Oman's diversity of landscape and culture is extraordinary. In a single road trip you can move from turquoise wadi pools to ancient mud-brick cities, from a sea of red sand dunes to mist-covered mountain terraces. These are the 20 best things to do in Oman — a country that consistently surprises even experienced travellers.
Natural Wonders
- 1. Wadi Shab: Arguably the most beautiful wadi in Oman. A 2-hour hike along a turquoise river canyon leads to a narrow swim-through passage that opens into a cave with a waterfall. Bring a dry bag.
- 2. Wahiba Sands Desert Safari: A sea of 100 m+ red dunes stretching to the horizon — dune bashing in a 4×4, camel rides at sunset and an overnight desert camp under an enormous sky.
- 3. Wadi Bani Khalid: Year-round crystal-clear pools at the foot of golden limestone cliffs — swimming, picnicking and the magical experience of water in the middle of the desert.
- 4. Jebel Shams (Oman's Grand Canyon): The highest mountain in Oman (3,009 m), with a walk that runs along the edge of a 1,000 m canyon. The views are awe-inspiring and largely uncrowded.
- 5. Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve: Watch endangered green sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs in a nighttime guided experience that operates year-round — deeply moving and completely unique.
History & Heritage
- 6. Nizwa Fort: A massive 17th-century cylindrical tower fort rising from a date-palm oasis — the most visited historical site in Oman and the highlight of any inland itinerary.
- 7. Bahla Fort (UNESCO): A 13th-century mud-brick fortress rising dramatically from the Hajar foothills — UNESCO-listed and one of the largest forts in Arabia.
- 8. Mutrah Souk, Muscat: Oman's most atmospheric traditional market — frankincense, khanjar daggers, silver jewellery, traditional textiles and the mixed spice smell of a Silk Road trading post.
- 9. Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Salalah: The ruins of a medieval port city that was once the most important frankincense trading hub in the world — UNESCO-listed and beautifully preserved.
- 10. Jabrin Castle: A 17th-century castle near Bahla with lavishly painted ceilings, astronomical symbols and a library — the most ornate interior of any fort in Oman.
Spiritual & Cultural Experiences
- 11. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat: Open to non-Muslim visitors on weekday mornings — the prayer hall's Persian carpet (4,343 sq m, woven by 600 women over 4 years) and the Swarovski chandelier are staggering.
- 12. Nizwa Friday Market: A traditional goat market held every Friday morning since ancient times — loud, chaotic and completely authentic. Arrive at 7 am.
- 13. Frankincense Trail, Dhofar: Walk among frankincense trees near Salalah — the same trees whose resin has been traded for 3,000 years and still burned in every Omani home.
Mountain Adventures
- 14. Jebel Akhdar Rose Terraces: Ancient terraced rose gardens on a plateau at 2,000 m — the Damask roses bloom in March, producing the rose water used throughout Omani cooking.
- 15. Via Ferrata, Jebel Akhdar: A guided iron-rung cliff climb on the face of the Green Mountain — no prior experience needed and the views justify every step.
- 16. Wadi Ghul Trekking: Hike the 'balcony walk' along the edge of Oman's Grand Canyon — a 3-hour route with no crowds and spectacular desert canyon panoramas.
Coastal Experiences
- 17. Dhow Cruise, Muscat Harbour: A traditional wooden sailing boat trip along the dramatic Muscat coastline past Mutrah Corniche, sea caves and the old Muscat fortifications.
- 18. Daymaniyat Islands Snorkelling: A marine nature reserve 18 km offshore from Muscat — gin-clear water, healthy coral and nesting sea turtles. One of the best snorkelling sites in the Arabian Sea.
- 19. Fins Beach (Fins, Al Sharqiyah): A hidden beach of unusual multicoloured pebbles in a sheltered cove — not signposted, not crowded and impossibly beautiful.
City Life
- 20. Royal Opera House Muscat: One of the finest opera and concert venues in the Arab world — attending a performance in this extraordinary building is a highlight of any Muscat visit. Book online in advance.
Ready to Explore Oman?
Apply for your Oman visa online, book hotels in Muscat and a desert camp in the Wahiba Sands, and allow at least 10 days to see the country properly. Oman is worth every one of them.