Municipal Market, Papeete: Address, Phone Number, Municipal Market Reviews: 4/5
Municipal Market
Municipal Market
4
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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
Orlando_Vic
Altamonte Springs, FL24,460 contributions
Do the merchants (T-shirts & food) on the second level take credit cards (e.g. AMEX)?
David R
Albuquerque, NM553 contributions
Some do and some don’t take Visa. Sorry, but that’s the situation. And If you use a charge card you’ll lose some negotiating advantage.
cationista
Illinois21 contributions
Hi Cationista. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Where do you park for the market?
Thank you.
Paul L
Annapolis, MD53 contributions
It is difficult. If possible, take a taxi. There are lots of attractions around the market place so do some sightseeing.
cationista
Illinois21 contributions
What are the market hours?
Thank you
53mermaid
Queensland, Australia8 contributions
Papeete markets are a worthwhile visit and the flowers are a amazing I think they are open every day but not sundays
we also brought some quality purchases from Hinano retail shop ( which is the local beer and not bad at all ) in Papeete
Stephanie P
Ohope, New Zealand2 contributions
Is the market open tomorrow, Sunday?
Donna R
Seattle, WA2 contributions
What hours is the market open on Saturdays? I am getting conflicting answers.
Stephanie P
Ohope, New Zealand2 contributions
Is the market open tomorrow, Sunday?
930waynel5
Merrylands, Australia604 contributions
Sorry, but I'm not sure
Hola! Me gustaría saber que tan cerca del ferry queda este mercado? Gracias 😉
prustyilchaun
Bolzano, Italy234 contributions
Holaaa
Serán 5 minutos desde el Ferry! Sin auto, llegarás paseando! Acabo de visitarlo :-) (son exactamente 400 metros, acabo de fijarme en Google Map! ) Cuándo salga del ferry tienes que preguntar para “MARCHE DE PAPETE” en francés of course :-)
Un saludo
Gustavo U
Buenos Aires, Argentina117 contributions
Hola, como están? Estoy viajando a Pappeete en 10 días, y veo que estuviste allá hace poco. Alguna recomendación? lugares para conocer, transporte público? vida nocturna; etc. Te agradecería algún consejo.
Gracias
Gabriela G
Castelar, Argentina34 contributions
Buenos dias Gustavo, en Papeete estuvimos solo 2 noches (la del dia q llegamos (23 hs), y la del dia previo a irnos), por lo q tuvimos 1 solo dia para recorrer la ciudad. Alquilamos auto y recorrimos parte de la isla, y fuimos parando en algunos puntos panoramicos (por eje.3 cascadas, point venus, entre otros), recorrimos la zona del centro caminando (es "la city", hay muy lindos negocios, colegios, bancos, etc), toda la parte del muelle es hermosa y hay un parque enorme que no recuerdo el nombre que es precioso ! Ideal para caminar y disfrutar del paisaje ! Si tenes que cambiar dinero, hacelo en Papeete, ya que hay mas lugares que en otras islas para hacerlo (lo que si los horarios bancarios son muy distintos a los nuestros, y vimos que no todos los bancos tienen el mismo horario). Si podes, no te pierdas comer en las roulottes, muy rico todo y super barato ! Ahi se paga cash ! Nosotros estuvimos alojados en 3 islas: Moorea, Bora Bora y Taha'a, cualquier inquietud que tengas, no dudes en consultarme! Espero haber sido de ayuda...que tengas un hermoso viaje, y a disfrutar del paraiso en la tierra !
Susan S
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
Hi,
Does anyone know a ballpark price for the wrap around sarongs? drinks etc, and do you have to pay in xpf or do they take USD?
Thank you,
930waynel5
Merrylands, Australia604 contributions
Sorry, we weren't looking for sarongs so we don't know the price. I am not sure about currency but we were told to take xpf by cruise ship staff.
lindarX6901ER
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Can you use American dollars or only Francs? Is it Swiss Francs? Do they accept credit cards in the Market? Is there a bank etc. nearby to exchange if necessary? Going for the first time by cruise ship and appreciate the information.
kingofpeppange
Peppange, Luxembourg484 contributions
hi ,
some shops accept credit cards , others don't !
You should change your dollars so you get yourself some local money !! There are a few banks within easy walking distance !
Enjoy your cruise and your trip !
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
- Hotels near Municipal Market:
- (0.07 mi) Mahana Lodge Hostel & Bacpacker
- (0.19 mi) Hotel Tiare Tahiti
- (0.17 mi) Studios Painapo
- (0.26 mi) Hotel Tahiti Nui
- (0.60 mi) Maison D'Hotes Tutehau
- Restaurants near Municipal Market:
- (0.01 mi) Le Cafe du Marche
- (0.01 mi) Café Maeva Marché de Papeete
- (0.03 mi) Café Maeva Grill House & Chill Bar
- (0.05 mi) La Cancha
- (0.10 mi) Restaurant Le Sully