Places to Visit in Oman

Nestled by the northwestern edge of the country, As SuwayQ is a quiet coastal town in AL Batinah. The name of the town literally translates to ‘Market’, for the town served as a trading hub for dwellers in the surrounding cities. Once an off grid town, As Suwayq has now remarkably developed into a popular weekend destination in Oman. 

Serving both the coast and the mountains within its borders, the scenic countryside that pervades As Suwayq is by far the town’s biggest draw by far. Despite being home to a number of beautiful historical monuments, the natural charm of the town remains quite unparalleled.

Among its many historical charms, the forts in As Suways are its biggest attractions. Whether it is the Al Sawaiq Fort, the Al Hilal Fort or the Al Tharmad Fort, tourists at the town will have a splendid time exploring these ancient buildings, some of them now in ruins. As Suwayq is also well known for its souqs or local markets, which sell a wonderful array of locally made handicraft, clothing and accessories.

A treat for adventure lovers, the hills and forts at the city are ripe for trekking adventures. Whether you choose to venture out in a group or brave the adventure on your own, the trails here will definitely suit your taste. Having sufficiently exhausted yourself, you could then head over to the beautiful Oman Coast to swim or snorkel through the clear waters here. Dolphin watching cruises are also pretty common at the Coast.

The Northern coast of the climate experiences a desert type climate, which means the weather here remains sunny throughout the year. Rainfall is restricted to the winter months, between November and March.

Nestled below craggy mountains, Muscat is one of Oman’s oldest and most picturesque cities. Serving as an essential trading link between the east and the west, this capital city is one of the most popular places to visit in Oman.

Presenting pristine beaches on one end and ornate historical monuments on the other, Muscat is an absolute must visit for those desiring to explore Oman’s culture. Although now a fully developed city, the history of Muscat has left an indelible imprint on its culture, and is now manifest through its array of religio-historical edifices.

When in Muscat, one must make a point to visit the various heritage spots here. While the marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its 50 meter wide dome, promises to dazzle all with its beauty, the rustic Al Jalali Fort by the coastal clifftop promises to leave one enthralled by its charm. While here, one could also take a quick tour of the historical Al Alam Palace, which once held the seat of Sultan Qaboos Alam.

Those interested in exploring the history and culture of the town even further can take a quick tour of the many museums here, with the National Museum of Oman, the Bait Al Zubair Museum and the Museum of Natural History being the most popular haunt.  For a luxurious evening out, one could also take a trip to the Royal Opera House, with its theatres delivering the best of Omani cultural performances.

Muscat enduring a desert type climate experiences very hot summers and warm winters. The rainfall in the city is restricted to the winter season only, between the months of November and April.

Nestled in the Ad Dakhiliyah region  of northern Oman, Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in the country. One of the most beautiful places in Oman, Nizwa is equally known for its architectural splendor and natural charm.

The city of Nizwa sits on a plain littered with seasonal rivers and palm fronds, imbuing it with an ethereal beauty. Contrasting against its natural wealth is the rustic charm of its ancient forts and centuries old buildings, casting an ancient glow over the place. 

The city is best known for the Nizwa Fort, the ancient 17th century fortification that was initially constructed as a defense against invaders. Another prominent tourist spot here is the Falaj Daris. With its date of construction dating back to 2500 BC, this massive Falaj is now a UNESCO Heritage site. 

One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Nizwa is to take a short day trip to Jebel Akhdar. Also known as the Green Mountains, these hills are known for their vibrant fruit plantations, and are among the best places to visit in Oman. While in Nizwa, one should also not miss out on the chance to visit the Nizwa Souq, which is known for its unique yet typically Omani craft items.

The climate here being the desert type, Nizwa experiences practically no rainfall throughout the year. The summers here are sultry and very hot, while the winters are pleasant and enjoyable.

Nestled by the northeastern coast of Oman, the vibrant beachside town of Barka begs for a visit.  Located in the Al Batinah region, Barka serves as a popular weekend getaway among locals and tourists alike.

