Nouakchott: City History, Market and Culture

When planning a stay in Nouakchott, there are several themes to explore: city history, cultural venues, the capital’s market and the nearby coast. Beyond these local themes, Mauritania offers a broader cultural and culinary context.

City History, Cultural Venues and the Market

Nouakchott grew from a small brackish-water well, used by transhumant Bedouins and caravans on their way to southern Mauritania and Senegal, into the capital of a state taking shape. This development links the original water source to the history of the capital and offers a concrete way to explore the city’s past.

Nouakchott’s attractions include the National Museum, the Maison des artistes, the Maison des cinéastes and the Zeinart Gallery. For your trip planning, these offer a range of cultural themes to consider: museums, artists, filmmakers and galleries. Together with the city’s history, they provide several starting points for prioritizing your interests during your stay.

At the capital’s market, numerous vendors sell items including melafas, traditional women’s dresses. For travelers interested in clothing and markets, the capital’s market can be a place to visit.

A Nearby Beach

Plage des pêcheurs is a large sandy beach about ten minutes from Nouakchott. Visitors can relax there, watch the sunset and see fishing pirogues returning to the fish market. The coast thus offers a theme alongside the city’s history, cultural venues and the capital’s market.

Mauritania: Culinary and Cultural Context

In Mauritania, a traditional meal begins with dates and ends with a ceremonial mint-tea ritual. The tea culture involves three glasses, prepared according to a ritual that brings people together and encourages sharing. During Mauritanian tea gatherings, people talk, recite poems, discuss history and share anecdotes.

Mauritanian cuisine includes couscous and leksour and is influenced by Maghrebi and sub-Saharan African cultures. Tiéboudienne, a rice and fish dish, is also one of Mauritania’s specialties and is associated with sub-Saharan African culture. Popular drinks in Mauritania include fresh camel milk, zrig made with water and sugar, the hibiscus infusion bissap, and tajmakht made from baobab pulp. These culinary customs and specialties offer a nationwide perspective without being limited to Nouakchott.

Oualata in Mauritania also offers a distinctive cultural point of interest: formerly known as Birru, the town is a World Heritage site and is known for its great age, architecture, family libraries containing old manuscripts, and the pink-and-white decorations on its houses. In Atar, Mauritania, the summer date season draws visitors from across the country to the Guetna date festival.

A guide is required for first-time visits to Banc d’Arguin National Park. Visitor guidance may change, so check this requirement with the park before your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Atar, Rosso, Nouadhibou, Chinguetti.

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