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Nouakchott Old Quarter

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Landmark
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Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)

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The old quarter of Nouakchott, often referred to as the Ksar, serves as the historical heart of the Mauritanian capital, which was planned as a modern city only in the late 1950s. While most of the metropolis is defined by wide boulevards and contemporary grid layouts, this district preserves the memories of the city's earliest years. It was here that the first permanent structures were built, signaling the shift from a predominantly nomadic lifestyle to a settled urban society. The architecture in the Ksar is more modest and traditional, characterized by low-rise buildings and narrower paths that offer a glimpse into the foundational period of the nation's independence. Walking through this area, one can sense the rapid transformation Mauritania underwent as it transitioned from a colonial territory to a sovereign state. Today, the old quarter remains a bustling hub of local trade, housing traditional workshops and small markets that provide an authentic look at Mauritanian culture away from the polished facades of the modern administrative centers.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Dec.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Nouakchott’s old quarter is a residential district that can be explored on foot at any time. It shows the humble beginnings of the capital with traditional mud-brick buildings.
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Typical hours
The quarter is accessible 24/7, but it is liveliest in late morning and early evening. Then residents are out and daily life unfolds on the streets.
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Photography
Photograph the traditional houses and street life, but be respectful towards residents. Best shots are taken in the morning or late afternoon.
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Time needed
A walk through the old quarter takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Allow an hour if you want to explore the alleys thoroughly and chat with locals.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby market square and the National Museum. These three destinations are in the centre and easily walkable.
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Getting there
The old quarter is centrally located in Nouakchott, not far from the market square. It is best reached on foot or by taxi; parking is possible at the edge of the quarter.
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Insider tip
Visit the quarter early morning to enjoy the calm before the daily hustle. A friendly smile and a greeting in Arabic are highly appreciated by residents.

Geography

Coordinates
18.09000, -15.97000

Facts

  • Area: 2 km².
  • Population: 80,000 (estimate).
  • Population density: 40,000 per km².
  • Year of first settlement: 1958.
  • Average household size: 8 people.
  • Lack of paved roads: 90% unpaved.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nouakchott Central MarketNouakchott Central Market<1 km · SWExplore →
Nouakchott Wholesale MarketNouakchott Wholesale Market1 km · NExplore →
Nouakchott Industrial ZoneNouakchott Industrial Zone3 km · NEExplore →
Nouakchott PortNouakchott Port6 km · SWExplore →
Nouakchott Deepwater PortNouakchott Deepwater Port15 km · SWExplore →
Mouit-NordMouit-Nord53 km · WExplore →
Aftout es-SahelAftout es-Sahel82 km · NWExplore →
NouamgharNouamghar94 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nouakchott Old Quarter (3)

Musee National de la Mauritanie lmtHf lwTny lmwrytny🏛 museum

National museum in Nouakchott, displaying archaeological finds and traditional Mauritanian crafts.

Musee urbain Turkya Daddah mtHf lHDry@ trky ddh🏛 museum

City museum in Nouakchott, documenting the urban development of the capital.

Galerie Zeinart🏛 museum

Art gallery in Nouakchott, exhibiting contemporary Mauritanian works.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are there guided tours?
Yes, local agencies offer walking tours.
What is typical for this district?
The dense construction and spirited bazaars define the scene.
Is it safe to walk around there in the evening?
Better stay in busy areas.
Are there good photo ops?
Yes, the colorful bustle of the markets is very photogenic.
Is the district easy to find?
It is centrally located and well-marked.
Nouakchott Old Quarter: where is it located?
Nouakchott Old Quarter is located in Mauritania.
Nouakchott Old Quarter: 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 Old Quarter: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Dec.
Nouakchott Old Quarter: why is it worth visiting?
The old quarter of Nouakchott, often referred to as the Ksar, serves as the historical heart of the Mauritanian capital, which was planned as a modern city only in the late 1950s.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Nouakchott Central Market — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Central Market
The central market of Nouakchott is a significant hub for regional trade.
Nouakchott — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Nouakchott
Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and lies on the Atlantic coast.
Nouadhibou — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Nouadhibou
Nouadhibou is located on the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula and is the economic center for iron ore exports.
Kiffa-Nord — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Kiffa-Nord
Kiffa-Nord is an expanding part of Kiffa.
Kiffa — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Kiffa
Kiffa is a city in southern Mauritania and capital of the Assaba region.
Market Town Kiffa — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Market Town Kiffa
Kiffa serves as a central hub for trade in the eastern regions of Mauritania.
Nouakchott Wholesale Market — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Wholesale Market
This wholesale market in Nouakchott coordinates the flow of goods in the capital.
Kaedi Distribution Center — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Kaedi Distribution Center
Kaedi serves as an important commercial base along the river course.
Kaédi — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Kaédi
Kaédi is located on the Senegal River and serves as an agricultural hub.
Kaédi-Nord — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Kaédi-Nord
Kaédi-Nord includes residential areas on the northern edge of Kaédi.
Kaedi Agricultural Center — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Kaedi Agricultural Center
Kaedi is situated along the Senegal River and is a center for local agriculture.
Gorgol — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Gorgol
Gorgol is an important settlement area in the region of the same name.
Sélibaby — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Sélibaby
Sélibaby is a city in southeastern Mauritania in the Guidimaka region.
Selibaby Trade Center — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Selibaby Trade Center
Selibaby is strategically located in the south and is a hub for cross-border trade.
Sélibaby-Est — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Sélibaby-Est
Sélibaby-Est forms the eastern part of the regional center Sélibaby.

History & landmarks

Choum — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
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 — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Medina Nouakchott
The Medina in Nouakchott reflects the urban change of the last decades.
Nouakchott Market Square — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Market Square
The market square in Nouakchott is a center of urban life.
Nouakchott Modern Square — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Modern Square
The modern square in Nouakchott shows the younger city history.

More places

National Museum of Nouakchott — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
National Museum of Nouakchott
The museum preserves archaeological findings from various Mauritanian eras.
Nouakchott Industrial Zone — Nouakchott Old Quarter (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Industrial Zone
The industrial zone of Nouakchott hosts various processing plants.