12 Best Places to See in Oman: Tourist Places and Attractions
Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Oman is a treasure whose beauty you must witness at least once. Despite being approximately 1 hour away from Dubai via flight, Oman is an offbeat destination as compared to the neighboring countries. From deserts and fjords to ancient castles, mosques, and palaces, there are innumerable places to see in Oman.
Nevertheless, this is a silver lining for tourists seeking an escape to nature from the city rush. Even in its peak season, Oman does not see a huge crowd of tourists. Consequently, flight and accommodation prices in Oman are relatively low.
So, to help you plan an amazing trip away from the city chaos, here are 12 must-see places in Oman.
12 Unforgettable Places to See in Oman
Muscat is Oman’s capital city and a crucial place to visit. It is home to several royal palaces, which offer a glimpse of Oman’s regal past. Muscat mesmerizes tourists with a picturesque blend of modernity, ancient culture, and natural beauty. The twin forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque are among the best places to visit in Oman. These monuments highlight the excellence of Persian architecture through the marble panels and the second-largest Persian carpet in the world.
Best Places to Visit: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, Qurum Beach, Muttrah Corniche, Al Jalali, and Al Minari forts.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Wadi Bani Habib rests amidst the untamed beauty of Oman. This Wadi, or “valley,” is among the best places to go in Oman, if you are looking for tranquility and embracing nature in its raw form. This beautiful tourist spot is laden with naturally carved gorges with ancient cascading waterfalls and wind streams over eons. As you visit here, towering ochre-shaded cliffs dramatically reaching the clouds contrasting with the lush greenery below and echoing waterfalls will steal your breath. These symphonies of hues and sounds invite tourists to experience raw nature from this beautiful spot. So, consider adding Wadi Bani Habib to your itinerary while you await confirmation of your Oman tourist visa.
Best Places to Visit: Jebel Akhdar, Fruit Orchards, Terraced Farms, The Abandoned Village, and Wadi Walk.
Best Time to Visit: March to April and December to February
Also known as the “Pearl of Islam,” Nizwa is the highest and most majestic mountain in Oman. Despite being a religious hub, the people of Nizwa are also hospitable and open-minded. This makes it one of the best places to see in Oman for tourists around the world. Nizwa is also a hub for trade, education, and art that attracts businesses and artisans from all over the globe. The massive Nizwa Fort and its majestic cylindrical towers offer a panoramic view of the city. Furthermore, the Nizwa Souq is the most vibrant and happening marketplace in the entire Oman. So, if you are applying for an Oman tourist visa from Dubai, for a short tour, consider exploring every nook and corner of Nizwa to relive the glorious past of Oman.
Best Places to Visit: Nizwa Fort, Nizwa Souq, Falaj Daris, Tanuf Ruins, and Bahla Fort
Best Time to Visit: December to February and October to November
This city is also the home of the Sultan of Oman. Consequently, Salalah is rich in culture and historical relevance. Salalah is also home to some of the magnificent beaches of Oman owing to its peninsular location on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Therefore, if you are a sea-lover and looking for the best things to see in Oman, visit Salalah to enjoy diverse water sports such as snorkeling and deep-sea diving. The beauty of Salalah is enhanced during the Khareef, or monsoon season. During this period, vegetations enhance the city’s greenery, while blooming flowers bring in more colors and the waterfalls become louder. So, consider applying for an Oman E visa during this time to enjoy the natural beauty of Salalah at its best.
Best Places to Visit: Al Mughsail Beach, The Frankincense Land, Ayn Athum and Ayn Khor Waterfalls, and Al Haffa Beach and Souq
Best Time to Visit: June to September and October to April
Like Salalah, Musandam is also home to several serene beaches, ancient forts, and modern architecture. The turquoise waters here, surrounded by rugged mountain cliffs, add to the beauty of this place. The clear water bodies here offer tourists scuba diving opportunities as the best things to do in Oman. Musandam is located at the confluence point of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, making it one of the most important and busiest waterways of Oman at the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, the tallest mountain peak of Musandam, Jebel Harim, is a prehistoric treasure trove. This mountain is studded with fossils of fishes and other marine animals that date back to approximately 250 million years ago. This also makes us wonder about the landform changes as the question of whether Jebel Harim was a part of the sea a million years ago lingers in our minds.
Best Places to Visit: Musandam Khors, Jebel Harim, Khasab Fort, and Khmazera Castle
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Sur is a popular coastal city in Oman that hosts a rich heritage of maritime history. This charming city offers a sneak peek at the traditional Omani shipbuilding lifestyle. Sur also hosts a significant trading hub for its dhow shipyards. Skilled artisans carefully craft these traditional wooden boats to keep the ancient art form alive. So, if you are booking an Oman tourist visa for UAE residents, consider exploring the Sur City via road or the Dhow boats. Besides the dhows, this city’s connectivity to the sea also enhances the fishing industry. Therefore, you can explore diverse seafood options in the busy marketplaces of Sur.
Best Places to Visit: Al Ayjah Fort, Dhow Factory, Bilad Sur Castle, Sur Maritime Museum, and Sur Corniche.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Among the best places to see in Oman, Bahla is the first town to be declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This is a small oasis settlement in the Dhakliya region of Oman surrounded by fortification walls, nesting vernacular houses, a souq, a falaj system, and a mosque. The most popular Bahla Fort is one of the oldest forts here, which dates back to the 13th century. This place is also an interesting hotspot of Arabian legends. Folklore here narrates that this place is the birthplace of Jinn and black magic activities. This small town is also popular for silver artifacts and pottery sold in old souqs.
