Most Popular Places and Activities to Explore in Oman
Jebel Shams
Visit the country's highest peak, Jebel Shams, and the incredible Wadi Ghul, a gorge that competes with the Grand Canyon in size. Do keep in mind that Jebel Shams is 9,872 feet high and quite a steep hike! However, the eye-popping views at the top are truly worth the effort it takes to get there.
Wahiba Sands
Take a 4 Wheel Drive tour of Wahiba Sands, watch the sun setting over the seemingly sand dunes and set up camp under the stars in the desert. You can book a tour or if you want a stronger boost of adrenaline, rent and drive a 4WD yourself!
Wadi Shab
Oman is a natural paradise, thanks to its colourful flora, beautiful corals, stunning geology and huge wadis such as the Wadi Shab, a beautiful spot less than two hours drive from the bustle of Muscat. It contains all the ingredients for an adventurous day in nature – you can hike through gorges and caves, admire glittering emerald pools, and gape at views across the gorges. In the summers, the areas become unbearably hot, which is why we recommend you visit
between the relatively cooler months of October to March.
A bit further out is the Jabal Al Akhdar – an impressive region of craggy cliffs and limestone rock formations. Daring travellers can travel via Ferrata, a natural obstacle course that wraps around the mountainside that ends with an otherwise inaccessible breathtaking view of the desert landscape.
Nizwa Fort
The Sultanate is also home to a host of museums, galleries and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include ancient forts, water channels and the remnants of a caravan oasis in the Land of Frankincense. The Nizwa Fort is the Sultanate's most famous national monument and gives a remarkable peak onto the lifestyle of the previous generations of Omani people.
The Island Bar and Restaurant
Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, Oman has a good number of licensed pubs and nightclubs to help you end your day by grabbing a drink. Most bars are located conveniently within hotels but welcome outsiders as well. So sit back with a pint, nibble on snacks, and listen to a live band performance at a club in Oman.
The Island Bar and Restaurant is situated on an artificial island, away from the Marina. It's the ideal place to grab a midnight bite because of its lively bar and restaurant. You can visit for a taste of their famous seafood or dance your heart out on the dance floor with songs of your choice.
The Rowdha Marina
The Rowdha Marina has stunning views of the sea. The restaurants at Marina couple this with a cool ambience and mouth watering food to give you the
perfect holiday experience. The Blue Marlin Restaurant is the best-known restaurant at the Marina. Feel free to take a dive in their pool or jacuzzi!
Mutrah Croniche
The promenade Mutrah Corniche is the best place to take a calm night stroll along the sea. The stunning mosques, traditional souks and well-lit monuments give it a relaxing atmosphere. The area is lined with fountains, well-known restaurants and fishing ports. You can also find the Mutrah souk, where you can have traditional Arabic coffee.
The Muttrah Souk
You'll find all kinds of international and high street brands in the lavish malls of Muscat. However, the real adventure lies in shopping at the traditional local souks. Muttrah is the most famous of all of them. Filled with a maze of zigzagging alleys, it has vendors selling everything, including traditional handmade
jewellery, wooden handicrafts, Arabian perfumes, and intricately embellished textiles. You'll also find captivating souks in the cities of Nizwa and Salala, with the latter famous for its Dhofari frankincense. You can also pick up Yemeni honey, large jars of dates, exotic spices and naturally scented soaps.
The flavoursome local stews, soups and curries, mouth watering kebabs, fragrant saffron, and lemon rice are sure to tickle your taste buds. Another local
speciality is marinated meat that is cooked slowly in underground clay ovens. Many restaurants along the coast also serve incredible fish fresh out of the Arabian Sea. A kahwa - strong coffee mixed with cardamom powder - served with dates is a local snack often drank by the locals in place of tea or coffee.
