Nouakchott
Nouakchott, rising from the Sahara’s sands, offers unexpected adventures. Watch boats unload fresh catches at the port, explore markets filled with Moorish handicrafts, and listen closely for tales of desert nomads.
Chapters
Local Tips
• Port de Pêche
• Nouakchott beach
• Saharan dunes nearby
• Traditional markets
• Camel riding
• Infrequent tourism amenities
• Littered beaches
• Language barrier for non-French speakers
Currency: –
Festivities: –
Nouakchott Guide
Guide for 1 Day
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional Mauritanian breakfast at Le Ksar Hotel, featuring dishes like baghrir, msemen, and mint tea.
- After breakfast, visit the Mauritanian Souvenir Market to find unique handmade crafts and souvenirs to bring home.
- Next, head to the Plage de Nouakchott, a beautiful beach area perfect for a morning stroll or swim.
Midday
- For lunch, try the fresh seafood at Le Pirate, a local restaurant known for its grilled fish and seafood platters.
- Afterward, visit the Marché Capitale, an open-air market selling everything from clothing to spices to traditional handicrafts.
Afternoon
- Explore the Port de Pêche, the bustling fishing port where locals bring in their daily catch.
- Next, visit the Centre Culturel Français St Exupéry, a cultural center offering exhibitions, concerts, and other events showcasing Mauritanian and French culture.
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Mauritanian dinner at Le Sahel, known for its tagines and couscous dishes.
- After dinner, head to L’Endroit Bar for a drink and live music.
- Finally, end your day with a visit to the Chinguetti Mosque, a beautiful mosque and important site for Mauritanian culture and history.
Guide for 2 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Enjoy a traditional breakfast of Thieboudienne at Marché Capitale, the largest market in Nouakchott, followed by a stroll through the colorful stalls selling everything from spices to textiles.
- Visit the Port de Peche to watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch and witness the bustling activity of the fish market.
- Explore the National Museum of Mauritania to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.
Midday
- Savor the flavors of authentic Mauritanian cuisine, including tender lamb and couscous, at Restaurant Le Ksar.
- Take a short walk to La Gueule du Loup, a popular cafe known for its strong coffee and refreshing mint tea.
Afternoon
- Discover the hidden gem of Plage de Nouakchott, a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and soft sand.
- Take a tour of the Mauritania Railway Museum, which houses vintage trains and locomotives.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at Restaurant Chez Momo, a local favorite for its fresh fish and grilled octopus.
- Sip on a cold beer or cocktail at Le Balafon Bar, a lively spot with live music and a festive atmosphere.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife of Nouakchott at Le Living Room, a popular club featuring local and international DJs.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast of Boulette, a filling meatball dish, at Restaurant Le Gourmet.
- Visit the traditional Mauritanian village of Terjit Oasis, where you can see the ancient architecture and learn about local customs and traditions.
- Take a scenic drive to Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, a protected area known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch of grilled seafood and fresh salads at Restaurant Les Dunes, a beachfront eatery with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Sample the local specialty of Tchep, a savory rice and vegetable dish, at Restaurant Al Mina.
Afternoon
- Take a camel ride through the breathtaking desert landscapes of Parc National du Banc d’Arguin and soak in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
- Explore the Mosquée Marocaine, a beautiful mosque with intricate architectural details and stunning mosaics.
Evening
- Feast on grilled meats and traditional side dishes at Restaurant Babalor, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Relax with a refreshing drink and watch the sunset at La Terrasse Lounge, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
- Experience the lively atmosphere of the Marché de Nuit, a bustling night market with street food, live music and a carnival atmosphere.
Guide for 3 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional Mauritanian breakfast at Marché de Capitale, a vibrant market where you can also find unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Next, visit the Port de Pêche, the local fishing port where you can witness the hustle and bustle of fishermen bringing in their catches.
- To complete your morning, head to the Chinguetti Mosque, one of the oldest and most important mosques in the city.
Midday
- For lunch, try some authentic local dishes at Restaurant Le Kairouanais, known for its delicious couscous and grilled meats.
