12 Places You Must Visit In Oman

Located on the edge of the Arab Peninsula, Oman is a beautiful country with exotic destinations, architectural wonders, rich heritage and humble local folk. From the clear water beaches and vast desert stretches to the scenic mountain peaks, Oman gives you a glimpse of nature in its every form. One of the cleanest countries, Oman is also an ideal location for disconnecting with the outside world and spending some time focusing on your inner self. Here, you will get to smell frankincense, eat authentic Omani food and meet some of the kindest people. If you are planning to travel to Oman, here are 12 places that you must visit.

1. Muscat

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Oman's capital, Muscat, is where most vacationists land when they first visit the country. Located on the Gulf of Oman, this city is nestled between deserts and mountains. Unlike other major Gulf cities, Muscat has retained its cultural value and Bedouin vibes. With various historical sites, Muscat charms all the visitors with its subdued elegance and rich heritage. Muscat has it all - the forts, enticing shopping locations, majestic palaces, museums, best of contemporary architecture, and a harbor that looks upon the renowned Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace. This is one of the best places in Oman for families as well as for friends.

Mutrah Souk is a famous market that will tempt you with its Arabian gems, silver jewelry and traditional Omani outfits. Apart from all the grand Mosques and historical buildings, Muscat is also known for its beaches. Shatti Al Qurum and Sifah Beach are must-visit spots for some much-needed relaxation. If you visit between January and February, the Muscat festival will blow your mind with a big fair with circus performances, theatre shows, camel races, educational programs, contests, etc.

2. Salalah

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Salalah is home to Sultan Qaboos, the reigning king of Oman since 1970 and is known for its diverse, picturesque elements. You will get a chance to visit clear beaches ideal for snorkelling and mountains that will remind you of a lush green forest. Haffa, the old town, has a lot to offer with its older architecture and markets. Salalah is known for its worldwide known monsoon festival, also known as Khareef. From mid-July to late August, the city turns into a relaxing oasis as the rain showers provide a much-needed reprieve from the Middle-Eastern summers. Khareef festival is known for its vibrant, artistic and cultural elements. There's popular Omani food, music, traditional clothes stalls, international programs for foreigners and a lot more as these is the top cities in Oman.

3. Wahiba Sands

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Experience the Middle East at its best with the rolling sand dunes and golden hues at Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands. This desert stretch is where the Bedu people live and tourists can get a taste of the true, nomadic Omani culture. As the sun goes down, the sand dunes turn from rich yellow to a coppery orange shade, showing you the best of nature. Here, you can experience the thrill of sand sports, dune bashing, overnight camping, trekking and other possible activities.

4. Misfat Al Abriyeen

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Visit Oman's mud village - Misfat Al Abriyeen that is one of the rare old villages still inhabited. Located in the heart of the country, you will find this tiny village enveloped somewhere in the higher ranges of Jebel Sham mountain range. Here you will find stone buildings in various hues of orange and brown, that provide this place with scenic, mountain valley-type vistas. Large boulders hold the homes together and the hardened mud bricks give the village an offbeat architectural look. Main attractions include the Jebel Shams balcony walk, verdant gardens, and maze-like passages between houses as old as 300 years.

5. Masirah Island

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If you are looking for a more secluded and intimate destination on your Oman trip, Masirah Island is an ideal spot with some of the best tourist attractions around. Home to the Omani airbase, Masirah is known for watersports, turtles, wildlife and history. Here, more than 30,000 turtles arrive on the coast each year for hatching season and on the other hand, there's a port where you will find abandoned shipwrecks. Between the high mountains and tranquil coastline, you will find that this place forms a perfect smalltown picture with numerous tiny houses and shops.

6. Bahla

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Located in northern Oman, Bahla is also known as Madinat Al Sehr, or the City of Magic. Bahla is considered a mysterious town due to its centuries-old myths, legends and superstitions. Not very popular or grand, Bahla is an upcoming tourist destination that has a lot of potential for any observant traveler. Also declared as a UNESCO world heritage site, this town is famous for its pottery and silver artifacts. Bahla Fort dates back to the 13th century when the entire region was under the rule of the Banu Nebhan tribe. Here, you will find palm trees, vernacular houses, intricate Islamic architecture, a market, and a mosque. You also get to experience dolphin watching, bike tours, hiking, and camel rides. Visit the Bahla souq for some souvenirs before you move on to the next destination on your Oman tour.

