cheapest places to visit from oman

The Best Oman Itinerary: A 7-10 Day Road Trip

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Our Oman itinerary took us on a 10-day road trip around the north of the country.

We visited stunning mosques and sandcastle-like forts, hiked up sand dunes and along the rim of the Grand Canyon, swam in the crystal green waters of wadis, and took long walks on empty beaches.

Oman is one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East, it’s easy to self-drive, and you’ll have many places to yourself as tourism is only just beginning to grow here. It’s also the perfect place for some winter sun.

If you have less time, you could easily do this Oman road trip in a week.

Oman Road Trip Tips and Resources

Our oman itinerary, our oman road trip map, days 1–2 muscat (2 nights), day 3 muscat – nizwa (2 nights), day 5 nizwa – jebel shams (2 nights), day 7 jebel shams – wahiba sands (1 night), day 8 wahiba sands – ras al hadd (1 night), day 9 ras al hadd – sur (1 night), day 10 sur – muscat (1 night), what to pack for oman, more oman travel tips.

All international visitors require a visa for entry to Oman.

Whilst you used to be able to obtain one upon arrival, visitors are now advised to apply for an Oman eVisa online before you arrive in the country.

Once your visa is approved (usually within a day or so), you must enter the country within 30 days.

Do you need a 4WD in Oman?

Most people recommend a 4WD for an Oman road trip, but they are at least double the price of a regular 2WD car and whether you need one depends on your itinerary.

We decided to rent a small 2WD SUV as it has higher clearance than a regular sedan.

For this route we didn’t need a 4WD except for going up Jebel Akhdar mountain where we hired a driver at the base to take us up.

The road up Jebel Shams was steep and unpaved in parts but we managed in a 2WD.

Most roads in Oman are paved, quiet, and in good condition.

If you can afford it, a 4WD will give you peace of mind and will allow you to explore some of Oman’s exciting off-road tracks, but you can manage without one.

Oman car hire

We rented a Nissan Kicks small SUV through Booking.com for £261 for our 10 days in Oman from the Thrifty office at Muscat airport.

We had a limit of 200km a day which is common in Oman and was plenty for us. Technically you need an international driving permit in Oman but we were never asked for one.

We have a separate annual car hire insurance policy which covered the excess. This is much cheaper than purchasing full insurance with the rental company. 

In Oman you drive on the right. The speed limit is usually 120km/h or 60km/h in urban areas.

Fuel stations are attended—you can leave a small tip but it didn’t seem to be expected. Most stations have a shop and some have toilets and a restaurant. Petrol is cheap—less than 40p a litre.

Accommodation

We booked most of our accommodation on Booking.com , which often worked out cheaper than booking direct.

Everywhere we stayed was well equipped (ensuite, air conditioning, WiFi, free parking) and functional rather than stylish. Hotels add 17% tax.

If you are on a tight budget, the cheapest option is to buy a tent and wild camp for free almost anywhere in the country.

We bought an Omantel SIM card from the desk at the airport.

The “Tourist-5” costs 5 OMR ($13) including 6 GB data (valid for 10 days), 1 GB free and a free Otaxi trip. Other packages are available and the staff speaks English.

The data package was very useful as we used Google Maps for directions. The mobile signal was often faster than the hotel WiFi.

Alternatively, Airalo esim is a great option as you can buy an eSIM through their app for instant connectivity upon arrival.

Oman Travel Costs and Money

The current exchange rate is 1 OMR (Omani rial) = £2.10, €2.40 and $2.60. The rial is divided into 1000 baisa.

There are a few ATMs at the airport and there was no charge to use them with a foreign card. It’s best to stock up on cash as some hotels and petrol stations are cash only.

We spent £134 ($165/€154) a day for two people with the most expensive items being accommodation (£68 a day) and transport (£38 a day).

We found food inexpensive in local restaurants (rather than hotels) and it cost us less than £14 a day (not including the meals that were included in two of our hotels).

We didn’t spend a lot on entertainment as there aren’t many expensive attractions and our favourite activities—hikes and wadis—were free.

Our costs don’t include flights to Oman. We flew Bangkok-Muscat-London with Oman Air. It wasn’t the cheapest option but we preferred to fly direct. You can search Kiwi for the best flight deals.

When to Visit Oman

Winter is the best time to visit Oman as the summers are extremely hot.

Our trip was in early December and the weather was perfect—around 25ºC and sunny during the day with pleasantly cooler nights.

The nights at Jebel Shams mountain and Wahiba Sands desert were very cold and we needed warm clothing.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential in case anything goes wrong on your trip.

We used True Traveller as always—they are the best deal we’ve found for UK residents. Heymondo is another company we’ve used in the past.

We heard mixed reports about whether the water in Oman was drinkable. As I have a sensitive stomach we decided not to risk it and drank bottled water instead.

Back to Contents

• Muscat – 2 nights (stay at Mutrah Hotel )
• Nizwa – 2 nights (stay at Al Karam Hotel Apartment )
• Jebel Shams – 2 nights (stay at Jebel Shams Resort )
• Wahiba Sands – 1 night (stay at Desert Retreat Camp )
• Ras Al Hadd – 1 night (stay at Ras Al Hadd Guesthouse )
• Sur – 1 night (stay at Sur Hotel )
• Muscat – 1 night (stay at Beach Bay Hotel )

Our Oman road trip was for 10 nights and we drove 1378km around the north of the country.

Distances aren’t long on this route and we had quite a lot of down time, so you could easily do this itinerary in seven days.

For one week in Oman, reduce the first stay in Muscat to one night, the Nizwa/Jebel Shams area to three nights, and skip the night in Sur (you can visit on the way from Ras Al Hadd to Muscat).

When you are planning your Oman travel itinerary, remember that as Oman is a Muslim country the weekend is on a Friday and Saturday and many places close on Fridays.

Note: The distances of each leg of our journey are taken from Google Maps (which we used for navigation) and the times are the actual time it took us. I’ve noted if we stopped for a break.

Our flight arrived at Muscat International Airport at 7 pm and we picked up our rental car and drove 30 minutes to the Mutrah area.

The next day we got an early start (arriving at 8.30 am) for Muscat’s best attraction—the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque .

This stunning, huge, modern mosque is open to visitors from 8.30am to 11 am every day except Friday and is free.

There is a strict dress code—women must cover up completely with long sleeves, long trousers or floor-length skirt, and a headscarf (I used my sarong). Abayas are available to rent if you don’t have anything suitable to wear.

Men should wear long trousers and cover their shoulders.

Don’t miss the mosque—it is absolutely gorgeous, both the serene grounds and the extravagantly decorated main prayer hall. I recommend arriving early to enjoy it before the tour groups arrive.

In the afternoon we rested back at our hotel before heading out at 3 pm for the 30-minute walk to Mutrah Corniche .

This was my favourite part of Muscat (and one of the few walkable areas) with a lovely promenade with white buildings backed by rugged mountains overlooking the sea. It’s especially pleasant at sunset.

The nearby Mutrah Souq reopens after the afternoon break at 5 pm. The crowded alleyways are touristy but a good place for souvenir shopping.

Where to Stay in Muscat

We stayed at Mutrah Hotel between the Little India area of Ruwi and the Mutrah Corniche.

The decor was dated but our room was huge with a seating area, ensuite, fridge, air con, OK WiFi, and room service.

We had a view of the mountains behind the hotel and there is a SPAR supermarket across the road as well as a few cheap Indian restaurants nearby.

It was one of the cheapest hotels we found in Muscat and we were happy with our choice.

Where to Eat in Muscat

We had lunch at Welcome Restaurant , a small, simple, vegetarian Indian restaurant near our hotel.

At lunch they only had thalis but it was very good with an array of curries, puffy puri bread, and a sweet for only 2.5 OMR (£5) for both of us including water.

We had dinner near the Mutrah Souq at Bait Al Luban , an upmarket restaurant serving traditional Omani cuisine.

It’s named after frankincense (which is grown in Oman) and the pungent scent smokes through the restaurant. They even add it to the water.

We sat on cushions and ordered from the decent vegetarian section—our Omani vegetable curry and fava beans in tomato sauce with date flatbread were good. Afterwards they brought us a big bowl of delicious Omani dates.

Bait Al Luban is more expensive than most restaurants in Oman, but it’s not unreasonable and it’s worth it for a special meal as there aren’t many destination restaurants in Oman.

Distance: 176km Time: 2 hours

The drive to Nizwa was easy on good quality highways through the desert surrounded by barren mountains, passing the occasional oasis town.

We continued past Nizwa to the 17th-century Jabrin Fort (also known as Jabreen or Jibreen Castle), one of the best forts to visit in Oman.

Entrance was only 500 baisa (£1) and it wasn’t very busy. There’s a labyrinth of rooms to explore and you can enjoy views of the date palms and mountains from the battlements.

You could also visit nearby Bahla Fort , but we were exhausted so headed back to Nizwa to check in to our hotel.

Nizwa isn’t a particularly attractive town. It’s very spread out and the outskirts (where the hotels are) are full of strip malls and fast food chains.

