FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Nouakchott

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: MRU 15000/day🚗 Car Needed☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Dec
✓

Quick Answer

Stay in Cite Cheikh Anta Diop

This area provides more affordable accommodation and a more local, less touristy experience, allowing for cost savings.

See full Nouakchott neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Nouakchott

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

Stunning aerial view of illuminated streets in Nouakchott, Mauritania during nighttime.
laye cana / Pexels
1

Cite Cheikh Anta Diop

A more residential and slightly quieter area, offering a glimpse into local life with some amenities.

Our top picks in Cite Cheikh Anta Diop

🏢
Residence La Corniche$$

Offers apartment-style living, suitable for longer stays and those seeking more independence.

Book Now
🏨
Hotel Gazelle$

A budget-friendly option providing basic but clean accommodations.

Book Now
🛡️ Safe during the day with local...Budgetsolo travelersbudget
View Hotels in Cite Cheikh Anta Diop
Captured in daylight, a vibrant Mexico City street with vehicles and urban life, highlighting city's dynamic energy.
Jimmy Elizarraras / Pexels
2

Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser

The bustling commercial and administrative heart of the city, lined with shops, banks, and government buildings.

Our top picks in Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser

🏨
Hôtel Mon Plaisir$$

A reliable option with comfortable rooms and good service, popular with business travelers.

Book Now
🏨
Hotel Tfeila$$

Offers a more traditional Mauritanian experience with a courtyard and friendly staff.

Book Now
🏨
Hotel Semiramis$$

A well-established hotel known for its consistent standards and central location.

Book Now
🛡️ Generally safe during the day ...Mid-rangefirst-timersbusiness travelers
View Hotels in Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser
A tranquil street in Trujillo, Peru showcasing rustic architecture and urban tranquility.
Joshuan Barboza / Pexels
3

La Corniche

The seaside promenade, offering ocean views, restaurants, and a more relaxed atmosphere, especially popular in the evenings.

Our top picks in La Corniche

🏨
Hotel Halima$$

Offers sea views and is a popular choice for its location along the Corniche.

Book Now
🏨
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nouakchott$$$

A modern, international standard hotel with excellent amenities, including a pool and sea views.

Book Now
🏨
Seven Eleven Hotel$$

A well-regarded hotel with comfortable rooms and good service, close to the coast.

Book Now
🛡️ Generally safe due to good lig...Luxurycouplesfamilies
View Hotels in La Corniche
View all hotels in Nouakchott

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Cite Cheikh Anta Diop
BudgetA more residential and slightly quieter area, offering a glimpse into local life with some amenities.
solo travelersbudget
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser
Mid-rangeThe bustling commercial and administrative heart of the city, lined with shops, banks, and government buildings.
first-timersbusiness travelers
La Corniche
LuxuryThe seaside promenade, offering ocean views, restaurants, and a more relaxed atmosphere, especially popular in the evenings.
couplesfamilies
🏨

Find budget-friendly hostels in Nouakchott

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Tips for Backpackers in Nouakchott

🛏️

Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Nouakchott. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

🚶

Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

🆓

Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

💧

Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

🗺️

Find free walking tours in Nouakchott

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Nouakchott

1

Cite Cheikh Anta Diop

Budget

A more residential and slightly quieter area, offering a glimpse into local life with some amenities.

solo travelersbudgetculture
  • +More affordable accommodation and food options
  • +Authentic local atmosphere
  • +Slightly less chaotic than the absolute center
  • -Fewer tourist-oriented amenities
  • -Can feel a bit more remote from major attractions
🏨 Residence La Corniche🏨 Hotel Gazelle
2

Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser

Mid-range

The bustling commercial and administrative heart of the city, lined with shops, banks, and government buildings.

first-timersbusiness travelersfoodies
  • +Central location with good access to services
  • +Plenty of dining options
  • +Hub for transportation
  • -Can be very crowded and noisy
  • -Limited green spaces
🏨 Hôtel Mon Plaisir🏨 Hotel Tfeila🏨 Hotel Semiramis
3

La Corniche

Luxury

The seaside promenade, offering ocean views, restaurants, and a more relaxed atmosphere, especially popular in the evenings.

couplesfamiliesbeach loversluxury
  • +Pleasant sea breeze and views
  • +Good selection of upscale restaurants
  • +Safer for evening strolls
  • -Can be expensive
  • -Further from the city's main commercial areas
🏨 Hotel Halima🏨 Radisson Blu Hotel, Nouakchott🏨 Seven Eleven Hotel

Daily Budget (Budget)

MRU 15000/day

Basic guesthouse in the city center (e.g., Hotel El Waha)MRU 3000
Local street food for lunch (e.g., grilled fish or chicken skewers) and dinner at a simple restaurantMRU 4000
Taxis for short distances within the cityMRU 3000
Visit the Grand Mosque and explore the Artisanal Centre for local craftsMRU 2000
Walk along the beach and observe local fishermenMRU 3000
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Nouakchott

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Grand Marché

Experience the vibrant heart of Nouakchott's commerce. You can find everything from traditional clothing and spices to fresh produce and local crafts, perfect for authentic souvenirs.

marketCentral Nouakchott
🍜

Restaurant Le Sultan

For an authentic taste of Mauritanian cuisine, locals recommend this restaurant. Enjoy delicious grilled fish, couscous, and traditional stews in a relaxed atmosphere.

foodCentral Nouakchott

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Nouakchott

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Nouakchott Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Nouakchott on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details
Local street food and cuisine
2

Nouakchott Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Nouakchott with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details
Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Nouakchott: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Nouakchott's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details
Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Nouakchott: Scenic Excursion

Escape Nouakchott for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details
Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Nouakchott Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Nouakchott's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details
View all tours in Nouakchott

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.

⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Nouakchott

Backpackers in Nouakchott: FAQ

What is the best area in Nouakchott for backpackers?
Cite Cheikh Anta Diop is our top pick for backpackers in Nouakchott. A more residential and slightly quieter area, offering a glimpse into local life with some amenities. It is a budget-friendly area known for solo travelers, budget, culture.
Is Nouakchott safe for backpackers?
Nouakchott is rated "exercise caution" overall. Nighttime requires increased vigilance. Stick to well-lit main avenues and popular areas like La Corniche. Avoid walking in poorly lit or deserted streets. Taxis are recommended for travel after dark. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in Nouakchott for backpackers?
Expect to spend around MRU 15000 per day in Nouakchott as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Nouakchott?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in Nouakchott?
The most affordable hostels in Nouakchott are typically found in Cite Cheikh Anta Diop. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

Found your hotel in Nouakchott?

We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.

Find cheapest price
Booking.comExpediaSecret EscapesVoyage Privé+25 more including members-only

More Nouakchott Guides

Full Nouakchott guideAreas to avoidBest time to visitMore cities in Mauritania👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers

Plan Your Perfect Nouakchott Trip

Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.

Day-by-day planHotel picksTour recommendationsBudget breakdown