Straddled by the Al Hajar mountains on one side and the coast on the other, the beauty of Barka ranges quite literally from the mountain to the sea. Whether it is the town’s old school charm that attracts one, or the pristine sands of its beaches, Barka remains one of the most famous tourist places in Oman. 

Towering against the skyline of the town, the Barka Fort is the city’s biggest attraction by far. The strange octagonal fort presents an architectural marvel, and is an ideal spot for both trekking and photography. The An Naman castle is another interesting fortification here, and welcomes tourists throughout the year.

One of the best ways to spend time in Barka is to explore its various beaches on foot. Whether you take a quick dip in the clear waters, or simply stroll through the glittering sands, one cannot keep oneself from being enchanted by the beauty of these beaches. One could also take a trip to the An Naman Zoo; a top destination for day trips and picnics, this little zoo is home to a variety of birds and animals native to Oman. 

The climate in Barka remains hot and sunny throughout the year. Although the summer months, between May and September, remain fairly dry, the town experiences a considerable amount of rainfall during winters.

Facing the Gulf of Oman, the coastal town of Sohar presents an ideal amalgamation of tradition and modernity. With its skyline dominated by skyscrapers on one side and ancient mosques on the other, the unique charm of Sohar begs to be explored.

The beauty of Sohar is quite unique to itself. On one hand, the town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches of Oman, imbuing a natural charm to the place. On the other hand, the vibrant souqs scattered around the city leaves its streets dazzling with light and color.

One of Sohar’s biggest attractions, the ancient Sohar Fort is an architectural marvel unto itself. Sitting atop a cliff, this first century Fort is known for its typical Omani designs. The Fort is also home to two expansive parks known as the Silver Jubilee Park and the Sohar Park. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque, located nearby, is known for its elegant marbled beauty and its characteristic green dome.

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Sohar is to take a walk along the Sohar Corniche. Passing by some of the city’s major attractions, this seaside promenade is the ideal place for taking a casual stroll or a romantic evening walk. A visit to the Sohar Handicraft Souq is never a bad idea either. Selling everything between pottery and jewelry, this Souq prides in its array of locally made items.

The weather in Sohar remains hot throughout the year. The summers here are long, sweltering, oppressive, arid, and partly cloudy and the winters are comfortable, dry, and mostly clear.

Nestled in the bosom of the Al Hajar mountains, the historical city of Rustaq is one of Oman’s most prominent landmarks. Once serving as the country’s capital, the city is now flourishing as a prominent vacation spot, dominated by its many forts and hot springs.

Rustaq is a city borne of its old world charm. Whether emanating from its gorgeous forts, or its narrow alleyways, the near-artistic beauty of the town is quite unmissable. 

Rustaq is often held synonymous to its two major attractions- the Rustaq Fort and the AL Hazm Castle. Both included in the UNESCO Tentative List, these historical forts demand a quick visit. The museum of Bait Al Garbi is another prominent attraction here. One of the most sought after tourist places in Oman, the museum is housed within a 200 year old family home, and houses a vast collection of ancient Omani artefacts.

When in Oman, one must make it a point to make a quick shopping trip to the Al Ramani Heritage Shop. Nestled in the Old Market, the shop is run by a passionate collector of trinkets who once sold fruit for a living, with its wares including everything from pottery to ancient coins. One could also choose to take a quick rejuvenative dip in the Al Kasfa Hot Spring, nestled right in the middle of the city.

Rustaq enjoys warm and dry weather throughout the year. The summers, between May and September, generally remain warm, sultry and partly cloudy, while the winter months are pleasant and comfortable.

Located on the northeastern edge of Oman, this little fishing city boasts of a typical Omani beauty. Fairly untouched by tourism, the little town is ideal for those looking for a quiet getaway from the busy city life. 

Thriving with beautiful landscaped gardens, Seeb is a honeymooner’s paradise. While the Oman Botanical Garden here flourishes with mini forests and flowering plants of all colors, the little waterfalls and Japanese Gardens at the Naseem Park boast of a resplendent beauty of their own. The Zulfa Mosque, standing proudly against the city’s skyline, is a prominent attraction here as well. 