The fort and souq area are worth a visit though and we went in the late afternoon.

The Nizwa Fort is open from 8 am to 8 pm (except on Fridays when it’s 8–11.30am and 1.30–8pm) and the souq opens in the mornings and from 5 pm to 8 pm.

We have mixed feelings about Nizwa Fort. It is beautiful, especially the massive circular tower which you can climb for views of the city and mountains beyond, but it now costs 10 times what it used to—5 OMR (£10/ $13).

For that price you would expect it to be better maintained, but the lights in the exhibition area flashed annoyingly.

It probably didn’t help that we’re not super into forts, so if you aren’t on a tight budget or are a history buff then you should visit.

On our second morning in Nizwa we visited Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) . The base of the mountain is in Birkat al Mawz , a 15-minute drive from our hotel.

When you reach the town follow signs to turn left to Al Jabal Al Akhdar . You drive up the mountain until you arrive at a car park and police checkpoint—it’s 4WD only beyond this point.

As we were in a 2WD we parked and a young guy called Mohammed immediately approached us in his shiny 4WD and offered to drive us up for a tour for 35 OMR (£73/ $91).

On the way up we stopped at various viewpoints for spectacular views of the rugged mountains and villages that cling to its sides.

At the Saiq Plateau you realise why it got its name as the green refers to the terraces of fruit trees and roses that are grown in the villages. Spring is a better time to visit to see everything in bloom.

We spent about two and a half hours enjoying the views and taking short walks in the cool air (take layers!).

An interesting addition would be the two-hour hike between the villages of Al Aqr and Al Ayn .

We were back at our hotel by lunchtime, so you could skip the extra night in Nizwa and continue to Jebel Shams .

Where to Stay in Nizwa

Most of the hotels in Nizwa are quite far from the centre. Al Karam Hotel Apartment was one of the cheapest places we found but was surprisingly good, despite its random location off a highway surrounded by desert.

Our one-bedroom apartment was spacious, clean and comfortable, if rather characterless.

We liked having a separate living room with couch and used the small kitchen to self-cater. WiFi was pretty good. A breakfast buffet is included in the price.

Where to Eat in Nizwa

There didn’t seem to be anywhere particularly good to eat in Nizwa, so we self-catered at the amazing, huge Lulu Hypermarket .

It really has everything you could possibly need including an excellent prepared food section where we stocked up on samosas, dahl, curries, rice, salads, hummus, and bread.

They even had all of our favourite British chocolates and it’s a good place to buy inexpensive dates.

The Nizwa Fort Coffee Shop between the fort and the souq looked like a pretty good option for coffee, juice, and snacks.

Distance: 108km Time: 2 hours 20 minutes via Misfat

You could visit Jebel Shams as a day trip from Nizwa but we decided to spend a few nights up there to enjoy the views and tranquility.

On the way we stopped at Misfat al Abryeen , one of Oman’s oldest and most picturesque villages.

From the modern side of the village there are fantastic views of the old village clinging to the mountainside and surrounded by lush date palms—walking through the oasis is a highlight.

Misfat is an interesting place but we felt a little intrusive exploring the village itself. It’s a tiny, traditional place of crumbling mud houses and has become popular with visitors.

There are signs everywhere reminding guests to cover their shoulders and knees and warning people away from walking down private alleyways.

It might be more rewarding to stay overnight at Misfah Old House guesthouse , although it’s expensive for what you get. 

We continued to the top of Jebel Shams. A 4WD is recommended but we heard it was possible to make it up in a 2WD.

And we did, but I do not recommend it for nervous drivers or if you have no off-roading experience.

There’s a 7km section of steep, rocky dirt track, some parts sandy and rutted, and if we had got stuck we would have been in trouble.

At the top, just before Jebel Shams Resort , there’s a viewpoint where you can see down into the dizzying depths of what’s known as Oman’s Grand Canyon and admire the long hair goats posing on the ledge.

We spent the afternoon relaxing at our hotel and got an early start the next day for the highlight of Jebel Shams— the Balcony Walk .

The hike (a section of the W6) starts 10 minutes further down the road (another off road section) from the tiny hamlet of Khateem .

Just follow the red/yellow/white splotches of paint on the rocks to follow the trail along the edge of the canyon.

It’s an out and back hike and the views are amazing straight away so you could just walk a little way.

It’s worth continuing to the abandoned village of As Sab where tiny stone and mud houses perch precariously on the edge of the canyon under a ledge of rock. It’s unbelievable that people lived in such a harsh (if beautiful) environment.

The entire hike (3.5km each way) took us 2.5 hours including a break at As Sab.

We were the first people to arrive at 8.20 am and had most of the hike to ourselves and avoided the worst of the heat. We spent the rest of the day relaxing at our hotel.

Where to Stay and Eat in Jebel Shams

Unless you want to wild camp, there are only two places to stay at the top of Jebel Shams. We stayed at the nicest of the two— Jebel Shams Resort .

It’s not much of a resort and it’s quite expensive, but we enjoyed our tranquil stay.

Our Sunset Chalet had twin beds (unfortunately they all do), a couch, table and chairs on the terrace, a fridge, and a small heater (needed on the cold nights).

There is supposed to be WiFi at reception, but it didn’t work for us and we didn’t have mobile signal either.

Breakfast and dinner are included in the price—the food was decent and had vegetarian options.

I recommend bringing bottled water, snacks and lunch as the small snack bar is only open 12–3pm and has a limited menu. There are no other restaurants or shops on the mountain.

The nearby Sama Heights Resort is cheaper if you stay in one of their furnished tents. 

Distance: 253km Time: 4 hours 45 minutes including detour to Ibra and lunch break

Wahiba Sands is what you picture when you think of the desert—rolling sand dunes, camels, and Bedouin tents.

To explore the area it’s best to stay the night in one of the desert camps.

We wanted somewhere simple (we didn’t need A/C and a pool), quiet (some are close to noisy 4WD trails), away from towns with minimal light pollution, and near a large sand dune that we could climb.

Many camps offer camel rides and 4WD dune-bashing drives, but we were content to explore on foot.

The Desert Retreat Camp met all of our requirements and had the benefit of feeling remote but being only a 20-minute drive into the desert.

Most camps require a 4WD to reach them or you can pay a high price for a transfer from the town of Al Wasil.

We were told this camp was accessible in our small SUV. And it was, but it was nerve-wracking driving through the sand.

The meeting point is at 3 pm at the Desert Retreat Camp office at the Al Maha petrol station in Al Wasil (there’s a shop and restaurant there too).

We paid in cash (make sure you stock up in advance) then followed the guide’s dust cloud as he sped through the sand.

The Desert Retreat Camp is the last camp in this part of the desert and there’s nothing else around except for a few buildings where locals store feed for the goats that wander nearby.

As there was only one other guest that night, and there’s no WiFi or 3G, it was wonderfully peaceful.

We were greeted with Omani coffee in tiny cups and the best dates we’d eaten so far.

The Bedouin goat hair tents are laid out in a double ring at the foot of a dune, all with their own private but separate bathroom.

Many camps don’t have electricity but we had a light and a dodgy looking power point.

Our tent was furnished simply with two twin beds pushed together, a table and a coat rack. It was all we needed as we were here to enjoy the setting.

It’s only a 15-minute walk up to the top of the dune, but it’s a tough climb as you sink into the sand constantly. It’s worth it for the views of rolling dunes, especially in the glowing light at sunset and sunrise.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the price and were good—vegetable curries, homemade flatbread, rice, salad, and hummus followed by delicious Omani halva.

We spent the night drinking tea around the campfire then gazing at the explosion of stars.

Distance: 213km Time: 4 hours via Wadi Bani Khalid

From Wahiba Sands we headed towards the coast with a stop at one of Oman’s most popular wadis, Wadi Bani Khalid .

It’s a stunning drive over the mountains off Highway 23 through small villages—just keep following signs to the cave/water pools.

From the car park it’s a five-minute walk to the clear green pools surrounded by date palms and rocky mountains.

It has been developed with a few bridges, seating areas, and a restaurant, but it doesn’t detract from its beauty.

We spent a blissful few hours swimming in the cool water, getting foot massages from the nibbling fish, and sunbathing on the rocks. It was one of our favourite places in Oman.

We had the buffet lunch (4 OMR) at the restaurant but you are better off bringing a picnic if you can.

Read our tips for visiting Wadi Bani Khalid . 

The desert stretches all the way to the sea at Ras Al Hadd . It’s a bleak little town, but it does have a stretch of wild, empty beach with golden sand and turquoise waves.

It’s better for walking than for sunbathing or swimming, though. We chose to stay here to be close to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve that’s a 15 minute drive away—it’s much cheaper than staying at the reserve .

Where to Stay in Ras Al Hadd

Ras Al Hadd Guesthouse is the cheapest place we found in the area at just 18 OMR (£37/ $47). It’s difficult to find as although it’s marked correctly on Google Maps it’s unclear how to get there.

