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 the best things to do in Oman.

1. Turtle-watching at Ras al Jinz

Nature lovers wondering what to do on OMan, look no further! 

Just 17km from Ras al Hadd, Ras al Jinz is one of the best places to visit in Oman if you want to witness nature at its most ancient and awe-inspiring. 

Every year, thousands of green turtles haul themselves onto the beach here to lay eggs in the sand — some returning to the same stretch of coast where they were born.

Your visit starts at the visitor centre, where you’ll find a small but informative museum. After sunset, a guide leads you across the sand in near-darkness, scanning for movement. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll watch as massive turtles emerge from the waves — or see hatchlings making their first clumsy dash to the sea.

How to get to  Ras al Jinz

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is located on the eastern tip of Oman’s coastline in the Ash Sharqiyah region, near the town of Sur.

From Muscat, it takes around 3.5–4.5 hours’ drive here — take Route 23 towards Sur, then follow signs to Ras Al Jinz.

You can rent a car or hire a private driver. 

When to visit Ras al Jinz

June to September is the peak nesting season for green sea turtles, while from  August to November, you may see baby turtles hatching and crawling to the sea — an extraordinary sight!

For wider weather context, read up on the best visit to visit Oman.

2. See the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Located in the Ghubrah suburb of Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a stunning contemporary Islamic architectural masterpiece. The mosque opened in 2001 and is the only one in Oman open to non-Muslims. It is a favourite for locals and first-time travellers to Oman.

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.

How to get to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The mosque is located in Ghubrah, along Sultan Qaboos Street, about 10–15 minutes from central Muscat and 15–20 minutes from the airport.

Taxis are widely available and the easiest option if you don’t have a rental car.

While Mwasalat buses run along Sultan Qaboos Street, stops are limited and not tourist-optimized — they’re not ideal unless you are familiar with local routes.

When to visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

October to April is the best time to visit, thanks to its pleasant warm, dry weather.

3. Find treasures at Muscat's Muttrah Souk

Muscat’s Muttrah Souk is a labyrinth of commercial activity. You'll find here ceramics, jewellery and camel-themed souvenirs. The best buys are butter-soft llama wool pashminas, leatherware and exquisite gold jewellery.

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.

As amazing as it is, the souk is just one of many reasons to visit Muscat!

How to get to Muttrah Souk, Muscat

Muttrah Souk is located along the Muttrah Corniche, just 3 km from central Muscat and about 30 minutes from the airport.

Either take a taxi, or a hop-on hop-off tour.

When to visit  Muttrah Souk

Muttrah Souk is best visited in the cooler months of October to April, in the late afternoon or evening (4:00pm–9:00pm) when it’s lively and cooler.

4. Cruise through the beautiful Khor ash Sham

Take a dhow cruise through Musandam’s most spectacular khor (fjord), keeping an eye out for pods of frolicking dolphins. Khor ash Sham stretches for some 16km in total. 

It is hemmed in between two high lines of mountains, the bareness of the craggy surrounding rocks offering a surreal contrast with the invitingly blue waters of the khor itself.

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.

How to get to Khor ash Sham

Khor ash Sham is accessible by boat from Khasab, the main town in Musandam. You can fly from Muscat to Khasab Airport (daily short flights).

From Khasab, take a dhow cruise (half- or full-day trips) to explore Khor ash Sham.

For more transport tips, read up on getting around Oman.

When to visit Khor ash Sham

October to April is also best for heading here, while June–August should be avoided — it’s very hot and less comfortable for boat trips.

Also note that morning cruises offer smoother waters and higher chances of dolphin sightings.

5. Dive into Dhofar during the khareef

The province of Dhofar, located on the southern coast of the Arab peninsula, is separated from the rest of Oman by a vast desert and has a distinct culture and history as the source of the legendary frankincense trade. 

Its centrepiece is the laidback city of Salalah, which offers a tropical twist to Oman with its endless white-sand beaches, coconut and banana palms, and pastel-painted houses.

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, and it's really worth including in your Oman itinerary.

How to get to  Dhofar 

Dhofar is best accessed via Salalah, its capital city. You can fly here from Muscat (1.5 hrs) and regional hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, or else drive here in 10-12 hours.

