Ultimate Oman Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to See and Do

Written By Becca Rooney

Bordered by rugged mountains, vast deserts, and a stunning stretch of Arabian Sea coastline, Oman is one of the Middle East’s most underrated travel destinations. With its rich cultural heritage, dramatic natural beauty, and a pace of life that feels refreshingly slow, Oman offers travelers an experience that’s both immersive and unforgettable. From ancient forts and colorful souqs to lush oases and star-filled desert skies, here are 10 of the best things to do in Oman that will leave you wanting to extend your trip.

1. Visit the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque

A true architectural masterpiece and one of Oman’s most iconic landmarks, the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat is a must-visit for any traveler. This grand mosque blends traditional Islamic design with modern craftsmanship, showcasing intricate tile work, stunning chandeliers, and beautifully carved marble columns.

Inside, you’ll find the second-largest hand-woven carpet in the world, crafted by thousands of artisans over four years, covering the vast prayer hall. The mosque’s massive crystal chandelier, hanging elegantly from the soaring dome, is equally breathtaking.

Importantly, the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque warmly welcomes non-Muslim visitors during designated hours, offering an insightful glimpse into Oman’s religious and cultural heritage. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and respectfully, with robes provided if needed, making it an accessible and enriching experience for everyone.

2. Camp Under the Stars in the Wahiba Sands

For a true taste of Oman’s desert magic, a trip to the Wahiba Sands (also called Sharqiya Sands) is an unforgettable adventure. This vast sea of rolling dunes stretches over 12,500 square kilometers and is home to the nomadic Bedouin tribes who have lived here for centuries.

Once night falls, the desert sky reveals a dazzling blanket of stars, untouched by city lights. Lie back on cushions, sip warm tea, and listen to Bedouin stories and traditional music, an experience that connects you to Oman’s ancient roots and timeless beauty.

3. Explore the Ancient City of Nizwa

Step back in time and discover the heart of Oman’s heritage in Nizwa, a charming city that was once the country’s capital and spiritual center. The massive Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century, stands proudly as a reminder of Oman’s rich history and offers a chance to wander through centuries-old architecture that feels almost alive with stories. Take your time climbing the fort’s towering round bastions, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.

Just a short stroll away, the lively Nizwa Souq bursts with colors, scents, and sounds. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of stalls selling everything from fresh spices and local produce to beautiful silver jewelry, pottery, and the iconic khanjars, traditional Omani daggers that make perfect souvenirs. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Friday, don’t miss the famous livestock market where Bedouin herders gather to trade camels, goats, and cattle, a truly authentic and vibrant experience that lets you connect with the local culture in a way you won’t forget

4. Take a Dip in the Bimmah Sinkhole at Hawiyat Najm Park

Just a scenic 90-minute drive from Muscat lies one of Oman’s most unique natural wonders, the Bimmah Sinkhole, located within the beautifully maintained Hawiyat Najm Park. This stunning limestone crater, filled with crystal-clear, emerald-green water, offers a refreshing oasis in the arid landscape.

Formed by the collapse of a limestone cave thousands of years ago, the sinkhole is about 50 meters wide and 20 meters deep, making it perfect for a cooling swim after exploring nearby beaches or hiking trails. The water is surprisingly warm and inviting, surrounded by rugged cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop.

5. Try Omani Cuisine in a Traditional Restaurant

No visit to Oman is complete without savoring its rich and aromatic cuisine, which reflects centuries of trade, culture, and hospitality. Dining in a traditional Omani restaurant is more than just a meal, it’s an experience steeped in warmth and generosity.

Taste authentic dishes like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), majboos (spiced rice with meat), and sweet halwa, all served with Omani hospitality and strong cardamom coffee.

6. Take a Scenic Drive Through Jebel Akhdar (The Green Mountain)

Tucked high in the rugged Al Hajar Mountains, Jebel Akhdar, which means “The Green Mountain”, feels like a completely different world compared to Oman’s sunbaked deserts. At nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, the air here is cooler, the scenery greener, and the pace of life wonderfully slow.