- Afterward, visit the Mauritanian National Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Afternoon
- Explore the Marché de N’Ktt, a sprawling market that sells everything from food and clothing to electronics and furniture.
- Next, take a stroll along the Promenade de la Plage, a scenic seaside boardwalk with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Evening
- For dinner, head to Restaurant El Khaima, a cozy restaurant that serves up delicious traditional Mauritanian cuisine.
- Afterward, grab a drink at Barra Barra, a popular local bar with a great atmosphere.
- Finally, experience a traditional Mauritanian tea ceremony at Salon de Thé, a charming tea house that offers a wide selection of teas and sweets.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a quick bite at Le P’tit Paris, a charming French bakery with fresh pastries and coffee.
- Next, visit the Mauritanian Handicrafts Centre, where you can find unique handmade souvenirs and traditional Mauritanian crafts.
- To complete your morning, head to the Mosquée Saudique, a stunning mosque with intricate Islamic architecture.
Midday
- For lunch, try some delicious seafood at Restaurant La Marée, a popular spot with fresh catches from the Atlantic Ocean.
- Afterward, visit the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, a beautiful national park with diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes.
Afternoon
- Explore the Marché aux Chameaux, a local camel market where you can observe the trading of these majestic animals.
- Next, visit the Mosquée Marocaine, a beautiful mosque with a unique Moroccan design.
Evening
- For dinner, head to Restaurant Le Palais, a fancy restaurant with a wide selection of international and Mauritanian cuisine.
- Afterward, check out Majestic Lounge, a trendy rooftop bar with great views of the city.
- Finally, experience some local nightlife at Club Alizee, a popular nightclub with lively music and dancing.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Le Ruisseau, a cozy French café with fresh pastries and coffee.
- Next, visit the Maison des Artisans, a cultural center that showcases traditional Mauritanian music, dance, and art.
- To complete your morning, head to the Mosquée de la Sauda, a stunning mosque with a rich history.
Midday
- For lunch, try some tasty grilled meats at Restaurant Le Cercle Militaire, a popular spot with locals and visitors alike.
- Afterward, visit the Musée National de Nouakchott, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the country’s history and culture.
Afternoon
- Explore the Mosquée Marocaine II, a beautiful mosque with intricate Moroccan architecture.
- Next, take a walk through the Marché du Ksar, a local market with a wide range of goods for sale.
Evening
- For dinner, head to Restaurant Le Bosphore, a Turkish restaurant with a wide selection of delicious dishes.
- Afterward, enjoy some live music at Le Jardin VIP, a popular outdoor venue with a great atmosphere.
- Finally, end your trip with a visit to Sahara Café, a cozy café that serves up traditional Mauritanian tea and sweets.
Guide for 5 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day at Marché Capital with a delicious breakfast of local pastries and coffee.
- Explore the bustling market stalls and pick up some souvenirs to take home.
- Visit the Musée National to learn about the history and culture of Mauritania.
Midday
- Head to Le Sahel Restaurant for a traditional lunch of grilled lamb and vegetables.
- Visit the Mosquée Saudique, one of the largest mosques in the city.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll through the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, a protected area known for its diverse wildlife and stunning coastal views.
- Explore the Marché aux Poissons, a vibrant fish market where locals buy fresh seafood.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious dinner of grilled fish at Le Petit Resto.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at Le Perroquet Bleu while enjoying live music.
- Experience the local nightlife at Le Pacha Club.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast of grilled meat and couscous at Le Tableau.
- Visit the Musée National de la Femme, a museum dedicated to the role of women in Mauritanian society.
- Explore the Mosquée Marocaine, a beautiful mosque with intricate tilework and architecture.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch of grilled chicken and vegetables at Le Rétro.
- Visit the Marché aux Chameaux, a market where locals buy and sell camels.
Afternoon
- Take a tour of the Palais des Congrès, a modern convention center and cultural venue.
- Explore the Mosquée Abidine, a stunning mosque with a unique design.
Evening
- Dine on traditional Mauritanian dishes at Le Bosphore.
- Enjoy a drink at Le P’tit Paris, a cozy bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Experience traditional Mauritanian music and dance at Le Chinguitty.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast of coffee and beignets at Le Gourmand.
