Top 8 Must-Visit Spots in Oman

Oman’s rich cultural heritage is intricately linked to its diverse landscapes, enhancing every travel adventure here.

The country’s tales are woven into the fabric of daily life, from the lively alleys of Mutrah Souq in Muscat, where intricately crafted khanjars (traditional daggers) and stylish kumma (Omani headgear) reflect skill and pride, to the cliffside communities of Jebel Akhdar, where elder men in sandals deftly navigate narrow trails and create rose water in silver vessels. Each experience in Oman resonates with the essence of the land.

Many travelers are unaware that Oman’s history stretches back over 10,000 years. Archaeological discoveries from the Neolithic era reveal ancient settlements engaged in the frankincense trade.

By the 17th century, Omani dominance over sea routes and ports reached from the shores of Persia (modern Iran) to East Africa. Today, Oman is celebrated for its appreciation of natural beauty and its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

Discover the top destinations to explore in Oman.

1. Muscat

Experience the captivating charm of the capital

In Muscat, stone forts with watchtowers and elegant mansions featuring latticed balconies coexist with modern low-rise buildings and stunning architectural designs, all blending seamlessly. Oman’s capital offers a wealth of attractions, from charming museums housed in restored buildings to vibrant courtyard restaurants and upscale shopping centers. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, showcasing its arched walkways, vibrant mosaic tiles, ornate dome, and a chandelier adorned with Swarovski crystals, is a remarkable example of contemporary Islamic architecture. 

Visit the Royal Opera House for a guided tour to discover the modern design influenced by historical fortresses. Be sure to check the performance schedule, as the venue features acclaimed productions from around the globe. The dress code at the Royal Opera House requires men to wear suits or dinner jackets, women to choose dresses below the knee, and prohibits jeans, T-shirts, or sneakers.

Take in the sights of whitewashed homes and blue-domed mosques along the scenic 3km (1.9-mile) promenade of Mutrah Corniche. Walk toward Mutrah Fish Market to admire the calligraphy-inspired slatted canopy and peek inside to see the fresh catch of the day. At Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world, you’ll find an array of shops selling frankincense, lamps, traditional clothing, pashminas, oud (agarwood perfume), and handcrafted sandals. 

2. Bahla

The land of the iconic fort and exquisite pottery

The fortified oasis town of Bahla, steeped in local legends and tales, is a must-see for its Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within this maze-like fort complex, constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries by the Banu Nebhan tribe and later expanded by various ruling dynasties, you’ll discover wind towers, mosques, homes, and wells. According to legend, the tribe called upon jinn (genies from pre-Islamic Arabian folklore) to erect the fort overnight when faced with danger. The fort offers stunning views of ancient mud houses and ruins amidst lush date plantations. 

Bahla is renowned for its pottery, crafted in traditional mud kilns, with local artisans believed to possess exceptional skills. You can explore pottery, jewelry, handicrafts, rugs, and more at the Bahla Old Souq, and you might even catch potters at work in nearby workshops.

Make sure to visit the 17th-century Jabreen Castle, just a short drive away, known for its numerous rooms and reception areas, delicately latticed windows, beautifully painted ceilings, and a storeroom for dates.

3. Nizwa

A city rich in religious and cultural traditions

Explore the town of Nizwa, which served as Oman’s capital during the 6th and 7th centuries, where the striking domes and minarets of mosques rise above the sand-hued buildings nestled in the Hajar Mountains. Its inland position, as opposed to Muscat’s coastal location, has helped preserve Nizwa's deep-rooted religious and cultural identity, shielding it from outside influences.

The 17th-century Nizwa Fort, featuring its iconic round watchtower and towering walls, has defended the town throughout the Sultanate’s history and stands as a key attraction. Nearby, the Nizwa Souq offers a delightful shopping experience for silver jewelry, delal (traditional coffee pots), saffron, dates, and a variety of spices.

Just a 10-minute drive away, Falaj Daris Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent place to witness a falaj channel, an ancient yet highly effective irrigation system. This particular channel, among nearly a hundred others, nourishes Nizwa’s 8km (5-mile-long) palm oasis and its surrounding agricultural lands. 

4. Musandam Peninsula

Where towering peaks meet the sea

The allure of the Musandam Peninsula lies in its breathtaking scenery, where the jagged summits of the Hajar Mountains rise dramatically from the azure sea, creating narrow waterways in between—an experience reminiscent of Norway’s fjords.

A boat excursion on a traditional dhow (wooden vessel) is the perfect way to explore the Musandam Peninsula, allowing you to visit islands and possibly spot dolphins or whales in these waters. The town of Khasab serves as an excellent base for arranging boat tours, snorkeling adventures, or 4WD mountain safaris to Jebel Harim. If time permits, other charming villages, wadis, and fjord-like inlets like Khor Najd await your discovery.

