Oman attractions

Perched high above the western walls of Old Muscat harbor, Al Mirani Fort gazes across the Gulf of Oman and its sister fort—Al Jalali—rising from the opposite side. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1550, its crenelated towers and walls make it one of Muscat’s most photogenic sights.

Sharing its geographic location with northeastern Oman and eastern United Arab Emirates, the Al-Hajar Mountains are home to stunning natural wonders and some of Oman’s most important historical sites. Its arid setting is broken up only by the occasional lush oasis.

Delight your senses with some of the world's most luxurious fragrances at the Amouage Factory and Visitors' Centre in Muscat. This niche brand has been crafting unique scents for three decades, all of which are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Oman. Immerse yourself in the luxury of Amouage and experience the pinnacle of perfume perfection firsthand.

One of the two forts framing Old Muscat’s harbor—along with its sister, Al Mirani—Al Jalali is a defining sight of Oman’s capital. Built by the Portuguese in 1587, it served as a prison during the 20th century before being restored and becoming one of Muscat’s must-see landmarks.

Set below Oman’s western Al Hajar Mountains, Nakhal takes its name—which means “palm”—from the lush date plantations surrounding it. Travelers come to this quaint town to enjoy its mountain-and-oasis setting, explore its rocktop Nakhal Fort, and experience the neighboring Al Thowarah hot springs and inviting wadis that call from nearby.

Carved into the Al Hajar Mountains under Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak, Wadi Ghul (also called Wadi Nakhr) is a wonder of nature. Reaching 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) high, which makes it the world’s second deepest after Arizona’s Grand Canyon, this epic gorge more than earns its nickname of “Oman’s Grand Canyon.”

Muttrah is an enchanting district and former fishing village situated in Oman’s Muscat province. It is known as one of the country’s busiest commercial hubs, thanks to its bustling sea port and Muttrah Souq—a traditional bazaar (and one of the oldest marketplaces in the world) that has been operating since the age of sail.

Dibba is a region on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) along the Gulf of Oman. Thanks to its coastal location, Dibba is known for its port towns and striking buildings set against an arid and rocky backdrop. The region’s main economic source is fishing, and travelers can partake in casting lines themselves.

For centuries, Oman’s southernmost province of Dhofar—and its port of Salalah—were the center of a flourishing trade in frankincense—the aromatic sap of frankincense trees. The Land of Frankincense trail consists of four UNESCO-listed sites related to the trade, allowing visitors to chart its history and significance.

Once the capital of Oman, this historic Arab city is best known for its pre-Islamic-era buildings found within the confines of the Rustaq Fort. Once known as the center of Islamic learning, the fort houses a mosque, and towers above the low-roofed buildings around the rest of the city.

Nine uninhabited islets cast in the seas north of Oman’s capital, Muscat, the Ad Dimaniyat Islands push the boundaries of beauty. A protected marine reserve, this rocky archipelago boasts white-sand bays and blue-green seas rife with corals, turtles, rays, dolphins, birds, and whale sharks, creating a utopia for snorkeling, scuba, and nature buffs.

With its cylindrical turrets and chunky doors, the 18th-century Al Hazm Castle could have been plucked from an illustrated Arabian adventure book. Rising from plains beneath Oman’s Al Hajar Mountains, the castle, with its rich history and well-maintained interiors, is one of the country’s most impressive forts.

Just inland from Muscat’s picturesque Muttrah Corniche, Ruwi is the commercial hub of Oman’s capital. Bisected by two main roads—Ruwi High Street and Bait Al Falaj Street—this bustling district is where everyday city life ticks by, with malls, offices, restaurants, and mosques taking center stage.

Situated just across the Unied Arab Emirates’ eastern border in Oman, the Hatta Rock Pools are spring-fed pools that flow through the rock passageways of the Hajar Mountains. Visitors come here to escape Dubai’s urban crowds, swim in the turquoise waters, and enjoy picnics amid stunning scenery and cooler mountain climates.

One of Oman’s largest forts, Nizwa Fort stands in the country’s former capital, Nizwa, overlooking a date-palm oasis and the arid Hajar Mountains. Built in the 17th century by the Ya’rubi tribes who expelled the country’s Portuguese occupiers, the fort draws visitors with its massive cylindrical tower—Oman’s tallest—and its beautiful mud-brick architecture and rampart views.