While a visit to the Seeb Beach is a must have when in the city, the Corniche by the coast is well suited for scenic strolls and walks as well. Seeb is also famous for its Souqs and local markets. Whether you’re looking for handmade trinkets, gold jewelry, or the delectable halwa that Oman is so well known for, these souqs have it all.

Experiencing a desert type climate, Seeb remains hot and dry throughout the year. The summers here are short, extremely hot and muggy, while the winters are longer and more pleasant. The city experiences virtually no rainfall throughout the year.

Situated on the eastern tip of Omane, Sur is one of the most important port cities in the country. Once serving an important strategic position in Oman’s maritime past, the City stands testament to the country’ war-torn past. 

Characterized by its wide stretches of white sand and glittering blue waters, the beauty of Sur City must be witnessed to be believed. The city is best known for its traditional shows, or shipyard, that still stand large and functioning by its coast.

If you’re interested in exploring the working of the traditional shows, then the boat museum here is definitely worth a visit. Apart from these, one can spend a fruitful time in Sur exploring and trekking through the many major Forts here, such as the Bilad, Sinaysla, and Al Ayja.

The Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, located a short drive outside Sur, is worth a visit. Priding in its untouched shorelines and golden deserts, the Turtle Reserve is among the most sought after tourist places in Oman. The adventure loving tourist can also spend a day trekking and hiking through the craggy cliffs at the Wadi Bani that borders the city on one side.

The weather in Sur remains hot throughout the year. Although the summers here are muggy and oppressive, the winters are rather pleasant.

Located a short drive outside of Muscat, Ibri is the perfect spot for day trips and overnight outings. Nestled in the Governorate of Ad Dhahirah, this little town is known for its rustic small town charm. Although generally treated as a stopover point between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this little town abounds in quite some splendors of its own. 

Known as the land of enchanting archeological ruins, Ibri has a lot to say about the history of Oman. From ancient towns, now abandoned, to the various unexplored wadis here, this small town seems to embody the Middle Eastern enigma that Oman is so well known for.

A trip to Ibri definitely warrants a visit to the Bat Necropolis, located just on the city’s outskirts. Now a UNESCO World heritage site, the Necropolis is home to a smattering of beehive shaped tombs, built during the time of the Pyramids. One could also spend a day touring the various castles around the city, with the Ibri Castle, the AL Aswad Castle and the Al Sulaif castle being some of the major tourist hotspots here. 

One of the best ways to spend your time in Ibri is to navigate the many ‘Wadis’ in the city. A wadi is generally a ravine that floods during the rainy months. Ibri is home to several such unexplored nooks, with the towering cliffs offering a perfect spot for camping, trekking and bouldering. One could also spend a happening day visiting the Old Ibri Souq, with its colorful stores and stalls selling a variety of locally made items.

The weather in Ibri remains hot and sultry throughout the year. Although the winter months between November and April experience some rainfall, the summers here are generally dry.

Salalah is the capital city in Oman’s Dhofar province. Regarded as one of the most popular places to visit in Oman, the city prides equally in its natural beauty and its architectural charm.

Riddled with glittering beaches, banana plantations and fantastic reefs teeming with life, Salalah is a site for sore eyes. Whether you’re looking for a happening weekend out, or simply a leisurely vacation by the coast, you are sure to find a home in this city.

When in Salalah, do make it a point to visit the Frankincense Land Museum. A part of the Al Balid Archeological Site, the Museum details the history of the town in the spice trade. The Site itself is home to several ancient mosque ruins, and warrants a visit. The 21st century Sultan Qaboos Mosque, clad in striking white marble, is another prominent attraction here.

Adventure lovers coming to Salalah will spend a day trekking to Ayn Razat, the mountain cave with several springs and fantastic picnic spots. A day spent at the beautiful Dahariz beach is never a bad idea either. During the monsoon season, the rains turn the desert terrain rife with waterfalls that invite a dip and a quick climb.

The climate in Salalah remains hot throughout the year. While the summers are insipid and sultry, the winters here are rather pleasant. The monsoon season here lasts between July to August, and is generally considered the best time to visit.