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Nizwa Souq, Oman – spices, seeds and history

Last updated on September 16, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Exploring the Nizwa Souq Oman is one of the top things to do in the Sultanate. It is one of the oldest markets in the country and you will find fruit, meat, sweets, pottery, souvenirs and antiques... there is a lot to discover as you stroll through in the middle of the locals. And don't forget to visit the Nizwa fort right after!

Nizwa Souq Oman Pin
Quick Navigation
Why visit the Nizwa Souq in Oman?
PLANNING TIPS - Nizwa Souq Oman
Modern Nizwa market for vegetables
Old section of the Nizwa Souq
Restored section of the Nizwa Souq
The Nizwa Animal Market on Fridays
Nizwa Souq vs Muttrah Souq

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Why visit the Nizwa Souq in Oman?

Beside the Muttrah Souq in Muscat, the Nizwa Souq (some write it Nizwa Souk) is the other main Omani market.

Personally I enjoyed it better than the one in the capital city, especially when you walk away from the souvenir part of it.

Plus it is right next to the Nizwa fort. So combined, it makes for a great day.

Section of the Nizwa Souq

Nizwa Souq


PLANNING TIPS - Nizwa Souq Oman

Getting to the Nizwa Souq - Location

  • Within the walls surrounding the Nizwa Fort
  • Muscat to Nizwa = 1h30 drive - you can take the Express Way all the way
  • Road 21 is the main road going through Nizwa, from there the fort is indicated
  • Nizwa is included in my eBook which facilitates planning your itinerary:

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Oman eBook Cover
  • 8 exclusive easy-to-plan maps
  • 90+ amazing locations
  • Tips to plan & make the most of your time
  • 100+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE

Nizwa Tour

If you don't want to drive, you can take join a day trip from Muscat covering Nizwa fort - Check out the Program

Visiting the Nizwa Souq Oman

  • You can visit the Souq all day every day (except Friday afternoons) - with a break around lunch
  • Entrance is free
  • Except on fridays, there is a large carapark in front of the entrance
  • ​Plan some time to really explore all the corridors and the different sections: the very modern vegetable markets, the sweet shop and the non-restored section to the east.
  • Don't forget to cover your shoulders and knees. Many locals shop at the Souq.
  • On Friday Mornings, the place next to the Souq filled in with people from the region who come to sell goats, cows, sheep and other animals.
  • Nizwa silver craft is considered the best in Oman. Don't forget to discuss the price.

Nizwa accommodations

Check out the accommodation options in Nizwa


Modern Nizwa market for vegetables

The fruits and vegetable section of the Souq is modern with a wide room and white clean settings. It was not vey busy when I walked through.

Nizwa Souq, OMan - entrance vegetable market

Like Shery from OttsWorld, I was surprised to see only men shop for food. But it is customary in Oman. However the women cook in general.

Nizwa Souq, Oman - inside the vegetable market

I always love watching fruits and vegetables in different countries, it is intriguing with new shapes and colors, different ways of presenting and packaging.

Nizwa Souq, Oman - vegetables

Deals happen also outside of the walled market area, at the back of trucks.

Nizwa Souq, Oman - selling vegetables outside

Old section of the Nizwa Souq

The East Souq remains for the moment unrestored. This is where you can see what it was really like before. It is of course messier and you wonder how everything is holding on, but the stalls are way more intriguing with mixes of spices, nuts, household products etc.

Nizwa Souq, Oman - old area 1

The only organized shop...

Nizwa Souq, Oman - spices

See the arches, don't you think it might fall on you?

Nizwa Souq, Oman - old area 2

Those places are always inspiring for photography, but the lighting is not always helping.

Nizwa Souq, Oman - seeds
Nizwa Souk Oman - seeds 2

There is also a section that is more geared towards tourists - so if you are looking for souvenirs, wondering what to buy: you can find potteries, baskets, spices, fresh dates... and of course knickknacks.


Restored section of the Nizwa Souq

I also entered corridors that seem to be within the wall of the Nizwa fort and were well restored. The roof was traditionnally decorated with wood. Owly few vendors were opened. I think it was the antiquieties section because there were old coffers with detailed decoration.

Nizwa Souq - fort
Nizwa Souq, Oman - wooden roof

I really liked the mood of this section with the light coming from the top. This is the reason why I prefered Nizwa to the Muttrah Souq in Muscat.

Nizwa Souq, Oman - corridor
Nizwa Souk Oman - antiquities
Nizwa Souq, Oman - locals

The Nizwa Animal Market on Fridays

As I said earlier, every Friday mornings, people gather near the Souq to sell like stock. I was not there on a Friday, but check out this video from Times of Oman about the Nizwa Souq. The second part shows you how busy the weekly animal market can get.

See the video on Youtube

You can also check Cat Bird Woman's article with photos and a short video.


Nizwa Souq vs Muttrah Souq

I personally have a slight preference for the Nizwa Souq.

The advantage of the one in Muttrah - are the beautiful location by the Corniche - it makes for a great half day wandering around. and if you are looking for gold, this is the best place

However, I felt the product sold in the Nizwa market were more traditional and I must admit that being inside the fort makes it quite fascinating.


Want to see more of Oman's beauty?

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Ruins at Birkat Al Mawz 

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NIZWA FORT

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