7. Sohar

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Situated on Oman's northern coast, Sohar is a port city that is known for its vibrant markets, centuries old forts and mythical creatures like Sinbad. This is where the sailor Ahmed Bin Majid resided. With its deep traditional roots, you can explore Sohar and get acquainted with Omani history and culture in a much better way. Whether you're planning to eat finest meals at the Cornish restaurant, visit the 14th century-Sohar fort, watch the waves crashing at the shoreline, spend time at a camel racing track or shop for local artistic handicrafts in the local souqs, Sohar has something worthwhile for everyone.

8. Nizwa

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Also known as "The Pearl of Islam," Nizwa is a historical city set in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of Northern Oman. Back in the sixth and seventh centuries, Nizwa used to be the capital of Oman. Here you will find popular attractions like the Nizwa fort, which was built in the seventeenth century, and the Jebel Akhdar Mountain where you can watch the entire city span in the form of ancient ruins, majestic monuments, banana plantations, and date palms. Once, education, trade, culture and art were abundantly flourishing in Nizwa. The city holds on to its vintage, artistic charm. This is one of the beautiful places to visit in Oman.

9. Seeb

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Al-Seeb, As Seeb or As Sib is a coastal, fishing city known for beaches, gardens and architecture. Seeb is an ideal romantic getaway location where you can visit the famous Naseem Garden and enjoy the lake, waterfalls, aquarium or even catch a glimpse of a traditional Omani wedding. If you are looking for local delicacies, Mushtaq is a famous street food of Oman that can be easily found at the souq, beachside stalls or street corners. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a famous tourist spot owing to its masterclass architecture, bright mosaics, geometrical shapes and calligraphy. Wander around the Mosque garden or watch the exquisite pattern of shapes and colours inside the dome.

10. Musandam Fjords

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Owing to some serious geological movements and tectonic plate shifts, Musandam is a spectacular wonder that offers a heavenly abode to all nature lovers. Here you will experience a mix of Arabian and Irani culture along with the sight of dolphins and cliffs meeting the crisp blue waters by sitting in a dhow, a traditional Omani boat. Musandam is an ideal spot for scuba divers due to clear waters and rich sea life and fossils. The tallest peak you will spot is Jebel Harim at 2,087 meters. If you love a good bird's eye view, paragliding or parasailing over Zighy Bay will be right up your alley. Musandam is separated from the rest of the country by a strip of land and is located east of UAE.

11. Mirbat

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Situated nearly 75 kilometers east of Salalah, Mirbat is an old fishing town. It used to be the capital of Dhofar and hub of the frankincense trade and breeding Arabian horses. Presently, it is one of the ten wilayats of the Dhofar Governorate. This place is not hustling and bustling with activity, but rather a quiet, serene location where you can sit by the beach or experience the lifestyle of a small-scale fishing town. If you are interested in snorkeling and scuba diving, Mirbat has excellent coral reefs offshore. You can also enjoy a fine dining experience or a stay in an upscale resort.

12. Muttrah

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Located in Muscat province of Oman, Muttrah is a charming district that is home to one of the biggest seaports in the region and was the commercial center of Oman before the discovery of Oil. Here you can shop as per your heart's desire in the Muttrah Souq, wander around the Muttrah Fort, see the Bait Al Baranda Museum, and visit Sour Al-Lawatiah, which is a small community of houses beside an old wall.

Conclusion

Oh man, if you are not visiting Oman, you are surely missing out on a lot of architectural wonders, pristine beaches, and centuries-old, glorious history ingrained in every corner of the country. Experience the Arab region at its best with the most welcoming hosts in Oman. If you are also looking to travel to Oman and book tour packages, check the Holidays section at EaseMyTrip for the best offers.

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