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Cheyenne, WY
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 13, 2013 via mobile

This is a great place to stock up on Tahitian necessities before leaving French Polynesia. The people were friendly and helpful. I loved the variety of items. It is worth a brief stop before you leave.

Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Warwick, New York
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 11, 2012

If you have a few hours and want to be outside or as close to outside as you can, walk around this large indoor/outdoor market in downtown Papeete. Get some flowers to bring back to your hotel or to take onboard your cruise ship. Look over all the tropical, exotic fruits and veggies for sale. Pick up some souvenirs for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Charlotte, North Carolina
Top Contributor
105 reviews 105 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 64 cities Reviews in 64 cities
69 helpful votes 69 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 5, 2012

Wanting a true Tahitian market experience, we went and explored this humongous marketplace in downtown Papeete. You can find anything and everything here, like fresh produce and fish, clothing, pearls, musical instruments, perfume, soaps, knick knacks, etc. We didn't find any great deals, as far as cost savings, but it was pretty amazing to find so many different types of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Phoenix, Arizona
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed October 30, 2012

The market in Papeete is touted as a "must see" destination, so we ventured into Papeete from our resort, planning to spend the morning there. The first challenge visitors may encounter is actually finding the market, Although it is a huge building it is not well marked. I can't remember how we finally found it...I think we just stumbled into... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Crestline, California
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed July 13, 2012

This is a fun way to spend your morning. The lower level is fruits, vegetables, flowers, food for sale and cheaper souvenirs. Upstairs you will find more expensive items, mostly pareos. I hate when people review things and say something negative just because the experience isn't fabulous. This is a way to soak up the local culture which is why... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 4 more reviews by Kathy H for Papeete
Oakland, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012

I loved my visit to the MarketPlace. I got to speak French (in phrases) with the local shopkeepers. I was on the lookout for a well-make Tahitian ukulele. They are found upstairs in the shops which feature woodcarvings. Many are 'tourist' type, good only for souvenirs, but I wanted a decent one, which I could play with my ukulele group.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 8, 2012

If you are in Papeete, stop at the Municipal Market. It is a great attraction. People are very friendly. Parking is very difficult around there. There is a multilevel parking garage next the Government House "Hotel de Ville" . People in Polynesia are very friendly. Go late in the day before they close and then head towards the water where... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 4
See 3 more reviews by latino20876 for Papeete

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