Oman is one of the countries in the Arabian Peninsula which attracts tourist from all over the world to explore its beauty from the lush scenic in the northern coast, Inland Mountains to beaches.
If you are in Dubai and looking to get out of the country for 1 or 2 days trip then you should consider visiting Oman. There are a lot of things which you can do in Oman for a memorable trip. You can visit the forts, cities like Muscat, beaches, watch whales, try Oman cuisines like sea food and explore other places in the country.
As you plan your trip to Oman, you should note you are supposed to obtain Oman visa from Dubai to be allowed enter the country. With the visa, you can explore any part in the country without limitation.
You should plan your itinerary in advance when visiting Oman for an ultimate experience. Here we have listed the 15 best things to do in Oman to add in your list.
Musandam is one of the top visited places in Oman because it is the most visually stunning region in the country. It has become the tourist’s destination looking for luxurious experience in Oman.
There are a lot of things to do in Musandam and on top of the list is to explore the coastal waters. There are different activities you can do at the coast such as snorkeling and diving. You will get to see different marine life such as playful dolphins, unique fish and seahorses.
Other activity you can do is taking boat tours or Dhow cruises to get into the sea for amazing thrilling experience.
If you like outdoor activities, you should consider hiking the tumbling Hajar Mountains when you visit Oman. As you hike will get to enjoy the stunning views of the spell-binding scenery.
There are different skill level trails to follow from the starter to the experienced hikers. You should strive to challenge yourself to get to the peak of the mountains. Jebel Akhdar Mountains are also referred to as the “Green Mountains”, because of their lushness during cooler temperatures.
These mountains provide respite from the summer heat because of their higher elevation—some summits reach 2,500 meters above sea level—while the shoulder seasons provide ideal weather for more strenuous hikes.
In every major town you visit in Oman you will find there are souks (souqs). Yopu should consider visiting these markets for an insight into the traditional Arabian culture.
At the markets, there are exhibitions different food recipes and handmade local products which show case their craftsmanship such as woven rugs, clothing items, hand-made jewellery, silverware, lamps and vases crafted with clay. There are also restaurant where you can dine delicious freshly cooked food.
One of the markets which to prioritize to visit is Mutrah Souq. It is situated in Muscat's Mutrah Corniche and sells hundreds of Indian and Omani artifacts every day. At this market you will get to learn about modern Omani culture.
If you want to learn about the intriguing imperial history in Oman you should visit Nizwa Fort. The construction of this fort was done in 17th century during Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi era and it took 12 years to complete.
This fort is a true testament of the skills and Oman architecture. From the sandy grounds, the fort extends toward the blue skies of Oman.
The sandstone walls of the fort narrate tales of Oman's gold-encrusted history. Its four well-preserved cannons at the front door recall times of turbulence, and the Imam was housed in some of its chambers.
After spending some time visiting the fort, relax in the castle courtyard at the Nizwa Fort Café and take in the odd yet alluring ambiance of the city.
One of Oman's most well-known marketplaces, the expansive Nizwa Souq, is located close to the Nizwa Fort entrance. The perfect way to cap off an enlightening day is to stroll through its expansive market kiosks, marveling at the handcrafted items and selecting a few homemade treats to sample.
You can embark on desert safari in Oman and there is not better place like taking Wahiba Sands tour. Also known as the adventure playground of Oman, you will have fun time while enjoying spectacular middle-eastern desert sand views.
You can book for Oman desert safari and will get to try different activities in the desert like the private camel ride, sand dune rides and other exciting desert activities.
When you visit the beach in Oman, you will get to see turtles on the shore. You will get to many turtles and not 5 or 10, you cannot even count all of them. These turtles get to the shore where they lay eggs and before sunrise they get back to the sea.
Other wildlife you can get to see in Oman also includes oryx, leopard, desert foxes, wild cats and even the ibex. When you get to diving or snorkeling you also get to see the marine life in their natural habitat.
One of the main reasons why tourist flocks in Oman is to explore the beaches. There is no shortage of choice when it comes to which beach to visit in Oman. Therefore you should not miss to include visit a beach in Oman among the best things to do. You should consider even exploring the beach where the backdrop is the mountains, the view is spectacular.
There are also beaches which are surrounded by a desert or the original flat patches of sands. On top of the list of beach to visit is Al-Sawadi beach which is situated north of Muscat. You will explore different activities at the beach and most outstanding is discovering abundant sea shells.
There are a number of glorious heritage sites to explore when you visit Muscat which have been recognized and listed by UNESCO. These sites have special significance in Oman.
