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#1 - Top things to do in Oman - Hike and Swim in Wadi Shab
What Wadi Shab is...
It is one of the top destinations for Tourists and Locals in Oman. Wadi Shab is a wadi accessible only by foot. Where it gets narrower it is filled with water in which you can swim all the way to a cave with a waterfall.
Why it is one of the best places to visit in Oman
It is preserved as you need to hike and swim. It is a great adventure yet not too difficult. I really enjoyed the swimming part of this typical Omani adventure: the clear water, the white boulder, the huge sandstone cliffs and the peace and quiet. Definitively one of my favorite places to visit in Oman.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article on Wadi Shab
How to get there
Easy Drive from Muscat - 1h30
Or if you don't want to hire a car, book an day trips from Muscat, that also include the Bimmah Sinkhole and Finns beach - Check program and price
#2 - What to do in Oman? Turtles at the Ras Al Jinz Reserve
What Ras Al Jinz is
Every year thousands of turtles come to the shores of Oman to lay their eggs. Ras Al Jinz is a beach transformed as a reserve where they study the turtles and provide a good environment for them to come. They organize evening and morning tours to observe them dig a hole and slide to sea.
Why I loved it
Huge wild turtles making their way on the sand... what's not to love? The excitation builds up as you walk on the beach looking for the turtles in holes. And when you find one it is spectacular. They are really big and very resilient digging their hole considering how difficult it is for them to move on sand. This is one of the Top attractions in Oman.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Turtle Watching
#3 - Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
What the Muscat Grand Mosque is
Located in the new part of the Capital city of Muscat, the Grand Mosque is a magnificent building offered to the people by the Sultan Qaboos. It can receive 20000 worshippers. In the mornings, tourists can step in and admire the elegant architecture.
Why it is one of the best places to see in Oman
It is big enough to not be stuck with other tourists. There are interesting corridors everywhere with mosaics. Except the main prayer hall, it is not over decorated and I love simplicity! Definitely the best thing to do in Muscat.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque or plan your trip to the capital city with my article with all the things to do in Muscat
How to visit
You can just take a taxi to the Mosque as it is in central Muscat.
Or you could book a half day tour of Muscat also including the market to learn more about the country, the city and this magnificent building - Check program and price
All these best locations, along with many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
- 8 exclusive easy-to-plan maps
- 90+ amazing locations
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 100+ large photos to decide
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
#4 - Watch Sunrise in Wahiba Sands - best of Oman scenery
What is Wahiba Sands
Located South of Sur, Wahiba Sands is a "small" desert. Not far from the sea, the wind creates longitudinal sand dunes. As it has become one of the top things to do in Oman, several camps have settled for tourists. But if you feel adventurous, you can also go wild camp (see #8).
Why I loved it
Well, I love desert and sand dunes so this was a no-brainer. If you can, I really recommend wild camping to be alone for sunset and sunrise and explore on your own time. Watching the various shapes of dunes changing colors as the sun goes up is meditative. One of the best places to see in Oman.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about my night wild camping in Wahiba Sands
#5 - Swim in Wadi Bani Khalid - Beautiful Oman Landscapes
What is Wadi Bani Khalid
The other famous wadi in Oman, Wadi Bani Khalid is more accessible to tourists. Pools are bigger and a simple walk gets you there.
Why I loved it
The swim was shorter but the river narrower and deep creating a very different feeling than Wadi Shab. The huge cliffs surrounding you are very impressive from the water.
But be aware that this is not off the beaten track. It is one of the top Oman attractions.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Wadi Bani Khalid
#6 - Climb on top of the Nizwa Fort
What is the Nizwa Fort
One of the most visited places in Oman, the Nizwa fort is a combination of a castle, a fort and a museum. An example of old Omani architecture, you can climb to the top of the circular tower to watch the oasis that is Nizwa.
Why I loved it
Once again, it is not overdecorated and I really enjoy the simplicity. The displays in the chambers are interesting without being overwhelming. Climbing the tower was fun and the views impressive. Of of the great forts to visit in Oman.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article on the Nizwa Fort and the climb to the top of the tower.
#7 - Get dizzy in Jebel Shams
What is Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is the highest mountains in Oman. It's name is generally used to describe the 'Grand Canyon' of Arabia next to it. Several hiking path and viewing points let you discover this very deep gorge.
Why I loved it
Most top destination lists include Jebel Akdhar but I preferred the grand canyon of Jebel Shams. The depth is mesmerizing. Be careful!
Definitively one of the top things to see in Oman - so different from the US grand canyon!
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Jebel Shams and the grand canyon of Oman.
#8 - Wild Camp Anywhere
How to wild camp
Wild camping is allowed almost anywhere in Oman. So pack your equipment and enjoy a night on a beach, in the mountains or in the desert.
