42 Best Sights in Oman

Al Bustan Beach

Fodor's choice

Tucked behind the small village of Al Bustan, this beach shares the same stretch of sand as the opulent Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace Hotel. After a short stroll through the cobblestone alleys of the village past groups of old Oman women sitting and chatting together in the shade, steps will lead you directly onto the beach, where fishermen will look up from their nets to eye you, and children will likely be playing football. Move beyond the makeshift football field towards the hotel grounds. Just before the private section beach, at the base of towering rock formations, you can lay out your towels and coolers and spend the day swimming and taking in the happy sounds of the buzzing strand. In the village is a small barbecue restaurant and tea shop, but there are no formal facilities at this lovely beach. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: sunrise; sunset.

Jabal Akhdar

Fodor's choice

Jabal Akhdar, the Green Mountain, is part of the rocky Al Hajar mountain range, and despite its name, at first it appears to be as martian as the surrounding jagged peaks. The mountains are an hour from Nizwa, and the steep ascent up the winding mountain roads to the summit, which sits at nearly 10,000 feet (2,980 meters), requires a 4x4 vehicle and experience. Near the village of Saiq the spectacular rock landscape is suddenly interrupted by shocks of green from the orchards that grow on the stepped sides of the cliffs. Omani villagers grow apricots, plums, grapes, and other fruits but are most famous for their excellent pomegranates, which come into season each September and sell out quickly. The landscape is unlike anything found elsewhere in the world, and a drive through the spectacular peaks is a must for anyone visiting Oman.

Misfat Al Abriyeen

Fodor's choice

Just under an hour from Nizwa, the ancient—but still inhabited—mountain village of Misfat al Abriyeen is an amazing place for a short hike. A map of the historical section of Misfat al Abriyeen, along with information on points of interests and rules of courtesy for visiting tourists, is posted. The old houses, which are still in use, are traditional mud houses with palm roofs and are unique in that they are built on solid rock foundations. The inhabitants are mostly farmers, who grow bananas, pomegranates, papayas, mangoes, citrus, and most of all, the famous Omani dates. Walking paths are marked with yellow, green, and red flags, and visitors are expected to stick to the official paths to avoid trespassing on a resident's property. There are amazing vantage points for photography, but as in the rest of the country, you should ask before photographing people.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Mutrah Corniche

Mutrah Fodor's choice

One of the few places to walk in Muscat, the beautiful corniche runs along the sea from the top of the hill overlooking old Muscat, across from the incense burner monument at Al Riyam Park, to the fish market and shipping port just past the famous Mutrah Souq. Along the route, there are plenty of photo ops of the iconic waterfront buildings of Old Muscat, including the beautiful old blue-domed Shia mosque. Each evening, as the weather cools, the sidewalk fills with locals and expats enjoying a stroll. It is a great place to head to around sunset.

Mutrah Souq

Mutrah Fodor's choice

The main corridor of the Mutrah souq, the oldest marketplace in Muscat, is lined with shops selling mussars (the local turban wraps), pashmina shawls, "I Love Oman" T-shirts, frankincense, and other souvenirs. Turning up the first alleyways off of the souk takes you to the more subdued gold souk, wonderful small perfumeries, and the tailoring shops and spice grinders beyond that. The covered souq opens up onto the labyrinth of shop-lined streets that make up the old Mutrah neighborhood, an especially good place to find cooking gadgets, spices, and custom-tailored clothing. Walking down the main hall, you will be pestered with offers to look and try and buy, so feel free to negotiate hard, especially considering that a few shops down, you are likely to find the same goods. In the evening the souq is full of local Omani customers who still patronize the old market for everything from traditional clothing to incense and jewelry. Thursday nights are an especially interesting time to go.

Nizwa Livestock Market

Fodor's choice

Every Friday the Nizwa souq becomes a hive of activity as the livestock market gets underway. Every type of livestock, from camels to cows to goats, is auctioned off, and both sellers and buyers flood the market from surrounding Dakhiliyah towns. It is a one-of-a-kind spectacle. This style of buying and selling livestock hasn't changed much over the centuries, so it's a weekly step back in time. The market also offers great opportunities for photography, but be sure to ask women before taking their picture. Go early as the main action wraps up well before noon.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Fodor's choice

