If you are excited to view incredible desert landscapes, historic forts, spectacular mountain ranges and pleasant beaches, then Oman can surely be your next destination! Cradled on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula is the Sultanate of Oman, a fascinating destination filled with impressive cities and top tourist attractions

If you are planning a holiday here, you should know that the currency used here is Omani Rial As of November, 2022, 1 Omani Rial equals ₹ 21222 Keep this exchange rate in mind while planning your finances in Oman

Read this article to learn about what Oman is famous for

List of 18 Famous Places in Oman

Renowned for its elaborate Islamic architecture and an abode of natural beauty and grandeur, Oman attracts many tourists throughout the year Be the gold and ornate mosques or the serene beaches fringing its coastline, every tourist place here will promise to make your vacation memorable So, here is an overview of some of the best places you can visit in Oman:

1 Muscat

Muscat is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Oman, located below rugged mountains Leaving an indelible print on the culture of Oman, explore Muscat’s marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque having a 50-meter wide dome Also, visit the Al Jalali Fort, marvellous Al Alam Palace, National Museum of Oman, Bait Al Zubair Museum and the Museum of Natural History

2 Salalah

In the capital city in Dhofar province of Oman, you will be enthralled by the charm of natural beauty and dazzling glow of the architecture around you Also, ensure to visit the Frankincense Land museum, which details the city's story in spice trade For adventure lovers, one can trek to Ayn Razat, a fantastic mountain cave with several springs

3 Nizwa

Another oldest city in the north of Oman, Nizwa, is located in Ad Dakhiliyah region and is one of the most fantastic cities here Known for its natural charm, Nizwa has seasonal rivers and palm plantations contributing to its ethereal beauty Nizwa is renowned for the Nizwa Fort and Falaj Daris, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Also, you can wish to take a short trip to the jebel Akhdar, known as Green Mountains and famous for fruit plantations

 

4 Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat is nestled in the Dhofar region of Oman and is a lush green valley with hills surrounding this area Home to two charming waterfalls, the heart of Wadi consists of a crystal clear green lake where you can plan to go boating Several stalls and eateries retail popcorn, ice cream and shawarmas in this valley

5 Sohar

Presenting a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity, Sohar faces the Gulf of Oman Sohar is unique, scattered with vibrant souqs on the other which leave the city streets glowing with light One of the top attractions of Sohar is the gaudy Sohar Fort, an architectural edifice This first-century fort is renowned for its intricate Omani designs and consists of two parks – Silver Jubilee Park and Sohar Park

6 Musandam

Musandam borders a rustic landscape and Arabian and Omani waterbodies Offering the title ‘The Norway of the Middle East, ’ the tall limestone cliffs of Musandam Fjord is much similar to the Norwegian fjords in its charm Musandam also offers casual trekking and consists of one of the busiest and essential waterways – Strait of Hormuz

7 Bahla

Bahla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a small oasis settlement located in the Dakhliya region of Oman This city of legends offers a glimpse of the Bahla Fort, which reflects Islamic architecture Additionally, Bahla houses a famous Omani souq retailing a variety of traditional sweets, locally designed jewellery and an array of spices

8 Sur

A pleasant winter in Sur can be an ideal time to visit this destination This city is well known for its traditional events, and a boat museum is a must-visit place for you Apart from this, spend your time exploring the majestic forts such as Al Ayja, Bilad and Sinaysla Another place worth visiting is the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, located on the outskirts of Sur

9 Khasab

Constructed in the 17th century by the Portuguese, Khasab houses glistening sandy beaches and exquisite coral reefs and is also home to “Mountain of Women” or Jebel Harim In addition, you can also enjoy a cruise through the wonderful ‘Fjords of Musandam’ apart from indulging in snorkelling Adventure enthusiasts can wish to trek to rugged cliffs of Musandam and have a glimpse of the abandoned houses of the deserted cities near Khasab

10 Wadi Shab

A nature lover’s paradise, Wadi Shab has hills, date palm plantations and magnificent waterfalls surrounding it Well, it is an excellent place for adventure buffs as you have to trek approximately 40 minutes to reach here Moreover, the trail lets you traverse through a rugged yet charming route consisting of two-three pools The towering cliffs of little caves hide secrets and gorgeous waterfalls underneath its folds and are a must-watch scenery during the monsoon months

11 Wahiba Sands

Have the stories of bedouins and gypsies from The Arabian Nights thrilled you The Wahiba Sands is named after the Bani Wahiba tribe and is one of the most beautiful desert regions in Oman Sharqiya Sands or Wahiba Sands offers sand sports and excellent night camping activities

Nevertheless, Enjoy dune bashing tour, desert safari and stargazing too The glistening sands here often change from golden to orange and yellow as the sun sets across the horizon

 

