Exploring Oman’s Top Attractions

Introduction

When people think about the ultimate vacation destination, Oman typically doesn’t come to mind.

However, this beautiful country contains some of the world’s most underrated hidden gems, and they beg to be seen. 

Oman has grown in popularity as a vacation destination in the past several years, and it’s not hard to see why.

With its pristine beaches, breathtaking natural beauty, and gorgeous architecture, everyone deserves to see it at least once.

Plus, since Oman is one of the safest countries in the world, travelers, tourists, and vacationers can feel free to explore everything this country has to offer. 

Muscat, the Capital City

Muscat is the capital city of Oman and makes for an incredible travel destination.

The city has numerous things to offer, including souks and marketplaces, gorgeous architecture, proximity to natural beauty, and delicious food. 

Muscat is an incredibly beautiful and safe city, and it’s a must-see choice for people who like to experience different things and explore while traveling. When in Muscat, there are a few must-see attractions. 

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

This breathtaking mosque is the largest one in Oman and took 6 years to complete.

It served as a gift from Sultan Qaboos to the people, and while it’s worth visiting just for its historical context, the visual splendor is something else entirely. 

Up until 2010, the mosque had the world’s largest chandelier, and it also had the world’s largest carpet for a time, too.

Every inch of the Qaboos Grand Mosque sparkles and shines, especially the men’s prayer room — which can be visited by both men and women. If you’re ever in Muscat, you must see this unforgettable sight. 

Muttrah Souk

A souk is a marketplace or bazaar, and the famous Muttrah Souk in Muscat is no exception. Here, you can purchase leather, jewelry, pashminas, souvenirs, and more.

Everything from small trinkets to exquisite gold jewelry is sold here, and it’s worth going even just to look around. 

And, if you’re the type of traveler who enjoys bringing home beautiful souvenirs for your friends and family, this is the perfect place to pick up some things. 

Dolphin Watching in the Gulf

One of the more unique experiences available in the city, Muscat has regular cruises that move throughout the Gulf of Oman and chauffeur passengers past schools of dolphins that are famous for being incredibly playful. 

These dolphins flip, pirouette, and jump into the air, making this a must-see attraction that Muscat has to offer. Lovers of marine life are sure to enjoy this unique and unmissable experience! 

Bahla Fort

This immense, gorgeous fort is one of the largest and oldest in Oman, and it is the only one to be considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

While the first has been restored a few times over the years, the oldest parts of the fort are believed to have been constructed in 500 BC. 

The Bahla Fort is intricately made, and it has mosques, towers, and wells. The unfired bricks were made of mud and straw.

The fort served as a refuge for the Banu Nehban from the 12th to the 15th century, and they controlled the frankincense trade. 

Since Bahla Fort is only 2 hours away from Muscat by car, it makes for a perfect half-day excursion for those visiting the capital city. 

Wadis, Oases in the Desert

Wadis serve a crucial role in Oman’s history. Traditionally, wadis are riverbeds that fill with water during the rainy season, which is incredibly important in a desert-heavy country like Oman. Wadis provided water when it was scarce, and they still exist to this day. 

Wadi Bani Khalid

Truly an oasis in the middle of the desert, Wadi Bani Khalid sparkles in the sun. Surrounded by greenery of all shapes and sizes, swimming in this beautiful wadi can be a transformative experience. 

Wadi Tiwi

Wadi Tiwi is yet another great wadi to visit. Cutting a gorge through mountains and valleys, exploring this wadi allows you to swim in cool water, enjoy orchards, and explore small villages along the way. 

The Beaches of Oman

After you’ve spent your time exploring the city’s history, markets, and architecture, you might be in the mood to look at some natural beauty. What better way to enjoy nature than going to the beach?

Qantab Beach

With gorgeous, craggy rocks, this beach is truly breathtaking. And even though the pebbled shoreline may be difficult to walk on at first, the views and experience will be more than worth it. You take even go on an excursion to nearby islands. 

Yiti Beach

Located only an hour from Muscat, this beautiful beach is perfect for those who enjoy a more secluded seaside experience. Feel free to take a long walk along the beach, enjoy looking at the craggy rocks, swimming, or even fishing. 

Jebel Shams

The Jebel Shams is Oman’s highest peak and its most impressive mountain. Often called the Arabian Grand Canyon, this mountain includes a huge gorge and is one of the most popular places to visit in Oman. 

One of the best ways to experience Jebel Shams is by first walking along the bottom of the gorge, which is known as Wadi Nakhr. After that, you can do the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk, which takes you along the canyon but not all the way to the top. 

Heritage and Culture of Oman

People who travel to Oman will not only be incredibly safe, but they will also be treated the utmost respect, dignity, and hospitality. Omanis have a strong belief in dignity and respect, and anything that doesn’t fit with those values will not be allowed. 

Anyone traveling to Oman can expect to be fully welcomed into the culture, and there are many important historical and cultural sites to see, including the Bahla Fort, Ancient Qalhat, the Aflaj Irrigation Systems, the Land of Frankincense, and the archeological sites of Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn. 

All of these cultural sites are protected by UNESCO, and they’re considered must-sees for anyone who wishes to fully immerse themselves into Omani culture and heritage. 

The Wildlife of Oman

Even though Oman is mostly a hot, dry desert, it doesn’t mean that wildlife doesn’t flourish here. There are hundreds of plant species to be found here, the most famous of which is frankincense, which you can learn much more about by visiting the Land of Frankincense cultural site. 

Oman is home to a lot of wild animals, including the Arabian leopard — which is protected in the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve — and the Arabian oryx, which is protected in its own sanctuary. 

Many other animals call Oman home, including gazelles, ibexes, the red fox, the sand cat, hundreds of species of birds, dozens of reptiles, and numerous marine mammals off the coast — specifically near Muscat. One of the most popular activities in Oman is to watch whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans swimming and playing in the Gulf of Oman. 

Conclusion

While Oman is not necessarily at the top of many vacation lists, it should be. With a beautiful and historic capital city, historical sites, refreshing wadis, pristine beaches, gorgeous mountains, a rich, welcoming culture, and many ways to enjoy local wildlife, Oman is simply one of the best vacation spots out there. 

Consider making this unforgettable place your next vacation spot today.