- Visit the Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie, a museum featuring ancient artifacts and contemporary art.
- Explore the Mosquée Ould Abas, a beautiful mosque with a unique design.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch of grilled fish and vegetables at Le Pescadou.
- Visit the Mosquée Saoudienne, a modern mosque with a stunning interior.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll through the Plage de Nouakchott, a beautiful beach with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Explore the Mosquée Alhouda, a stunning mosque with intricate tilework and architecture.
Evening
- Dine on delicious seafood dishes at Le Capitaine.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at Le Rallye Bar, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Experience the local nightlife at Le Tarmac, a vibrant nightclub with live music and DJs.
Day 4
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast of omelettes and coffee at Le Lion d’Or.
- Visit the Musée National de la Monnaie et de la Bijouterie, a museum featuring traditional Mauritanian currency and jewelry.
- Explore the Mosquée El Fath, a stunning mosque with a unique design.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch of grilled meat and vegetables at Le Grill du Port.
- Visit the Mosquée Ibn Abass, a beautiful mosque with intricate tilework and architecture.
Afternoon
- Take a tour of the Port de Pêche, a bustling fishing port where locals buy and sell fresh seafood.
- Explore the Mosquée de la Divinité, a stunning mosque with a unique design.
Evening
- Dine on delicious Moroccan cuisine at Le Ksar.
- Sip on a refreshing drink at Le Mirage, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
- Experience traditional Mauritanian music and dance at Le Meridian.
Day 5
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast of crepes and coffee at La Palmeraie.
- Visit the Musée National du Sahara, a museum featuring exhibits and artifacts related to the Sahara Desert.
- Explore the Mosquée El Mourabitine, a beautiful mosque with a unique design.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch of grilled meat and vegetables at Le Marrakech.
- Visit the Mosquée de Teyarett, a stunning mosque with intricate tilework and architecture.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll through the Jardin d’El Mina, a beautiful park with a variety of flora and fauna.
- Explore the Mosquée de la Paix, a modern mosque with a unique design.
Evening
- Dine on delicious international cuisine at Le Grilladin.
- Sip on a refreshing drink at Le Pub, a cozy bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Experience the local nightlife at Le Barbu, a popular spot for live music and DJs.
Guide for 1 Week
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional breakfast at La Pâtisserie, a local bakery offering fresh pastries and bread.
- Explore the vibrant Marché Capitale, the largest market in Nouakchott, where you can find everything from spices to textiles.
- Visit the Musee National to learn about the history and culture of Mauritania.
Midday
- Enjoy a lunch of grilled fish and vegetables at Restaurant Le K.
- Sip on traditional tea at the charming Le Café Touareg.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll along the scenic Promenade and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Visit the Mosque Saudique, a beautiful mosque with intricate architecture.
Evening
- Dine on delicious couscous and lamb at Restaurant Sahara.
- Experience the lively nightlife at Le Privilege Club.
- Try the local delicacy of camel milk at La Fromagerie.
Day 2
Morning
- Indulge in a sweet breakfast at Patisserie L’Etoile, known for their delicious croissants.
- Visit the Port de Pêche, a bustling port where fishermen bring in their daily catch.
- Explore the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, a stunning national park with diverse wildlife.
Midday
- Savor a lunch of grilled meat and vegetables at Restaurant La Belle Etoile.
- Shop for unique handicrafts at L’Atelier, a boutique selling locally made goods.
Afternoon
- Visit the Centre Culturel Français St Exupéry, a cultural center showcasing French and Mauritanian art.
- Explore the quirky Maison de la Culture, a museum dedicated to promoting local culture.
Evening
- Dine on fresh seafood at Restaurant Le Terrasse.
- Sip on cocktails at the trendy Le Patio lounge.
- Enjoy a night of music and dancing at the popular Le Privilège Club.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at La Paillote, a cozy cafe serving delicious omelets.
- Visit the Mosque Ould Abas, a beautiful mosque with intricate tile work.
- Explore the Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie, a museum showcasing Mauritanian art and artifacts.
