Best places to visit in Oman

Oman is a hidden gem in the Arabian Peninsula, boasting stunning deserts, majestic mountains, and pristine beaches. As one of the most culturally rich and naturally diverse countries in the Gulf region, Oman is known for its warm hospitality, ancient forts, and breathtaking landscapes.

Best Cities to Visit

Muscat

Muscat blends history, culture, and modernity, making it one of the Gulf’s most unique capitals. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-visit, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture and one of the world’s largest chandeliers. Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East, is perfect for shopping local goods like frankincense, silver, and textiles. The Royal Opera House hosts cultural performances and highlights Oman’s dedication to the arts. For relaxation, Qurum Beach offers a peaceful coastline ideal for swimming and unwinding. Muscat’s mix of heritage and scenic beauty makes it a top destination in Oman.

Nizwa

Nizwa, one of Oman’s oldest cities, is known for its rich history, traditional markets, and stunning fort. The Nizwa Fort, with its massive circular tower, offers panoramic views of the city and showcases Oman’s architectural heritage. Nearby, the Nizwa Souq is a bustling market where visitors can shop for authentic Omani silver jewelry, handcrafted pottery, and traditional khanjars (daggers). Surrounding the city, date plantations provide a glimpse into Oman’s agricultural traditions, offering some of the finest dates in the region.

Salalah

Salalah, the jewel of southern Oman, is famous for its lush landscapes, especially during the Khareef monsoon season, when the city transforms into a green oasis. Al Mughsail Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline known for its dramatic cliffs and natural blowholes that shoot seawater high into the air. Wadi Darbat, one of the region’s most scenic valleys, features waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. For history enthusiasts, the Frankincense Land Museum highlights Oman’s ancient incense trade, a UNESCO-recognized heritage.

Sur

Sur, a historic coastal town, is renowned for its seafaring traditions and dhow-building legacy. The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is one of the best places in the world to witness endangered green turtles nesting along the shores. At the Sur Dhow Yard, visitors can see traditional wooden Omani dhows being crafted by hand, preserving centuries-old boat-making techniques. For a scenic view of the town and coastline, the Al Ayjah Lighthouse offers a picturesque vantage point overlooking Sur’s charming whitewashed houses and turquoise waters.

Sohar

Sohar, often linked to the legendary Sinbad the Sailor, is a city with a rich maritime and trade history. The Sohar Fort, a well-preserved 14th-century fortress, houses a museum showcasing the city’s past as a major port. Along the coastline, the Sohar Corniche offers a scenic waterfront perfect for relaxing walks, while the nearby beaches provide a peaceful retreat with golden sands and clear waters.

Rustaq

Rustaq is a historic town rich in Omani heritage, known for its impressive fortresses and natural hot springs. Rustaq Fort, one of the largest in Oman, stands as a symbol of the country’s past, offering visitors a glimpse into its defensive architecture and strategic significance. Nearby, Al Kasfah Hot Springs provide a natural retreat, where warm, mineral-rich waters flow from underground, making it a popular spot for relaxation.

Best Natural Wonders

Wadi Shab

Wadi Shab is one of Oman’s most breathtaking natural wonders, featuring a dramatic canyon, crystal-clear emerald pools, and hidden waterfalls. A short boat ride and a scenic hike through rugged terrain lead to the wadi’s famous swimming spots, where visitors can dive into refreshing turquoise waters and explore a cave with a stunning waterfall inside.

Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands, also known as the Sharqiya Sands, is an iconic desert landscape stretching over 12,500 square kilometers of rolling golden dunes. This vast expanse is perfect for dune bashing, where off-road enthusiasts can navigate the towering sand dunes in 4×4 vehicles. Visitors can also experience camel trekking, offering a glimpse into traditional Bedouin life. For an unforgettable night under the stars, desert camps provide authentic Omani hospitality with local cuisine and cultural performances. Whether seeking adventure or serenity, Wahiba Sands delivers a true Arabian desert experience.

Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)

Jebel Akhdar, meaning “Green Mountain,” is a breathtaking highland region in the Al Hajar Mountains, offering a cooler climate and stunning views. Known for its terraced farms, the area produces pomegranates, roses, and walnuts, making it a unique contrast to Oman’s desert landscapes. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, traditional villages, and the famous Saiq Plateau, which provides panoramic views of the rugged mountains.

Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain)

Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak, rises over 3,000 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of Arabia. This dramatic landscape features sheer cliffs, deep gorges, and rugged mountain trails, making it a top destination for hiking and trekking. The W6 Balcony Walk is a popular trail along the canyon’s edge, providing stunning panoramic views.

Bimmah Sinkhole

Bimmah Sinkhole is a stunning natural wonder, featuring a turquoise water pool nestled within a limestone crater. Formed by the collapse of an underground cavern, this unique spot is perfect for swimming and cliff jumping, with its crystal-clear waters offering a refreshing escape from the heat.

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is one of the most important nesting sites for endangered green turtles, offering visitors a rare chance to witness these majestic creatures laying eggs or hatchlings making their way to the sea. Guided night tours provide an up-close experience while ensuring minimal disturbance to the turtles.

Hidden Gems of Oman

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis, featuring crystal-clear turquoise pools, shaded by lush palm groves and surrounded by rugged mountains. Unlike seasonal wadis, its water flows year-round, making it an ideal spot for swimming, picnicking, and exploring hidden caves.

Misfat Al Abriyeen

Misfat Al Abriyeen is a picturesque mountain village known for its traditional mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways, and lush date plantations. Perched on the slopes of the Al Hajar Mountains, it offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Omani rural life. The village is famous for its ancient falaj irrigation system, which still nourishes the terraced farms.