Follow the guesthouse sign off the main road and drive off-road over a wide section of dirt then onto an area of broken up tarmac that feels like an airport runway.

Make sure you look up photos of the hotel in advance so you can head towards the large green and white building.

Despite the odd location, the guesthouse was fine. As usual, the rooms were characterless but functional with a fridge, TV, A/C, balcony with sea view, and unreliable but decent when working WiFi.

The staff was friendly. Note it’s cash only and there’s no ATM nearby.

Where to Eat in Ras Al Hadd

There’s a strip of simple coffee shops (Omani style restaurants) on the main road. We chose the first coffee shop on the left past the Ras Al Hadd Motel coming from our hotel.

As often happened in Oman they didn’t stick to the menu but gave us a choice of veg or non-veg, rice or paratha bread.

We ended up with a surprisingly decent Indian thali with dahl and a few vegetable curries. It only cost 2 OMR (£4/ $5) for both of us including soft drinks.

Distance: 42km Time: 40 minutes

We woke up early for the 5 am tour (you can also do one at 9 pm) at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve , which we had booked a few weeks in advance by email (reservations are recommended).

They send a guide out onto the beach first to locate the turtles, but sadly they couldn’t find any so we returned to our hotel disappointed.

At least we weren’t charged the 7 OMR (£15/ $18) fee. Winter isn’t the best time to see the turtles (high season is July to October), but you do have a chance of seeing a few year round.

After a nap and wander on the beach, we headed to the nearby town of Sur stopping at the fishing village of Al Ayjah for lunch and a stroll. You can also visit the dhow boat-building yard nearby.

There wasn’t much to do in the afternoon, but at sunset we went for a stroll on the beach where hundreds of local men were playing huge football games. We didn’t see a single local woman walking anywhere in Sur.

In retrospect, we could have skipped the night in Sur and continued to Muscat.

Where to Stay in Sur

Sur Hotel was the most basic place we stayed in Oman. Our small room had rather depressing decor, but it had all the usual facilities and was very cheap at 11.7 OMR (£24/ $30). It was fine for one night.

Where to Eat in Sur

Sahari has good Arabic mezze with a view of the lagoon between Al Ayjah and Sur. Service was slow and it’s more expensive than most places (you’re paying for the setting).

Our Indian dinner at Sea Sur restaurant next to our hotel was decent.

Distance: 382km Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

On our way from Sur to Muscat we stopped at Wadi Shab , one of Oman’s best attractions.

It involves a 5.6km hike in a stunning canyon then a swim through a series of pools to reach a small cave which contains a waterfall.

We arrived at 8.20am and were the first people there, but this resulted in us getting terribly lost as we didn’t realise we’d reached the pools and kept going past them.

Make sure you don’t make the same mistake we did. If you arrive a bit later you’ll see people swimming there and it’ll be obvious.

If you are the first people, just make sure you stick to the low path—don’t climb up on the higher path as it means you’ve gone too far.

You have to swim/walk/swim for 10 minutes down the pools until you get to a tiny gap between two massive boulders.

You swim through that (with just enough space for your head out of the water) to get to the cave which has a small waterfall. You can’t see the cave from the outside.

Despite our issues, I do recommend an early start, as it gets very busy by late morning. It’s a beautiful place and well worth a visit.

If you have the time, you could also stop at nearby Wadi Tiwi and the Bimmah Sinkhole .

In Muscat we stayed in a different area, the diplomatic enclave of Qurum next to the city’s best public beach.

It felt like a different world from Mutrah with fancy villas, foreigners wearing skimpy clothes, a scarcity of cheap shops and restaurants, and more Western chains like Costa Coffee and Pizza Express.

We could have paid 5 OMR (£10/ $13) to use the pool of the extravagant Grand Hyatt hotel next door, but late in the afternoon it wasn’t worth it, especially as we would have spent a fortune on food and drinks.

We went for a walk along the beach instead.

Beach Bay Hotel was one of the nicest hotels we stayed in Oman, although it’s comfortable rather than special, and a little dated.

It’s only a few minutes walk from the beach and the breakfast was my favourite in Oman with a large selection of mezze.

It’s significantly more expensive than Mutrah Hotel where we stayed previously, but it’s one of the best value in this area. It’s convenient for the Grand Mosque and airport.

We walked about 30 minutes along the beach to the Oasis by the Sea shopping centre where there are a number of restaurants.

Our Oman road trip ended in Muscat with a flight out the next morning.

Everyone should dress modestly in Oman. For men this means t-shirts and long trousers (although you can get away with knee-length shorts).

Women need to cover their shoulders and knees, and outside Muscat I usually covered my arms and legs.

My usual outfit was linen trousers or jeans plus a long sleeve shirt. Or I’d wear a t-shirt and take a cardigan to cover up with when I got out of the car.

You only need to cover your hair at the Grand Mosque—I used a sarong.

For swimming in wadis, I wore capri leggings and a baggy t-shirt of Simon’s.

For hiking the Balcony Walk, I also wore a t-shirt and capris plus a few long-sleeve layers for the cold morning start.

A few other things to pack for Oman:

• Universal travel plug adapter –   Oman uses the UK three pin plug.
• Torch (flashlight) – For desert camps.
• Bradt Oman Guidebook – A comprehensive guide. We used the Kindle edition.
• Arabian Sands book – There aren’t many books set in Oman but this is a good one. It’s set in the late 1940s when Englishman Wilfred Thesiger explores deep into the deserts of Oman and surrounding countries. He was one of the last people to document the Bedu way of life before oil was discovered and most Bedu gave up their nomad ways for the towns—a decision you’ll understand when you read how harsh life in the desert was.

As one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East we hope this post has given you plenty of ideas to put together your own Oman itinerary for your own adventures in the mountains and desert!

• What to Expect When Visiting Oman
• 11 Beautiful Places to Visit in Oman
• Visiting Wadi Bani Khalid: Oman’s Desert Oasis

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35 Comments

Thanks so much for your post. We originally planned to visit Oman on March 6, 2020 — but alas, all plans were quashed by Covid. We now planning our trip for March 2023. Hopefully we’ll be able to use our credits on OMAN Air …. We will follow your route and post our experience at partnersinadventure.com We’ll be sure to reference you! Again, your tips are much appreciated.

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Thank you very much for your detailed itinerary with many useful tips. I’ve alredy booked open jaw tickets Europe- Muscat and Salalah-Europe for FEB 2023 and I am pretty sure I will follow your itinerary fairly closely.

Enjoy Oman!

Thanks so much for this. Getting ready for my Oman trip starting at the end of December and have feverishly taken notes based on your post.

Have a brilliant time in Oman, Lisa!

>>We arrived at 8.20 am and were the first people there, but this resulted in us getting terribly lost. We’ll be writing about this soon so >>you don’t make the same mistake!

So what’s the mistake not to make at Wadi Shab?

Oh yes, I never got around to writing about this! Basically we didn’t realise we’d reached the pools (we expected to see a cave) and kept going past them and then back again and trying out different routes.

It turned out you have to swim/walk/swim for 10 mins down the pools until you get to a tiny gap between two massive boulders and swim through that (just enough space for your head out of the water) to get to the cave which has a small waterfall. You can’t see the cave from the outside.

If you arrive a bit later you’ll see people swimming there and it’ll be obvious. If you are the first people just make sure you stick to the low path – don’t climb up on the higher path as it means you’ve gone too far.

Here are some good directions (just note what the swimming pool looks like so you don’t miss it): https://www.zigzagonearth.com/wadi-shab-oman/

We plan a road trip to Oman, but will drive from Dubai. Very useful info presented, will use this as a guide through. We will mostly make the same route as you did only that we begin with Jebel Shams and end up in Muscat.

Sounds like a good plan. Enjoy!

A lovely blog to read and most useful. Am planning a trip to Oman, but in late spring spring/early summer….! Much enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing

Enjoy your trip to Oman, Adrian!

Thanks for another hugely useful post. Unlike other travel bloggers who seem only to want to brag about where they have been, your posts are always genuinely useful. We will be using this for a trip next Spring. Thank you¬

Aw, thanks very much Liz! Enjoy Oman!

We’ve just finished up a trip to Oman and your blog post was an amazing help to plan our itinerary! Thanks for sharing!!

I’m so glad to hear it helped, Kristen!

Thank you for this detailed information pack. It is very helpful.

I’m glad you found it helpful. Enjoy Oman!

Thank you for this! I’m going to use your exact itinerary.

Great! Let us know how it works out for you!

This is a great help. I’m wondering if you ever spent any significant time just hanging out at a beach there. I love the idea of exploring the desert etc, but my kids would also like some time to simply swim and sun.

We didn’t spend much time on the beach -just some long walks on the beach at Ras Al Hadd (which was lovely but didn’t really feel like a swimming/sunbathing beach) and at Qurum Beach in Muscat (which has a lot more foreigners and locals hanging out on). It would be easy to add a few beach days in Muscat at the beginning or end of your stay as many people do.

