Places to go

Located close to each other along Muttrah’s scenic corniche, Muttrah Souq and Fishmarket are the highlights of this historic waterfront.

Opened in 2016, the National Museum of Oman is located opposite the Sultan’s Palace in Old Muscat and showcases the

The ceremonial palace of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Al Alam Palace was rebuilt as royal residence in 1972

A beautiful example of modern Omani architecture, the Royal Opera House Muscat hosts world-class shows from artists around the world,

This architectural masterpiece is Oman's pride and joy. Located in Al Ghubrah, the mosque is home to the world’s second

Once a private residence, the owner’s family have since turned Bait Al Zubair into a landmark of Old Muscat. From

Located at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, the Oman Natural History Museum provides a fascinating insight into the geological

Honouring the close relationship Oman and France have enjoyed for centuries, the Omani French Museum was established by His Majesty,

One of the most photographed landmarks in the Sultanate, this museum is set over a road that marks the entrance

Set in two distinctive domes in the north of Qurum, the Oman Children’s Museum is a scientific museum that delves

Bait Al Baranda is located in Muttrah in what used to be the residence of a prominent merchant in the

Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art is located along Muttrah’s beautiful waterfront – or corniche – and divided into three different

The Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre highlights the journey of the discovery, extraction, and use of fossil fuels in

This art gallery was created to promote modern visual arts and aims to bring local talent into the spotlight and

Founded over a quarter of a century ago by royal decree, Amouage is a world-renowned luxury fragrance brand with origins

Located along the coastal road in Seeb, this souq is a sprawling market selling anything from stunning traditional jewellery and

Starting opposite Riyam park, the Riyam Walk begins with a steep climb at the end of which hikers are rewarded

Dhow cruises are a great way to experience Muscat’s coastline in the traditional sense. Many marinas and tour operators provide

Muscat’s coastline is teeming with marine life, including numerous dolphin pods. Dolphin watching trips can be organized by local tour

The fishing village of Quriyat, en route to Sur, is a favourite with bird watchers. Species such as kingfishers and

Set in the middle of Muscat, the Al Ansab Wetlands are a protected area and a bird lover’s paradise. Over

Located off the coast between Barka and Al Seeb, the Daymaniyat Islands are surrounded by turquoise waters that are perfect

Only a short drive from Bimmah Sinkhole, Fins is a coastal village mainly known for its hidden beaches and coves

For a real off-road adventure, a trip to Salmah Plateau offers a great mix of panoramic views, traditional villages and

This impressive stretch of sand is a local favourite with its clear waters and swaying palm trees. An array of

Wadi Al Arbeieen is one of the most beautiful wadis in the Sultanate, experiencing a constant flow of water from

Wadi Dayqah Dam is one of the largest on the Arabian Peninsula and a source of irrigation and protection for

Part of Hawiyat Najm Park, Bimmah Sinkhole is a beautiful attraction along the Muscat – Sur road, perfect for a

Wadi Mayh is recognised as a unique Omani geological site, due to its lime stone cliffs and interesting rock formations.

Located close to the old village of Al Khoud, Wadi Al Khoud is great for off-roading, with its stony bed

Set in the middle of Muscat, the Al Ansab Wetlands are a protected area and an ornithologists dream. Over 293

The fishing village of Quriyat, en route to Sur, is a favourite with bird watchers. Species such as Kingfishers and

One of the largest underground caves in the world, Majlis Al Jinn is a natural wonder located on the Salmah

The Yiti Beach, located beyond the village of Yiti, is a small beach – about one kilometre long – that

Azaiba Beach, as the name implies, is located in Azaiba and isn’t as busy as other beaches in the Muscat

Located off the coast between Barka and Sohar, the Daymaniyat Islands are surrounded by clear, turquoise waters that are perfect

This traditional village is home to an old centre, complete with aflaj (waterway) system, watch towers and mud brick buildings.

Located 233km from Muscat, Bidiyah is a collection of villages at the edge of the Sharqiyah Sands. Home to bedouins

Once a trading hub at the gates to the Sharqiyah Sands, Ibra today is a modern city complete with university,

Jalan Bani Bu Ali is a town steeped in history, with old watchtowers, an old fort and ornate carved wooden

In the past Jalan Bani Bu Ali and Bani Bu Hassan were neighbouring rivals, today both settlements seemingly flow into

Oman’s largest island can only be reached by ferry from Shannah and is a bird watcher’s paradise and important hatching

Close to the village of Quran, atop the Salmah Plateau, visitors can find beehive tombs estimated to date back around

Offering panoramic views of Sur, Al Ayjah Lighthouse was built by the Portuguese and is actually a defence tower turned

