10 Best Things to Do When Visiting Oman for the First Time

Located on the edge of the Arab Peninsula lies Oman. A stunning country that is known for its exotic destinations, architecture, gorgeous landscapes and rich heritage. Oman allows visitors to dive deep into nature with its diverse geography. From crystal clear water beaches to its panoramic views of mountain peaks. Oman is a country that is off the beaten track and is by most, overlooked. However, we have listed the 10 top things to do here!

Planning a trip? Skratch has partnered with Sherpa to offer simple, trusted visa applications. Get your Oman eVisa here.

1.  Musandam Fjords 🌊

A visually stunning location in Oman, this is one that is not appreciated enough for its natural beauty. This is an island cut off but still a piece of Omani territory that surrounds the UAE. A truly photogenic spot in Oman, it is the perfect location for swimming under the sun in the clear waters, or even taking a tour in a wooden dhow boat.
Musandam Peninsula, Oman

2. Khasab Fortress 🏰

Located in the capital city of Khasab in the Musandam region is the Khasab Fortress. The original structure of the castle was  uilt by the Potuguese in and was then rebuilt by the Omanis. It is home to a museum in the castle’s middle tower where visitors will find handicrafts and archaeological collections showing the cities past.
Khasab, Oman

3. Muscat 🇴🇲

The capital city of Oman is Muscat. This is a gorgeous historical district, with numerous picturesque buildings, dazzling souks, delicious food and vibrant culture. Its top attraction is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which occupies more than 4,447,000 square feet. Muscat is a hugely important Arabic city, becoming one of the region’s hot spots.
The capital city of Oman, Muscat

4. Nizwa 🌇

Another gorgeous city in Oman. With numerous, buzzy markets, the most visited monument in Oman and, cultural symbols of the country, this is a must when visiting Oman. The main attraction here is the Nizwa Fort that dates back to the 17th century and the plethora of souks located behind the walls of Nizwa.
The View of Nizwa, Oman

5. Misfat al Abryeen ⛰

Smaller cities in Oman such as this one tend to be overlooked but are the locations in which true Omani culture is captured. This mountain village is made up of stone buildings in shades of orange and brown, and it can look more like an Italian mountain village than something you might expect to find on the Arabian Peninsula. This city in Oman, highlights the quieter life in the country, in the breathtaking mountains of the location.
The city in the hills, Misfat, Oman

6. Masirah Island 🏝

The perfect stop in Oman if you’re seeking some sun, sea and sand. It is a unique destination where visitors can explore the landscape, wildlife and history of this location. This little island has its own charm and the tranquil atmosphere takes you to the times long forgotten when life was simpler and slower in the country.
Masirah Island, Clear Waters

7. Wahiba Sands 🐪

Experience traditional Oman by taking a trip to the desert dunes that stretch for miles, known as the Wahiba sands. This is a popular tourist location in Oman as, visitors can Experience the nomadic way of life in the Wahiba Sands by riding on the back of a Camel or, going on a camping experience under the stars.
Oman Desert

8. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat 🕌

As stated, this grand Mosque is located in Muscat and is an extremely important landmark in Oman. It is a stunning, modern Mosque covering over 20,000 square feet. The grounds of the Mosque are gorgeous and peaceful to walk around and, the extravagant main prayer hall is the number one attraction. With a massive chandelier, intricately detailed blue mosaic tiles, and the second largest handmade Iranian rug in the world, this is a must to add to the bucket list.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Sultan Qaboos Street, Muscat, Oman

9. Mutrah Corniche, Muscat 🌅

The perfect time to head to this location is just before the sun sets. Stroll along the seafront watching the sun fade into the distance, snap some pics with the gorgeous mosques and scenery in the back and shop the narrow lanes of the Mutrah Souk.
Mutrah, Muscat, Oman

10. Wadi Bani Khalid 🏊‍♂️

Oman is super warm, especially in the summer. Luckily there are numerous natural pools located throughout the country. Wadi Bani Khalid is a stunning oasis in the desert with crystal clear green water surrounded by date palms and rugged mountains. A splash in this pool will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed after a day of exploring in the desert heat.
Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman

Starting from Skratch? Here Are a Few Tips to Get Started:

https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/places-to-visit-in-oman/

https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-oman/

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/why-you-should-visit-oman-the-gulfs-undiscovered-gem

Oman - Facts before you go

Language

🇴🇲 Arabic

Currency

💰 Omani Rial

Time Zone

⏰ Gulf Standard Time (GMT+4)

Visa

🌐 Apply here

Known For

🕌 Beautiful Mosques

🇴🇲 Omani Culture

⛰ Stunning Geography

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Imogen Kemp
August 30, 2023
posted in
JOURNEYS

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