Try Oman Dropdown content winter sun and swap grey skies for blue on an almost perfect escape. The scenery is awesome and the history is ancient. There are lively cities and Gulf of Oman beaches compare well to the Maldives. Discover more reasons why an Oman trip is wonderful this winter. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Oman Dropdown content your essential guide for visiting Oman Dropdown content.
Don't miss the Royal Opera House in Muscat. Built in 2001, it's an imposing building and the city's centre for musical arts. Everything from opera to blues and folk music is performed here. And it's also a venue for cultural events throughout the year.
Set in landscaped gardens, the Opera House is part of a larger complex which includes luxury stores and several restaurants. If you want to stay in the neighbourhood, book the Wyndham Garden Muscat nearby.
Add culture to Oman winter sun at the Royal Opera House, Muscat © Philip Lange/Shutterstock
To uncover the heritage of Oman, explore
Throughout the year, the museum also hosts a variety of cultural projects and festivals. And it's another Muscat public building that's surrounded by landscaped gardens. If you're short on time, book a tour of Muscat with local guides.
At capacity, it holds up to 20,000 worshippers and is also open to non-Muslims. Remember to dress appropriately and don't miss the intricate mosaics, crystal chandeliers and handmade rugs. If you want to stay locally, book Al Gubrah Plaza Hotel.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat Oman © Permchai Phoorivatana/Shutterstock
Pay a visit to the National Museum in
Head northeast in
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both
Visit
Principally constructed from unbaked brick, Bahla Fort sits on what was once a Frankincense trade route and is now a World Heritage site. If you want to explore the fort and get to know the region, book a Daliah 2-day tour with local guides.
Bahla Fort in the Jebel Akhdar Highlands of Oman © Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock
Most of Oman's population lives in
Discover Nakhal Fort on the
The fort is built on an immense boulder and treats you to spectacular views. Don't leave without seeing the onsite mosque and museum. And if you want to stay nearby, book the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sohar on the Gulf Coast.
Oman's
Spend time at Dimianiyat Nature Reserve. Known for sea turtle nesting areas and flocks of migratory birds, this protected nature reserve is also one of Oman's top spots for diving and snorkelling, and excellent for guided scuba diving tours.
See nesting sea turtles at Dimaniyat Nature Reserve in Oman © Marcin Szymczak/Shutterstock
Ready to travel to
For more winter sun inspiration, read our round-up of the
We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.