Boasting barren peaks, deep wadi gorges, desert dunes, remote villages, and a capital, Muscat, which exudes old Arabia, Oman rolls out a rich carpet of wares. Some of the best things to do in Oman center on Muscat, where sightseeing tours showcase grandiose modern landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Mosque before unveiling Old Muscat's coastal forts and palaces and the old-time markets of Muttrah. From here, Oman’s interior beckons with idyllic, rock-pooled wadis, immense canyons, the Wahiba Sands desert, and the castles and towns of the Al-Hajar mountains.
Oman is at its best in winter, when summer’s heat has receded and the wadis (dried river gorges) are lush with palms and natural pools. The peak season, which runs from November through February, brings warm, rain-free days and temperatures that get up to around 85°F (30°C). That said, the period of April through May is when the rose gardens in Oman’s mountain villages bloom, and fall brings cooler, hiking-perfect weather. Watch for Ramadan, when alcohol sales and other activities are restricted.
Oman’s public transportation is limited; most travelers opt for cabs or rent cars. While there are public buses linking some cities, it’s hard to find schedules. You can take shared minibuses around Muscat, but most tourists opt for private tours, hop-on hop-off buses, or the city’s white-and-orange taxis. The only realistic options for out-of-town adventures are to take a private tour or rent a car or four-wheel-drive vehicle; choose the latter if you’re confident enough to go off-road in Oman’s gorges and mountains.
While most visitors to Oman stick to hotel restaurants, it’s worth your while to seek out a good local eatery. If you go shopping at the Mutrah Souq (which is tucked behind an archway on Mutrah Corniche), head to the Corniche Café, which has an open-arched terrace perched above the souk entrance. Order specialties like almond hummus and fresh guava juice, and let the gentle sea breezes offer a respite from the heat of the souk.
