Let me help you plan your trip to the Sultanate - Find out my selection of the top things to do in Oman including history, scenery and adventure. In photos and video, discover the best places to visit in Oman and what to do for your trip to be unforgettable.
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VIDEO: Best Of Travel Moments
Before I give you the list of my top places to see in Oman, I have gathered some of my best travel moments in the country in a short video. I did not film all the time so it is just a selection but it gives you a feel. I especially loved when I was watching a canyon, turned around and camels appeared and walked by the car!
About the list of Top things to do in Oman
What to do in Oman? There are a lot of beautiful wadis, mountains, beaches and forts to visit and admire. It can be hard to choose. But here is my selection of the best things to do in Oman that are easily reachable from Muscat and 2 extra regions further away that you should still consider visiting.
All these best locations, along with many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook: Experience Oman.
It is a practical tool to plan your trip with maps, photos, planning tips, GPS coordinates...
#1 - What 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 - Observe 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
#4 - Watch Sunrise in Wahiba Sands
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
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 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.
#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.
Extra Places to see in Oman
So far I have selected places that are easily accessed from the capital City Muscat.
However you can also travel further aways. The 2 other touristic regions of Oman are:
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
South of Oman around Salalah
The Land of Frankincense is famous for turning green during the wet season that does not impact the North of the country
All these best locations, along with many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook: Experience Oman.
It is a practical tool to plan your trip with maps, photos, planning tips, GPS coordinates...
Want to see more of Oman's beauty?
Discover more things to do and places to see in Oman in my online Oman Destination Guide.
Which one do you want to experience?
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Love sharing? Here is another pin for you of the Top things to do in Oman:
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!
I agree, but You forget list out khasab, Khasab is dubbed “Norway of Arabia”, because of its extensive fjord-like craggy inlets and desolate mountainscapes.
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.