What places to visit in Oman?

Many people don’t know how many beautiful natural and cultural places can be seen in Oman. Oman is not as well-known as Dubai for example, but it became more visited and known to tourists in recent years.

Oman is known for oases and wadis together with mountains and their irrigation system called Falaj which has been working for decades to irrigate homes and fields, has beautiful mosques and beaches.

I went to Oman once while I was holidaying in Dubai. I wanted to see something new as I was in Dubai many times and Oman is just half an hour’s flight from Dubai. We stayed in Muscat, visited the city center, walked on Corniche, and went for a trip to the mountains and Wadis.

The nature there is fascinating, the crystal clear water, palm trees, and mountains. I didn’t know that Oman has such a natural treasure and I’m sure many people don’t know. Therefore, I would like to tell you what places to visit in Oman.

As the owner of this website, I’ve included some recommendations for your trips. When you use the links to make a purchase, I may get a small commission. You will not get charged extra. Full disclosure.

 

What Places To Visit In Oman?

 

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman

What to see in Muscat

There are many cultural, historical, and entertainment sights to see and visit in Muscat.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the main mosque in Oman, Inside the praying room is the second largest one-piece carpet. The first one is in Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is one of the few mosques in Oman where nonmuslim visitors can enter. There is a beautiful garden surrounding the mosque.

The Royal Opera House was opened in 2011. You can go and see a musical, theater or opera there.

The National Museum is a big museum with 14 galleries where you can see and learn the history of Oman

Mohamed Al Ameen Mosque is situated on the top of the hill, therefore it is seen almost from everywhere in Muscat. Exceptional to see in the night.

Mutrah Souq is the oldest bazaar in the Arab world. It is very large, therefore you can even get lost here. You can buy a lot of different things there, like clothes, fragrances, gold, and others.

Mutrah Corniche is a long promenade along the water with lots of restaurants and cafes. It is lovely for an evening walk. From here you can also see the Mutrah Fort which is on the top of the hill.

Muscat City Centre and Oman Avenues Mall are shopping experiences with many brand shops, places to dine, and entertainment. Oman Avenues Mall is the largest mall in Oman.

 

Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman

Trips to nature

Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural lake with such turquoise clear water that you can see everything under it. The depth is just from a few centimeters to 20 meters. The locals believe in the legend that the meteorite fell down from the sky and made this hole. Therefore, the name in Arabic is “the deep well of the (falling) star”

Wadi Al Arbaeen – Oman is well-known for many Wadis. Wadi Al Arbaeen is supposed to be the most impressive. About 90 minutes outside of Muscat. Beautiful nature, with natural pools where you can swim. You can enjoy the view of mountains, palm trees, and waterfalls.

Wadi Bani Khalid is a well-known wadi in Oman. There is a village Bada where traditional Beduin tribes used to live. Now it is visited by tourists.

Wadi Ash Shab is the top place to visit. There are natural swimming pools and waterfalls, some inside the cave. During the holidays it gets very busy with local people for family picnics. Therefore, it is best to avoid visiting during these times.

Jebel Akhdar is also called Green Mountain. Is part of the Al Hajar Mountains. It is one of the highest points in Oman. There are a lot of wadis where roses, apricots, and pomegranates grow. Wadi Bani Habib is one of the main places to visit in Jebel Akhdar. You can also find Fort Bahla here which is under UNESCO world heritage.

Jebel Shams is the highest peak in Oman. Translated as a mountain of the sun as this is the first point to see the rising sun.

Here are some tips for you for guided trips you can take.

➡️Book the Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole full-day tour HERE

➡️Book Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid private tour HERE

 

Beach in Oman

Beaches in Oman

There are many beautiful beaches in Oman. Some can be found in Muscat, others in different places.

The best beach in Muscat is Al Bustan Beach. It is a private beach and belongs to the Al Bustan Palace Hotel overlooking the mountains.

Another beach Yiti Beach is located out of Muscat. It is a very peaceful public beach where you can enjoy your relaxing day with friends or family, having a picnic, swimming, or camping.

Qurum Beach is a beach close to the center of Muscat surrounded by many hotels. There are restaurants and cafes nearby. This is the most famous beach for tourists.

Another public beach is Kalbuh Beach. It is close to Kalbuh Park which is a good place for children. This beach has lovely water for swimming with swimming lessons provided here, washing facilities, places to eat, and delightful views.

 

About Oman

Oman is a country in Western Asia and it is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. It is neighboring the UAE, therefore if you are on holiday in Dubai, you can visit Oman for a few days. Its economy is based on tourism and trading goods, mostly fish and dates. Oman is also one of the most peaceful countries.

Capital – Muscat

Official language – Arabic, but English is spoken everywhere

Religion – Mostly Islam, a little bit of Christianity and Hinduism

Currency – Omani rial (OMR)

Time Zone -UTC+4

Climate – Central Oman is mostly covered by desert with some mountains in the north. It has one of the hottest climates in the world and very little precipitation.

The highest temperatures in the summer in Muscat are about 40 degrees Celsius or can go up to 50 degrees Celsius. During the winter is lovely at 25 degrees. In the mountains, areas are cooler with more precipitation, snow in some years is not a surprise.

The best time to visit Muscat and around is from the second half of September until mid-May. You can expect some short showers in January.

Visa – is required and you can apply online

 

Conclusion: What places to visit in Oman

Oman, known as the Pearl of Arabia is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking unique experiences. You can visit the ancient forts and museums in Muscat, indulge in Omani culture, or enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque mountain ranges of Jebel Akhdar.

Additionally, the pristine beaches of Salalah and the stunning canyons of Wadi Shab are not to be missed. Oman’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality make it a destination worth exploring.

4 Comments

  1. Where is Oman located? I want to start traveling the world but I do not know where to start. Would you recommend this place to me? Also, where else would you recommend that I visit? What else can I do at Oman? This is an interesting article, thank you for this 

    1. Hello Daniel. 

      Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. Oman is in western Asia or the Middle East. I would definitely recommend Oman. It is beautiful. But before any recommendations as to where to start traveling, my question to you is what are you interested in? What would you like to see or do? Whether you would like to go to the beach, relax and snorkel or you love wildlife and nature or are you a city person who loves sightseeing and history? Let me know and I will recommend you from my personal experience.

      Nat

  2. Hello, Oman sounds like a beautiful country to visit. What is the number one place you would recommend to visitors? Also, what were the culture and the people like? I love traveling to different countries to see how different their culture and way of living are from ours. The Bazar sounds like a wonderful experience! When would be the best season or months to visit the country, do you think?

    1. Hello Tryc. Thank you for your comment. Yes, Oman is beautiful. If you love nature, then Bimmah Sinkhole is amazing to see. Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole full day tour It is possible to swim there, so take the necessary thing. Due to the culture, you may want to swim in shorts and t-shirt. People are very nice, especially our guide was great. It is an Arabic country, so you need to respect it with appropriate clothes. However, on the beaches, you can wear bikinis like anywhere else. Oman is not as open as Dubai. You can visit anytime except summer from June to the middle of September. It is too hot there. If you like cooler temperatures, then better in the winter. I hope this helps. If you need anything else, please let me know.

      Nat

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