Tourism in Oman

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Asia / Western Asia/Middle East

Tourist attractions

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Region: Muscat

Religious architecture

Modern mosque with marble dome and world's largest-class Persian carpet.

Nizwa Fort

Region: Nizwa

Cultural heritage

17th century circular fortress, important as inland control stronghold.

Jebel Shams

Region: Al Hajar Mountains

Nature

Highest peak at 3,075m. Trekking along giant canyon popular.

Wadi Shab

Region: Tiwi Canyon

Nature

Oasis canyon enjoying turquoise springs and cave swimming.

Bahla Fort

Region: Bahla

World Heritage

UNESCO-registered mud brick castle and labyrinth old town remain.

Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya Sands)

Region: Eastern region

Nature

Destination for camping and stargazing with 200km golden dunes.

Royal Opera House Muscat

Region: Muscat

Modern architecture

Luxurious hall made of white marble staging international music performances.

Land of Frankincense in Dhofar

Region: Around Salalah

World Heritage

Cultural heritage consisting of ancient caravan route remains and frankincense collection sites.

Musandam Peninsula Fjords

Region: Khasab

Nature

Enjoy "Arabia's fjords" woven by cliffs and emerald sea on dhow ship cruise.

Sur Old Port and Dhow Workshop

Region: Sur

Industrial heritage

Shipyard still handcrafting traditional wooden dhow ships and museum.

Aflaj Irrigation System

Region: Various inland areas

World Heritage

Engineering heritage cluster of underground water channels "falaj" operating over 2000 years.

Muttrah Beach

Region: Muscat suburbs

Nature

White sand beach known for sunsets and snorkeling.

Suggested itineraries

Muscat and Inland Fortresses Golden Route

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bahla Fort, Nizwa Fort, Wadi Shab

Classic course experiencing capital's history and culture, then touring Al Hajar Mountains fortress cluster and oases.

Desert and Southern Monsoon Adventure Course

Duration (days): 7

Highlights: Wahiba Sands, Jebel Shams, Salalah Khareef Festival, Frankincense market

Enjoy desert camping by 4WD, then touch monsoon and frankincense culture in green Dhofar.

Fjord Cruise and Dhow Tradition Northern Circuit

Duration (days): 4

Highlights: Musandam Peninsula cruise, Dolphin watching, Sur dhow workshop

Short route enjoying sea and shipwright skills in northern areas preserving maritime empire remnants.

Travel tips

  • Obtaining e-Visa before airport arrival makes immigration smooth.
  • Limited public transportation makes rental car or driver with 4WD convenient.
  • Desert driving safety requires lowering tire pressure and forming convoy with two or more vehicles.
  • Summer (May–September) often exceeds 40°C, minimize daytime outdoor activities.
  • Mosque visits require women cover hair with scarf and hide arms and ankles.
  • Few taxis on Fridays, pre-arrange night before for peace of mind.
  • Cruise ships and tourist taxis often negotiable, confirm fares before boarding.
  • Convenient to have cash (rials) ready in mountain villages and bazaars.
  • Alcohol requires liquor license, difficult to obtain outside hotels, carry-in amounts also restricted.
  • Dhofar region Khareef period has dense fog causing poor visibility, careful driving.
  • Camels and goats sometimes appear on highways, drive slowly at night.
  • Cultural property export strictly prohibited. Do not take home coral picked up on beaches.
  • Tips for guides or hotel staff customarily 5–10%.

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