South Pacific
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Tahiti
Papeete
Things to Do in Papeete
Municipal Market

Municipal Market, Papeete: Address, Phone Number, Municipal Market Reviews: 4/5

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Municipal Market

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Municipal Market
4
1,077
#4 of 20 things to do in Papeete
Flea & Street Markets
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About
This large and bustling market hall offers local farm products, handicrafts, souvenirs and a variety of fish and food products.
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Top ways to experience Municipal Market and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
118 within 3 miles
Urban Café
148
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • French • European • Polynesian
Le Grillardin
445
0.1 mi$$$$ • French • European • Gastropub
L'O a La Bouche
500
0.1 mi$$$$ • French • European • Healthy
Le Souffle
283
0.1 mi$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
La Cancha
214
268 ft$$ - $$$ • French • European • Basque
Meherio Tahitian Bistro
256
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Polynesian
Restaurant Le Sully
190
0.1 mi$$$$ • French • European
Les Roulottes
844
0.1 mi$ • French • Chinese • Asian
Café Maeva Marché de Papeete
206
33 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • Cafe • Grill
Crêperie la Boule Rouge
197
0.1 mi$ • French • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
11 within 6 miles
Notre Dame Cathedral
331
472 ftChurches & Cathedrals
BIJOUTERIE TAVITA
9
0.1 miShopping Malls
Terevau
179
0.4 miFerries
Paofai Gardens
305
0.6 miGardens
Musee de la perle et Bijouterie
384
0.5 miSpeciality Museums
Océanie Galerie
0.1 miArt Galleries
Manua Poterie
1
1.2 miFactory Outlets
Fautaua Waterfall
86
2.3 miWaterfalls
James Norman Hall Home
54
Historic Sites
Roman Catholic Archdiocese Of Papeete
0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,077 reviews
Excellent
358
Very good
466
Average
208
Poor
36
Terrible
9
Polynésienne N
64 contributions
First Stop
Feb 2020 • Couples
You stop here first on a Monday and you'll have live dancing within the first two hours downstairs. Make sure you bring at least $300 USD (but Cfp currency) as most vendors don't accept VISA, MASTERCARD OR AMEX. There's no Venmo, Apple or Google Pay downstairs but upstairs there are some vendors that do take Visa. Food was delicious and entertainment was very awesome. I love this place. It's magical like the rest of the island.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David P
Phoenix, AZ134 contributions
Fun Market with a LOT of local items
Jan 2022
This is a fun market with many booths with food, crafts, clothes and more, all local Tahitians. While it is "touristy," the place is packed at lunch time, as the folks working in the area converge. Prices for souvenirs are not terrible, but don't buy your pearls here, unless you are an expert and able to discern quality on your own. You are far better off going to the main pearl market along the main street.
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Linda C
Moorpark, CA1,054 contributions
Huge Market!
Feb 2020
If you have limited time in Tahiti, I recommend the Circle Island Tour or a tour of the interior, but if time allows the market is a worthwhile stop. It's HUGE! Unfortunately it's more expensive than other island markets; i.e., a $10 tropical flower display in Hawaii is $20 in Papeete. Pearl shopping was also more affordable on the other French Polynesian islands. I was, however, very impressed with the large assortment of items and the cleanliness of the market. For cruisers it's an easy walk. Go early when it's cooler!
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Richard F
Louisville, KY7,520 contributions
A Visit Highlight
Dec 2019
This very large market was one of the highlights of our visit to this island. We found the handmade crafts to be somewhat overpriced but, if you look around you can find some bargains. We browsed the shops on the second level and we were thrilled to find a small shop that had really good prices on Black Pearls. We found a wonderful pair of earrings that were just what we were looking for. We didn't eat any of the food as the people who were fixing it did not seem to use very sanitary tools.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MaeBeth S
Southlake, Texas, United States82 contributions
So Disappointing
Dec 2019
I could not wait to go to the market after reading all the reviews. What a disappointment. The souvenirs were overpriced and many were the same as those I saw in the corner grocery store and other outlets for less. It was not clean. I did not go to the restroom, but my husband did and he said the restroom was not clean either. They do have some food booths downstairs that offer what I would call street food, which was fairly inexpensive and good.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Faye G
Brea, CA501 contributions
So much to see
Nov 2020
I've been to Papeete twice before and never when the market was open. Finally I got there. My daughter and I had a terrific time exploring both floors. Since this is COVID time, everyone was wearing a mask and it was easy to stay socially distant and it was not crowded at all. We loved all the choices for jewelry, fruits & veggies, snacks, clothing, and so on. Had a great experience.
Written November 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James B
Salt Lake City, UT2,760 contributions
Must visit in Tahiti
Dec 2020 • Couples
We were initially disappointed to find the market was closed early however we managed to find time the next morning to visit and we’re glad we did. The market was bustling with locals selling everything from fresh fish to pearls, fragranced oils, carvings, flowers and everything in between.
Definitely a good place to do your souvenir shopping and buy your pearls.
Some vendors take card however definitely bring cash.
Written December 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carl C
22 contributions
Cool market
Jul 2021
Cool market with a lot of food, flowers, and other items. Cool place to see as a tourist but hours are all over the place. Would go between 9am and 1pm to catch most shops as there are no set hours and vendors come and go as they please. Near the ferry terminals so good for a quick stop before or after a ferry
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CAGurl739
Northen CA125 contributions
Worth a stop if nearby
Apr 2022
We had time to kill between when our ferry got in from Moorea and when our flight to the States departed. This was a great spot to pick up souvenirs. Prices are essentially the same across the stands. I don't think this would be worth a special trip to the area for, but if you're already nearby, why not.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BTT
Los Angeles, CA131 contributions
Visit only if you are in the area
Dec 2021
Heard a lot about the Market from online sources. The hotel staff said that it's worth take a look but not very enthusiastically though.

Went there since we are going to downtown Papeete anyway. It is a typical farmers' market setting with 20-ish stands for local grow vegetables, fruits, and sea food. Since this is an island, the vegetables and fruits choices are limited but understandable.

There were only a handful of seafood stands and they are really for local people who pick up them to cook. We expected it like the Sydney Seafood Market with cook to order choices. Nope.

There are 3-4 food stands and a coffee shop upstairs. The sashimi is okay but nothing to write home about. You can skip the coffee shop unless you are desperate like us.

There are about 30+ souvenir stands. We were not there for souvenirs and nothing stands out there.

The Mihiarii pearl shop upstairs is the highlight of our trip. It is the only thing worth a trip.
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Municipal Market
We recommend booking Municipal Market tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Municipal Market tours on Tripadvisor