Oman has a unique culture. There is plenty to do on your journey. This is a guide to what you must do when you visit Oman.
The Sultanate of Oman is a place for everyone. Diving, camping in the desert, museums, hiking, or visiting ancient villages are just a few activities. The country is full of natural beauty, and you can’t help but notice views of mountains and date trees while driving around. When you ask, “What to do” when you visit Oman, the answer is plenty. Here is a list of suggestions for places to visit and things to do. Having lived here for four years, these are my favorites.
Places to Visit
There are so many places to visit when you explore Oman. Don’t miss out on the ones below.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
One place not to miss when you visit Oman is this Mosque in Muscat. The Mosque is open to visitors daily, except Fridays, from 8:30 -11 am. Look for the gold chandeliers, intricately detailed blue and yellow hand-made rugs, and the cobalt blue and mustard yellow mosaic tiles around the Mosque. They are stunning. Walk around the gardens and notice the perfectly cut bushes and lovely flowers.
The beautiful courtyard of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman. Photo by efired via iStock by Getty Images
National Museum
The National Museum, located in Mutrah, showcases different galleries, the land, the people, and the heritage. When I first enter the museum, I always look at the traditional clothing from various regions on display. I also like to check out the traditional jewelry, pottery jars designed for storage, and the film room where visitors can watch a video about the history of Oman. The fee is 5 rials ($11) for tourists. It is open Saturday through Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm and Friday from 2 to 6 pm.
This is traditional clothing on display at the National Museum. Photo by Erin Coyle
Sur Marina and Watchtower
Drive two hours south and make your way to Sur. Visitors can stop at the marina to look at the traditional dhow boats. While here, walk along the wall path. I nicknamed the wall path because you can walk along and view a different painting on each wall. The marina is a good spot for sunset, and another is the watch tower in Al Ayjah. Go over the main bridge and park at the Al Ayjah Plaza hotel. Start walking toward the mountain, and the tower will be on the left. The views of Sur, the dhows, and fishing boats in the water make for some lovely pictures.
This is the view from the watchtower in Sur at dusk. Photo by Erin Coyle
Snorkeling In Sur
Snorkeling and diving are possible near Sur. There are a few spots near Ras Al Hadd, about 40 minutes away. A coral reef and turtle reserve are two places to see. Depending on when you visit Oman, you might be lucky and see turtles. The last time I went, I saw turtles mating and swimming.
We saw this turtle when we snorkeled near Ras Al Hadd. Photo courtesy of William Hussein
Jalan Fort
Continue south to head to Jalan to see the Jalan Fort in Jalan Bani Bu Hassan. There are three towers and several rooms, including a coffee, date-storage, and prison room. Go upstairs to view palm trees and mountains in the background. Another place for a quick stop is Darwaza Al Wafi. This area is a small village with traditional clay houses surrounded by date trees. My friend and I took ten minutes to drive through the village because we had little time. Take the time to walk around here and explore the old buildings.
This is part of the Jalan Fort. Photo by Erin Coyle
Traditional Villages
Experiencing the traditional villages throughout Oman gives you a deeper look into the culture. As I mentioned in a previous article about the cultures and traditions of Oman, the people are warm and hospitable. Here are a few of my favorite villages.
Wajmah Village
Located in Rustaq, about an hour and a half from Muscat, this village has views of the mountains and layered terraces. Â When reaching the village, follow the yellow, red, and white flags. If you are interested in doors like I am, walk around and notice the traditional wooden doors with decorative flowers and other designs. There are also mud homes along the path. At one point, visitors will find pottery water jugs catching fresh water from the mountain. It is okay to drink from them. A four-wheel drive is needed to reach this village.
This is Wajmah Village. Photo by Erin Coyle
Siq Village
The village is located in Al Kamil, an hour from Sur. When you arrive, you will notice a dry wadi with jagged rock formations and mountains surrounding the area. After taking a few pictures, follow the road, drive up the small hill, and park the car. You can walk through the farms. Follow the Falaj, an in-the-ground water source, and notice the date trees all around. The only sounds are from birds chirping and cloaking from the frogs. Eventually, there will be small buildings and stairs. Take the stairs down and follow the Falaj. When it ends, keep walking straight. The mountains will be on your left while the date trees are on your right. Walk straight around the rocks for about twenty minutes. This area is perfect for taking pictures of the turquoise-colored water and is also open for swimming. Contact Salim Al Senaidi @_25oo_ for more information.