Once the first capital of Oman, Qalhat’s history traces back to the Bronze Age. The Portuguese occupied the city until

Not far from Wadi Shab is Wadi Tiwi, which is lined by small villages and date and banana plantations. Although

Located just off the Sur-Muscat coastal road, Wadi Shab can be reached via a short boat ride. A short hike

One of the Sultanate’s best known wadis, Wadi Bani Khalid is a geographical wonderland of pools, caves and mountains. Unlike

The Sharqiyah Sands allows visitors to experience the desert first hand, with dunes reaching as far as the horizon and

Thousands of sea turtles migrate yearly to the shores of Oman to lay their eggs. Ras Al Jinz is a

Fridays is camel market at Sinaw Souq, located at the edge of the Sharqiyah Sands and just a two hour

Close to the Sur Maritime Museum, Sur’s dhow yard is the perfect place to witness craftsman build dhows the traditional

Showcasing Oman’s maritime history and traditional boatbuilding craftsmanship, the Sur Maritime Museum bears testament to the trade that marks Oman’s

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Sultanate, Nizwa Fort is a living testament of Omani’s expert craftsmanship

A traditional village nestled into the mountain side, Misfat Al Abryeen can be reached by car coming from Al Hamra.

Jabreen Castle is a must see destination, located just a short drive from Bahla. It is truly an architectural masterpiece,

This immense mud brick fortress was the first in Oman to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in

Birkat Al Mouz, located off the old Muscat-Nizwa road, translates to ‘Banana Pool’ as the area is home to many

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, these aflaj – or irrigations systems – were constructed as far

Near the village of Bisyah, Salut’s historical significance is manifold, dating back to the beginning of Oman’s settlement. The ruins,

Located only 25 km from Muscat, Fanja is a quaint little town surrounded by a date palm oasis and featuring

Hasat Bin Sult are a series of petroglyphs carved onto a giant rock, located on the way between Al Hamra

Located atop the Saiq Plateau, Diana’s point was named after a visit of the late Princess Diana to the viewpoint

Hewn into the cliffside of Al Jebel Al Akhdar, Ar Rus is a traditional Omani village with majlis and homes

A quaint 16th century castle located on a turnoff from the Nizwa highway, Bidbid Castle has been beautifully restored and

Jebel Shams provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape as well as Wadi Ghul – Oman’s very own Grand Canyon.

Terraced farms and cooler weather greet adventurers atop the Al Jebel Al Akhdar range. Here, hiking routes are mainly along

Nestled at the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains, the two-million-year-old Al Hoota Cave recently opened to visitors. Guided tours

Jebel Shams is most known for its beautiful view of the Wadi Ghul, that lays deep below it. The wadi

Previously one of the most inaccessible points in Oman, the Saiq Plateau is an agricultural wonderland, with orchards full of

Wadi Bani Habib is surrounded by green walnut orchards and local shrubs and can only be explored on foot. The

Ibri Fort was built over 400 years ago and opened for public viewing in 1995 after renovations. It is home

A must-see attraction in the A’Dhahira region, the Al Ayn & Bat Beehive Tombs are not only recognised as a

North of Ibri, along the Ibri – Al Rustaq road, are the twin settlements of Al Araqi and Al Aynayn.

Built by the Nabhani dynasty in the 17th century, this castle is a large mud-brick palace located in Yanqul, a

Originally built in the 12th century, Al Rustaq Fort was reconstructed in the 16th century to present state when Al

Rather than the usual mud brick colour associated with forts in Oman, the Sohar Fort is completely white. It houses

Its octagonal shaped tower makes Barka Fort unlike any other fort in Oman. Visitors can explore the forts rooms and

Enroute between Nakhl and Al Rustaq, Al Awabi is a quaint town nestled at the foot of the Al Hajar

Dating back to pre-Islamic times, Nakhl Fort is one of the most well-known forts in Oman. Built on the top

Not far from Nakhl Fort, along a winding road framed by palm trees as far as the eye can see,

Just 17km from Al Rustaq, Al Hazm Castle was once built as a residence for a local Imam. The castle

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Sultanate, Bilad Sayt is nestled within the Hajar

With its sand coloured walls and towering position above the village of Liwa, Liwa Castle is a stunning attraction well

Overlooking Wadi Mistal, Wakan is a beautifully terraced farming village, set 2,000 metres above sea level in the Hajar Mountains.

