Papeete

French with a Polynesian twist. The interior is a bit dark.

The decor is a tribute to silent film star Charles Chaplin. Expect loud French rap. Keep an eye on your tab.

This open-air pub is a good place to sit outside in the shade and have a cold beer on a hot afternoon.

The only microbrewery in French Polynesia. The beer is certainly better than Hinano, but you pay a premium for it, and it pales in comparison to Western microbrews.

Its name doesn't really matter; it's the only other bar along this stretch. Some pavement seating and very limited indoor seating. There's a sweet little dog, and if you pet her she will bark at anybody who gives you trouble for the rest of the night. Also remember to tip the bouncer extra when you want to get into the bar's "underground" club every night.

Simple, spacious, clean rooms with air-con. Generous breakfast 10,000 F. Friendly staff. The "sea view" rooms look across a six-lane road to a busy harbour. Wifi is 400 F extra, but is slow and unreliable, and no refunds are provided if it doesn't work.

The main market of Tahiti. Many of the pearl vendors take credit cards, but most vendors here are cash only. Loose black pearls that weren't jewelry grade or had minor imperfections are sold here for $10/$5/$1 each depending on the vendor and the quality of the individual pearls.