Among the World Heritage Sites to explore in Oman include Aflaj irrigation systems and the large burial grounds of Ay-Ayn, Bat and Al Ayn. One thins which makes most tourists admire these sites and ask many question is how they are still standing despites build many centuries ago.
As you get from one historical site to another you will get to the importance of each, when they were built and their purpose.
Bimmah Sinkhole located amidst the arid desert which was one time struck with a meteorite is a beautiful tourist’s attraction where tourist visits to swim. You can get to relax in this natural swimming pool which holds fresh blue water.
It is easy to get to this beautiful natural phenomenon; it is located off the road between Dibab and Bimmah. The depth of this sinkhole is 65 feet deep. It is an ideal picnic spot with scenic views.
You can embark on scenic tour in Oman and one of the best places to visit is Jabal Akhdar Mountains. The view is even more fantastic when you drive in Jabal Akhdar remote mountain area.
You should be driving 4×4 vehicle because the roads are steep but they are well marked like. It is ideal to have a bit of driving experience to make it to the remote parts. Besides driving you can go hiking or rock climbing.
You should check the weather before you embark on this trip. During summer season, the temperatures are 25 degrees and in winter they can as low as below zero.
For outstanding experience you should even plan to spend the night at Alila Jabal Akhdar. The hotel is located in remote area though it is a luxurious hotel and you get to enjoy unforgettable valley view.
Oman is known for its luxurious hotels, but it's also known for its other top-notch resorts and facilities, which include golf courses. One of the top things to do in Oman is play golf. The blue skies and light winds make the experience exciting.
Most of Oman's top golf courses, such as Jebel Sifah Golf Course and Muscat Hills Golf, are located close to major cities like Muscat. One of the best golf courses is Al Mouj Golf, which is second in the Middle East. It is a magnificent oceanfront course designed by renowned architect Greg Norman.
Any golf fan will find pleasure here, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. There is undoubtedly no better way enjoy a vacation or holiday, whether it is filled with discovery or leisure.
Located in the Hajar Mountains, Misfat Al Abreyeen mountain village is one oif the places where to visit for authentic local experience. The roads here are tiny and no cars are allowed.
Misfat Al Abreyeen provides an intriguing look at Oman's old desert farming system because it is still inhabited unlike many other Omani villages. The houses are supported by mudbrick and the multi-leveled streets are crisscrossed by aflaj.
If you want a unique experience, consider staying at the Misfah Old House, a traditional guesthouse where guests eat meals prepared by local families and sleep on mattresses and pillows spread out on the floor.
There are different turtle species which are found in Oman and in particular Five of the seven sea turtle species. The best place where to see these species is at Ras Al Jinz nesting and hatchlings.
Ras Al Jinz is among the largest turtle nesting sites in the Indian Ocean. When you visit will get a chance to see the endangered green. They come to nest on the beaches of Ras Al Jinz.
Although turtles frequent Omani seas all year round, these enormous turtles come up to the surface to dig their eggs in the sand during the summer. Tiny hatchlings make the most dangerous voyage of their lives a few months later when they crawl back to the sea.
A visit to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, an eco-lodge featuring tent accommodations and a scientific center focused on marine research, enhances the experience of turtle-watching at Ras Al Jinz, which is a fantastic family outing.
Dhows have been used for centuries in Middle East for transport of products in and out of the region. You can get to learn how these boats are built by visiting dhow factory of Sur. It is among the crucial boat-building centers in Arabia.
Here you will get to see the artisan doing what they love most and putting their skills and centuries-old techniques in building traditional Arabian ships. After completing building these wooden ships they are used to carry goods across the region, to the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the coast of East Africa and across to India and China
This is one of must do things in Oman no matter how you plan your itinerary. This magnificent Royal Opera House is a sight to behold, with its dazzling lights reflecting on its stunning walls of rose stone from the Omani desert.
You should not miss this if you want to experience one of the most calming nighttime activities in Oman. In addition, taking one of the nighttime private tours of Muscat is a great way to see the beautiful Islamic architecture of the modern age.
1. What are the top attractions to visit in Oman?
2. What is Oman famous for?
The picturesque desert, historic forts, and spectacular mountain ranges is what makes Oman famous.
3. What is the best time to visit Oman?
The best time of the year when to visit Oman is October through to April. During these months the temperatures are are warm but cooler.
4. How many days are enough to explore Oman?
You should at least plan 4-5 days trip and will get to explore different parts in Oman. You can try different adventurous activities and enjoy sightseeing.