Midday
- Enjoy a lunch of couscous and vegetables at La Terrasse de l’Atlantique, a restaurant with ocean views.
- Visit the Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Nouakchott, a zoo showcasing local wildlife.
Afternoon
- Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Plage de Nouakchott, a beautiful beach with golden sand.
- Visit the Mosque El Medina, a stunning mosque with intricate architecture.
Evening
- Dine on flavorful Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Le Riad.
- Sip on refreshing cocktails at the rooftop Bar du Phare.
- Enjoy a night of live music at the popular Le Babemba lounge.
Day 4
Morning
- Enjoy a breakfast of crepes and coffee at Le Crep’Yon, a charming cafe with a French twist.
- Visit the Musée National de la Femme, a museum dedicated to showcasing the role of women in Mauritanian society.
- Explore the colorful Marché de Tevragh-Zeina, a local market selling fresh produce and textiles.
Midday
- Savor a lunch of grilled meat and vegetables at Restaurant L’Express.
- Visit the Musée du Sahara, a museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of the Sahara desert.
Afternoon
- Take a relaxing stroll through the Jardin d’El Mina, a beautiful park with lush greenery.
- Visit the Mosque El Bakkaye, a stunning mosque with intricate tile work.
Evening
- Dine on flavorful African cuisine at Restaurant La Falaise.
- Sip on refreshing cocktails at the trendy La Villa lounge.
- Experience the lively nightlife at Le Senat.
Day 5
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional breakfast at Le Cafe de Paris, a local cafe serving delicious coffee and pastries.
- Visit the Chinguetti Mosque, a beautiful mosque with intricate architecture.
- Explore the Musée d’Art Contemporain Al Mouggar, a museum showcasing modern African art.
Midday
- Savor a lunch of grilled fish and vegetables at Restaurant Chez Fatou.
- Visit the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, a research center dedicated to promoting science and technology in Mauritania.
Afternoon
- Take a camel ride through the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, a stunning national park with diverse wildlife.
- Visit the Mosque Ould Jiddou, a beautiful mosque with intricate tile work.
Evening
- Dine on flavorful Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant La Table du Capitole.
- Sip on refreshing cocktails at the trendy Le Living Room lounge.
- Experience the lively nightlife at Le Babemba.
Day 6
Morning
- Indulge in a sweet breakfast at Patisserie La Rose, known for their delicious cakes and pastries.
- Visit the Marché de Nouakchott, a bustling market selling a variety of goods.
- Explore the Musée National de la Préhistoire et de la Géologie, a museum dedicated to showcasing the history and geology of Mauritania.
Midday
- Savor a lunch of grilled meat and vegetables at Restaurant Le Capitole.
- Visit the Mosque Ould Abderahmane, a stunning mosque with intricate tile work.
Afternoon
- Take a relaxing stroll through the Jardin d’El Mina, a beautiful park with lush greenery.
- Visit the Musée National de la Musique, a museum dedicated to showcasing the music of Mauritania.
Evening
- Dine on flavorful Italian cuisine at Restaurant L’Italien.
- Sip on refreshing cocktails at the rooftop Le Roof lounge.
- Experience the lively nightlife at Le Privilège Club.
Day 7
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional breakfast at La Pâtisserie Royale, a local bakery offering fresh pastries and bread.
- Visit the Mosque Ould Maham, a beautiful mosque with intricate tile work.
- Explore the Musée National des Arts et Traditions Populaires, a museum dedicated to showcasing the art and traditions of Mauritania.
Midday
- Savor a lunch of grilled fish and vegetables at Restaurant Chez Fatou.
- Visit the Mosque Ould Bouceif, a stunning mosque with intricate architecture.
Afternoon
- Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Plage de Nouakchott, a beautiful beach with golden sand.
- Visit the Musée National de la Marine, a museum dedicated to showcasing the maritime history of Mauritania.
Evening
- Dine on flavorful Lebanese cuisine at Restaurant Al Khayyam.
- Sip on refreshing cocktails at the trendy Le Living Room lounge.
- Experience the lively nightlife at Le Senat.
Where to Stay
Coming soon for Nouakchott!
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