Set under Oman’s Jebel Akhdar mountains above the village of the same name, the Birkat al Mouz Ruins (Harat al Siybani) offer a snapshot into old Omani life. Here, collapsed mudbrick houses and a UNESCO-protected falaj irrigation channel climb to a crumbled watchtower with sweeping views over the ruins, palms, and village below.

Sweeping from Muttrah Fish Market in the west to Riyam Park in the east, Muttrah Corniche lines Muttrah Bay on Muscat’s coast. Backed by the craggy Al Hajar Mountains and home to Muttrah Souk and Muscat cruise port; this popular waterfront is Muscat’s oldest commercial center and its most scenic and vibrant spot.

Located in southwest Muscat, the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum—SAF Museum for short—chronicles Oman’s military history and development. Housed in the restored Bait Al-Falaj Fort, it immerses guests in the story of the country’s forces from medieval to present times, with weaponry, uniform, and vehicle displays.

Discover the rich history and culture of Oman at Bait Al Baranda, a museum housed in a 1930s villa. Its galleries showcase the land’s geology and archaeology, as well as the military and political past of Oman, providing an overview of this remarkable country. Named after its signature veranda, Bait Al Baranda also provides a comprehensive overview of Omani traditions and customs.

Tucked inside the fishing town of Taqah east of Salalah, Taqah Fort is one of Oman’s youngest forts but is no less interesting for it. Built in the 19th century as a private residence for Taqah’s wali (governor), this compact castle feels more home than fort, and rewards visitors with a tree-shaded courtyard, carved doors, and reconstructed family quarters.

Situated between the Gulf of Oman and the eastern Al Hajar mountains, the fishing town of Quriyat is increasingly gaining ground on Oman’s tourist radar. Highlights here include a picturesque fort hidden in the center of town, a historical watchtower, and a scenic corniche and beaches, among other natural locales.

Cupping a small bay on Muscat’s eastern fringes, Old Muscat is Oman’s original capital. Overlooking the Gulf of Oman and framed by rugged promontories and mountains, this old city is steeped in Arabian charm and offers many Muscat must-sees, including two Portuguese forts and the Sultan’s Al Alam Palace.

Khasab Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century in Khasab, the capital of Oman’s peninsula exclave of Musandam. Wedged between two creeks in this quiet city and cruise port, the fort blends seamlessly with the town’s sand-hued mountains and coast, and features a museum, towers, and cultural exhibits.

Dominating the town of Bahla in the lower Jebel Akhdar mountains, the striking Bahla Fort is Oman’s only UNESCO-protected fort. Dating mostly from the 12th and 15th centuries, this massive fort and its oasis are bounded by a 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) wall and offer insight into Oman’s history—plus sweeping views of Bahla and the surrounding peaks.

Set on the western headland of Muscat’s Muttrah district, Muscat Cruise Port—officially called Sultan of Qaboos Port—is one of the most scenic in the Middle East. As your ship arrives, you’ll enjoy stellar views of Muttrah’s mountain-backed corniche before disembarking just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from its souks and attractions.

Set midway between the towns of Ibra and Bidiyah, Al Mudayrib (also spelled Al Mudhaireb) is one of Oman’s oldest villages. Once a stop on the ancient Muscat-to-Sur caravan route, this often-overlooked village is ringed by watchtowers and boasts an old quarter of mudbrick mansions and fortifications, all of which lie in ruins.

One of Oman’s oldest souks, Nizwa Souk (Nizwa Souq) neighbors Nizwa Fort in the heart of the former capital, and serves as a market and meeting place for locals from across the region. Comprising a main hall and outbuildings crammed with food, sweet, and handicraft stalls, the souk provides a fascinating window into local life and rich pickings for souvenir hunters.

Operated by the Petroleum Development Oman, the country's leading gas and oil company, the Exhibition Center contains a museum and planetarium. Since its inception in 1979, the facility has focused on scientific advancements in astronomy and energy. After undergoing a complete transformation in 1995, it's now an educational attraction.

Just west of Muscat on Oman’s north coast, the once-important port of Barka is now a low-key town of fishing communities, residential estates, shopping marts, and industrial compounds. In addition to the 17th-century seafront Barka Fort, it’s home to a buzzing fish market and a couple of interesting historical and scenic sights.