Things to do in Oman: our top 12 tips

Things to do in Oman: our top 12 tips

We explore the best things to do in Oman, from modern Islamic architecture to the rugged peaks of its wild interior

Oman is a fascinating mix of the modern world and ancient Arabia. Unlike some of its neighbors, the country has yet to become saturated with overdevelopment. Located on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world and borders the UAE, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Despite its neighbors, the country remains stable, peaceful and comparatively progressive. In fact, it was named the safest country in the world for expats in 2019.

Oman's wide range of landscapes, from dramatic fortresses and spectacular mountains to windswept deserts and pristine coastlines, make it a more adventurous alternative to Dubai. Here's what you shouldn't miss.

The best things to do in Oman

We took a six day trip through the north of the country, meaning we didn't manage to see all the best things to do in Oman. Please allow between seven and ten days to view all of the content listed below.

For us, these dive sites will just have to wait.

1. Muscat

Most visits to Oman begin in the capital, Muscat. Sandwiched between the mountains and the ocean, Muscat is a refreshing take on the skyscraper-studded cities of the Gulf States.

Oh & bootsMuscat's Muttrah Corniche at night

The Omani port capital may not have the obvious glitz of its high-rise neighbors, but it exudes an understated charm and natural beauty rarely found in the more popular cities of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

Read our post about the best things to do in Muscat.

2. Birkat Al Mouz

In the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains lies the pretty village of Birkat Al Mouz, which roughly translates to “Banana Basin” – an apt name given its location amidst a sea of ​​banana and date palm plantations.

Atlas & BootsThe “Banana Pool” in Birkat Al Mouz

Most visitors stop briefly at Birkat Al Mouz to take in the views of the traditional mudstone buildings on the way to Jebel Akhdar. However, there are several other interesting sights in the village, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Falaj Al Khatmain, an active falaj (irrigation canal) almost 2.5 km long.

3. Jabal Akhdar

In the heart of the Al Hajar Mountains, a dramatic mountain range that stretches 700 km across Oman and into the United Arab Emirates, lies Jebel Akhdar or "Green Mountain", home to some of Oman's most beautiful mountain landscapes. Perhaps the most impressive viewpoint is at Diana’s Point on the grounds of the Anantara Hotel.

Atlas & BootsSunset at Diana's Point

Diana’s Point is named after Diana, Princess of Wales, who visited the site with Prince Charles in November 1986. A plaque states that the couple arrived by helicopter in what was then an untouched wilderness.

Nearby is the abandoned village of Wadi Bani Habib. This collection of crumbling adobe buildings at the bottom of a valley is lined with numerous walnut trees, creating a timeless scene.

4. Wadi Ghul

Although Jebel Shams is Oman's highest peak at 3,009 m, it is not the region's main attraction. Instead, it is the astonishingly deep surrounding gorge of Wadi Ghul that is referred to by locals as the Grand Canyon of Arabia.

Matyas Rehak/ShutterstockWadi Ghul is known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia

With a dizzying 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of limestone cliffs cascading from the edges of the gorge, Wadi Ghul has a number of well-positioned parking areas with expansive views and access to several established hiking trails.

5. Wakan Village

Deep in the wild rocky landscape of the Al-Hajar Mountains lies the mountain village of Wakan. Located 2,000 m (6,562 ft) above sea level, Wakan is a famous beauty spot towering over the Batinah Plain.

Atlas & BootsThe Al Hajar Mountains seen from Wakan village

Walking Route 25, one of the most impressive short hiking trails in Oman, runs through the village center. The well-paved and well-marked trail begins at the watchtower in the center of the village and leads to a picnic area with excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

6. Nizvah

Oman's most historic city has a perfect collection of minarets, souks and sand-colored buildings clustered around one of the country's greatest fortresses. Nizwa played an integral role in Oman's history for well over a millennium, serving as the capital of the interior and the seat of the country's ruling imams.

Atlas & BootsNizwa played an essential role in Oman's history

Today, the city has reinvented itself as one of Oman's most welcoming cities for foreign visitors. The centerpiece is Nizwa Fort, where it is possible to see a “Razha” performance – a surprisingly cheerful war dance.

On Fridays, the traditional circular Nizwa Cattle Market is a popular attraction for Omani farmers and tourists alike.

7. Al Hamra

Al Hamra is one of the best preserved old towns in Oman. The city's Yemeni-style terraces of honey-colored mud-brick buildings blend with the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains.