Completed in 2001, Muscat's Grand Mosque took six years to build, not to mention 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone and an army of Persian weavers to assemble the 1.7 million–knot Persian rug that adorns the main prayer hall, the second-largest Persian rug in the world behind the one at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Covering more than 430,000 square feet, the complex can welcome up to 20,000 worshipers under its central dome and in adjacent chambers and courtyards. Though the exterior is subdued, with sandstone arches and no more sparkle than the subtle gold beneath the latticed stone of the dome, once inside, the spotlessly buffed white marble, intricate, colorful tilework, and eight-ton, gold-plated Swarovski crystal chandelier, provide immense drama. The manicured gardens surrounding the prayer halls are a wonderful, serene place to spend a few reflective hours. Non-Muslims can visit every morning but Friday. All visitors are asked to dress modestly, covered to ankles and wrists, and women must cover their hair with a scarf. There are abayas available to rent at the visitor center for those who forget the dress code.

Buy Tickets Now

Sur Corniche

Fodor's choice

The Sur corniche is a 4-km (2½-mile) oceanfront walkway around the oldest part of the city. Along the main stretch that runs along the sea, you can take in views of the beautiful wooden dhow in the harbor and the ancient watchtower across the bay in the village of Al Ayjah, while the inlet side offers views of the mosque-dominated skyline of the newer part of the city across the water. Along the route is a stretch of sandy beach, the dhow factory, and the maritime museum. It is the perfect place to walk in the evening, just before sunset when the weather is cool and the light is starting to wane. At night, it is a favorite hangout of local residents, who set up their folding chairs, little barbecue grills, and sheesha pipes along the road.

Al Alam Royal Palace

The ceremonial palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was built in 1972, just after his ascension to the throne in 1971. The iconic structure, with its vibrant gold and blue pillars, is right in center of Old Muscat, in the shadows of the 16th-century Portuguese forts Al Mirani and Al Jalali. Entrance is forbidden, but you can take photographs from the sprawling pedestrian boulevard out front.

Al Hoota Cave

Near the town of Hamria, the Al Hoota Cave extends over about 5 km (3 miles) underground. Visitors can explore about a half-mile of the underground ecosystem, following a the footpath, which ends at a 65-foot-deep underground lake. There are several facinating varieties of blind fish living in the lake, including some with no eyes at all that rely on sensitive papillae to sense their surroundings, and small pink fish whose bones are visible through their translucent flesh. Cave tours last just under an hour are are led by guides who are fluent in both Arabic and English. There is a nominal entrance fee, and only a limited number of guests are allowed to enter the cave at one time, so it is best to book ahead.

Al Qurum Natural Park

Qurm

The largest park in Oman, Qurum Natural Park is a lush, green oasis that provides a cool refuge even from the summer heat thanks to its tall shade trees and large lake. The park's 400 acres offer ample space to wander, with rose gardens, dancing fountains, a boating lake, playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a small amusement park that opens daily after 4:30 pm. Small coffee shops and restaurants are open all day, and there are restroom facilities throughout the park, making it a great place to spend an afternoon and evening. It is most popular in the late afternoons and into the night, when the weather is cool and the fountains are lit. In addition to families and children playing, as the night falls many couples, strolling hand-in-hand, join the lively scene.

Amouage Factory and Visitor Center

Al Mawaleh

Oman is rich with luxurious scents, from frankincense smoke to the woodsy aroma of bakhoor incense to spicy, exotic perfumes. In the early 1980s, Amouage perfume, the most costly perfume in the world, was added to the Sultanate's roster of signature smells. The headquarters and factory are outside Muscat, just past the airport going towards Barka. Producing 25,000 bottles per week, the two-story facility doubles as a museum where guests can see demonstrations of the various stages of perfume production, from macerating the raw ingredients to final packaging. Naturally, you can purchase your own bottle directly from the source here as well.

Atheiba Beach

This large public beach is a great place to take a jog, have a picnic or swim and is popular with families during the day. There are Jet Ski rentals and kite-surfing lessons available from small shops at either end of the beach as well. At night, it is a favorite spot for young Omanis and expats to barbecue. Locals either park in the large lot and lug their gear onto a prime patch of sand, or those with SUVs drive directly onto the beach, where woven plastic mats (available at any of the hypermarkets) and grills are set up. On the weekends the night air is filled with the smell of grilling and the sounds of music and people laughing. It is an especially nice place for a midnight swim. There are sometimes grillers serving barbecue called mishkak from the main parking lot, but it is best to bring your own provisions. Amenities: parking (free); toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Bahla City Walls

Just over a half hour from Nizwa, the ancient city of Bahla has several interesting historic sites to see and folklore to explore, beginning with the 13-km-long (8-mile), 132-watchtower-lined wall surrounding the town. The wall's murky history has given rise to many legends, including one that states the wall was built in one night by jinn (ghosts) and another other purporting that it was built entirely by women of the town. A more likely explanation is that the Banu Nebhan built the walls to protect the oasis, which served as their capital for more than 300 years, from the 12th through 15th centuries.