Just remember that women have to cover up on public beaches, so staying at a beach resort might be a better option if you’re travelling with a wife or older daughter (although Muscat seemed more liberal in that respect).

Thanks… this is a big help. We’ll let you know how it goes…

Thank you for this amazing summary! We are planning to go in November and we will use this as a base for planning.

Enjoy Oman, Nora! November is a great month to visit.

Great post! We are going to Oman in October 16 days. It’s perfect . I think that the post can help us a lot. Thanks

Excellent! Have a brilliant trip Marta!

I love your itinerary! I am planning to try and visit Oman this summer around June. How feasible is the road trip from Muscat to Salalah via road? Also how safe is it to wilderness camp, as I think this may be the best option for me since I will be doing this trip solo?

I’ve heard that the road trip to Salalah is definitely possible but it’s very long and boring, so most people fly to the region.

Wild camping is very safe (Oman is incredibly safe) so you should be fine. It’s definitely the cheapest way to travel the country.

Great post, guys! Very thorough post about Oman, one of my favourite countries. By the way, I love the blog’s new layout!

Used you Oman itinerary for a trip just 2 weeks ago. Your post was an excellent source of information, had a great time. That quiet fishing beach was the highlight of the trip. Thanks again

I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip John.

Great writeup! I definitely want to do this someday and will follow your tips!

As a follow up comment/question, I like how you guys drive on a lot of your trips (I was very inspired by the Namibia one), and was wondering if someday, when you’re looking for article ideas, if you could post which countries have been the easiest to drive in?

2017 was the definite year of the road trip for us! I will add doing a post about the best road trips to my list – thanks for the idea! Other than the US, South Africa was probably the easiest one we’ve done in terms of the road conditions although distances were pretty long and you have to be a little careful about safety (keeping doors locked, not driving at night).

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Wander-Lush

17 Spectacular Places to Visit in Oman in 2024

Are you entertaining the idea of visiting Oman ? Read on for 17 of the best places to visit, from wadis and mountains and mud villages and mosques.

In my experience, it only takes a quick flick through photos of Oman to tip the scales in this country’s favour. One look at Oman’s palm-fringed wadis, emerald sinkholes and stunning mosaics and minarets was more than enough to convince me to book a ticket to Muscat. This country is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and cities in the Middle East .

And let me tell you, Oman is a million times more beautiful in person – when you can feel those crystal waters, taste that cardamom coffee and smell that frankincense for yourself!

When planning your Oman itinerary , the first thing you should consider is the must-sees. The good news is that Oman is very easy to get around – if you have your own car, you can see most of what the north-east part of the country has to offer in as little as 10 days.

Read on for the best places to visit across the country, including tourist highlights and off-the-beaten-track gems.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

How to get around Oman

• Hire a car in Muscat: Use Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental .
• Find day excursions from the city: Browse private and small group day tours on Get Your Guide .
• Book a private driver: Organise a car and driver for the day and design your own flexible itinerary .

Best places to visit in Oman this year

Oman’s topography is a revelation, while the country’s natural beauty is only rivalled by its cultural riches. Oman is budget-friendly , family friendly, and overwhelmingly safe for tourists. No wonder this Middle Eastern nation captures the imagination of so many travellers.

Before you make a dash for this stunning country, consider the 17 best places to visit in Oman that are each worthy of a spot on your itinerary .

1. Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most beautiful places in Oman

If I had to choose just one place that epitomises Oman’s natural beauty, it would have to be Wadi Bani Khalid.

If you’re unfamiliar with this natural phenomenon, a wadi is a long, narrow ravine that channels water from the mountains to the lowlands. They are quite literally oases in the desert – a passage for life-giving water to permeate the otherwise barren landscape.

Of all of Oman’s wadis (there are a couple more to come on this list), Wadi Bani Khalid is perhaps the most picturesque. It’s composed of a series of emerald and turquoise pools, each one pressed deeper into the mountain crevice. Frothy waterfalls cascade down giant boulders, creating natural water slides, and dark caves open up within the rock formations, some only accessible by swimming through partially sealed passageways. The wadi forms a green corridor, with date palms rising up from the sandy earth to shade the waters.

Wadi Bani Khalid runs north-south, starting as a thin ribbon before widening into a river and finishing around Al Kamil Wal Wafi. This is a very popular swimming and picnic spot among local families, especially on weekends and holidays. You can find some privacy in the furthest pools, which you can reach either by swimming or by hiking on sandy paths.

Get there: 2.5-hour drive from Muscat. Guided option: Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid private tour from Muscat .

2. Sharqiya Sands (Wahiba Sands), Oman’s Empty Quarter

Spending some time in Oman’s Empty Quarter is a must-do for anyone who wants to feel the pulse of the region’s traditional Bedouin culture . Oman holds the sands of four deserts within its borders – the most famous being the Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter, one of the largest deserts on Earth and one of our planet’s natural wonders.

The Sharqiya Sands (formerly known as the Wahiba Sands) dominates Oman’s inner-north. As one of the most popular tourist places in Oman, it’s the perfect place to spend a day sand dune bashing before watching the sun sink into the undulating, golden waves.

Overnighting at a desert camp is one of the best things to do in Oman. Whether you choose a luxury tent or a more rustic camp, falling asleep under the stars and waking up in the still of the desert is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Get there: 2-hour drive from Muscat. Where to stay: Desert Nights Camp . Guided option: Sunset tour with lunch from Muscat .

3. Muscat, Oman’s vibrant capital city

An obvious choice for any visitor, Muscat, the capital of Oman, is the main entry point to this desert nation. With the mighty Al Hajar mountain range on one side and the shimmering Gulf of Oman on the other, the landscape could easily have dwarfed the city. But Muscat is charming in its own way and can certainly be counted among the most beautiful places in the country.

Much of Muscat’s beauty is in the details, from the stunning mosaics and wood inlays in the prayer hall at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Oman’s largest and the only mosque that’s open to non-Muslims), to the spice and henna stores inside Muttrah Souq and the vibrant fish market in Muttrah. There’s beauty in the everyday rituals of strolling along the corniche or playing football on the beach at dusk. Mere mention of the name Muscat is enough to send your imagination running wild.

The capital’s world-class museums and galleries offer a perfect introduction to Omani history and culture, priming you for the rest of the country. The traditional Islamic architecture is incredible; even popular tourist attractions such as the Royal Opera House inspire awe with their scale and grandeur.

I recommend spending at least two full days in Muscat.

Get there: Fly into Muscat International Airport. Where to stay: Royal Tulip Muscat . Further reading: The best tours in Muscat for culture, history and food .

4. Musandam Fjords, the ‘Norway of Arabia’

Aptly nicknamed the ‘Norway of Arabia’, the Musandam Peninsula is a landscape that’s reminiscent of the Nordics, largely thanks to the umpteen magnificent fjords that ripple and fold across the Omani coast.

The Musandam Governorate is an enclave enveloped by the United Arab Emirates. To get there, you can drive from Muscat or Dubai, or fly into Khasab Airport. The best way to explore the landscape is on a dhow cruise, while you should also budget time to swim in the cerulean waters of Khasab Beach and Dibba Beach.

The peninsula is quite remote and rugged, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Top activities here include dhow rides, scuba diving, snorkelling and dolphin watching. Don’t miss visiting Khasab Fortress or Telegraph Island just off the coast. The perfect spot for history lovers, Telegraph Island was once a British outpost and still has relics of a war-time wireless system.

Get there: 1-hour flight from Muscat or 4-hour drive from Abu Dhabi. Where to stay: Shams Musandam Motel (Khasab).

5. Al Daymaniyat Islands, an underwater paradise near Muscat

Just off the coast from Oman’s capital city, the Al Daymaniyat Islands (Ad Dimaniyat Islands) can be visited by boat as part of a full day tour from Muscat. A Protected Reserve, there are nine islands in the archipelago surrounded by brilliant blue waters and beautiful corals. This is one of the best places in Oman for scuba diving and snorkelling.

The islands are a valuable nesting ground for sea turtles and migratory birds, making this a sought-after destination for wildlife lovers and birders as well. If you’re here to relax, take a boat out to one of the more remote islands to discover secluded and beautiful beaches.

Entrance to the Al Daymaniyat Islands costs 3 OMR/day for non-Omanis. Prior permission is required from the Ministry of MECA, and this can be organised through a tour agency. If a day trip from Muscat isn’t enough, visitors are permitted to camp on the large islands for up to 5 days for a fee of 10 OMR/night.

Get there: Full-day boat tour from Muscat .

6. Nizwa, Oman’s cultural heartland

Oman’s second-largest city, Nizwa, is also a must-visit. In the 6th and 7th centuries, Nizwa served as the nation’s capital and blossomed as a centre for the arts and an important nexus on Oman’s main trade route.

Separated from Muscat and the coast by the mountains, Nizwa is an ancient city surrounded by palm groves. Because of its inland location, it has a very different feel to the capital – but there are of course some similarities: Nizwa even has its own Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Nizwa’s main attraction is the 17th century Nizwa Fort, a massive sand-coloured complex of towers, stairwells, flat roofs, underground passageways and hidden chambers. In the belly of the fortress you’ll find a terrific museum, while the adjoining Nizwa Souq is a shopper’s paradise, famed for its silversmiths and Friday morning goat market.