Daily overnight Mwasalat buses also connect Muscat and Salalah and take around 12 hours.

When to visit Dhofar 

During the khareef! i.e. from June to August into early September.

6. Explore the ancient tombs of Al Ayn

To reach the tombs in Al Ayn village, visitors need to walk for about 10 minutes from the road. 

Although there is no clear path, they can cross the wadi bed and climb up a track that is roughly opposite the big mosque at the entrance of the village. Al Ayn is situated 37km east of Bat and is renowned for its impressive Bronze Age necropolises.

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.

How to get to Al Ayn

From Muscat, drive ~2.5–3 hours to Birkat Al Mouz, then up to Jebel Akhdar. 

A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory beyond the checkpoint at the base of the mountain.

When to visit Al Ayn

Visit in March to April for the rose blooming season, when the terraces are in full bloom. 

Overall, October to April offer the most comfortable conditions for hiking and sightseeing.

7. See the island of Sur

Sur, located on a miniature island surrounded by a tranquil lagoon, is considered the most attractive town in Sharqiya, and is rich in history as a former bustling port and trading centre.

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. 

Visiting this beautiful area is definitely one of the best things to do in Oman, and also a great place for wild camping in Oman. 

How to get to Sur

Enjoy a scenic 2.5–3-hour drive via Route 17 along the coast, or take a bus from Muscat (4 hours).

When to visit Sur

October to April is best for warm, sunny weather, while May–August are very hot and humid, and probably best avoided. 

8. Hike the Western Hajar

Hiking in the Western Hajar is one of the best things to do in Oman. The Western Hajar provides limitless trekking opportunities with stunning mountain views and established trail networks recognized by the Oman government.

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.

How to get to the Western Hajar

Drive 2–3 hours from Muscat via Route 15 or 21, and note that a 4x4 is required for Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams due to steep, winding roads.

When to visit the Western Hajar

October to April offer cooler, clearer weather that’s ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

9. Enjoy expansive views of the Saiq Plateau

The Saiq Plateau is a stunning natural attraction located approximately 32km away from Birkat al Mawz along a winding highway. 

The road leading up to the plateau dramatically hairpins upwards into the hills, offering magnificent views of the rocky mountainside dotted with hardy shrubs and trees, such as wild olive and juniper.

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.

 How to get to the Saiq Plateau

From Muscat, drive 2.5–3 hours via Route 15 to Birkat Al Mouz. A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory to pass the checkpoint and ascend to the plateau.

When to visit the  Saiq Plateau

March to April is best for the rose blooming season, while October to April offer cooler, pleasant weather. That said, Saiq stays refreshingly cool year-round, making it a great summer escape.

10. Explore Jabrin Fort

Jabrin Fort, located in the small town of Jabrin is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the country's rich history and culture. 

This picturesque fort is nestled amidst palm trees and surrounded by high walls and a gravel courtyard, providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience.

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.

How to get to Jabrin Fort

Drive from Muscat via Route 15 to Nizwa, then follow signs to Jabrin (about 2 hours total), or else join a private tour — you can’t get right to the fort by public transport.

When to visit Jabrin Fort

October to April is best for comfortable temperatures and clear skies, while midday visits in summer (May–August) should be avoided due to the intense heat and limited shade.

11. Be charmed by Misfat al Abryeen village

Misfat Al Abryeen is a charming village in Oman known for its beautiful ochre-colored stone buildings that resemble a medieval Italian hill village. 

Despite its small size, the village boasts a maze of twisting alleys, covered passages, and steps leading to the falaj, a man-made irrigation system surrounded by lush vegetation. 

Visitors can also climb the rocky hillside to reach a picturesque ruined watchtower that's said to be over a thousand years old.

How to get to Misfat al Abryeen 

From Muscat, drive 2.5–3 hours via Route 15 to Al Hamra, then follow signs to the village.

Parking is available just outside the village — it’s pedestrian-only beyond the entrance.

When to visit Misfat al Abryeen 

You guessed it! It’s best to visit in October to April, when the weather is cool and better for walking the falaj trails and exploring date plantations.

12. Visit the historic town of Nizwa

Nizwa, a historic city in Oman's interior, served as a crucial hub for rulers for over a thousand years. 