Constructed in the 16th century as private residence for visiting imans, Bait Na’aman Castle is perfect for visitors to catch

Snake Gorge is located halfway through Wadi Bani Awf, a wadi that crosses the Al Hajar mountain range; it is

Located at the heart of Al Rustaq, Ain Al Kasfa is a hot spring said to have therapeutic qualities. Purpose-built

A haven for off-roading and geology enthusiasts, Wadi Al Abyad is about one and a half hour’s drive from Muscat

A little gap in the Al Hajar mountains, barely visible from the main road between Al Awabi and Al Rustaq,

Reachable by 4×4, Wadi Hoqain is a picturesque wadi about 50km from Al Rustaq. Framed by date plantations and rocky

Set between the coastal Wilayat of Al Khabourah and Ibri, Wadi Al Hawasnah impresses with its mix of natural water

Wadi Hibi is located about 80km from Sohar and meanders between rugged mountains and date palms. Its main attractions are

Located 500km south of Muscat, Barr Al Hikmann is a great location for bird watching, as this is where many

Found in the central part of Al Wusta, the pink lagoons of Al Kahil and Al Jazir derive their name

Situated about an hour’s drive from Ad Duqm, the contrast between white, soft sand and black volcanic rock formations make

Located about 550km from Muscat, visiting this geographical marvel feels like stepping onto another planet. Limestone and sandstone rock formations

Al Shu’ir Beach is just a short drive from Ad Duqm and, like all beaches in the area, has soft,

Since the global extinction of the species in the wild in 1972, the Arabian Oryx has been reintroduced within a

Close to Filim, the Sugar Dunes of Al Khaluf truly live up to their name, with a vast expanse of

Located on the eastern edge of the Rub Al Khali desert, Umm Al Samim is a stretch of saltmarsh that

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is part of the Land of Frankincense. Al Baleed Archaeological Park in Salalah is a

The Museum of Frankincense Land in Salalah borders the ruins of Al Baleed Archaeological Park and is dedicated to the

The Empty Quarter, locally known as Rub Al Khali, is one of the world’s largest sand deserts. Campers and desert

Located near the Sultan’s Palace, Al Husn Souq is best explored in evening, when it is bustling with locals and

The long rectangular tomb of Prophet Umran is a sacred site for Muslims, surrounded by a small garden right in

Tucked away on Jebel Qara, the tomb of Prophet Ayoub (Job) is a popular attraction. The prophet is said to

Set in Dhofar’s largest nature reserve, the ruins of Samharam are part of the Land of Frankincense UNCESCO World Heritage

Built in the 19th century, Taqah Fort is in the heart of Taqah and is a good example of how

East of Salalah, the coastal town of Mirbat was once the capital of Dhofar, trading in frankincense and Arabian horses.

Mohammed Bin Ali was a 14th century Islamic scholar, buried in a tomb not far from Mirbat. Over time, a

Located two hours from Salalah, the cliffs of Hasik form part of the breath-taking limestone formations that run along most

The main gateway to Salalah, the town of Thamrit once played an important role in the frankincense trade, bordering the

Not far from Mirbat, people from all around the world come to this Anti-Gravity Point to experience the out-of-this-world feeling

Dhofar’s highest mountain is also home to Oman’s Leopard Sanctuary, for which special permission to visit is required. However, visitors

Located west of Salalah, past Mughsayl Beach, a hairpin road leads to the stunning white sand of Fizayah Beach. The

Salalah is a good starting point for diving and snorkelling excursions offered by local tour operators.

Humpback whales and other marine life have made the water surrounding the Hallaniyat Islands home. These, together with several historic

Mughsayl Beach is a favourite picnic spot with locals and visitors alike. Towards one end of the beach, near Marneef

Razat Spring is especially rich in vegetation and water, making it a preferred picnic spot throughout the year.

Nestled in a deep forest of trees, Jarzeez Spring is especially popular during Khareef – monsoon season – when the

Darbat Lake at the heart of Wadi Darbat is a favourite picnic spot, with visitors taking short boat rides or

Khawr Ruri Dhofar’s largest nature reserve – is home to a huge varietyfish, birds and plants. This nature reserve contains

West of Taqah, a quaint fishing village, this lagoon (khawr) combines freshwater plants with other varieties that require higher levels

En route to the top of Jebel Samhan, Tawi Ateer is one of the world’s largest sinkholes. It is filled

A special permission is required to visit the Jebel Samham Nature Reserve, which is home to some of the last

Wadi Dahnat boasts ancient stone ruins, indicating that this was once part of a prosperous settlement. Nearby Wadi Seenaq has

This fabled lost city, also known as the Atlantis of the Sands, is tucked away in the Rub Al Khali

Wadi Dawkah is the natural habitat for the Boswellia sacra – or Frankincense tree – which can be seen populating

AL FIZAYAH BEACH Located west of Salalah, past Mughsayl Beach, a hairpin road leads to the stunning white sand of