Wadi Shab
This wadi is arguably one of the most gorgeous destinations in Oman. Beyond the breathtaking entrance, the wadi rewards you with views of aquamarine pools, waterfalls and terraced plantations; kingfishers add glorious splashes of colour. For the adventurous, there are plenty of opp
Royal Opera House Muscat
The arrival of the Royal Opera House Muscat in 2011 was a high point in the cultural life of Muscat. Built by the same architects as the Grand Mosque, the understated marble exterior belies the magnificent interior of inlaid wood and Arabesque designs. Even if youre not intending t
Bidaya Museum
This quirky little museum on the edge of the sands preserves the history of the Hijri Tribe, written in Arabic on goat skins. A collection of old spears and swords that date back 300 years or more, together with Chinese ginger jars and dishes (an essential part of all Omani househo
Museum of the Frankincense Land
Well-labelled and atmospherically lit at night, the ancient ruins of Al Baleed belong to the 12th-century trading port of Zafar. Frankincense was shipped across the sea to India from here in exchange for spices. Little is known about the port’s demise but the excellent on-site muse
Bayt al Zubair
In a beautifully restored house, this much-beloved privately owned museum exhibits Omani heritage in thematic displays of traditional handicrafts, furniture, stamps and coins. The museum has recently evolved into the cultural centre of Muscat, hosting many international exhibitions
Nakhal Fort
Built on the foundations of a pre-Islamic structure, the towers and entranceway of this fort were constructed during the reign of Imam Said bin Sultan in 1834. There are excellent views of the Batinah plain from the ramparts, and the majlis (seating area) on the top ‘storey’ of the
Bait al Sifah
This quirky museum is more open-house than historical display. Three ladies accompany guests around their traditional house in the aged and crumbling village of Al Hamra. They demonstrate the culinary arts of juniper oil production, Omani bread-making and coffeebean grinding and th
Sultan’s Palace
If you stand by the harbour wall on Mirani St, the building to the right with the delightful mushroom pillars in blue and gold is the Sultan’s Palace. On the inland side, an avenue of palm trees leads to a roundabout surrounded by grand royal court buildings and the new national mu
Grand Mosque
Quietly imposing from the outside, this glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of reign. The main prayer hall is breathtakingly rich. The Persian carpet alone measures 70m by 60m wide, making it the second-lar
Mutrah Corniche
Mutrah stretches along an attractive corniche of latticed buildings and mosques; it looks spectacular at sunset when the light casts shadows across a serrated crescent of mountains, while pavements, lights and fountains invite an evening stroll or a bike ride . Despite being the ca
Bahla Fort
A remarkable set of battlements is noticeable at every turn in the road, running impressively along the wadi and making Bahla one of the most comprehensive walled cities in the world. These walls extend for several kilometres and are said to have been designed 600 years ago by a wo
Khasab Fort
With its command of the bay sadly diminished since Lulu supermarket was built on reclaimed land opposite, Khasab Fort nonetheless cuts quite a dash with its four stone turrets and fine crenelations. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century around a much older circular tower, thi
Old Castle Museum
Home to an extraordinary museum, this private castle houses the personal collection of Sheikh Khalfan Al Hashmi. His great grandfather owned the 250 year-old castle and donated it to the government; it was restored to its former glory under the current Sultan Qaboos who gave it bac
Jabrin Castle
Rising without competition from the surrounding plain, Jabrin Castle is an impressive sight. Even if you have had a surfeit of fortifications, make the effort to clamber over one more set of battlements as Jabrin is one of the best preserved and whimsical castles of them all. Head
Nizwa Souq
The site of one of the oldest souqs in the country, this extensive marketplace is dedicated mostly to fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, all of which are housed in new buildings behind the great, crenulated piece of city wall that overlooks the wadi. If you’re not put off by the
Mutrah Souq
Many people come to Mutrah Corniche just to visit the souq, which retains the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market albeit housed under modern timber roofing. Shops selling Omani and Indian artefacts together with a few antiques jostle among more traditional textile, hardwa
Doing business & staying in touch while in Oman
Oman: Doing business & staying in touch
Oman Weather, Climate and Geography
Oman Weather, climate and geography
Oman History, Language and Culture
Oman History, Language and Culture
Oman Travel Guide and Travel Information
Oman Travel Guide
