Tahiti is the gateway for people looking to travel to Bora Bora, but it's also a magical place in its own right. Regardless of how you get back and forth between the two islands, you should probably take the chance to look around at all Tahiti has to offer while you're there.
Tahiti As a Layover
We've mentioned before how you'll reach Bora Bora via Tahiti. The good news is that with flights going back and forth four times a day, you're not in danger of missing a chance to hop over. Air Tahiti, the national airline for French Polynesia, runs multiple flights from Pepe'ete International Airport to a little islet near Vaitape, Bora Bora. The flight takes only 50 minutes. You can also use one of the other two airlines, Air Archipels or Air Moorea, take the Tahiti Helicopter service over, or travel by sea via Vaeanu or another boat company. Once you're in Bora Bora, it's not hard to get around.
Tahiti as a Short Stay
If you find yourself with a little bit of time to kill before you reach the island paradise you're headed toward, bear in mind that you're still waiting on another island paradise. Granted, Pape'ete itself is more of a government/industrial hub and not so much a resort town, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some great ways to kill a few hours here. Le Marché is a large, two-story marketplace where you can stock up on local food, clothing, crafts, and of course, Tahitian oil. There are also a number of fine restaurants, but the food truck scene here is amazing and much more cost-effective. Considering that you're about to go to Bora Bora, you probably want to save as much as you can. Or, if you're ready to get the party started early, go shopping for black pearls. Just make sure you get the real deal.
Tahiti as a Destination
If you have time to venture outside of Pape'ete, you'll find plenty of other things to do. There are several museums detailing the history of the island, as well as a Botanical Garden and a museum dedicated to French painter Paul Gauguin who lived out the last of his life here in French Polynesia. There's the Paofai Gardens, which dwell in the heart of Pape'ete and hold plants from all five of French Polynesia's archipelagos. And, of course, there are plenty of beaches to see.
All in all, most of the region's attractions are further afield on the smaller islands, but as a layover or a day trip, Tahiti has plenty to keep an appreciative traveler entertained.