5. Jebel Akhdar

Cooler temperatures and blooming roses on Green Mountain

Standing at 2980m (9777ft) in the Hajar Mountains, Jebel Akhdar—meaning Green Mountain—is one of Oman’s most stunning destinations. It also enjoys cooler temperatures, averaging about 15°C (59°F) lower than Muscat year-round, and even experiences some snowfall in winter. 

Surrounding Jebel Akhdar, you’ll encounter tranquil Omani villages (some now deserted), terraced fields nourished by falaj channels, and orchards filled with pomegranates, peaches, apples, apricots, and walnuts. In spring, Jebel Akhdar transforms into a sea of pink Damask roses, with the distilled rose water used in cooking and as a fragrant essence.

Hikers will discover several marked trails of varying difficulty, some requiring descents down steep steps. Guided hikes are also offered. From the Saiq Plateau, revel in stunning views of the villages and terraced farms. You can even navigate the mountain face via a via ferrata (mountain route) during a guided trek with Alila Jabal Akhdar.

6. Jebel Shams

Experience breathtaking views in the Hajar Mountains

Visit Jebel Shams, the highest peak in the country at 3009m (9872ft) in the Hajar Mountains, for a scenic picnic on the plateau with stunning canyon vistas. Adventurous hikers can explore the canyons of Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakhr, flanked by imposing limestone cliffs. The Balcony Walk, a five-hour trek along an ancient donkey path now well-marked, offers breathtaking views along the edge and concludes in the abandoned village of As Sab. Additional trails lead to charming villages, farms, date plantations, and hidden natural pools nestled within the rocky terrain. Local operators like Husaak Adventures provide guided hikes, ranging from one to two days, to reach the summit of Jebel Shams. 

7. Dhofar

Discover a region abundant in frankincense

From late June to early September, the khareef, or monsoon from the Indian Ocean, infuses the lush landscapes of Salalah with a sense of enchantment. The mild weather makes it one of the ideal summer destinations in Oman, especially when temperatures in other parts of the country soar above 40°C (104°F) on the hottest days. This coastal city serves as a fantastic base for exploring the broader Dhofar region. 

Salalah boasts numerous attractions. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the largest mosque in Dhofar featuring its twin domes and minarets, is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and welcomes non-Muslims from 8 am to 11 am, Saturday to Thursday. Don’t forget to snap a photo outside Al Hosn Palace, the Sultan’s palace complex, before venturing into Al Hosn Souq to enjoy the delightful scents of spices and frankincense.

Join local families enjoying picnics on the pristine sands of Al Mughsail Beach, and witness the dramatic geysers of seawater bursting from the ground at the Mughsail Blowholes. The surrounding area is dotted with natural springs and valleys. At Wadi Darbat, take a stroll past monsoon-fed waterfalls and grazing cattle, or enjoy a boat ride on Darbat Lake to experience the lush, rain-soaked valley.

Embedded in the history of Dhofar is its rich legacy of frankincense, an aromatic resin sourced from the Boswellia sacra tree, valued for its use in perfumes, medicines, and religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Dhofar was the heart of frankincense production, with its rare and highly sought-after resin coveted from China to the Mediterranean and North Africa. 

To delve deeper, visit the Wadi Dawkah nature reserve, home to hundreds of frankincense trees still tapped for their resin. At the archaeological sites of Khor Rori, Al Baleed, and Ubar, the remnants of fortified medieval towns reveal stories of frankincense-trading caravans and settlements. Together, these sites, some dating back to the 4th century BCE, form the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Land of Frankincense. 

The mountains of Jebel Samhan provide breathtaking views and are home to a protected reserve featuring Arabian leopards, Arabian gazelles, and other native wildlife. 

8. Sharqiya Sands

Explore the rolling dunes of the desert

No visit to Oman is complete without experiencing the desert. At Sharqiya Sands, also known as Wahiba Sands, you are enveloped by rolling dunes and desert flora in a landscape that seems to stretch endlessly, glowing like gold when the sun sets. These wind-shaped dunes, some reaching heights of 100m (328ft), merge into the renowned Empty Quarter, one of the world’s largest sand deserts.

While Bedouin (or Bedu, meaning desert dwellers) still inhabit and work in this area, the Wahiba Sands also attract local families and tourists. Many visitors come for day trips or choose to stay overnight in various camps that offer different levels of luxury, such as Thousand Nights Camp and Magic Camps. An overnight stay allows you to savor the tranquility of the desert once the day visitors have departed, engage in Bedouin customs around a bonfire, indulge in traditional cuisine, and gaze at the stars in one of the region's most unspoiled environments.