Pape'ete

Pape'ete is the capital city of not only Tahiti, but also all of French Polynesia. Inside its bounds—which sprawl across the island's northwest coast—are opportunities to shop, to dine, and to revel in the nightlife. When it comes to shopping, black pearls and island crafts are the main items to look for.

The local cuisine is particularly enticing as well: We recommend hitting up the roulettes or food trucks on Friday nights along Pape'ete's coast. One TripAdvisor user says, "There are about 20-30 trucks set up here in the heart of Downtown Pape'ete, near the ferry dock. It was fun to eat with the locals." Pape'ete Public Market is a great place to pick up local produce and fruits de mer (seafood). Speaking of food, Chinese, French and Italian cuisines are well represented in the city. But keep in mind that restaurants in Pape'ete are almost universally expensive, so plan your dining budget accordingly.