Why I loved it
I have always loved camping. Every summer we used to camp with my parents. The advantage of wild camping is that you are right there in nature. You can experience right away the country instead of being in a hotel bubble. On the beach I was able to admire fishermen throwing their nets while eating breakfast and in the desert, I walked on my own to admire sunrise surrounded by only sand.
Discover more photos, info and tips on my dedicated article about Wild Camping in Oman.
Need to rent a car in Oman?
My tips:
- Compare car rental prices on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Choose the car and company you prefer
- Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
#9 - Watch the Fishermen throw nets
About fishing in Oman
Many fishermen in Oman still use the traditional throwing of the net. If you go to the Fish Market in Oman and go to the pier you will see them coming back with their catch. Get up early one morning and settle on a beach, normally you should spot them.
Why I loved it
Impressive technique and tradition.
#10 - Snorkel or dive
How to snorkel in Oman...
Muscat has 2 main marinas: The Waves and Al Rhowda (see the map) form there you can take diving and snorkeling boat tours. The best snorkeling spot is said to be the Damaniyat islands. But I was able to see a turtle on my boat tour along the shores South of Muscat.
Discover more photos, videos, info and tips on my dedicated article about my Boat Tours from Muscat and my snorkeling experience at the Daymaniyat Islands.
#11 - Explore the ruins of an old village
Throughout the Sultanate you can see the ruins of old villages.
New accommodations are built around them or in other locations.
They are free to enter and quite fun.
One of my favorite is Birkat al Mouz with its plantation, 2 villages and traditional falaj irrigation system, which is on the Unesco World heritage list.
Learn more on my article
Where to stay in Oman?
My tips:
- Muscat - capital city - see best rated accommodations
- Nizwa - to explore the forts and hinterlands - see best rated accommodations
- Sur - for the turtles, beaches, wadis... - see best rated accommodations
- Wahiba Sands - for the experience of sleeping in the desert - see best rated accommodations
- Salalah - the explore the Southern lands - see best rated accommodations
- Khasab - to explore the Musandam Peninsula - see best rated accommodations
#12 - Spend the night in an isolated village
Misfat Al Abriyeen / Misfah has become attractive destination for tourists touring Oman due to the agricultural terraces, beautiful wadi, hiking options and old houses.
As Oman Tourism describes it: The homes of its inhabitants are at the top of the mountain and their farms are on the slope.
The village rises around 1000 meters above sea level and is named after the original inhabitants, the Al Abri family.
Tradition, landscape, peaceful sunset... this is a great place to spend at least one night.
Learn more in my article
#13 - Visit an ancient necropolis
Bat, al-Khutum and al-Ayn are 3 archaeological complexes of tombs built during the 3rd millennium BC. Located in the Hinterlands of Oman, the are the remnants of life during the Bronze age.
Bat is a large area with 100 graves spread over it.
Al-Ayn is a smaller necropolis with incredible background mountains.
Fascinating ancient history!
Learn more
#14 - Admire the colors of the Musandam Peninsula
Located up to the North, detached from Mainland Oman and not that far from Dubai is the beautiful Musandam peninsula, often called the fjord of Oman. Incredible colors and great snorkeling opportunities.
You can find out more on my Musandam Tour article
#15 - Learn about Frankincense in the South
The Land of Frankincense is famous for turning green during the wet season that does not impact the North of the country.
It is situated around the town of Salalah.
The drive to the South is quite long, through the desert. Otherwise you can fly there from Muscat.
Want to see more of Oman?
- Best of photos from Oman - Landscapes - read article
- Best forts in Oman - read article
- Planning a road trip in Oman - read article
- Best Oman days trips from Muscat - read article
- Renting a car and Driving in Oman - read article
- Best Things to do in Muscat - read article
- The impressive Wadi Shab - read article
- The Bimmah Sinkhole - read article
- The desert of Wahiba Sands - read article
- The Ras Al Jinz turtle reserves - read article
Planning a trip to Oman?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
- 8 exclusive easy-to-plan maps
- 90+ amazing locations
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 100+ large photos to decide
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
And keep track of your own trip!
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Claire, thank you SO MUCH for your work – this is the best travel guide about Muscat, Oman!!! I have been searching about Oman for a long time in Internet, but its very difficult to find proper directions, maps, correct names of the sightseeing’s and their locations. But you did incredible job, and its free, everyone can use it. Thank you so much!!!
Hi Oxana
Thanks for taking the time to write a comment.
I am glad you found my guide useful.
Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Mohamed.
Thanks for your comment.
I know. It is written at the beginning of the article that this list does not cover the Musandam Peninsula and the region of Salalah because I had to cancel part of my trip due to the death of my brother.
But I really hope to go back one day and cover those.
Hi Claire,
I am Omani tour guide. I would like to thank you very much for your incredible work. Also, would you please allow me to use your videos and articles about Oman to advertise about my country & my services with keeping all copyright reserved
Dear Haitham
Thanks for asking.
However I am sorry, but my photos, videos and articles are not available for purchase.
Claire