Best Places to Visit: Bahla Fort, Saint Mosques, Jabrin Castle, and Old Bahla Souq
Best Time to Visit: October to March
If you are a nature lover and want to spend a tranquil vacation away from the city, Masirah Island is the perfect place to see in Oman. This popular weekend destination is home to several nesting turtles throughout sandy beaches. As one of the off-beat destinations among tourists, Masirah Island is usually deserted. This attracts birds of different species all year round. The clear blue waters across the coastline of the Masirah Islands are dotted by traditional fishermen on their dhows catching fish as their daily activity. The weather here is windy throughout the year. This makes the Masirah Islands the best place for kitesurfing and other watersports.
Best Places to Visit: Ras Islands, Masairah Beaches, Flamingo Lagoons, and Shipwrecks.
Best Time to Visit: October to April and June to September.
This is the desert part of Oman in the eastern region, named after the Wahiba tribe, and it is one of the popular places to see in Oman for every tourist. What makes the Wahiba Sands different from other deserts? Tourists find the sand here changes color over time in a day. You can witness the desert change hues from golden to orange to yellow as the sun travels through the sky. You can spend an entire day in the desert and enjoy activities like safari and dune bashing. Wahiba Sands is also an ideal destination for stargazing with your loved one. As you await your Oman tourist visa, consider booking your safari and night stays here well in advance for a romantic getaway in the most beautiful desert.
Best Places to Visit: Bedouin camps, Wadi Bani Khalid, Al Khaluf Dunes, and Golden Sand Dunes
Best Time to Visit: October to April
The small town of Ibri is another must-see place in Oman and is also known as “the land of enchanting archeological ruins”. Just 2.5 hours away from Muscat, Ibri is sometimes a friendly layover while traveling from Saudi Arabia to the UAE. Furthermore, many parts of Ibri are considered heritage sites by UNESCO. These include preserved tombs of Al-Ayn, Al Khutm, and Bat. The archaeological ruins will take you on a journey through time, as it is the most well-preserved ensemble in the world.
Furthermore, like most Middle-Eastern cities, Ibri is also known for oil. In 1979, archeologists found a large metal oil hoard here. These revealed several additions to Ibri’s global popularity for the oil trade.
The best places to visit: The Bat Archeological Site, Ibri Fort, Wadi Dham, Rub’al Khali, Al Sulaif Heritage Village, Hafit Tombs, and Wadi Al Fath.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
This vibrant and colorful beachside town is one of the best places to see in Oman if you wish to explore the authentic and traditional side of the country. Located in the Al-Batinah region, Barka is famous for its authentic Omani halwa and the age-old tradition of bullfighting. The Barka Fort majestically borders the Omani coastline, and Barka Souq is among the best places to go in Oman. Besides these, you can also plan your visit to Barka during the annual Muscat Festival. During this time, Barka gets a new life as the entire town throngs to Naseem Park to join the festivities.
Best Places to Visit: An Naman Castle, Barka Fort, Al Sawadi Beach, Dayminiyat Islands Nature Reserve, Al Sawadi Islands, and Nakhal Fort
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Seeb is a small fishing city located on the northeastern edge of Oman. Untouched by mainstream tourism, Seeb still boasts a pure and typical Omani beauty you would not wish to miss. If you are looking forward to a quiet vacation, Seeb is among the perfect places to see in Oman. This town is also popular as a honeymoon paradise owing to the mesmerizing landscape, which makes Seeb look straight out of a fairy tale. To explore the beauty of nature in its natural habitat, consider visiting the Oman Botanical Garden here. Also, consider going for a stroll by the Seeb beach to capture the city and the sea meeting. When here, you must also explore the local markets and souqs to buy handmade trinkets and gold jewelry and enjoy delicious halwa.
Best Places to Visit: Naseem Garden, Al Seeb Beach, Seeb Souq, Sultan Qaboos University Botanical Garden, Al Khoud Dam, and Seeb Corniche
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Bottom Line
To conclude, these top 12 places to see in Oman will make your short trip memorable and fulfilling.
The coastal parts of Oman offer the best view of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Here you can also participate in several water sports like snorkeling and deep-sea diving to meet the world under waves. Owing to its scenic beauty and several untouched tourist spots, Oman is growing famous as a honeymoon destination. Furthermore, wherever you go in Oman, you shall find the most welcoming locals hosting you to ensure a comfortable stay.
Having said that, you must also note that several parts of Oman are still rooted in Islamic cultural beliefs. Therefore, consider dressing modestly, especially when you are visiting religious places to respect the culture of Oman.
So, start packing your bags right away for a memorable trip to Oman. You can also apply for an Oman e-visa from Dubai with us and enjoy instant confirmation benefits.
Why is Oman so famous for tourists?
Oman is famous for its mind-blowing landscapes, vibrant culture, rich history, stunning souqs, warm hospitality, and beautiful beaches.
What is the most visited city in Oman?
Muscat is the most visited city in Oman owing to its historical landmarks, vibrant souqs, rich culture, and mesmerizing coastline.
Is Oman expensive for tourists?
Depending on factors like travel style, accommodation, activities, and budget options, Oman can be moderately expensive for tourists.
What is the best time to go to Oman?
The best time to visit Oman is from October to April. The weather during this time is quite pleasing and is good for outdoor activities.
What are 3 facts about Oman?
Oman country is famous for frankincense production; it is home to diverse landscapes, and Jebel Harim is a treasure trove of several prehistoric fossils.
