Nouakchott walking tour & city guide

Markets and the fishing beach

The Grand Marché, or Marché Capitale, is the city's main market, full of fabrics, silver jewellery, spices and the flowing robes worn by Mauritanian men and women. The Marché Cinquième is larger and more local.

At the Port de Pêche, the fishing beach, hundreds of colourful wooden pirogues land their catch in the late afternoon, while crowds carry fish up the sand to the market.

A classic walk

Start at the Saudi Mosque and the Moroccan Mosque in the centre, then visit the National Museum, which covers prehistory and the old caravan towns. Walk through the Grand Marché, then take a taxi to the Port de Pêche to watch the boats come in before sunset.

Good to know

The cooler months from November to March are the best time to visit; summer is very hot and dusty. Mauritania is a conservative Islamic republic, so dress modestly and do not expect alcohol. Nouakchott is the starting point for desert trips to the Adrar region. Check current travel advice before planning a trip.