Although Oman is situated on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, concerns about unrest in the wider Middle East should not deter you from visiting this hospitable, varied sultanate. Since 1970 the nation has been governed by Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, who introduced extensive programs of modernization, infrastructure improvement and education. While Oman’s oil reserves are modest and much of the country is desert, the government’s development efforts have transformed cities, expanded services and encouraged tourism. Despite ongoing discussions about human rights and censorship, Oman has made notable social and economic progress and ranks among the more peaceful countries in the region.
Tourism is one of Oman’s fastest-growing industries, and visitors are warmly welcomed. The country offers a compelling mix of coastal scenery, sandy beaches, expansive deserts, reachable mountain ranges, scenic wadis and important archaeological sites. For many travelers the challenge is deciding which attractions to prioritize. Muscat, the charming capital, is a must-see and an excellent base for day trips and longer excursions—Nizwa and the Hajar Mountains are popular destinations reached easily from the city.
Fort and mosque in Nizwa © Zwawol | Dreamstime.com
Metropolitan Muscat stretches along the Gulf of Oman from the airport near Seeb to Al Khiran, with the Hajar Mountains rising close behind. The modern city includes highways and contemporary high-rises, while the older districts preserve low-rise, whitewashed Arabic architecture—the sultan capped most buildings at seven stories—to maintain a distinct, traditional skyline. A major motorway links the city’s outskirts and provides easy access between neighborhoods and attractions.
Muttah and Old Muscat form the historical core. Muttah, the port that once launched caravans inland, now features modest hotels and handsome merchant homes along its crescent seafront. One of those mansions became Bait Al Baranda, a museum that traces Oman’s history from prehistoric times and includes interactive displays illustrating geological changes that shaped the region.
Early mornings at Muttah’s fish market are lively: fishermen arrange their catches for sale on the floor, and nearby the city’s oldest souk waits to be explored. The market has been modernized but still retains the feel of a traditional covered bazaar—labyrinthine alleys of stalls selling spices, sweets, textiles, silver khanjars and a wide variety of crafts and souvenirs.
A paved promenade runs from Muttah along the corniche, dotted with seafood shacks, monuments and a children’s playground near the giant incense burner at Riyam Park. About three miles west, an arch through the Muscat Gate Museum marks the entrance to Old Muscat. This restored political quarter is an immaculate neighborhood of Arabic buildings and gardens; its boulevard leads past the sultan’s Royal Palace. Nearby, the converted townhouse museum Bait Al Zubair offers exhibits on Omani life and traditions.
For a luxurious stay, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, occupies a scenic site backed by mountains and set within 200 acres of parkland with its own sheltered beach. Commissioned as a special project of the sultan, the hotel blends Islamic and international design in a marble lobby and hosts cultural events such as traditional Omani meals with music and dance.
Driving inland by rental car brings you to Nizwa in about two hours. Once the national capital, Nizwa remains the central settlement of the interior. Its dominant landmark, Nizwa Fort, dates to 1668 and features an imposing circular tower reinforced with packed earth and stone. Defensive architecture includes zigzag staircases and openings once used to repel attackers; within the fort’s walls are kitchens, storerooms, prisons and living quarters that together form a fascinating historical complex.
Nizwa’s market blends tradition and modern convenience, with streets of shops selling antiques, swords, jewelry, pottery, copperware and leather goods. Local restaurants specialize in Omani dishes; Bin Ateeq, located up a stairway off the main street, serves regional specialties in a comfortable setting where diners sit on cushions.
Continuing through the interior, the road passes Bahla, a town known for its crenellated houses—every home looks like a small fortress—and for Bahla Fort, a large unbaked-brick structure recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Oman’s most important historic monuments.
Bahla Fort © Zwawol | Dreamstime.com
At the mountains’ base lies Al Hamra, an old settlement that preserved its traditional mud-built houses, some still occupied. Bait Al Safa, part of a former Sufi complex, is now a museum where visitors can enjoy tea and view authentic furnishings. Nearby, the eco-luxury resort The View offers modern guestrooms and terraces with expansive views back toward the village.
Higher up, the cliffside village of Misfah (Misfat Al Abryeen) feels like a step back in time. Cars must be left at the village edge, and visitors explore narrow stone alleys on foot. The old family homes converted into guesthouses offer minimal, comfortable rooms with carved storage niches, crisp linens and terraces overlooking mountains and flowing irrigation channels. Meals are served on site, and guides can arrange hikes into nearby gorges. Spring visits are especially attractive when damask roses bloom and are harvested for prized rosewater.
Back in Muscat you’ll find many more options to explore if time allows: desert camping, beaches in Salalah, wadi hikes, dhow cruises among Musandam’s dramatic fjords and visits to frankincense-producing regions and other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Practical travel notes: Oman’s climate is generally hot throughout the year; the months from April to October are commonly recommended for travel. Arabic is the official language, but many Omanis speak English. The working weekend typically falls on Friday and Saturday, so some businesses close then. Place-name spellings can vary, and alcoholic beverages are usually available only at international hotels and may be expensive.
Oman Info to Go
Muscat International Airport (also known as Seeb International Airport) is the country’s main gateway and the base for Oman Air. Located near Seeb, it sits roughly 15–20 miles from downtown Muscat. Visas can often be obtained on arrival for a modest fee, payable in local currency or by card. Taxis from the airport to various parts of Muscat typically cost in the range of $20–40; fares and other visitor information are available at the airport. Public bus stops are accessible from the main highway near the terminal.
Where to Stay in Oman
AL BUSTAN PALACE, A RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL A landmark luxury resort known for refined service and impressive grounds. Al Bustan Street, Muscat. $$$$
MISFAH GUEST HOUSE A family-run guesthouse in Misfat Al Abryeen offering minimalist rooms, home-cooked meals and an unplugged atmosphere. Misfat Al Abryeen, Al Hamra. $$
THE VIEW An eco-friendly retreat featuring modern pod-style rooms and panoramic terraces overlooking desert and mountains. Hail Al Shas, Al Hamra. $$$
Restaurants in Oman
AL ANGHAM Traditional Omani cuisine served in an elegant setting near the Royal Opera House; presentation is refined and the atmosphere formal. Royal Opera House Muscat, Shatti Al Qurum. $$$
MUSCAT LIGHT RESTAURANT AND COFFEESHOP A casual, locally popular spot in Old Muscat where you can enjoy dishes such as prawn biryani and refreshing milkshakes. Al Saidiya Street, Old Muscat. $$
SEEB WAVES RESTAURANT A beachside restaurant near the airport serving local fish with spiced rice and classic desserts. Corniche, Seeb. $$