1.Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-see for everyone while visiting Oman, and most travels to the country start there in Muscat, the capital.
It is a magnificent contemporary mosque with room for 20,000 worshipers that truly lives up to its name.
The lavish main prayer hall is home to the second-largest hand-woven Iranian rug in the world, which took 600 women four years to weave, as well as a huge chandelier, elaborate blue mosaic tiles, and other lavish fixtures.
The mosque’s grounds are a peaceful area to stroll and see the symmetrical shapes and arches of the numerous structures as well as the lovely gardens. It’s unquestionably among Muscat’s top attractions.
A rare rainstorm occurred during our stay, turning the marble flooring into a reflected lake.
When entering the mosque, women are required to cover their legs, arms, and hair. Men should dress in long pants.
2) Mutrah Corniche, Muscat
Before dusk, go to the Mutrah Corniche on the opposite side of Muscat.
Take a stroll with the locals along the picturesque seashore, which is framed by rocky mountains, forts, and white houses and mosques that shimmer golden in the late afternoon sun.
A popular Muscat tourist destination and one of Oman’s oldest markets, the Mutrah Souq, is nearby where you may go shopping.
Discover frankincense and myrrh, ceramic incense burners, silver jewellery, pashminas, turbans, genie lamps, fluffy camels, and much more at the market stalls.
3) Jabrin Fort (Jibreen Castle)
We advise travelling north from Muscat to the Nizwa region, where you may discover forts, mountains, and historic settlements.
For additional information on each location on this list, see our road trip plan across Oman.
Jabrin Fort, also known as Jabreen or Jibreen Castle, was built around 1675 and is situated in a date palm oasis.
You may explore the maze-like rooms and observe the defensive techniques employed, such as the murder holes and fissures in the floor where they formerly poured boiling date oil on adversaries.
Jibreen Castle admission is 500 baisa. It is open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Thursday.
4) Nizwa Fort
One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Oman is the Nizwa Fort from the 17th century.
You may climb its enormous circular tower to have a look at the mosque, the souq, the far-off rocky mountains, and the date palms that round this oasis city.
After being renovated, Nizwa Fort currently features historical artefacts including jewellery, utensils, and a chronicle of the history of the region.
Women can be seen preparing bread over an open fire and doing crafts. Watch out for the murderous cracks as well here.
Nizwa Fort’s entrance fee is 5 OMR. Except on Fridays, when it is open from 8 am to 11. 30 am and from 1. 30 pm to 8 pm, it is open from 8 am to 8 pm.
5) Jebel Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar means “Green Mountain,” but when you climb its slate grey and burnt orange sides, which are bare save for a few prickly dried-up shrubs, you would wonder why.
The Saiq Plateau’s settlements, which are 2000 metres above sea level, are described as being green. Here, copious rainfall encourages the development of pomegranates, grapes, peaches, apricots, and roses for the production of rose water, which is used in Omani sweets and perfume.
The greatest time to go is in the spring when the terrace plantings are a brilliant green and the roses are in blossom.
It’s simple to take a day excursion to Jebel Akhdar from Nizwa or Muscat, but you’ll need a 4WD to climb the steep, twisting route. (We hired a driver at the police checkpoint just outside Birkat al
6) Misfat al Abryeen
Misfat al Abryeen, one of Oman’s most gorgeous villages, is one of the few remaining historic settlements after the most of them were abandoned.
It’s a maze-like settlement of dilapidated mud homes in curving lanes that slope down the mountainside.
After being in the desert, the lush date and banana plantations and falaj irrigation systems beneath the settlement are startlingly green.
7) Jebel Shams
To reach Jebel Shams, Oman’s tallest peak, requires a lengthy trip over winding, rugged roads.
The breathtaking vistas of Wadi Ghul, sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, make it worthwhile. It’s one of Oman’s most stunning locations.
Our favourite trek was the 2.5-hour Balcony Walk, which snakes along the cliffs halfway up the canyon’s rim to the deserted settlement of As Sab.
A risky place to live, little stone and mud dwellings sit precariously on the brink of the valley beneath a ledge of rock.
8) Wahiba Sands
Visit Wahiba Sands for undulating sand dunes, camel rides, and 4WD excursions for the authentic desert experience.
We slept up in a basic Bedouin tent made of goat hair at the base of a sizable dune, which we scaled to see the sun set and rise.
We sipped tea by the fire, looked up at the starry sky, and observed camels ambling by. It was quite serene.
9) Wadi Bani Khalid
The wadis, steep ravines or dry riverbeds that occasionally have water but often have swimming holes, were one of our favourite aspects of Oman.
A beautiful oasis in the desert with emerald green water, date palms, and rocky mountains around it is called Wadi Bani Khalid.
Swimming in the enormous pools is incredibly cooling in the arid heat. It’s the ideal setting for a leisurely afternoon.
See more information about Wadi Bani Khalid.
10) Sur
The desert and the sea converge in Sur. Long, deserted beaches, the charming fishing hamlet of Al Ayjah, a yard for making dhow boats, and the Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve, slightly to the north, are all to be found here.
Turtle watching excursions at the reserve must be scheduled in advance (9 p.m. and 5 a.m.). Sadly, when we went in December, there were no turtles on the beach. From May through September is prime viewing time.
11) Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is all about adventure, whereas Wadi Bani Khalid is all about leisure.
You cross the river by boat, stroll through a breathtaking valley for 45 minutes, and then swim through a number of pools to get to a cave with a waterfall.
One of the nicest things to do in Oman, it is stunning.
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