This area is a dream for hikers and nature lovers. One of the most scenic walks, the Wadi Bani Habib trail, takes you through a valley lined with old stone houses, abandoned villages, and fig trees, with jaw-dropping mountain views around every bend. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but the journey (and the views) are absolutely worth it.

7. Explore the Coastal Beauty of Bandar Al Jissah and the Sea Arch

Just a short drive from Muscat, the stunning coastline of Bandar Al Jissah is a hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers alike. This rugged stretch of turquoise waters, craggy cliffs, and secluded coves is home to a striking natural rock arch that juts dramatically into the sea, a perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.

The best way to experience this breathtaking landscape is by boat tour or kayaking. From the water, you can paddle through quiet inlets, explore sea caves, and get up close to the impressive rock formations. Local guides often share fascinating stories about the area’s geology, marine life, and history, adding extra depth to the adventure.

If you prefer to stay on land, hiking nearby trails offers stunning panoramic views of the arch and the surrounding Gulf of Oman. Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles that often swim along the coast.

8. Visit the Daymaniyat Islands

The Daymaniyat Islands themselves are a dream for marine life lovers. Often referred to as the “Galápagos of the Middle East,” the area is home to vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, and hundreds of species of tropical fish. Visibility is usually excellent, making it one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the region.

Each year, between June and September, whale sharks migrate through the warm, plankton-rich waters off the coast of the protected marine reserve. These gentle giants, are completely harmless to humans, feeding only on plankton. Snorkeling alongside them is humbling and unforgettable, a must-have experience in Oman.

9. Shop At Muscat’s Muttrah Souq

Step back in time with a visit to Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest and most atmospheric markets in the Arab world. Nestled along the Muscat Corniche, this bazaar is a proper maze of narrow alleyways and tiny shops, the kind of place where you go looking for one or two things and walk out hours later with your hands (and bag) full.

This souq has been a center of trade for centuries, once welcoming merchants from India, Persia, and East Africa, and still retains its old-world charm today. As you wander through its winding lanes, you’ll find stalls overflowing with handcrafted silver jewelry, antique khanjars (Omani daggers), colorful textiles, brass lamps, dates, spices, and perfume oils. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs.

10. Swim in the Wadis

No trip to Oman is complete without visiting at least one wadi, the country’s beautiful natural riverbeds that wind through canyons and mountains. One of the most accessible and breathtaking is Wadi Bani Khalid, located in the Al Sharqiyah region, about a 2.5-hour drive from Muscat. Unlike many wadis, this one has water flowing year-round, forming deep emerald pools perfect for swimming, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and clusters of date palms.

As you walk along the path from the car park, you'll pass shallow streams, small waterfalls, and local families picnicking under the shade. Further in, the wadi opens up into larger swimming areas, some deep enough for cliff jumping. For a quieter, more adventurous experience, continue upstream (carefully) through the rocks to reach a hidden cave called Muqal Cave, where you can explore a pitch-black chamber filled with underground water and limestone formations.

If you haven’t seen my reels from the wadis yet, be sure to check them out here on my Oman highlight bubble. I went to the wadis with @oman raw explorer and had the best time. I fully recommend going with him!

Final Thoughts

Oman might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s full of quiet wonders, dramatic landscapes, and moments that sneak up on you in the best way. Whether you’re swimming in a hidden sinkhole, getting lost in a spice-scented souq, or watching the stars from a desert camp, Oman invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect, with the land, the people, and yourself. If you’re after a travel experience that feels both grounding and unforgettable, Oman just might be the place you didn’t know you were looking for.

Do you have any further questions? If so, please email hello@alexamcdonald.com! I’d be happy to offer you some personal tips!

Here are some of my favorite travel resources:

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through those links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping to support me and this site!

Becca Rooney
Next

The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Coliving in 2025