You can see the best of the city, including Nizwa Fort, in a day. With more time, you can explore more of the ancient forts in the area, including nearby Jabrin Fort (Jibreen Castle) and Samail Fort, located on the road from Muscat. Nizwa is an ideal base for exploring the Al Hajar mountains.

Get there: 2-hour drive from Muscat. Where to stay: Nizwa Heritage Inn . Guided option: Historic Nizwa day trip from Muscat with audio guide . Further reading: My guide to Nizwa Souq and souvenir shopping in Oman.

7. Bimmah Sinkhole, an otherworldly swimming pool

The perfect place to quench your thirst and cool off on a hot day, Bimmah Sinkhole is one of the most popular day trips from Muscat, a darling of Oman tourism – and absolutely one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Its location is just off the coastal highway, 1.5 hours south of Muscat, making it a perfect pit stop as you drive down the coast.

Known locally as Hawiyyat Najm, the sinkhole is a natural depression with a lake at the bottom (300 feet at its deepest point). It was created when the limestone naturally eroded and collapsed in on itself – but an Omani legend says the sinkhole was formed by a meteorite.

The park surrounding the sinkhole is free to enter and opens daily at 8am. The water is safe for swimming; even if you arrive early enough to have the pool all to yourself, you’ll no doubt feel the presence of tiny fish who like to nibble your toes!

If you’re lucky, you’ll see local teenagers come to test their mettle by jumping feet-first from the lip of the Bimmah Sinkhole.

Get there: 1.5-hour drive from Muscat. Guided option: Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole day trip from Muscat .

8. Wadi Shab, the ultimate desert oasis

Located on Oman’s coast, the spectacular Wadi Shab (AKA Wadi Tiwi ) is more remote than Wadi Bani Khalid but worth the extra bit of time and effort to get to. If you’re driving, pop ‘Wadi Shab Parking’ into Google Maps – this is where you leave your car. From there, it’s a short boat ride costing 1 OMD per person to access the swimming area.

A short uphill hike along the canyon wall to reach the turquoise pools. You can go as deep into the canyon as you like, either by scrambling over the boulders or by jumping into the first pool and swimming up.

The canyon walls contract then widen, creating natural pools and underwater slippery slides on the rocks. If you’re feeling brave, squeeze through the tiny opening in the rocks to find the ‘hidden’ Wadi Shab Waterfall, a beautiful cascade.

Get there: 2.5-hour drive from Muscat. Guided option: Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole day trip from Muscat .

9. Misfat al Abryeen, a traditional mud village

Misfat al Abryeen (Misfah al Abriyyin) is a place where Oman’s natural beauty and cultural elegance blend together seamlessly.

Located on the south-western side of the Al Hajar mountains, this is a traditional Omani village with a very unique kind of architecture: All the houses here are constructed from mud and built atop massive stone boulders. This gives the tiny village a very interesting profile and creates lots of nooks and crannies to explore. No cars are allowed – there’s simply not enough room in the narrow laneways.

Driving everywhere in Oman does get tiring. This is a great place to pause for a few days, lock the car and explore on foot. The village is captivating, especially the irrigation system of elevated water channels and outdoor baths that feeds the thick groves of palms, heavy with golden dates. There are marked trails around the village, or else you can simply wander off and see where your nose takes you.

In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal before settling in for the night at Misfah Old House.

Get there: 2.5-hour drive from Muscat. Where to stay: Misfah Old House , an incredibly atmospheric guest house located inside an ancestral mud home. Further reading: My experience of visiting Misfat Al Abriyeen .

10. Jebel Shams & Al Nakhur, Oman’s Grand Canyon

The highest peak in Oman’s Al Hajar range, Jebel Shams mountain is a popular place for hiking, especially in the summer months when the temperature sits at an average 20 degrees Celsius.

The W6 Balcony Walk Hike is the most well-known route, leading intrepid visitors along sheer cliffs to the abandoned village of As Sab. The hike takes a couple of hours to complete and is accessible for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Though the views are perilous, the path is wide and safe. You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to access the trailhead.

Other more accessible paths lead to hidden lakes and mud villages around Wadi Ghul. There are various other viewpoints plus campgrounds and hotels around the village of Al Hayl.

The undisputed highlight of the Jebel Shams area is the spectacular Jebel Shams Canyon or Al Nakhur Canyon. Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Middle East’, the oval-shaped canyon is only 8km long, but reaches depths of up to a kilometre at some points.

Get there: 4-hour drive from Muscat (or 2-hour drive from Nizwa). Where to stay: Canyon Rest House (near Wadi Nakhr) or Misfah Old House (Al Hamra). Guided option: Al Hajar tour from Muscat with Nizwa and Jebel Shams .

11. Jebel Akhdar, the ‘Green Mountain’

Also part of the Al Hajar range, Jebel Akhdar or the ‘Green Mountain’ is located south-east of Jebel Shams. Known for its wet climate and fertile soil, it’s a complete contrast to the rocky profile of Al Nakhur: Terraced gardens and dense shrubs give Jebel Akhdar the appearance of a glimmering emerald in a desert sea.

The Saiq Plateau is one of the most fertile places in Oman. Once only accessible by donkey, it’s overgrown with peach, pomegranate, apricot and lemon trees. Hiking trails around Wadi Bani Habib lead to yet more ancient mud villages and picture-perfect vistas.

While in the area, be sure to drive through the Sumail Gap, a natural pass that denotes the split between the Eastern and Western Hajar Mountains.

Get there: 4-hour drive from Muscat (or 2-hour drive from Nizwa). Where to stay: Shorfet Al Alamin Hotel (Al Hamra). Guided option: Full-day Al Hajar tour from Muscat visiting Jebel Akhdar and small villages .

12. Bald Sayt, a picturesque mountain village

When it comes to beautiful Omani villages, Bald Sayt takes the cake. One of the most spectacular places in the Middle East , Bald Sayt is nestled deep in the Al Hajar mountains in the shadow of Jebel Shams. As with nearby Jebel Akhdar, it’s all verdant green mountains and beautiful terraces cultivated to support fruit trees, date palms and other crops.

Like other ancient villages in the area, Bald Sayt is extremely remote and was cut-off from the rest of Oman for most of its history, only accessible by donkey trail. Even today, it’s only reserved for the most adventurous tourist as it requires a 4×4 (and an experienced driver) or a long canyon hike to get there.

Follow marked paths around the farming village to get views of the vernacular architecture framed by palm plantations and lush greenery. There are no guesthouses or restaurants in town so if you’re visiting independently, make sure you come prepared with enough water and supplies.

Get there: 2.5-hour drive from Muscat (off-road vehicle required). Where to stay: Shorfet Al Alamin Hotel (Al Hamra).

13. Sur, the spiritual home of Sinbad the Sailor

Sur is a small port city 200km from Muscat that many tourists skip through on their way to Ras Al Jinz. The coastal architecture and laid-back vibe makes it one of my favourite places in Oman.

Sur city is a sea of lily white houses. When paired with the iridescent waters of the city’s natural harbour and the brick-coloured rock formations around the coast, it’s an absolute visual delight. There isn’t a whole lot to do in Sur, but it’s lovely just walking along the harbour and admiring the wooden dhows. There’s even a dhow factory where you can see artisans crafting these magnificent boats according to traditional methods (no nails, no glue!).

For a great view of the city and the dhows, climb up Al Ayjah Watch Tower. There is a smattering of lighthouses, castles and of course mosques around the city that you can also visit, including the impressive rose-tinted Bilad Sur Castle. It’s equally pleasurable just wandering the lanes around Makha and Ar Rashah and admiring the painted gates.

Get there: 2-hour drive from Muscat. Where to stay: Turtle Guest House .

14. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, one of the best places to visit in Oman for wildlife

Sitting at the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Ras Al Jinz is a small fishing village. The beaches here are world-famous as one of the most important nesting grounds for the endangered green turtle.

In 1996, the Sultan of Oman established the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Centre to safeguard the nesting grounds and promote ecotourism in the area. The only way to visit the beach is by joining one of the guided tours that depart every night from the Centre.

This is one of the few places on earth where turtles are known to lay 365 days a year. Your chances of seeing both adult females laying eggs and hatchlings making a break for the surf are almost guaranteed. Witnessing one is tremendous – but let me tell you, seeing both within the space of an hour is nothing short of incredible.

Get there: 45-minute drive from Sur. Where to stay: Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve .

15. Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

One of the best-protected military forts in Central Oman, this 13th century UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of the country’s five inscribed properties ) is a perfect example of authentic architecture. Visitors have access to the fully restored ramparts and passages which give you an insight into the history of the Banu Nebhan tribe who built this impressive defensive structure and the surrounding vernacular houses.

Bahla Fortress sits at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar highlands roughly halfway between Nizwa and Misfat Al Abriyeen. It’s well worth stopping off for a short walk around the fort and through the rows of mud houses on your way through.

