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Nouakchott Market Square
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The Nouakchott Market Square is the primary economic hub of Mauritania's capital, handling an estimated daily turnover of millions of ouguiya. It specialises in staple goods: millet, sorghum, dates, and imported rice from Asia, alongside livestock such as goats and sheep. The market also hosts an animated section for second-hand clothing, shipped from Europe and the US. Fish from the Atlantic coast arrives early morning, sold by weight at regulated prices. Artisans craft jewellery from silver and local gemstones, while leatherworkers produce traditional sandals. The square's strategic location near the Nouakchott, Nouadhibou highway facilitates distribution to inland towns, linking the Sahel to the coast.
- Location: Mauritania
- Top sights: Musee National de la Mauritanie lmtHf lwTny lmwrytny · Musee urbain Turkya Daddah mtHf lHDry@ trky ddh · Galerie Zeinart
- Nearby: Mouit-Nord (53 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 27 | 24 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 2 | 2 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 45 | 46 | 19 | 2 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Nouakchott’s market square is a public space freely accessible at any time. It is a central meeting point to observe urban life.
Typical hours
The square is open 24/7, but it is busiest during market hours in the morning. Evenings are quieter but still lively with strollers.
Photography
Photography is allowed anytime on the square. Colorful stalls and crowds provide great subjects, but be mindful of individuals’ privacy.
Time needed
A visit to the market square takes about 30 minutes just to watch the bustle. Allow an hour if exploring surrounding shops.
Combine with
Combine the market square with the nearby National Museum of Nouakchott. Both are centrally located and within walking distance.
Getting there
The market square is in the heart of Nouakchott, easily reachable on foot or by taxi. Follow signs to the centre; parking is scarce.
Insider tip
Visit the square early morning when traders set up their stalls - that yields authentic photos. In the evening, simple food stalls offer local specialties.
Geography
Facts
- Estimated daily footfall exceeds 20,000 people.
- Market covers an area of 3.2 hectares.
- Average annual turnover is around 50 billion ouguiya (approx. $1.3 billion).
- Over 1,200 registered vendors operate within the square.
- The square was officially opened in 1964 by President Mokhtar Ould Daddah.
- The market's livestock section trades about 500 goats and sheep per day.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Nouakchott Market Square (3)
Galerie Zeinart🏛 museum
Art gallery in Nouakchott, exhibiting contemporary Mauritanian works.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What defines the square?
The lively, authentic life of Nouakchott.
When is it busiest?
Late morning.
Are there restaurants here?
Many street food stalls.
Is it safe?
Yes, but watch out for thieves.
Can I haggle?
Yes, definitely.
Nouakchott Market Square: where is it located?
Nouakchott Market Square is located in Mauritania.
Nouakchott Market Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Musee National de la Mauritanie lmtHf lwTny lmwrytny, Musee urbain Turkya Daddah mtHf lHDry@ trky ddh, Galerie Zeinart.
Nouakchott Market Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Dec.
Nouakchott Market Square: why is it worth visiting?
The Nouakchott Market Square is the primary economic hub of Mauritania's capital, handling an estimated daily turnover of millions of ouguiya.
Explore with Plizio
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Sélibaby-Est forms the eastern part of the regional center Sélibaby.
History & landmarks
Choum
Choum is a strategic desert outpost on the route of the famous iron ore train, serving as a gateway to the Adrar Plateau.
Medina Nouakchott
The Medina in Nouakchott reflects the urban change of the last decades.
Nouakchott Old Quarter
The old quarter of Nouakchott is a historic core of the city.
Nouakchott Modern Square
The modern square in Nouakchott shows the younger city history.
