The 10 Top Sights and Activities to See and Do in Nouakchott, Mauritania

Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, is a destination that offers a variety of sights and activities for travelers. Located on the Atlantic coast, this bustling city is filled with traditional markets, beautiful mosques, colorful street scenes, and sandy beaches. With its unique mix of French colonial and African influences, Nouakchott is a great place to explore and discover the hidden gems of Mauritania. From a visit to the bustling Grand Marche market to a stroll along the Corniche beachfront promenade, here are the top ten sights and activities to see and do in Nouakchott.

1. Explore the Grand Marche Market

No visit to Nouakchott would be complete without a visit to the Grand Marche market. This traditional marketplace has been in existence for centuries, and it’s the perfect place to get a glimpse of everyday life in Mauritania. Here you’ll find vendors selling everything from fresh produce to traditional clothing and jewelry. You’ll also find street food vendors selling a variety of local dishes, so be sure to try some of the delicacies while you’re there! Book a tour of the Grand Marche market to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the sights and sounds.

2. Take a Stroll Along the Corniche Beachfront Promenade

The Corniche Beachfront Promenade is one of the most popular spots in Nouakchott. This stretch of sand along the Atlantic coast is lined with cafés, restaurants, and local food vendors. Stroll along the promenade in the evening and take in the beautiful views of the ocean as the sun sets over the horizon. On Sundays, the promenade comes alive with street performers, musicians, and vendors selling a variety of souvenirs and local crafts. Book a guided tour of the Corniche Beachfront Promenade for the best experience.

3. Admire the Architecture at Fort Boers

Fort Boers is an important historical site located in downtown Nouakchott. Built in 1840 by Dutch traders, it was originally used as a trading post and fortification to protect against raids by rival tribes. Today, it’s open to visitors who wish to explore its history and admire its architecture. The fort is surrounded by a moat and is home to a cannon and a number of cannons used to protect against attacks. Book a guided tour of Fort Boers for an in-depth look at this fascinating piece of history.

4. Visit the National Museum of Mauritania

The National Museum of Mauritania is one of Nouakchott’s most popular attractions. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts and artworks from prehistoric times up until present day, as well as historical documents and photographs that tell the story of Mauritania’s past. Museum staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the country and will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Book a guided tour of the museum for an in-depth look at Mauritania’s history and culture.

5. Explore Place de l’Indépendance

Place de l’Indépendance is the heart of Nouakchott, where locals come together to celebrate festivals, shop at market stalls, and watch performances by street performers. This square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping. On weekends, you can also find vendors selling traditional Mauritanian arts and crafts, so be sure to check out these unique items while you’re there! Book a guided tour of Place de l’Indépendance for an in-depth look at this vibrant area of Nouakchott.

6. Visit the Plage Blanche Beach

If you’re looking for some relaxation after exploring Nouakchott’s bustling streets, head to Plage Blanche Beach for some much-needed rest and relaxation. This beautiful beach is located just outside of Nouakchott and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is also home to a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling and kayaking, so be sure to take advantage of these activities if you’re feeling adventurous! Book a guided tour of Plage Blanche Beach for an unforgettable experience.

7. Explore Port de Peche

Port de Peche is one of Nouakchott’s most vibrant districts, located on the edge of town near the Atlantic Ocean. Here you’ll find bustling fish markets selling fresh seafood caught by local fishermen, as well as restaurants serving up delicious seafood dishes such as grilled fish and shrimp skewers. There’s also plenty of street art on display in this area, so be sure to take some time to explore the colorful murals and graffiti scattered throughout the district.Book a guided tour of Port de Peche for an in-depth look at this vibrant district of Nouakchott.

8. Explore La Place de la Republique

La Place de la Republique is one of Nouakchott’s busiest areas, located right in the heart of town near Place de l’Indépendance. Here you’ll find a bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to traditional clothing and jewelry, as well as street food vendors selling delicious local dishes such as grilled fish and shish kebabs. This area is also home to some of Nouakchott’s most impressive architecture, so be sure to take time to admire these stunning buildings while you’re there! Book a guided tour of La Place de la Republique for an in-depth look at this vibrant area of Nouakchott.

9. Visit the National Library

The National Library of Mauritania is one of Nouakchott’s oldest buildings, built in 1902 by French colonialists as part of their mission to educate locals about their heritage and culture. Today it holds over 500,000 books and manuscripts in Arabic, French, English, and other languages, making it one of Africa’s largest libraries. The library also hosts regular events such as book readings and lectures by renowned authors, so be sure to check out these events if you have time! Book a guided tour of the National Library for an insightful look at this important cultural institution.

10. Visit the Monument aux Morts

The Monument aux Morts is located in downtown Nouakchott, just a few blocks from Place de l’Indépendance. Built in 1957 to commemorate those who died during World War II and other conflicts dating back to pre-independence times, this memorial stands as a reminder of Mauritania’s long history and struggle for freedom from colonial rule. The monument features three statues representing courage, wisdom, and strength, all facing towards the Atlantic Ocean symbolizing Mauritania’s connection with its ancestors whose lives were lost during these conflicts.Book a guided tour of Monument aux Morts for an insightful look at this important part of Mauritania’s history.

Conclusion

Nouakchott is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and natural beauty that should not be missed during your visit to Mauritania! From exploring traditional markets to admiring historical monuments, there are plenty of sights and activities to see and do here that will leave you with unforgettable memories from your time in this incredible city! Don’t forget to book tours for each activity before you arrive so that you can enjoy them without any hassle or stress!