Parts of the traditional architecture of Atar were destroyed by floods and rain in early 1990's.
Atar, one of the largest settlements in Mauritania's north, has enough to hold the interest of most visitors. It is a very lively place, an important market centre for a vast region, with nomads coming into town in order to stock up, as well as sell their products (mainly foodstuffs and animals). Unfortunately, Atar is starting to become a place where visitors can be harassed by the young with money or valuables in mind.

Of attractions Atar, offers a ksar with narrow streets, and a French fort from WW2. The date palmeraie of Atar is a must for people spending time in Atar, green and luscious, and with an impressive irrigation system.
Atar has a number of great excursions, with stone circles 10 km to the north, or to Azougui 15 to the northwest.

Few hotels, which by local standards are quite reasonably priced. Some of the restaurants of Atar can also accomodate. Eating can be done in cheap eateries.

Atar has 3 weekly flights to Nouakchott (US$60 one way).
Taxis connect Atar to Nouakchott as well (US$20), as well as to Choum (which has a railway station, which can bring you to Nouadhibou), or to Chinguetti (below US$8).