Alternatively, make a day of it by driving the Rustaq Loop and visiting Rustaq Fort and Al Awabi Fort at the same time. You can start and end this historic circuit drive from Barka, just north along the coast from Muscat.

Get there: 40-minute drive from Nizwa.

16. Masirah Island, a dhow boat graveyard

Oman’s largest island, Masirah Island sits in the Arabian Sea off the country’s north-east coast. Daily ferries run from Shannah Port, around a four-hour drive from Sur.

An off-the-beaten-track destination in the truest sense of the term, Masirah is rugged and remote. The sandy beaches may be gorgeous, but watch out for the unforgiving current that toss boats about at their will.

Dozens and dozens of wrecked wooden dhows sit like beached whales up and down the shore – a testament to the ferociousness of these waters. Salt water and intense heat have preserved their structures, turning the wrecks into a playground for photographers and urbexers.

Get there: 1.5-hour ferry ride from Shannah Port. Where to stay: Masirah Beach Camp .

17. Salalah, Oman’s green paradise

Located at the opposite end of the country to Musandam, some 1,300 km south of the peninsular or 1,000 km from Muscat, Salalah has a totally distinct climate and topography to the north-eastern part of Oman.

Tropical banana plantations and a monsoonal climate have led many to compare Salalah with Kerala in South India . If Oman’s desert interior is stark, then Salalah is the land of plenty. It’s the epicentre of the country’s revered frankincense industry – something you can learn about at the Frankincense Land Museum in Salalah city.

Venture west along the coast to discover pristine beaches and rugged coastline. Mughsail Beach, with its ocean blowhole, is beyond stunning. To the east, the historic town of Taqah is home to more sandy beaches and the restored Taqah Castle, with a museum dedicated to Darfour region inside.

Green Wadi Darbat and pockets of baobab tree forest lie inland from Taqah and are the perfect setting for outdoor adventures. If the sea is calling, there is a collection of beach resorts along the coast, with the most popular being around Salalah city,

If you don’t want to brave the 10-hour desert drive from Muscat, you can fly into Salalah’s international airport instead.

Get there: 1.5-hour flight (or 10-hour drive) from Muscat. Where to stay: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara .

Plan your visit to Oman

Is Oman your next travel destination? If you were on the fence before, I hope this round-up of the most beautiful places in Oman has nudged you in the right direction!

If you are planning a trip, here are the resources I used to plan my own travels around Oman. These should come in handy for planning your route and preparing all the logistics.

– As of February 2019, Oman no longer issues visa on arrival. Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist e-visa for Oman and apply for an expedited visa online. – Pre-book a private transfer from Muscat Airport to your hotel . – Find the best hotel deals in Oman on Booking.com or Agoda . – Find the best city tours and day excursions in Oman . Check out my round-up of the best Muscat day tours for more inspiration. – Search and compare car rentals using Discover Cars to find the best value for money. – No car? Book a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Muscat or charter a car and driver instead. – Limited time? This 4-day tour of Oman covers all the highlights. – Pick up a copy of the 2019 Lonely Planet guidebook for Oman .

5 things to pack for Oman

• An anti-theft backpack. As a general rule, Oman is a very safe place and petty crime against tourists isn’t really an issue. Still, a good anti-theft day pack is worth having to keep your valuables safe in the city. If you’re having trouble deciding, here are a few of my favourite minimalist backpack designs .
• A scarf for visiting mosques (women). A lightweight cotton scarf is my number one travel item. In Oman, it will come in extra handy for covering your hair when entering a mosque or for draping over your shoulders when visiting a market or a rural area. This neutral travel scarf goes with anything, and it even has a hidden pocket.
• Walking shoes. Comfy walking shoes are absolutely essential for Oman. I love these ones for women, while my partner lives in these waterproof shoes .
• A reusable water bottle. Avoid single-use plastics whenever you can. I love my S’Well water bottle for warm climates because it doesn’t sweat. Silicone bags , a reusable straw and a portable cutlery set might also come in handy in Oman.
• An Oman guidebook. I recommend the 2019 Lonely Planet guidebook for Oman .

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20 Best Places To Visit In Oman

Posted on Last updated: January 21, 2021

Oman is one of those places that tends to be overlooked by many travellers, but they don’t know what they’re missing out on! Oman is one of the most beautiful and underrated holiday destinations .

With its turquoise seas, copper-coloured cliffs and golden-red sand dunes, Oman is a country with remarkable natural beauty. Unlike the flashier parts of the middle east, Oman is filled with history and tradition.

The people here are also known for their openness and hospitality, and that’s always something I love when I’m exploring a new destination. Don’t be shy to try the local foods or partake in the weekly biddings in the town markets.

If you’re like me and thrilled by exotic natural beauty, epic landscapes, exquisite sunsets and stepping into the unknown, give Oman a chance to show off it’s potential.

With all the beautiful places in Oman, you’re going to want to make sure you don’t miss a thing. In this Oman bucket list I’ve narrowed it down to 20 of the best places to visit in Oman.

• 1.1 Jebel Shams Canyon
• 1.2 Wadi Shab
• 1.3 Wadi Bani Khalid
• 1.4 Wahiba Sands Desert
• 1.5 Misfah Al Albryinn Town
• 1.6 Nizwa Fort
• 1.7 Sur harbour
• 1.8 Bimmah Sinkhole
• 1.9 Jebel Sifah beaches
• 1.10 Fjords cruise & dolphin spotting in Khasab
• 2.1 Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
• 2.2 Mutrah Fort
• 2.3 Mutrah Souq
• 2.4 Kargeen Restaurant
• 3.1 Al Rustaq Fort
• 3.2 Al Kasfah hot springs
• 3.3 Snake Gorge Canyon
• 3.4 Hatt Mountain Road
• 3.5 Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
• 3.6 Nizwa Souq

Views over the sea and Sur from the watch tower behind the Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel

10 beautiful places to visit in Oman

You won’t run out of things to do in Oman. Given that it’s one of the oldest countries in the Sultan region, there are plenty of old forts, mosques, and museums to spend your days browsing at, besides the stunning natural locations.

Here are some of the tourist places in Oman that are on the top of everyone’s list.

Jebel Shams Canyon

Jebel Shams is one of Oman’s highest mountains and one of the best hikes you can do in Oman. It’s not only popular for its height, but also famous for the incredible views it has to offer.

Climb up to the top and you’ll witness the spectacular vertical cliffs that make up the canyon and drop about 500 meters deep.

| READ MORE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE JEBEL SHAMS BALCONY WALK GUIDE |

Admiring the views along the Jebel Shams balcony walk

Hiking along the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk

Hiking the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk was one of my favourite things to do in Oman, and one of my favourite hikes ever. Even though it’s one of the largest mountains, it can be hiked by just about anyone.

That’s because you drive to the top, and the Balcony Walk is then along the edge of the canyon with a fairly small elevation gain.

The walk is pretty flat all along the canyon edge, with steep rock cliffs on one side and the drop into the canyon on the other.

For those of you seeking more adventure, you can take a dip in the waterfall at the end of the trail. You can even take a full-day tour through the Jebel Shams Canyon to see it all.

Click here to book your full-day tour through Jebel Shams Canyon from Muscat

This one is a good one if you’re looking to plan a whole day activity. Wadi Shab has a beautiful waterfall and wonderful freshwater pools.

You need to hike around 45 minutes surrounded by steep rock cliffs to reach the main swimming area. From the main pool, you can swim your way through the valley to reach some of the smaller pools.

As well as spending the day at the pools, you can also take some time to explore the caves and rock formations around the area.

There are a few easy walking trails around the canyons that will lead you around the lovely scenery of the valley.

While you’re here, you’ll come across some large, flat stones that are great for setting up camp. Because this is a whole day event, I’d definitely recommend bringing along a picnic and spending the remainder of your time simply relaxing.

| READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING WADI SHAB |

Hiking in the Wadi Shab in Oman

Exploring the Wadi Shab, Oman

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is a must for anyone visiting Oman .

Oman’s own desert paradise and one of my favourite travel destinations. In the middle of the desert, you’ll find an oasis with an emerald green body of water.

As well as the main pool, the narrow valleys also create some smaller pools. A simple walk along the water will lead you to these pools, which tend to be less busy and more private.

A perk about this particular wadi is that it’s a short 5-minute walk from the parking space. Many of the other pools in Oman require you to walk quite a distance and can sometimes turn into a full day of hiking.

| READ MORE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WADI BANI KHALID |

Exploring the Wadi Bani Khalid

Exploring the Wadi Bani Khalid in Oman

We ended up walking for around 30 minutes as we hiked all the way upriver to a more sheltered part of the river, but there are usually locals swimming in the main pool.

We had loads of fun swimming, sliding down natural made slides and cliff jumping into the deep parts of the river.

Wadi Bani can easily be explored, but there are full-day tours through the area that are worth the money!

Click here to book one of the full-day Wahiba Safari day trips from Muscat.

