17 Best Things to Do in Oman

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Oman has been one of the Middle East’s top tourist destinations for the last two decades. Oman continues to be a popular destination for those seeking a less-trodden alternative to the typical tourist destinations.

The scenery in Oman is stunning. Beaches and portside marinas provide welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, while inland landscapes such as mountain valleys, steep canyons, and rolling sand dunes are all within easy reach. Forts and ancient ruins from centuries past are also popular tourist attractions in Oman. You can be certain that this will be one of the most breathtaking countries you’ll ever see.

17. Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is a little paradise hidden among the rocky hills and sandy dunes. This hidden sanctuary, only a few hours’ drive from Muscat, has multiple turquoise pools that stand in striking contrast to the browns and oranges of their sandy, arid surroundings.

Take a dip in the cool water or go into the nearby caves and canyons. Dangle your feet in the water for a pedicure from nibbling fish if you’re not afraid of being tickled.

16. Jebel Shams

Mountain landscape near Jebel Shams, Sultanate of Oman

Almost as thrilling as reaching the peak of Oman’s tallest mountain is the winding journey there. As you wind your way around the road’s twists and turns, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of Wadi Ghul, often known as the “Grand Canyon of Oman.”

Spending at least one night at Jebal Shams will allow you to get the most out of your trip. At the peak, you’ll find several campsites, perfect for a night of stargazing and taking in the breathtaking panorama. The balcony walk is a narrow trail that hugs the edge of the mountain and provides a thrilling experience for those who want it.

15. Jabrin Fort

The magnificent Jabrin Fort was constructed in 1670 and originally served as the residence of the governing Imam Bil’arab bin Sultan. The fort’s military-grade defenses, including weapons and canyons, are substantially intact and can be seen by visitors. You’ll also have free reign to explore the Imam’s and his wives’ former living quarters.

Check out the mosque and Quran school on the roof, the Imam’s tomb, and the elaborately carved ceilings in the bedrooms.

14. Misfat al Abriyeen

Old buildings in Misfat al Abriyeen village, Oman

Misfat al Abriyeen, a picturesque and unique village, can be found above the Jebel Shams mountains. Misfat al Abriyeen is known for its beautiful, lush gardens, agricultural terraces, and clay houses, all of which can be found as you make your way through the maze of cobblestone alleys and passageways.

This village is one of Oman’s most photogenic destinations because of the striking contrast between the lush green palms and gardens and the mud brick buildings. The charming architecture and picturesque landscape of this village might keep you here for hours.

13. Nakhal Fort

Visit Nakhal Fort to get insight into the armed forces of Oman. Originally constructed in the 7th century to protect the region from marauding tribes, the fort later became the official seat of the Wadi Bani Kharous and Ya’arubah Imams.

The historic Nakhal Fort has been renovated into a museum. Guns, traditional furniture, and local handicrafts can be seen among the remains of spiked doors and towers from previous centuries. On Fridays, the fort hosts a weekly goat market, which is worth checking out if you happen to be in the area.

12. Masirah Island

The rugged island of Masirah is the perfect destination for those who want to feel like they’re on a true desert island. The quiet town of Hilf is full of lovely cafés and guesthouses, while the windy coastlines are perfect for kite surfers and kayakers. You can also relax on one of the numerous uninhabited beaches spread out throughout the island.

Wildlife watching is another popular activity on Masirah Island. The largest nesting population of Loggerhead turtles can be found in Masirah, together with bottlenose dolphins and flying fish.

11. Sumhuram Old City

Khor Rori ruins at Sumhuram Archaeological Park, Oman

Sumhuram, a walled city in Oman, is a major tourist draw due to its extensive ancient history. Once a bustling harbor for trade in southern Arabia, it has been allowed to decay for almost 1,500 years as its importance declined.

Even though the city is mostly reduced to ruins and limestone slabs, the general outlines of the many buildings, gates, and temples can still be made out. The spectacular vistas of the rushing Wadi Darbat River from the peak of the mountain are another draw.

10. Wadi Bani Awf

Visit Wadi Bani Awf in Oman’s South Batinah Governorate for breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes. The steep slopes, rural villages, and exciting hiking paths of Bani Awf make it one of the biggest wadis in the country. Also, off-roading on the twisting dirt roads and tunnels is a thrilling experience.

Snake Canyon, though, is what makes Wadi Bani Awf so remarkable. Standing in the center, you can reach out and touch both sides of the canyon’s thin walls. The canyon’s rugged cliffs give way to crystal-clear pools and gushing waterfalls.

