Things to Do in Nouakchott

Small museum with local artefacts, traditional tents, pottery, and swords. Dusty but gives a solid look at Moorish and Saharan culture.

🕐 Monday–Thursday 08:00–15:00, Saturday–Sunday 09:00–14:00, closed Friday

💡 Go straight to the back room with the hand-calligraphed Qurans — they're the real highlight. Bring your own water.

Open-air market where artisans sell leather goods, silver jewellery, carpets, and woodcarvings. More authentic than the tourist shops in hotels.

🕐 Monday–Saturday 09:00–18:00

💡 Bring cash in small denominations. Prices are not fixed, but do not pay more than 30% of the initial ask. Haggle politely.

Chaotic working fish market on the beach. Boats unload fresh catch daily. Pelicans and dogs fight for scraps; fishermen mend nets in the sand.

🕐 Daily 06:00–12:00 (livelier early)

💡 Arrive between 07:00 and 09:00 for the biggest haul. Keep your camera discreet — some fishermen dislike being photographed without permission.

The largest mosque in Nouakchott, its golden minaret dominates the skyline. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the exterior and surrounding plaza are worth seeing.

🕐 Exterior accessible 24 hours

💡 Visit just before sunset when the minaret catches the last light and the call to prayer echoes across the neighbourhood.

A modern promenade along the fishing port with views of colourful pirogues, container ships, and the Atlantic. Benches and shade along the way.

🕐 Open all day

💡 Buy a bag of roasted peanuts from the vendors near the entrance — cheap, local, and good. Best visited at low tide when the beach is walkable.