Things To Do
in Adrar

Steamed semolina served with a vegetable and meat stew; find it in family restaurants and cafés across Adrar, often served on communal dishes.

Must-Try!

Slow-roasted or stewed lamb, sometimes cooked with spices and served at celebrations or in traditional eateries; ask at local restaurants for availability.

Adrar is known for date varieties from its oases — try fresh dates, date pastries and date syrups at markets and cooperatives.

A warming spiced soup often made with lamb or chicken and local herbs, common during cooler months and Ramadan.

The weekly and daily markets near the town center sell fresh dates, bread, dried legumes, spices and simple prepared foods like flatbreads and grilled meats — sample local snacks and buy date varieties.

Small date stalls and cooperative outlets near the palm groves offer tastings and packaged dates — a great place to try and buy local varieties as gifts.

Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites; women should consider a scarf for entering mosques or conservative settings.

Greet people with 'As-salamu alaykum' and use formal manners when meeting elders. Showing respect for local customs and family structures is important.

Always ask before photographing people, particularly women and families; some communities are sensitive about images.

If invited into a home, accept tea and small offerings with appreciation; use the right hand for giving and receiving food or gifts.

Tipping is appreciated but modest; round up taxi fares, leave small tips in cafés (a few hundred dinars) and give guides/tour drivers a reasonable tip for a full-day service. Tipping is discretionary and not usually expected in small local establishments, but appreciated for good service.

Cash (Algerian dinar, DZD) is king — many places accept only cash. ATMs are available in Adrar city but can be limited, so carry sufficient cash. Credit cards are less commonly accepted outside larger hotels and a few restaurants; notify your bank before travel and carry backup cash.

Temperatures are warm to hot by day but pleasant in the early mornings and nights — an excellent time for desert excursions, flowering in some oasis plants and comfortable travel conditions.

Extremely hot and dry, often exceeding 40°C (104°F); travel and outdoor activity should be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon, and midday heat should be avoided. Carry ample water, sun protection and plan shorter excursions.

Cooling temperatures make travel comfortable again; clear skies and stable weather are good for photography and longer desert trips.

Mild daytime temperatures but cold nights in the desert; possible chilly winds and strong diurnal temperature swings — layers are essential and camping nights require warm bedding.

The main airport serving the city with domestic flights to Algiers and other regional hubs; provides the most direct access for travelers and transport of goods. Ground transport into town is short by taxi.

Located to the northeast (in the larger Touat/Timimoun region), Timimoun can be an alternative entry point for exploring nearby Saharan areas; ground travel to Adrar is possible but requires planning and a long drive.

Vegetarian options exist (couscous with vegetables, lentil stews, salads and breads) but menus are meat-forward; communicate clearly and ask for vegetable-based dishes or egg-and-cheese alternatives in cafés.

More challenging but possible if you stick to legumes, salads, couscous with vegetables and dates; carry snacks and clarify no animal-based broths.

Wheat-based breads and couscous are common — gluten-free options are limited, so bring any specialty foods you need and ask about rice or stews made without flour thickeners.

Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice unless you know it’s from safe water, and prefer freshly cooked hot foods to reduce risk of stomach upset.