Barka Halwa Factory

Oman is famous for its Halwa, a confection made from sugar, butter, saffron, and cornstarch. The Oman Halwa Factory in the town of Barka, about 40 minutes from Muscat, has been making the signature sweet for 50 years and is the supplier of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. They usually don't let visitors inside the factory itself, but you can sample the various flavors of halwa that they make and buy some to take home.

Bilad Fort

One of Oman's many restored forts, this 200-year-old fortress is not as impressive some of the others, including the mammoth Nizwa fort. This one was built to protect the city from inland attack, so there are some great views of Sur from its high walls. The locals who look after the fort are quite friendly and will invite you to sit with them and enjoy Omani dates and coffee.

Bimmah Sinkhole

An hour north of Sur, the aptly named Hawiyat Najm Park (Falling Star Park) is home to a 40 meter-wide sinkhole that, as legend has it, was created when a falling star struck the earth, creating an underground passage to the adjacent sea. Scientist have since spoiled the story, confirming that the natural wonder was caused by the shifting of tectonic plates and erosion, but the vibrant turquoise waters that await those who climb the long staircase down into the hole are pretty magical no matter how they came to be. The waters are filled with small fish that give natural pedicures, gently nibbling on toes and feet. The park is located an hour north of Sur, almost exactly midway to Muscat, and it is easily accessible from the highway with plently of parking and restrooms. The friendly guide who lives on-site is a wealth of information, and he will likely invite you to sit and have an Omani coffee and dates with him.

Birkat al Mouz Ruins

At the base of Jabal Akhdar, about 25 minutes from Nizwa, the ghost town of Birkat Al Mouz (which literally translates as "banana pool") is a beautiful place for a half-hour hike. The Al Falaj irrigation system still runs through the village streets, and there is a fun trick to try if you bring three colorful, small balls with you: Drop them in the same water channel and follow them. They will separate into different waterways a few meters down every time.

Dhow Building Yard

As the last remaining dhow-building factory in a city famous for its carved wooden trading vessels, this workshop is well worth a visit. Nowdays the ships are mostly purchased by rich boating enthusiasts from other GCC countries as pieces of art rather than for maritime commerce. The laborers start cutting thick planks and stretching them across wooden frames around dawn; they typically take a break for the afternoon and continue their work in the early evening. The shop is open to the public, and there is a small visitor center with information on the history of dhow-making in Sur, as well as small replicas and other woodwork for sale.

Fort Al-Mirani

On the western side of Muscat's old harbor, this fort was built by the Portuguese in 1588 on the ruins of an older fort that stood at the same site. Like Al-Jalali Fort, just accross the harbor, it can be viewed and photographed, but visits are not allowed.

Jami al-Hamoda Mosque

An hour south of Bidiyah, the quiet town of Bilad Bani Bu Ali is a tourist destination in its own right, drawing visitors for its watchtowers, old fortified houses, forts, and ancient city walls. The town is filled with charming homes decorated with intricate tilework, colorful metal-work, and carved wood doors. The most interesting of the ancient abandoned structures in town is the Jami al-Hamoda Mosque, notable because of its unusual construction featuring separate 52 domes and a falaj (water channel) that was once used for ablutions. To find the old mosque, head for the fort and make your first left after passing it. From here, you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get through the quarter-mile of sand that separates the paved road from the mosque, which will be on the left. If nothing else, the scenic drive is a bit of an adventure.

Jebel Shams

About 90 minutes from Nizwá by four-wheel-drive vehicle, Jebel Shams rises 9,855 miles above sea level, making it the highest peak in the Al Hajar Range—and indeed the tallest mountain peak in the Arabian Peninsula. The high altitude makes for cool weather in the summer and temperatures that drop below freezing in the winter. It is most famous for the Al Nakhr Balcony, the "Grand Canyon" of the Middle East, a stunning ravine punctuated by dramatic rock formations etched out of the stone through erosion. It is a popular place to hike thanks to the cool weather, but you should bring your own provisions as there are almost no amenities aside from a single hotel in the surrounding area.

