Adrar is a desert town and if you are travelling south towards Gao in Mali on the Route du Tanezrouft, it's the last place of any size you'll encounter. There aren't any special buildings in Adrar, but most dwellings in the town have a reddish color and the overall effect is striking. The main square is quite large and all important buildings are located around it. There is not a whole lot of accommodation available in Adrar and there are only a few restaurants.

People in Adrar mostly earn their living in agriculture and the area around the town is characterized by a traditional irrigation system known as 'Foggara'.

Adrar was the site where France tested nuclear explosions during the 1960s.

There is a bus station to the north of the town, and daily connections are available to Béchar, Timimoun, Ghardia and Aoulef. Before heading south check with the authorities, as border formalities are sometimes done in Adrar.