Majlis Al Jinn Cave

Majlis Al Jinn is one of the largest cave chambers in the world, hidden beneath the rugged limestone plateau of Oman’s Eastern Hajar Mountains. With a depth of over 120 meters and a massive underground expanse, it was once a destination for expert cavers and base jumpers. Though official access is now restricted, its sheer size and mystery make it one of Oman’s most fascinating natural wonders.

Al Hoota Cave

Al Hoota Cave is a stunning underground cave system located at the foot of Jebel Shams, stretching over 4.5 kilometers with only a portion accessible to visitors. The cave features impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes home to rare blind fish. A guided tour takes visitors through a well-lit pathway, revealing the cave’s natural rock formations and fascinating geological history.

Dimaniyat Islands

The Dimaniyat Islands are a protected group of nine uninhabited islands off the coast of Muscat, known for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. A paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving, the islands are home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and an array of colorful fish. As a nature reserve, the area is untouched by development, making it one of Oman’s most breathtaking and secluded coastal destinations.

Best Cultural & Historical Landmarks

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of Oman’s most iconic landmarks, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture and intricate craftsmanship. With its massive chandelier, intricately designed prayer hall, and one of the world’s largest handwoven carpets, the mosque is a true testament to Omani artistry.

Nizwa Fort

Nizwa Fort, one of Oman’s most impressive historical landmarks, stands as a symbol of the city’s rich past. Built in the 17th century, the fort features a massive circular tower, offering panoramic views of Nizwa’s palm groves, mountains, and traditional souq. Inside, visitors can explore historical exhibits, secret passageways, and traditional defense mechanisms that highlight Oman’s architectural ingenuity.

Bahla Fort

Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Oman’s most remarkable historical landmarks. Dating back to the 13th century, this massive mud-brick fortress was once a stronghold of the Banu Nebhan tribe. Surrounded by a 12-kilometer defensive wall, the fort is known for its impressive towers, labyrinth-like passages, and stunning views of the surrounding oasis.

Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts

Perched on rocky cliffs overlooking Muscat’s harbor, Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts are two of Oman’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, these twin forts played a crucial role in defending the city. While Al Mirani remains closed to the public, Al Jalali has been transformed into a museum showcasing Omani heritage.

Taqah Castle (Salalah)

Located in Salalah, Taqah Castle is a well-preserved 19th-century coastal fort that offers insight into Oman’s history and traditional way of life. Once the residence of a local tribal leader, the castle now serves as a museum, showcasing antique weapons, traditional Omani furnishings, and historical artifacts.

Muttrah Souq

Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in the Middle East, offers a true taste of Omani culture. Nestled along Muscat’s waterfront, this bustling bazaar is filled with handcrafted silver jewelry, frankincense, spices, perfumes, and traditional Omani textiles. The maze-like alleys, filled with the scent of sandalwood and the sound of lively bargaining, make for an immersive shopping experience.

Best Culinary & Shopping Experiences

Oman offers a rich blend of traditional flavors and vibrant shopping experiences, reflecting its deep-rooted heritage and warm hospitality.

Omani Dishes to Try

Omani cuisine is known for its bold spices and slow-cooked meats. Shuwa, a tender lamb dish marinated in fragrant spices and cooked underground for up to 48 hours, is a must-try for its depth of flavor. Majboos, a spiced rice dish similar to biryani, is typically served with chicken, lamb, or seafood. For seafood lovers, Mashuai, grilled kingfish paired with a tangy lemon sauce, is a local favorite.

Traditional Sweets

No Omani meal is complete without halwa, a sticky, gelatinous dessert infused with saffron, cardamom, and rose water, often served with kahwa (Omani coffee). This combination is a key part of Omani hospitality and is offered to guests across the country.

Best Souqs & Markets

For a taste of traditional shopping, Muttrah Souq in Muscat is a bustling market filled with handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs. Nizwa Souq, one of Oman’s oldest markets, is the best place to find authentic khanjars (Omani daggers) and pottery. In the south, Salalah’s Al Husn Souq is famous for its high-quality frankincense and perfumes, deeply tied to Oman’s trade history.

Luxury Shopping

• Oman Avenues Mall – A premier shopping destination.
• Mall of Oman – Home to high-end international brands.

Travel Tips for Visiting Oman

Best Time to Visit

• Winter (November–March): Best for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Spring (April–May): Ideal for mountain and cultural exploration.
• Summer (June–September): Extremely hot, except in Salalah, which turns lush green during the Khareef season.
• Autumn (October–November): Perfect for coastal getaways with moderate temperatures.

Cultural Etiquette & Safety

• Oman is a conservative country—modest dress is recommended in public.
• Omani people are known for their hospitality—respecting local customs is appreciated.
• Alcohol is only available in licensed hotels and restaurants; public consumption is prohibited.

Driving and Car Rental Tips

Renting a Car

A rental car gives you the flexibility to visit remote areas at your own pace. While sedans work well for cities and highways, a 4×4 vehicle is essential for off-road adventures, such as exploring Jebel Shams, the Wahiba Sands, or the Empty Quarter. Major international and local rental companies operate at airports and city centers, offering a range of vehicles to suit different travel needs.

Most foreign tourists need an International Driving Permit along with their home country’s driver’s license to rent a car in Oman. It’s best to check rental company requirements in advance to avoid any issues.

Driving Conditions & Rules

• Roads are well-maintained, but mountain roads require careful navigation.
• Fuel is affordable, making road trips budget-friendly.
• Speed limits are strictly enforced with radar cameras.

Oman offers an unparalleled mix of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and welcoming hospitality. Whether you’re trekking through mountains, exploring ancient forts, or enjoying the serenity of a desert camp, Oman is a destination that truly has something for every traveler.