Atlas & BootsMisfat Al Abryeen

Nearby lies the small village of Misfat Al Abryeen, wedged in the shadow of a towering escarpment. The hamlet next to the sloping limestone cliffs at the foot of Jebel Shams completes the Omani mountain panorama.

8. Rustaq Fortress and Al Hazm Castle

Stretching along Highway 13, the Rustaq Loop offers a captivating one-day drive that includes some of Oman's most beautiful fortresses, scenic wadis and even a hot spring. The three historic castles of Nakhal, Al Rustaq and Al Hazm are the showpieces of the tour, but it's also worth stopping for a quick look around at the hot spring at Al Kasfah.

Atlas & BootsThe view from Al Rustaq Fort

Al Rustaq and Al Hazm forts have both been renovated and benefit from improved facilities and accessibility. Both offer excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

9. Wahiba Sand

The magnificent Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands) are the Oman you've seen on postcards. The towering sand dunes reach heights of up to 100 m (329 ft) and constantly move in the wind. The region is virtually uninhabited, aside from a handful of semi-permanent tourist camps and a few local Bedouins living in scattered makeshift camps.

Angelo D'Amico/ShutterstockThe magnificent Wahiba Sands

Most visitors camp – or glamp – for a night under a sky full of stars. The tranquility is somewhat disturbed by dune bashers who race around the sand drifts in their souped-up four-wheel-drive vehicles, leaving tire tracks and trash behind.

Activities include horse riding, sand boarding, trekking and quad biking.

10. Rub' al Khali: Empty Quarter

The Empty Quarter (the English translation of Rub' al Khali) makes up most of the Arabian Desert and, at around 650,000 km2, is the world's largest contiguous sandy area.

It is one of the driest regions in the world, virtually uninhabited and largely unexplored. It is magical in its vastness and silence and puts Wahiba Sands to shame.

David Steele/ShutterstockRub' al Khali (The Empty Quarter)

Almost the same activities are offered here. However, Rub' al Khali is harder to reach, with its access points in Ubar, near the Saudi border in southern Oman.

11. Turtle nesting site in Ras Al Jinz

Oman's most memorable wildlife experience is watching thousands of endangered green turtles drag themselves out of the sea and up the beach to lay their eggs in the Ras Al Jinz turtle nesting area.

Jaromir Chalabala/ShutterstockA turtle at Ras Al Jinz

The remote beach on the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula is under strict government protection and can only be visited on an escorted tour. Only 200 people per day are allowed to visit, so reservations are essential.

12. Diving

Oman has over 2,000 km of coastline, making it some of the best diving areas on the Arabian Peninsula. Oman has many of the same types of corals and marine life as the Red Sea, but receives only a fraction of the visitors.

SeraphP/ShutterstockOman has some of the best diving spots in the Gulf

The best spots include the Daymaniyat Islands, Al Fahal Island, Bandar Khayran and Al Munnassir. In addition to spectacular reef systems, it is possible to see turtles, nudibranchs, moray eels, mobula rays, blacktip reef sharks, dolphins and humpback whales.

Activities in Oman: the essentials

What: Discover the best things to do in Oman.

Where: We stayed at three resorts: the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Muscat in Muscat, the Sahab Resort and Spa in Jebel Akhdar and Dunes by Al Nahda. Diana’s Point is located on the grounds of Anantara in Jebel Akhdar. All are highly recommended.

Top 4: Kempinski Hotel Muscat; Middle four: Sahab Resort & Spa; Bottom four: Dunes of Al Nahda

When: The best time to travel to Oman is October to March, when the oppressive summer heat turns into sunny days and balmy nights. It's worth noting that it rains in Oman, so plan accordingly.

How: We took a six-day trip with Old Muscat Tourism, who specialize in presenting “7,000 Years in 7 Days.” Our guide Adil was knowledgeable and flexible and went out of his way to fill our day when our route to Jebel Shams was washed out by the rain.

We flew with Oman Air direct from the UK to Muscat in Oman. Book via Skyscanner for the best prices.

Lonely Planet Oman, United Arab Emirates and Arabian Peninsula offers a comprehensive guide to a safe and rewarding visit to the region.

Disclosure: We traveled to Oman with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. All publications say this, but we really don't guarantee positive coverage. We say what we think – good and bad – so you can make informed decisions with honest advice.

Cover image: David Steele/Shutterstock

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