World by City

Mauritania Mauritania

Nouakchott

Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and the largest city in the Sahara Desert. True to its name, meaning "place of strong winds," it offers scenery distinctive of the desert.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Nouakchott
Gateway airport
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Best season
Dec–May
Time zone
Africa/Nouakchott
Sights covered
8 places

Sights worth seeing

National Museum of Mauritania

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Mauritania

The National Museum of Mauritania is located in downtown Nouakchott, close to landmarks such as the city hall and mosque. It's a convenient stop to include on a walk around the city center.

Saudi Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Saudi Mosque

The Saudi Mosque is a Sunni mosque located southwest of the presidential palace in Nouakchott. Though modest in scale, it offers a close look at Islamic architectural style.

Mosque Marocaine

Temples & religious sites

Mosque Marocaine

This Sunni mosque stands in central Nouakchott, Mauritania, near the Moroccan Market and the Moroccan Cultural Center, making it easy to visit together. It offers a close look at local religious life.

Ibn Abbas Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Ibn Abbas Mosque

This mosque stands between the Viande Market and Capital Market in Nouakchott. It's not far from Saudique Mosque, making the two easy to visit together.

Friday Mosque of Nouakchott

Temples & religious sites

Friday Mosque of Nouakchott

The Friday Mosque is a Sunni Muslim mosque in central Nouakchott, near the Palace of Justice. It's a convenient stop while exploring the city, offering a glimpse of Islamic architecture and atmosphere.

Mosque Tevragh Zeina

Temples & religious sites

Mosque Tevragh Zeina

This Sunni mosque is located in the Tevragh-Zeina district of Nouakchott, southeast of the Olympic Stadium. It offers a good opportunity to view Islamic architecture up close.

Saint Joseph Cathedral, Nouakchott

Temples & religious sites

Saint Joseph Cathedral, Nouakchott

Saint Joseph Cathedral is a Catholic church in Nouakchott, a rare example of religious architecture in Mauritania. It's a nice place for a brief stop to take in the quiet atmosphere.

Fish Market

Shopping & districts

Fish Market

This fish market sits on the coast west of Nouakchott, about 5 km from the city center. It's frequented by traditional fishing boats, offering a close-up view of local fishing life.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

23° Jan
24° Feb
24° Mar
25° Apr
26° May
27° Jun
26° Jul
28° Aug
29° Sep
30° Oct
27° Nov
24° Dec

Getting there

Check flights to Nouakchott first

Pick a departure airport and date to jump straight to results for Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC).

Check fares and seat availability on the flight search site.

Getting around the city

Book transport

Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Nouakchott Tours & Experiences Booking

Book local tours, tickets, and experiences in advance to enjoy without waiting. Check available products and prices now.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Local data

Get an eSIM for Mauritania before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Where to stay

See all stays →

Pick your dates — we'll search Nouakchott hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Visit stories: Nouakchott

Have you been to this city?

Share your visit story with photos you took yourself. Once checked, it goes into the Magazine.

Share your visit story

Guides by theme