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People who want to explore the contemporary side of Arabia while curious about its historic spirit should go to Oman, which has breathtaking mountains, windswept deserts, and an immaculate coastline. Even fewer tourists know that Oman's Sultanate has a history that goes back 10 thousand years.
Neolithic artefacts and artefacts from the archaeological record indicate that there were early communities who traded frankincense. Throughout the 17th century, the Omani Sultanate dominated the sea lanes and harbours that connected East Africa to the coastlines of Persia (modern-day Iran). The nation has gained international renown for its harmonious blend of old and new, as well as its adoration of its beautiful scenery.
From the picturesque alleys of Muscat's Mutrah Souq, where Omani men proudly display their intricately patterned kumma and khanjars (traditional daggers), to the cliffside villages of Jebel Akhdar, where elderly men in sandals skilfully navigate narrow farm trails while distilling rose water in silver bowls, the stories of this country are evident everywhere. Every interaction evokes a deep connection to Oman.
When is the best time to visit Oman?
October through March is usually considered the ideal season to visit this desert nation, as the weather is nearly ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and beach camping. It is a fantastic destination year-round, thanks to its abundance of historical landmarks, including forts and castles, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites like Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
What is the best time to travel on a budget?
During April-May, when the temperatures rise, tourists still have time to enjoy the outdoors before the sweltering heat of summer sets in. At this time of year, lodgings and tours are more reasonably priced due to the lower number of visitors. In April, visitors may enjoy the rose-blooming season atop Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain), which culminates in the production of rose water. The stunning beaches of Oman are sure to please beachgoers.
If you are coming to Oman, you have to start your journey at Muscat. Here’s an itinerary for things to do in Muscat, Oman.
Things to do in Muscat
Muscat seamlessly blends modern architectural marvels and low-rise structures, as stone forts with watchtowers and palaces with latticed balconies coexist harmoniously. Charming museums housed in refurbished ancient buildings, courtyard eateries, and posh retail complexes are just a few of the attractions of Oman's capital. Impressive in its modern Islamic design, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque features arched pathways, colourful mosaic tiles, an elaborate dome, and a chandelier encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Here is a list of the best things to do in Muscat!
The Royal Opera House features modern design influenced by ancient forts; a guided tour will teach you all about it. The theatre often plays host to world-class performances, so be sure to check the schedule for showtimes. Men must wear suits or dinner jackets, while ladies must wear gowns that fall below the knee. Jeans, T-shirts, and tennis shoes are strictly prohibited at the Royal Opera House. So make sure you make a note of this when looking at things to do in Muscat.
Along the 3 km (1.9 mile) coastal promenade at Mutrah Corniche, you may admire whitewashed buildings and blue-domed mosques. Explore the slatted canopy ceiling, which takes design cues from calligraphy, as you make your way to Mutrah Fish Market. Once you're ready, walk inside to see the day's catch. Shops offering frankincense, lamps, native dress, pashminas, oud (fragrance derived from agarwood), and handcrafted sandals may be found at Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world. It is one of the best things to do in Muscat.
Post the fish market, make your way to the Mutrah Souq—it is one of the best things to do in Muscat. Antique mandoos (wedding chests) with new thumbtacks brought down from the Hajar Mountains are among the unique items for sale in the souq. You can also find rope-twined muskets that were used in the Dhofar wars in the 1970s, a passageway of sandals to complete the men's smart Omani attire, and a set of aluminium serving dishes for the traditional Omani shuwa, a dish of marinated lamb cooked in an underground oven.
Post your shopping sojourn, make your way to the Grand Mosque—visiting here is one of the best things to do in Oman. This magnificent example of contemporary Islamic architecture was a gift to the country from Sultan Qaboos to commemorate his 30th year of power; it quietly dominates from the outside. The Persian carpet, which took four years to weave and is 70 by 60 meters in width, is the second-largest hand-loomed carpet in the world and was woven by 600 women.
