Top attractions in Oman

From dramatic scenery to monumental forts, here are our top recommendations of things to see in Oman.

1. Salalah

A world away from the rest of Oman, Salalah is at its most memorable during the annual khareef (monsoon), when the surrounding mountains turn a verdant green. 

2. Mutrah Souk, Muscat

The biggest and most absorbing souk in the region, stuffed full of tiny shops selling all manner of traditional produce from honey to frankincense. Read more about Mutrah Souk...

Selling fresh date fruits at the Mutrah Souk in Muscat, Oman. Photo: Shutterstock

3. Musandam Peninsula

The mountains of Arabia at their most dramatic, as the red-rock Hajar mountains go tumbling down into the sea, creating a spectacular sequence of sheer cliffs and steep-sided khawrs. Read more about the Musandam Peninsula...

4. Wahibah Desert

A magnificent stretch of untamed desert, with huge wind-blown dunes dotted with occasional hardy shrubs and trees or even hardier Bedu. Read more about the Wahibah Desert...

5. Nizwa and the Western Hajar

Oman’s most historic city, with a magnificent fort and atmospheric souks tucked away in the lee of the craggy Western Hajar mountains. Read more about Nizwa...

6. Jabrin Fort

The finest of Oman’s 500-odd forts, with beautifully restored interiors offering a tantalising glimpse into the life of the country’s former rulers. Read more about Jabrin Fort...

Jabrin Castle located in Jabrin. Photo: APA 

7. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

A beautifully designed and decorated contemporary mosque with a capacity for 20,000 worshippers. Read more about Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque...

8. Sumhuram

The site of an ancient port in a beautiful setting on the banks of Khawr Rawri creek. Read more about Sumhuram...

Turtle swimming in blue water the coral reef encrusted Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve off the coast of Oman. Photo: Shutterstock

9. Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve

The nesting site of endangered green turtles. Read more about Ras al Jinz...