Best things to do in Oman

Oman is a charming Arabian Gulf destination that offers a glimpse into the past with serene coastlines, mudbrick villages, date plantations, and rugged mountains. It also has vast deserts and bustling cities like Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar. Check out our list of top things to do in Oman.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guide to Oman — your essential guide for travelling in Oman.

1. Turtle-watching at Ras al Jinz

After sunset, you'll walk across the sands in the darkness with your guide to the edge of the waves to see ghostly silhouettes of green turtles emerging from the surf to lay eggs. This natural cycle is a magical experience that reveals the beauty of this ancient tradition that has been in existence for over two hundred million years.

2. See the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

It can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers in two prayer halls and the surrounding courtyard. The mosque has a walled compound with five minarets, four at the corners and one larger in the middle of the northern wall. The mosque's design features white and red-brown marble, with nods to traditional Egyptian, Omani, and Persian styles. Its latticed golden dome over the central prayer hall is a unique and impressive feature.

3. Find treasures at Muscat's Muttrah Souk

Most stalls are open to bartering, but there’s less wiggle-room on jewellery (which is sold by weight). If you’re a haggling novice, start with an offer of around 40–50 per cent of the vendor’s opening price, and aim to meet somewhere in the middle.

Where to stay in Muttrah:

• For a modern stay: Naseem Hotel
• For a stay with an impressive pool: Riyam Hotel

4. Take a cruise through the beautiful Khor ash Sham

A string of remote hamlets dots the shoreline, accessible only by boat; each is home to just ten or so families. All water has to be shipped in by boat, while children must commute to school in Khasab.

5. Dhofar during the khareef

Especially during the annual khareef from June to August/early September, when the rains of the southeast monsoon turn the area into a fecund riot of misty green. While rain might be overrated by most visitors from outside the region, the magical explosion of green, seasonal waterfalls and streams make up for it.

6. The ancient tombs of Al Ayn

The tombs are located on a narrow ridgetop that offers a stunning view of Jebel Misht, one of Oman's biggest geological wonders. With a total of 21 well-preserved tombs, the best time to visit is in the late afternoon to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

7. See the island of Sur

Visitors can explore the town centre's vibrant souk and seafront corniche, which stretches for 1km towards the old harbour that houses the dhow-building yard and a trio of watchtowers, before reaching the charming village of Ayjah. This beautiful area is well worth a visit and is even a great place for wild camping.

8. Hiking in the Western Hajar

Despite the marked routes, it's advisable to have a specialized guide due to the inhospitable terrain. You'll also want to carry sufficient water, and warm clothing at all times due to sudden weather changes in high altitudes.

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Where to stay near the Muscat Hajar Mountain Range:

• For sweeping views: Alila Jabal Akdar
• For a beautifully modern stay: The View

9. Indulge in local frankincense

Frankincense is a crucial part of traditional Omani life, used for perfuming clothes, hair, and beards, as well as in perfumes and Omani bukhoor. Although Somalia is now the main producer of frankincense, Omani frankincense is widely considered to be the finest.

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10. The expansive views of the Saiq Plateau

The mountains are a testament to geology, comprising large slabs of limestone tilted sideways over millions of years to form the evenly sloping mountainsides and right-angle summits visible today. The changing light casts a unique sere, green-grey hue on the mountains, contrasting beautifully with the reddish ophiolite hills below. Visitors can stop at a series of viewpoints to take in the increasingly expansive views.

11. Jabrin Fort — one of the best things to do in Oman

Inside, the labyrinthine interior is packed with dozens of little rooms around a pair of courtyards, each with its own story to tell. The fort also features a small mosque and a deep falaj that flows through the building, providing visitors with a glimpse into the ancient irrigation system that was once used in Oman.

12. The charming village of Misfat al Abryeen

Ready to take the trip of your dreams to Oman? Our tailor-made trip service makes travelling easy by taking care of the planning and booking. Our The Best of Oman trip takes you through Muscat with its atmospheric souks and palaces, as well as wild mountain wadis, therapeutic hot springs and an unforgettable night of desert camping. Our trips are crafted by local travel experts and are completely customisable.

13. Diving into Oman's coastal waters

Daymaniyat Islands, Musandam, and Mirbat are some of the top diving destinations in Oman, each with their own unique offerings for divers and snorkelers. Diving is one of the best things to do in Oman.

14. Take a road trip on the Rustaq Loop

However, the Nakhal and Al Hazm forts feature museum-style exhibits and interior decor that provide a glimpse into the lives of their former inhabitants. The loop is easily accessible via Highway 13, a fast and usually traffic-free road.

15. Visit the historic town of Nizwa

The old town features a stunning restored fort, mosque, and traditional souqs, exuding a village-like atmosphere, particularly after dark. Visitors can witness the Friday Goat Market and see Bedu women and older men in traditional dress. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Oman.

16. A night in the desert

Rub’ Al Khali (the ‘Empty Quarter’) is an estimated 583,000 square kilometres of uninhabited dunes. Photographers are spellbound by the play of light on these rippling hillocks of sand, solitude-seekers venture here to camp under the stars. Additionally, it’s increasingly a destination for adventure travel.

17. Jebel Shams and Wadi Nakhr — the "Grand Canyon of Oman"

Visitors can explore the mountains on a half or full-day mountain safari with a local driver aboard a 4WD. Half-day safaris usually take in Wadi Khasab, Khor an Najd, Sal al A’la, A’Saye and Jebel Harim, while full-day trips continue beyond Jebel Harim to the Rawdah Bowl. The mountains are studded with fossils of ancient submarine creatures, and the view from the top is simply magnificent.

Where to stay near Jebel Shams:

• For an all-inclusive stay: Anatara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.
• For a stay directly near Jebel Shams: Sama Heights Resort and Spa.

Find more accommodation options to stay around Jebel Shams

18. The coastal road to Dhofar

The highway ascends steeply to the top of the plateau, offering sweeping Grand Canyon-like views. Continuing north, the highway heads inland through the desert for the 150km drive to Sawqirah. Wadi Ash Shuwaymiyah, one of Oman's remotest and most memorable sights, is lined with towering white limestone cliffs, rock pools, and palm groves, and offers plenty of camping spots and a chance to spot wildlife.

19. Sunbathe at Qurum Beach

However, it is worth noting that female visitors may receive unwanted attention elsewhere on the beach. At the eastern end of the beach sits the Crowne Plaza hotel atop a small rocky outcrop, while the Qurum Nature Reserve south of the beach protects a rare stretch of coastal mangrove forest.

20. See the Bimmah Sinkhole — one of the best things to do in Oman

With its picturesque setting and clear waters, the Bimmah Sinkhole offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Oman.

21. Spend a day at the Wahiba Sands

Visitors can take part in various activities such as camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking. The desert also provides a fantastic stargazing experience, with the clear night sky offering an unforgettable view of the stars. This is a fantastic place to catch the sun in the winter.

Find accommodation options to stay at the Wahiba Sands

22. Take a dip at Wadi Bani Khalid

Visitors can also take a dip in the natural pools and explore the surrounding rocky terrain, including hidden caves and waterfalls. Additionally, the wadi is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, fish, and various reptiles.

This list could truly go on. Oman is one of the most beautiful places in the world and is well worth a visit. Ready to start planning your trip? Check out the Rough Guide to Oman.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Oman without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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