Activities in Muscat
Snorkelling
A guided snorkelling excursion will allow you to see the unique marine life of Oman. Discover a variety of turtles, brightly coloured fish, vibrant corals, and pristine water as you explore varied areas. Find peace and relaxation by losing yourself in the beautiful natural environment. This is one of the unique things to do in Muscat, Oman.
Waterfall sighting
A full-day excursion from Muscat will take you to the top of Wadi Shab, a magnificent cave waterfall. The destination is a 40-minute walk away, and there are a handful of pools there for your swimming pleasure. On the way back, stop and see the Bimmah Sinkhole. This is one of the most beautiful and exciting things to do in Muscat.
Touring ancient cities
On a day excursion from Muscat, you may see the "Mountain of the Sun" and the ancient city of Nizwa. See the Grand Canyon of Oman, wander the Nizwa Souq, and see the Fort.
End your list of things to do in Muscat in a regal style. Visit the Sultan's Palace, which can be found on Mirani Street, just by the harbour wall, on the right side of the structure with the beautiful blue and gold mushroom pillars. Towards the interior, a palm-lined boulevard winds its way to a circular plaza encircled by stately royal palaces and the brand-new National Museum. Despite the palace's closed doors, visitors may still capture the classic Muscat selfie by pausing in front of the gates towards the end of the colonnaded approach.
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Oman Beyond Muscat
Oman’s so much more than just the capital city! If you are fulfilled with the list of things to do in Muscat, here’s where you should go next.
Bahla
A visit to the walled oasis village of Bahla, rich in local tales and stories, completes the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Bahla Fort. Wind towers, mosques, residences, and wells are all part of the intricate fort complex that the Banu Nebhan tribe constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries and then expanded upon by succeeding governing dynasties. In pre-Islamic Arabian legend, the jinn were strong spirits that the tribe supposedly begged to construct the fort in a single night in the face of an imminent onslaught. The fort is encircled by date trees and offers breathtaking views of the village's ancient mud dwellings and ruins.
Mud kiln-fired pottery is another Bahla speciality; the town's artisans are said to have miraculously gifted hands. The Bahla Old Souq is a great place to look at carpets, jewellery, handicrafts, and pottery; if you're lucky, you could even catch a glimpse of a potter at work at one of the neighbouring workshops.
The nearby 17th-century Jabreen Castle is also worth a visit; it has a date storage, painted ceilings, many chambers and reception halls, and elaborately latticed windows.
Here are some must visit places in Bahla
Jabreen Castle
Unlike most of Oman's forts and castles, the enormous battlements of Jabreen Castle—built in 1675 by Imam Bil-Arab Bin Sultan—contain a surprising amount of information on astrology, medicine, and Islamic law. The intricately painted ceilings are the castle's most eye-catching feature. Many chambers, seemingly emerging illogically from various courtyards within the keep, display original flower themes on their ceiling timbers. Part of the enjoyment (and the original defence mechanism) of Jabreen is finding these secret chambers. Discover the sultan's pet horse's burial chamber and the impressively carved vaults that surround it.
Al Hoota Cave
The sole cave in Oman that has been created for tourism, this one is a real beauty, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. This stunning cavern is lighted with delicate lighting and has cascading water and stairways that lead to important areas. Among the many attractions at the visitors centre is a geological museum housing priceless mineral specimens and displaying the geological characteristics that have brought Oman world acclaim among scientists.
Desert safari in Oman
Lastly, a visit to Arabia is incomplete without a desert safari. Here’s where you need to go for the best desert safari in Oman:
Sands of Sharqiya
Seeing the desert is an essential part of any vacation to Oman. In Sharqiya Sands, often called Wahiba Sands by the locals, you'll find a seemingly endless panorama of undulating dunes and desert flora that, as the sun sets, seems as if it was made of gold. Into the world-renowned Empty Quarter, one of the biggest sand deserts on the planet, these dunes, shaped by the wind and reaching heights of up to 100 meters (328 feet), carry on.