Despite its reputation for conservatism, it has become a welcoming destination for travellers exploring the Western Hajar region.

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. 

How to get to Nizwa

From Muscat, it’s a 1.5–2 hour drive via Route 15, with a 2.5-hour bus alos on hand.

When to visit Nizwa

Again, October to April is best, as is visiting on Friday mornings to experience the traditional livestock market.

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

Musandam's mountainous interior offers some of Oman's wildest and most spectacular landscapes, including the Ru’us al Jebel or “Peaks of the Mountains”. 

The highest peak is Jebel Harim, at 2087m, which offers breathtaking views of Khasab and Dibba.

Visitors can explore the mountains on a half or full-day mountain safari with a local driver aboard a 4WD. 

Half-day safaris usually also 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.

How to get to Jebel Shams and Wadi Nakhr 

You can’t get here via public transport, so self-drive or guided tours are best.

From Muscat, drive 3–3.5 hours via Route 15 to Al Hamra, then follow signs to Jebel Shams.

A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to steep, winding mountain roads.

When to visit Jebel Shams and Wadi Nakhr

While October to April are best for hiking and scenic drives, even in summer, Jebel Shams remains refreshingly cool compared to lowland Oman, making it a good escape from the heat.

14. Sunbathe at Qurum Beach

Shatti al Qurum, located west of Qurum Heights, boasts a beautiful stretch of golden sand that extends towards the suburb of Hayy as Saruj and offers views of the rocky Fahal Island. 

For those looking to sunbathe, the areas around the InterContinental and Grand Hyatt hotels provide a relatively hassle-free experience.

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.

This is a fantastic place that reveals exactly why Oman is a great winter sun destination.

How to get to Qurum Beach

Qurum Beach is centrally located in Muscat, in the upscale Qurum district, and easily ccessible by taxi, ride apps (OTaxi), or private car. It's just ten minutes from Muttrah.

When to visit Qurum Beach

Again, October to April is best for sunny pleasant weather that;s not too hot.

15. See the Bimmah Sinkhole 

The Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural wonder located in the Al Sharqiyah region of Oman that is well worth a visit. This stunning geological formation was created by the collapse of a limestone cavern, leaving behind a crystal-clear turquoise pool that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

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

How to get to Bimmah Sinkhole 

Bimmah Sinkhole is located in Hawiyat Najm Park, about 125 km southeast of Muscat along the coastal Route 17.

When to visit Bimmah Sinkhole 

Pretty much any time, but avoid summer midday hours (May–August) due to the extreme sun.

16. Spend a night at Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands, is a vast desert region located in Oman and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. 

It offers a unique opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Omani landscape and explore its vast sand dunes, some of which reach up to 200 meters high.

By day, visitors can take part in various activities such as camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking. 

By night, the desert also provides a fantastic stargazing experience, with the clear night sky offering an unforgettable view of the stars while staying in some of the best Oman accommodation — Bedouin-style camps at invite dune adventures by day and star-gazing by night.

How to get to Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands lies about 200 km southeast of Muscat. Drive 3–4 hours via Route 23 toward Al Wasil or Bidiyah.

While a 4x4 vehicle is essential for driving into the dunes, many desert camps offer pick-up services from Al Wasil if you have a 2WD.

When to visit Wahiba Sands

October to April, when the desert climate is mild and ideal for camping and dune activities, and avoid May–September when the heat is extreme heat and dry winds pick up.

17. Take a dip at Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is a beautiful desert oasis that offers a refreshing contrast to the harsh desert landscape of Oman. 

With its crystal clear turquoise pools and lush palm trees, it's a great place to relax and cool off from the heat of the desert.

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.

How to get to Wadi Bani Khalid

From Muscat, drive 3–4 hours via Route 23 toward Sur, then follow signs from Al Kamil or Tawi to the wadi.

When to visit Wadi Bani Khalid

Early morning or late afternoon from October to April is best o avoid crowds and midday heat, and avoid rainy days due to possible flash floods in the wadi.

Inspired to visit? Make use of our guide to how to plan a trip to Oman and our Oman travel tips while planning your trip.

Not keen on planning? Contact our local Oman travel experts to have them come up with a few Oman itineraries that are perfect for you.