9. Al Ayn

Al Ayn, an important archeological site, is located in the heart of Al Dhahira but is otherwise isolated. A total of 19 beehive-shaped graves have been discovered in this region, with the earliest being dated to about 3100 BC. They form a neat row along the tallest hill’s crest, making them easy to recognize. In their day, these stone structures were remarkable for their ability to house up to thirty people.

While Al Ayn is the best preserved of the three necropolis sites, there are two others in close proximity. The Bat archaeological site comprises 100 tombs, while the Al-Khutm ruins are home to enormous, imposing stone structures.

8. Wadi Nakhr Canyon

Wadi Nakhr Canyon, often known as the “Grand Canyon of Oman,” is a breathtaking natural attraction well worth seeing if you have an interest in outdoor activities. Wadi Nakhr Canyon is a large mountain range about two hours from Muscat, and it is home to waterfalls, limestone rock formations, and small villages.

Although there are many exciting things to do in the area, like hiking, mountain climbing, and 4×4 off-roading, many tourists come to take in the breathtaking scenery. Wadi Nakhr Canyon is one of Oman’s most magnificent natural attractions because of its towering rock walls, which can reach an astounding five thousand feet in height.

7. Nizwa Fort

The amazing Nizwa Fort is one of Oman’s most visited landmarks. Nizwa Fort, constructed in the middle of the 1600s, served as the Imans’ center of power and administration. In addition to its aesthetic value, it served as a formidable barrier against outside tribes and armies that dared attack the town.

The massive circular drum tower is in the heart of the fort, and the only way to get inside it is through a narrow spiral stairway. Other constructions, such as hidden pitfalls, spike-studded doors, and a plethora of secret tunnels, are also there for the purpose of thwarting possible adversaries. Once inside the fort, you’ll see why it withstood these approaching assaults with so little difficulty.

6. Muttrah Souk

A shopper’s dream, the Muttrah Souk is a riot of color and activity. There are stores, kiosks, and booths offering everything and anything at Muttrah Souk, Muscat’s main market. The market itself is primarily inside, however some of the less touristic stores can be found in the alleys behind the building.

You’ll find frankincense and jewelry in addition to local handicrafts and tourist trinkets, but it could take some time to find your way among the plethora of items on offer. If you want to receive the best deal, don’t be afraid to haggle. Bargaining for expensive items is a big part of the excitement of shopping at the Muttrah Souk.

5. Jebel Harim

Take a journey up to Jebel Harim and take in the breathtaking panoramas from the peak. Jebel Harim, at about 7,000 feet in elevation, is Oman’s tallest mountain and a prominent symbol of the country. Even if you can’t reach the peak, you could still have a fantastic day exploring the mountain’s surrounding valleys and boulders.

Besides the breathtaking vistas, you’ll also pass across petroglyphs that were carved into the mountain’s rocks. There are also mollusk, fish, and clam fossils that date back thousands of years.

4. Khor ash Sham

The blue waters of Khor Ash Sham are a welcome sight in contrast to the arid and hilly scenery of the rest of Oman. Khor Ash Sham is home to a plethora of aquatic species, and it also has a string of undiscovered fishing villages along its shore.

Traveling to Telegraph Island, a British outpost from the middle of the 1800s, is also a must. Even though it has been abandoned, visitors can still climb to the top of the remains and enjoy the view across Khor ash Sham from above.

3. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-see on any trip to Oman. It’s an architectural marvel, built with Indian sandstone and adorned with multicolored carpets and Italian chandeliers. It was designed to hold 20,000 worshippers, including a separate prayer space for as many as 750 women.

Non-Muslims are welcome to use the prayer space at certain times of the day. Even if you don’t get to go inside, just seeing it towering above Muscat will leave you in awe.

2. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Green Back Turtle nesting at Ras al Jinz beach, Oman

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a great place to meet some of Oman’s cutest animals up close and personal. Located just 15 minutes from the sand, the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve was established to save the nesting turtles.

You’ll have a far better chance of seeing turtles if you take a night trip, since they are very nocturnal and hard to notice during the day. The Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle are just a few of the turtle species that can be seen in the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.

1. Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands is a huge, desolate desert that reaches as far as the eye can see. This vast desert in eastern Oman is one of the country’s most breathtaking sights. Large, rippling waves of copper-orange and golden-yellow sand can reach heights of over 300 feet.

Camp out for the night or ride a camel through the desert for a unique experience. Rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle and zoom over towering sand dunes at breakneck speed for an adrenaline-pumping desert adventure.

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