Muscat Gate Museum

On the coastal road between the old Mutrah neighborhood and the old city of Muscat, there is a large archway that houses the Muscat Gate. The small museum here displays photographs and information on the history of this once-walled city, whose gates were once locked before sundown every night—supposedly as a safety precaution, but also as a way to impose a strict curfew during the Portuguese occupation. The three main gates—the Mathaib Gate, Al Bab Al Saghir (the little door), and Al Bab Al Kabir (the big door)—still stand. The museum is a great place to learn their histories before hiking down to see them. The staff at the hotel are helpful and informative, and even if you aren't interested in the historic gates, the structure itself offers one of the best vantage points for taking photographs of the old towns.

Mutrah Fish Market

Mutrah

From dawn until around 9 am, the fish market echos with the sound of haggling and piles of fresh fish and shellfish being hauled in, cut, and cleaned. Though you might not be looking to purchase fresh seafood, the market is a wonderful place to take pictures and to gain an appreciation for the incredible bounty of the Sea of Oman.

New Sur Corniche Beach

On the newer, northern side of Sur, between the Al Maha fuel station roundabout and the Sur Beach Holiday Hotel, there is stretch of white sandy beach, replete with gazebos and a well-lit walking path. A café provides toilets on the roundabout end of the stretch, and small juice and tea shops can be found on the hotel side for other refreshments. It is more popular for walking in the evenings than for swimming. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: walking.

Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre and Planetarium

Qurm

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said opened the museum and plantarium as gifts to the nation for the 25th and 30th anniversary, respectively, of the reign. Both are wonderful, free exhibits that appeal to both locals and visitor. The museum explains the process of converting oil and gas to their usable state—from the underground formation of layers of organic matter deposited in oceans and lakes millions of years ago, to how they are brought to the surface, and then how they are processed—in a series of six interactive displays. The planetarium features a full-Dome digital system in which several projectors create spectacular panoramas of space, stars, galaxies, and comets with integrated lasers, videos, and sound. The shows are free but must be requested ahead of time and are not offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Stargazing events are also held monthly.

Old Sur Corniche Beach

Along the main corniche in Sur is a very active beach with shaded sitting areas, opposite where old dhows bob in the harbor, fishing boats pull up directly on the shore, and local teenagers play football in the sand. It is a wonderful beach for relaxing and people-watching. There are limited facilities on the beach, but you'll find many small coffee shops and restaurants on the other side of the road and at either end of the Corniche where you can buy refreshments and find toilets. This is a public beach in a conservative town, so dress modestly. Wraps and cover-ups are recommended. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; parking. Best for: sunset; sunrise; walking.

Portuguese Watchtower

Mutrah

Across the freeway from Al Riyam Park, home to the iconic incense burner monument, just between the historic neighborhood of Mutrah and old Muscat, a restored Portuguese watchtower sits atop a towering cliff overlooking the sea and the two historic neighborhoods. The steep staircase leading up to the watchtower is accessible just behind Al-Inshirah Restaurant. It is a great place to get some exercise, as the climb is rigorous, and it offers one of the best views in the city.

Qalhat

As you approach Sur from Muscat on Rte. 17, you may notice small signs that read "The Ancient Village of Qalhat." Upon exiting the freeway, a small two-lane road weaves along the seafront until it dips back inland through a small, quite ancient-looking village surrounded by palms. Qalhat, which is still inhabited, is quite beautiful, with spectacularly colorful carved doorways on each of the crumbling living structures. Past this village, where the road begins to run along a river, just before reconnecting with 17, the ruins of the Bibi Mayram Mausoleum can be seen on the other side of the water, the last remaining piece of the once-famous town aside from a few small domed tombs and pieces of the old city wall. Submitted for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qalhat was a famous port city that was badly damaged by earthquakes in the 14th century, then destroyed completely by a Portuguese invasion in 1508. It is an unexpected historic treasure along an otherwise empty patch of freeway.

Qalhat Beach

Just off the 17 freeway at the exit for "Ancient Town of Qalhat," you'll find a strech of pristine, virtually empty beach with concrete shade huts built directly in the sand. It is a great place to bring a cooler so you can barbecue in one of the shaded huts, taking dips in the water to cool down and likely seeing only one other group on the entire beach. This privacy comes at the expense of convenience, as there are no restroom facilities or shops nearby, so bring your own provisions, and be prepared to rough it a bit. Amenities: parking. Best for: solitude.

Oman

Recommended Fodor's Video

Follow Us

Thank you for your interest!