This is part of Siq Village. Photo by Erin Coyle
Places to Stay When You Visit Oman
There are two traditional guesthouses in Jabal Akhdar, two and a half hours from Muscat. Rose’s House in Alaqur Village and The Cliff Guest House in Suwjara Village. I have stayed at both, and they make great options if you want to stay in traditional clay houses. Both places have been renovated to help preserve their villages.
Rose’s House
There are three bedrooms, a sitting area, and a living room. Straw-colored mats and hanging water jugs are around the house. There’s an outside patio so guests can BBQ. A kitchen is also available. They also offer village tours for an additional charge. For more details, go to Instagram @roses_house_oman.
This is the patio at Rose’s House. Photo by Erin Coyle
The Cliff Guest House
Traditional decor, including hanging water jugs and wooden doors, are displayed around the rooms. Deluxe rooms and a family suite are a few options to pick from. It is also possible to book different hiking tours. I liked the ancient village tour. You can also watch a documentary about the village on a projector after dinner. Go to the cliff house for more information.
The sitting room at the Cliff Guesthouse. Photo by Erin Coyle
The Hilton Garden Inn
Located in Al Khuwair in Muscat, the Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair has reasonably priced rooms and a rooftop pool. There’s a ladies-only area and a family section for swimming. Stop by the Terracotta cafe for a bite to eat, located outside the grounds of the hotel.
Starry Domes
When you visit Oman, plan to visit the desert. If you don’t want to stay in a traditional tent, you can upgrade and stay in a dome tent. Starry Domes in Bidiya offers a five-star stay without the hassle of sleeping on the ground. Comfortable queen beds, an ensuite bathroom, and a deck with lounge chairs make a perfect night to watch the stars. My friends and I enjoyed doing a photo shoot by the mirror and circular wooden swing with flowers on the top. The reddish hues and the ripples in the sand made for a lovely backdrop. The camp also has a short zipline. Book early by going to Instagram @starry.domes because they sell out fast.
This is Starry Domes in Bidiya. Photo by Erin Coyle
Hiking When You Visit Oman
It usually comes as a surprise to visitors that there is great hiking throughout Oman. Here are some of my favorite organized hikes.
Sifa to Quriyat
This is a medium hike with part coast, part dry wadi, and some rocky paths. The views of the mountains and jagged layered rocks make this a worthwhile hike. It takes about six to seven hours to complete. The reward is you can enjoy a lovely lunch on the beach when you finish the hike. Contact @tour_guide.om on Instagram.
One of the views while hiking Sifa to Quriyat. Photo by Erin Coyle
Jayla Village Heritage Tour
This heritage tour is an easy level hike. Visit traditional villages, see a UNESCO site Falaj, and see the water source for one of the Falajes in Ghamb village. The three village tour will take about eight to ten hours. Breakfast and lunch are available—contact @quick_challenge on Instagram.
Jayla village heritage tour. Photo by Erin Coyle
Other Hiking Options
For the adventurous souls, abseiling, swimming, and hiking inside Hoota Cave are all possible. There are four abseil drops, 10-15 meters, and the longest swim is 800 meters. Sign up with @caving_alhoota. There are other hiking options, ranging from easy to challenging, and a mix of swimming and hiking. All hiking groups post their schedules on Instagram. Check @rawahna_adventures, @exploreandchallenge, @wadi.adventure, @ahmed_nizwa, and @sightstour.
This is the inside of Hoota Cave. Photo courtesy of Ahmed Al Salmii
Food to Eat When You Visit Oman
When you visit Oman, try Shuwa, goat meat mixed with cumin and other Arabic spices cooked in the ground, and Mackboos, which is chicken or meat mixed with rice. Bait Al Luban, @bait_al_luban, in Muscat, and Raydan in Sur serve Shuwa. Most restaurants have Mackboos on the menu. For those with a sweet tooth like me, try Konofa, a phyllo-like flaky pastry with cream or cheese inside. Stop at any dessert shop. However, Ravenna, @ravenna_konafa, in Muscat, sells one of the best.
This is Shuwa. Photo by Erin Coyle
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Visit Oman—a Middle Eastern Oasis
After looking at what to do when you visit Oman, you will have a better idea of what to plan on your trip. Oman has a unique culture. There is plenty to do on your journey. I always say that Oman is an oasis, and I feel lucky to live here. Check out what to know when visiting Oman to learn about hospitality, culture, and etiquette before going. When planning your travels to Oman, the Middle East, or anywhere else on the globe, let Wander with Wonder be your guide.
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