Papeete is the administrative, financial and commercial hub of Tahiti, and is the largest and capital city of French Polynesia. The city is located on the north-west coast of Tahiti and has a cosmopolitan population dominated by Tahitian Polynesians and French Nationals. Home to approximately 130,000 residents Papeete is a city/port and attracts many large cruise ships which bring tourists right into the heart of town as the ships dock along the waterfront esplanade. Papeete offers visitors a unique insight into the lives of its people through this busy city which provides locals and visitors alike with a great range of shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and a large Central Market that hums with happy sounds and is complemented by the French flavour and the Tahitian easygoing disposition. Papeete is the main transport hub of French Polynesian and provides ferry services to the outer islands and easy access to the Faa’a International Airport which is located 5 kilometres from the city. Being the capital of French Polynesia, Papeete has a large infrastructure including Government Offices, two hospitals, three museums several churches, parks and gardens.
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