Last Updated: January 3, 2024
We spent 10 wonderful days in Oman and so, trust me when I say that this beautiful country has no shortage of unique things to do! You will need ideally 10 days to see Oman and the best way to do that is by renting a car and venturing on a road trip.
Oman is one of the safest countries in the world which makes it a great destination for couples, solo travelers, and families alike. Below you will find the best places to see in Oman and unique things to do.
12 UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN OMAN
Daymaniyat Island Day Trip
The Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is great for a day trip from Muscat. There are nine islands in total, located about 40 minutes from the capital and the best way to reach them is by an organized tour. This paradisal location offers some of the clearest waters you’ve ever seen and powder white sandy beaches. Ad Dimaniyat Islands are famous not solely for the turquoise waters but mainly because of the unbelievably beautiful sea life. Coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, and if you’re lucky enough, you might even witness a whale shark or dolphins. Visiting The Daymaniyat Islands is undeniably one of the best things to do in Oman!
Muttrah Souq
Muttrah Souq is one of the oldest souks in Oman and it is absolutely worth your visit. You can spend a few hours here just wandering through its tiny alleyways. This is the perfect place to get your first introduction to the country. The moment you enter, you will find all your senses heightened by the fragrances; the colorful little shops, the locals trying to get your attention, and occasionally the prayers sounding from the mosque nearby.
A little tip, if you haven’t brought with you appropriate attire for your visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, in Muttrah Souq you can find plenty of stores to buy a dress or an abaya. Be sure to bargain, hard!
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Oman. The amazing architecture of this beautiful building will have you snapping picture after picture; you won’t be able to resist. I loved how grand the structure was, how impeccably clean and the respect the Omani people had for this sacred place. Be sure to visit between 8 – 9 am for a chance of seeing it before the tour buses arrive. The dress code is very strict here. Males should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless t-shirts with funny logos on them. Females should wear a long dress covering their ankles and their wrists and they should also cover their hair with a scarf.
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Bimmah Sinkhole
Bimmah Sinkhole is a popular place for tourists and locals alike. The sinkhole was created when part of the cave collapsed, creating what we see today; a great pool perfect for swimming. The area surrounding Bimmah Sinkhole has been developed and comprised of a small park with picnic tables and a playground for the little ones. There is no entrance fee to enter and you will find plenty of free parking space at the entrance. Bimmah Sinkhole is a fantastic spot to add to your Oman road trip. You can either make a quick stop to rest and have a refreshing swim or simply spend an entire day relaxing and enjoy the perfect Omani weather.
Wadi Al Shab
There is not even one guide that doesn’t recommend a visit to Wadi Al Shab; this is how amazing this place is! Wadi Shab is located 2 hours from Muscat. To reach the pools, you need to park your car at the parking lot and from there take a short 3-minute boat ride to cross the river. The boat costs only 1 OMR and it takes a 45-minute hike to reach the 3rd pool. It is a relatively easy hike, as long as you’re wearing the right shoes. The 3rd pool is perfect for swimming as it offers crystal clear waters and the temperature is just perfect. Don’t forget to bring with you plenty of water and some food so you can make a nice picnic.
Sur
A stop at Sur is a must during your Oman road trip. The city is of historical importance, famous for its shipyards which still to this day build wooden Dhows. If you have some time, I’d highly recommend that you pay a visit to the Dhow Factory. The museum will give you an opportunity to look into how wooden boats were made in earlier times.
One of the must-do things is also a visit to the lighthouse, where you can take beautiful pictures and enjoy the view of the Gulf of Oman.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
What I loved most about Oman is the country’s extraordinary and diverse landscape. One day you are in the desert and then next you’re by the beach observing how the turtles nest. At Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve you can enjoy this unique experience and visit the site where green turtles choose to nest.
You will need to book a tour that starts at sunrise and sunset to see the turtles. The exact times of the tours vary depending on the time of the year.
Wadi Bani Khalid
Nothing beats spending a fun day at a lush wadi when visiting Oman, so why limit yourself to just one? You can add Wadi Bani Khalid to your route towards the Wahiba Sands if you’re short for time but be sure to dedicate at least an hour to this idyllic location. The place is easy to reach and the pool is very large, making it a great spot for swimming.
Wahiba Sands
It is a no-brainer that if you visit Oman, one of the most unique things to do is spend a night in the desert. The Wahiba Sands is the perfect place to do that. There are plenty of hotels to choose from and which are located remotely in the desert. Don’t be scared, however, as they are completely safe and most of them offer everything you need so you don’t compromise in comfort. You will need a 4×4 car to reach the desert but if you don’t have one, then simply ask your hotel to arrange for their driver to pick you up from an agreed location.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to ride a camel during your visit to the desert. You can ask your hotel to organize a tour with an experienced guide. This is once in a lifetime experience and one of the best things to do in Oman!
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Nizwa Fort
Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman. Surrounded by mountains, this beautiful city is home to one of the most popular fortresses in Oman, the Nizwa Fort. Located strategically in the center of the town, Nizwa Fort consists of the Fort and the Castle. The structure overlooks a lush oasis of palms and the rest of the town. A part of the castle and its maze of cells and rooms have been transformed into an Exhibits Hall and as you walk through the doors, you will come across its beautiful courtyards.
Al-Jabal Al-Akhḍar Mountains
The wild beauty of the Al-Jabal Al-Akhḍar Mountains stole my heart. Al-Jabal Al-Akhḍar is otherwise known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East due to its dramatic scenery. Located at a height of 2,000 m above sea level, the area is well known for producing rosewater, walnuts, and pomegranates. A guided tour will offer a great insight into the history of the authentic Omani villages which are dotted across the mountain. Your hotel can organize one for you.
I loved every minute of our days spent here and I truly believe that this is one of the top things to do in Oman.
Al Hamra
If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Oman, then don’t hesitate to spend a night at Al Hamra village. This 400-year-old rural village is located 2 hours from Muscat and only 40 minutes from Nizwa. What makes a visit to Al Hamra one of the most unique things to do in Oman, is its well-preserved Yemeni-style mud-brick houses. The village is divided into the new and the old quarter by vast plantations of dates. As you explore the old quarter on foot, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. Don’t forget to bring along your camera so you can capture the beauty of Al Hamra.
CONCLUSION
Oman is a large country and in this article – as you probably might have noticed – I have covered only part of it. I have no doubt that we will return sooner or later to Oman so we can explore more of this gorgeous country and experience even more unique things to do.