12 Masirah Island

One of the largest islands in Oman, Masirah Island is a popular weekend destination for the locals and a lovely vacation stay for tourists This island consists of some dazzling white sand beaches offering excellent water sports

That is the reason people call it a “paradise for kitesurfers” Housing an array of turtles from various species, you can watch several species of birds here Enjoy viewing the dhows and boast swiftly flowing by the sea as the fishermen work in the pleasant waters

 

13 Barka

Hot and sunny throughout the year, Barka is an amazing beachside town in Al Batinah province What makes this destination unique is its traditional bullfighting events and the lovely Omani Halwa

Further, enjoy a perfect day trip to the nearest resort destination to spend your day amongst the Omanis Do not miss the impressive Braka Fort, An Naman Fort and the Braka Souq, major tourist attractions here

 

14 Ibri

Rustic, small-town charm is what attracts most tourists to this destination Casting an ancient glow, Ibri has several archaeological ruins which speaks a lot about the history of Oman

Moreover, you might find several deserted areas and unexplored trails allowing you to camp and trek here In addition you can visit the Bat Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ibri Castle, Al Aswad Castle and Al Sulaif castle

 

15 Al Suwaiq

A serene coastal town in Al Batinah, Al Suwaiq means “Market” in Arabic since it was a major trading hub for the residents of the surrounding towns and cities

The scenic countryside offers a historical charm as you visit the forts here Explore Al Sawaiq Fort, Al Hilal Fort and the Al Tharmad Fort before heading to the exquisite Oman Coast to enjoy snorkelling into the crystal clear waters

 

16 Misfat Al Abriyeen

If you wish to go offbeat in Oman, visit the mesmerising village of Misfat Al Abriyeen Here you can enjoy many open gardens, beautiful trails and traditional houses here Apart from that, each cottage here is made from carved rocks and offers unique sights such as oil pots and water hanging from households

This village is named after the first settlers here, Abri and some buildings are almost 200 years old, reflecting the sturdiness of the construction Every house has its unique design, which helps to differentiate

 

17 Al Hoota Caves

Al Hoota Caves, nearly 2 million old, nestles at the foot of Jebel Shams mountain You will find two lakes here, home to an excellent ecosystem such as anthropoids, bats, mollusks and snails In these water bodies, you might find a rare fish Garra Barreimiae which is only found in Bahrain, UAE and Oman A mystical and adventurous 45 minutes trail to the cave, you must not miss out on a fascinating experience here

18 Ancient Souqs

Souqs are fantastic traditional marketplaces extending for kilometres You will find various items ranging from handmade crafts and Oman delicacies to jewellery The most prominent souqs are Muttrah souq, Nizwa souq, Al Husn souq and Hibri souq Therefore, do not forget to add these places to your must-visit list

List of Top 5 Popular Things in Oman Food, Culture and Activities

Apart from the popular tourist destinations that ooze with history, Oman is well-known for its culture and the culinary delights that it offers Here is a list:

19 Flavours of Oman: Food and Drinks

 

A list of what Oman is known for would be inadequate without mouth-watering traditional cuisine Be it dates or coffee, ‘Qahwa’ or ‘Mashai’, every dish in Oman is a must-try item

Enjoy the traditional rice dish of Saudi Arabia, Majboos or grilled meat from Arab Shuwa Do not miss out on several Omani breads, Omani ‘Qawah’, marinated beef Meshkak, Omani Laban and Harees If you are a fish lover, you will surely fall in love with Mashuai!

 

20 Omani Halwa

The list of famous things in Oman will not be complete without the mention of Omani Halwa A symbol of Omani hospitality and a favourite for the sweet tooth, you can pair it with coffee as well Visit any Omani house to attend a wedding or a birthday, and they will offer you Omani Halwa

21 Frankincense

Oman contributes largely to the world's production of frankincense, a major ingredient in perfumes Since it has medicinal benefits and a mild fragrance, people love to buy them Further, you can buy these in loose quantities from any of the marketplaces allowing a boom in the economy of Oman

22 Fantastic Shipbuilders

Oman is home to famous shipbuilders who have stood the test of time and mastered this skill You will find various naval ships Omanis have made with intricate details perfectly reflecting versatility One of the leading nations in seafaring, the 18th and 19th century was a golden age of shipbuilding in Oman These shipbuilders added rows of tiny windows to the dhows and used shark fat and gypsum to seal the gaps between boards

23 Muscat Festival

Reflecting the heritage, history and beauty of the Sultanate, the annual Muscat Festival is a dream event for many! It takes place around January and is one of the largest events celebrating Oman’s culture, art and cuisine at their best Therefore, it pulls tourists from across Oman and the adjoining Gulf countries as well

So, now you have a list of what Oman is famous for! So, plan your vacation earlier to enjoy a lovely tour of this destination If you wish to enjoy pleasant weather, try visiting Oman during winter