Views from the Wadi Bani Khalid before entering the actual canyon

Swimming in the Wadi Bani Khalid

Wahiba Sands Desert

Drive about an hour from Wadi Bani Khalid and you’ll find yourself in an ocean of golden dunes. With the sands seeming to stretch endlessly into the horizon, the Wahiba Sands desert is a must-see for your time in Oman.

The best way to experience the dunes is by spending the night in the comfort of authentic Bedouin tents, lux camps or a communal boma.

It’s a chance to deepen your understanding of the traditional lives of the nomadic desert travellers of Oman. I stayed at the Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp and loved my experience there.

Exploring the sand dunes of the Al Wasil desert in Oman at sunrise

If you’re spending the night here, start your evening by climbing to the top of the dunes to watch the sun sink beyond the sand.

Follow this by dining on the local cuisine and enjoying the stillness of the desert. The rest of your night can be spent gazing under the stars, away from all the light pollution of the city.

Click here to book your night at the Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp .

The common and dining area of Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp

Sunrise over the sand dunes of the Al Wasil desert in Oman

Misfah Al Albryinn Town

A truly unique experience in Oman is visiting Misfah al Abryinn , Oman’s very own mud village. The village is built into the side of Al Hamra’s mountain range.

It was given the name ‘mud village’ for its incredible architecture (which makes use of hulking boulders).

With all the historic places to visit, it can be quite nice to take some time to explore a local town. It’s well known by tourists and locals because of the quaint narrow streets, rocky buildings, open terraces, and beautiful gardens.

Exploring the cute streets of Misfah Al Abrynn

I’d definitely suggest booking a night or two here . The town will give you a taste of local living, and you can spend your days getting lost wandering around the streets and eating the local dishes. 

I spent a night at Misfah Al Abryinn Inn and loved it. They have a gorgeous rooftop where they serve meals with epic views over the town and surrounding mountains.

Click here to book a night at Misfah Al Abryinn Inn

View from the Al Misfah guest house rooftop

Of all Oman’s forts, Nizwa Fort is the most unique, due to its cylindrical shape and impressive size. It’s easy to spend all day and with air-conditioned rooms that form part of the museum, you’ll find yourself getting lost in a world of history.

It’s great for those wishing to explore what life was really like back in the 9th century. Take a walk around the fort and you’ll find numerous rooms which have been preserved to look as they did a few hundred years ago.

Once your tour of the fort is done, take a walk to the top of the tower for a full view of Nizwa, where you’ll be bale to appreciate the beauty of a desert oasis.

Wandering around Nizwa Fort

The rooftops of Nizwa Fort

Sur harbour

Sur is an ancient city in Oman that used to be the hub for trading, education, and art. Nowadays, the city is pretty laid back and offers a great place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere to wind down.

Walk around the little town and you’ll come across a lovely lighthouse, 2 forts and a small selection of restaurants and resorts. A few watchtowers also line the coastline.

Climb to the top and you’ll have a view of the rocky desert cliffs and white beach houses. Come evening time and things get a little more lively.

Dozens of fishermen set out to sea to fetch their catch and deliver it as far as Muscat and it’s nice to sit back and watch the city do its thing.

Beautiful views over the Sur harbour

Walking along the Sur harbour

Bimmah Sinkhole

Although it’s previously been thought that this was the spot of a meteorite, Bimmah is actually a beautiful example of a naturally formed sinkhole. The water underground has eroded the rock and limestone, leaving a hole in the ground.

The giant hole has now filled with turquoise water, turning it into a water paradise. Many people travel here to take advantage of the natural beauty of the lake, as well as have some fun jumping from the the cliffsides.

The lake is about 20 metres deep, so it’s comfortable to jump in to. And if you’re not keen on getting in the water, you can always set up camp along the shore to admire the natural landscape.

| READ MORE: WHAT TO WEAR IN OMAN |

The Bimmah Sinkhole seen from above

Jebel Sifah beaches

Don’t get me wrong, the beaches in Oman are amazing. But if you’re looking for something a little different, Jebel Sifah is a picturesque escape from the city.

It’s situated along the Omani coast and has recently been turned into a lively tourist destination.

Here you’ll find some luxury hotels, including the Four Seasons, a golf-course and some beach resorts to spend the day at. Think of it as a mini-tropical holiday out in the Middle East.

If you want to stay somewhere really unique, you should try the Sifah Beach & Oasis Camp .

This is a “glamping” camp right on the beach, with big spacious tents and a grill where you can cook your own barbecue and dinner while watching the sunset over the sea.

After spending a night in the desert, spending a night glamping on the beach was an even more unique experience.

Click here to book your stay at Sifah Beach & Oasis Camp!

The beach and mountains in the distance as seen from Sifah Beach & Oasis Camp

Fjords cruise & dolphin spotting in Khasab

Khasab is a bit out of the way, especially when compared to the other must-see places on this list, but it’s one of the most incredible places I’ve ever seen and well worth a visit.

Khasab is known as the Norway of the Middle East, and once you see the fjords it will be easy to understand why.

The Arab Sea is too pretty to miss spending some time out in the water. Take a sailing excursion on the waters of Musandam, where you’ll be able to snorkel and swim. As well as watch the playful dolphins.

The fjord cruise will lead you through the narrow ocean that flows among the breathtaking red and gold cliffs made of ancient rock. The deep warm colours contrasting against the emerald waters is what makes the fjords unique.

As for the dolphin watching, I’m sure this one speaks for itself. When they told me there it was 100% guaranteed that we would see dolphins, I didn’t believe them.

But we spent the day cruising in the traditional Oman boats with dolphins following us for most of it. A day on the sea can reveal so much more of Oman’s potential, and it’s always worth exploring if you’ve got the time.

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4 places to visit in Muscat

Muscat is the capital of Oman, scenically situated between the mountains and ocean. Discover the country’s history by visiting some of the lovely treasures in Muscat.

If you’re starting to wonder where all these spots are on a map, and how to put them together in one trip, be sure to check out my 7-day Oman road trip itinerary .

It’s helpful if you’re travelling here for the first time and don’t really have a set plan.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Found in the heart of the city, the Grand Mosque is one of my top recommendations when visiting Oman.

Tucked away in the city of Muscat, the mosque is an amazing piece of modern Islamic architecture, which is still being used for daily prayers.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman

It’s open daily to visitors (but closes at 11AM), offering you a chance to learn more about the Islamic religion (given that it’s one of the only mosques in Oman open to non-Muslim visitors).

It’s important to remember that you need to respect the culture you’re travelling in.

It’s customary for men and women to dress in long trousers and tops that cover the shoulders when entering the mosque. Women have to cover their heads too.

As well as being a hub for cultural activity, the Mosque has its own unique beauty.

Colourful mosaic patterns, hand-crafted details, and a world record-breaking chandelier made of Swaroski crystals are just a few of the astonishingly beautiful features.

The interior of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat

Mutrah Fort

Built during the 1580s, the Mutrah Fort served as the Portuguese defence against the Ottoman Empire. The fort still stands strong and reflects Oman’s great history. It’s now one of the most popular tourist places in Muscat.

Built out of the rock, the fort was designed to overlook the Arabic sea, and it offers 360-degree views of the scenic mountain landscape and Muscat harbour.

Although it wasn’t intended to be a tourist spot, the fort’s beauty and panoramic views make it a prime place to visit in Oman.

Entrance to the fort is free, but the walk to the top is a little steep so be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and bottled water (it can get hot during summer).

The view over the Muscat harbour from Mutrah fort

The view over Muscat from Mutrah Fort

Mutrah Souq

The best way to get a proper feel of a new city is to live like a local. Mutrah Souq is a market embracing the chaotic and lovely Arab culture. It’s one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back 200 years, and perfect for new travellers.

Mutrah Souq is located a short walk from the Mutrah Fort, so after spending a day admiring the views from the fort, it’ll be worth visiting and picking up some local souvenirs.

The market is filled with traditional items such as vintage gold and precious jewels. You’ll also find frankincense, hand-made textiles, and old war artefacts.

Like with all popular markets, bargaining is part of the fun. Although you can pay with your credit card, bringing cash along helps with the bargaining.

Exploring Mutrah souq in Muscat

Kargeen Restaurant

Because dining in a new country is always a memorable experience! Kargeen is an old Omani word that means little wooden cottage, and it certainly lives up to its name.

The cafe blends traditional eastern style with a slight western culture, leaving the atmosphere cosy and relaxed.

The wooden cafe is finished with wrought-iron features and exquisite decor. Bright and colourful rugs, a jungle of plants and candles offer a lovely opportunity to sit back and enjoy the tasty food.

Whether you’re there for breakfast, snacks or dinner, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how delicious the food is. Cafe specials include refreshing salads, barbequed meats, and shawarmas. As well as traditional Omani and Arab food.

A common occurrence in Oman is to rent a shisha from the cafe and try flavours such as fresh lemon or orange. It’s a social tradition for friends to gather and tell tales around the shisha.

