Places / Africa / Mauritania
Nouakchott
Visited in December 2018
At a glance
- Country
- Mauritania
- Region
- Nouakchott-Nord
- Population
- 1.4 million
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International (NKC)
- Coordinates
- 18.09°N, 15.98°W
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Overview
Mauritania's capital was little more than a village at independence in 1960 and has grown fast, spreading across the sand between the Sahara and the Atlantic. It is a low, sprawling city with few grand sights.
What it does have is character. The fishing beach at dusk is one of West Africa's great spectacles, the markets are busy and colourful, and it is the starting point for journeys to the desert towns of the Adrar.
Things to see
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Port de Pêche
Hundreds of brightly painted pirogues land their catch on the beach in the late afternoon, in a scene of noise and energy.
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Photo: Clemens Schmillen, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Museum
Displays on prehistory, archaeology and nomadic life in the Sahara.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Uzabiaga, CC BY-SA 4.0 Marché Capitale
The central market, good for silver jewellery, leatherwork and printed cloth.
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Photo: Initsogan, Public domain Saudi Mosque
One of the city's largest mosques, with tall twin minarets in the centre.
Things to do
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Sunset on the beach
Walk along the Atlantic shore away from the fishing beach and watch the sun drop into the sea.
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Photo: Valerian Guillot, CC BY 2.0 Drink Mauritanian tea
Join the ritual of three glasses of sweet, foamy mint tea, poured from a height.
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Photo: François COLIN, CC BY-SA 2.5 Trip to Chinguetti
A long journey inland to the old caravan town in the Adrar, famous for its manuscript libraries and dunes.
Where to stay
Tevragh Zeina
The upmarket district with most of the better hotels and restaurants.
Hotels in Tevragh ZeinaCity centre
Close to the main market and mosques, with simpler hotels.
Hotels in City centre
Getting around
Taxis are the easiest way to get around; agree the fare first. Most visitors use a local guide or driver for trips out of the city.
The airport lies around 25 kilometres north of the city, roughly 30 minutes by car.
When to go
The cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable, especially for desert trips. Summers are very hot, and harmattan winds can bring dust and haze. Check the latest travel advice before travelling inland.
Plan your trip to Nouakchott
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.