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6 other fun things to do in Oman

Most trips in Oman begin with exploring the best tourist spots, but what’ll really make your time in Oman amazing are the off the beaten track adventures. Mountains in Oman, beautiful forts and wild turtles await you.

Al Rustaq Fort

The Al Rustaq Fort is one of the oldest, dating back to the 13th century. It’s also renowned for being the largest of all the forts in the Sultanate region.

The immaculate fort was built between surrounding hills and near to the city market when Al Rustaq was still the capital of Oman.

One of the turrets in Al Rustaq fort

The view from the walls Al Rustaq fort in Oman

With 3 levels and 4 watchtowers, complete with hidden passages, and vertical stairways, it’s an adventurer’s dream come true. It also has a weapons room, mosque, and even a prison.

Access to the fort costs 500 baisa. The fee also grants you access to an audio tour, which explains the rich history within the fort.

Located about 130 kilometres from Muscat, it’s possible to get there by car. If you haven’t rented a car, there’s also the option of joining a day tour which will take you through to the fort.

Exploring Al Rustaq fort

Al Kasfah hot springs

Locally known as Ayn Al Kasfah, the waters in these hot springs are said to have healing powers. The natural water runs all year round and comes from the nearby Al Hamam falaj.

What makes Al Kasfah special is that the waters here contain sulfur. Sulfur aids in body recovery, for muscle and joint pain (hence the baths’ healing powers).

It can also help the mind relax, improve sleep and the overall well-being of our bodies by releasing positive endorphins.

It’s recommended that you submerge yourself around 3 times in total, and around 10 minutes each time. The main baths next to the big pool are for men only, but there are springs also for women just around the corner.

Al Kasfah hot water spring in Al Rustaq

Snake Gorge Canyon

You’re in Oman, so you have to check out Snake Canyon. It’s a natural haven for water lovers and adventure seekers.

Take a hike through the valley and you’ll discover pools of spring water, colossal desert rock cliffs and naturally formed water slides.

There are some things to keep in mind, though. While this is an incredibly magical hike and the pools are incredible, it’s quite a challenge to do in the scorching sun.

Remember to travel with reliable maps, good hiking shoes and a backpack with all your necessary supplies.

The Snake Gorge Canyon, one of the stops you can do along the Hatt mountain road

Hatt Mountain Road

Looking to see as much as Oman as possible? Well then rent a 4WD and head down the spectacular Hatt Mountain Road. This route zigzags through the rugged scenery and is quite a thrilling way to explore the Hajar Mountains.

There’s so much to see along this pretty mountain range and a few spots to stop at. Going for a hike, exploring natural water pools and barbequing at some of the viewpoints are popular activities with travellers.

The mountain road is a total of 70 kilometres, but given that the roads aren’t paved, it’ll take you about 4 hours to drive. It’s an exhilarating experience, but with the rocky roads along the cliffs, you’ll need to take extra precaution.

A travel & safety tip: Don’t attempt the drive when it’s raining or there’s a prediction of rain. The roads are easily flooded and rocks become slippery.

Driving on the Hatt mountain road, Oman

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Ras Al Jinz is a turtle sanctuary in Oman, renowned for the nesting of the endangered green turtles. Every year, thousands of giant turtles migrate from the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf to lay their eggs on Oman’s beaches.

And Ras Al Jinz is considered one of the most important nesting grounds on the Indian Ocean.

The conservation program here is devised to allow the turtles to thrive in their natural habitat, with little interference with human contact.

But don’t worry, you’ll still have the opportunity to experience the different phases of the egg-laying process. If you’re really lucky, you may even see some eggs hatching!

Tours are available at night, when it’s most likely to see the turtules, either before sunrise or in the evening. You won’t be allowed to turn on your phone or flash camera, the only light will be provided by the guide with a roft red light that doesn’t disturb the turtles.

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Nizwa Souq is divided into different markets, all mainly dedicated to meats, fish, and vegetables. Even though the majority of the market stalls sell food, a few stalls are selling authentic, hand-crafted pottery goods.

This is the perfect time to collect some memorabilia from your time in Oman. Supporting the locals is by far the best way of giving back to the country you’re travelling through.

What makes this souq different is the animal auction. If you’re visiting on a Friday you’ll be able to see experience the auction of goats, and occasionally even a camel!

There are also loads date stalls, a favourite among the locals. With an incredibly wide range, spend your time tasting each type of speciality date. Finish your tasting with a cup of Omani coffee and you’ve got yourself the perfect local treat.

Exploring the souq in Nizwa

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Oman

Don’t let the road less travelled stop you from seeing some of the most beautiful places in the world! Oman stole my heart, and I’m sure it will steal yours too!

Oman really is a nature lover’s dream come true. It’s a chance to explore landscapes that haven’t been altered by the existence of humans.

The naturally occurring swimming pools, sand dunes and healing baths aren’t something you find just anywhere.

I hope this helped you see how great the Oman landscapes and cities can be.

Whether you’re taking a short trip, or planning to spend a couple of weeks here, this list of things to do in Oman is a great starting point to plan your Oman trip.

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Home » Middle East » 14 BEST Places to Visit in Oman • TOP DESTINATIONS IN 2024

14 BEST Places to Visit in Oman • TOP DESTINATIONS IN 2024

Oh man, Oman! You absolute beauty. To this day, I still think about the time I spent traversing this magical land. And I KNOW you’ll probably want to do the same by the time you finish reading.

Stunning untouched beaches, twinkling turquoise-blue wadis, historical forts, more camels than you could ever count… Your Oman bucket list is bound to be hella’ full.

The only problem is, though relatively small, Oman almost has TOO much to offer. And with the ability to wild camp pretty much anywhere , it’s a playground for road trippers! And broke backpacking hitchhikers, of course. ?

While not yet a “touristy” country per se, there are certainly places and activities that are more popular than others. But I can assure you that Oman’s tourist places are still a delight!

Ultimately, Oman is an off the beaten path destination if ever there was one. And as a veteran offbeat traveler/backpacker, I can tell you that it pays to have good info in your pocket.

So let me be your guide! I’ve scoured the majesty of this country from top to bottom, and I’ve found the absolute BEST places to visit in Oman.

Book that ticket. Saddle that camel! It’s time for the trip of a lifetime.

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When is the Best Time to Visit Oman?

The 14 best places to visit in oman , summing up all of oman’s best places to visit.

While not strictly a country of four seasons, there is some diversity in Oman’s weather and temperatures. Plus it’s a desert, so it’s better to be prepared. Heatstrokes ain’t fun, people!

Oman’s winter runs roughly from December-March and is said by many to be the best time to visit Oman. You can expect temperatures between 17- 28ºC during the day.

If you want to travel to Salalah and avoid the monsoon, winter is the best time to do so as it’s the driest time in Oman’s most southern city.

Keep in mind that in December and January especially, it gets real cold  at night and isn’t exactly ideal for camping or water activities.

If you actually want to enjoy the incredible aquatic opportunities Oman has to offer, March-May is a good time to visit.

Daytime temps tend to be between 29-37ºC, so it’s the perfect season to hit Oman’s iconic beaches — some of the best places to visit in the country!

I visited Oman in July and while it was definitely hot, I still thoroughly enjoyed my trip.

The fact that virtually all of Oman’s tourist spots involved water definitely helped too!

But let’s be real, it was…toasty. Eating outside was unpleasant even at night, and doing activities that didn’t involve swimming wasn’t exactly ideal.

Temperatures ARE definitely cooler in Salalah from June-August, but keep in mind that means hella’ humidity and rain, too.

From September-November, Oman is extremely pleasant to visit.

Temperatures cool off yet still remain warm, and September is within peak turtle viewing time at Ras Al Jinz!

Budget backpacker or Arabian adventurer it matters not; the proverbial Pearl of Arabia has something for you!

Wondering where to go in Oman? Let’s start with a big hole…

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#1 – Bimmah Sinkhole – One of the most notable and interesting tourist places in Oman.

• Close to Muscat.
• Insanely blue/green water.
• The perfect introduction to snorkeling and swimming in Oman.

We’re starting off the list of epic places in Oman with the Bimmah Sinkhole. Ever swam in a sinkhole? Yeah, I didn’t think so!

I hadn’t either before arriving in Oman and certainly haven’t since. So what’s all the hype about? 

• Why it’s awesome: The Bimmah Sinkhole is the perfect first stop on your road trip through Oman (or hitchhiking escapade ) and it provides for a much-needed refresher from the heat — one of those Omani tourist spots you just can’t miss! The water is the perf temperature, and there are a ton of fish and other sea-life to enjoy.
• What to do there: Swim, duh! You can bring lunch, too. The sinkhole is a natural depression created through erosion, but Omani legend says it was created by a meteorite. However it came to be, today it reaches 300 feet at its deepest point and is best enjoyed with some snorkeling gear. The park surrounding this epic Oman tourist spot opens daily at 8 AM. Get there early (or during off-season) to have it (and the nibbly fish that you’ll quickly become acquainted with) all to yourself!

#2 – Wadi Shab  – A magical natural wonder and my favorite place in Oman.

• It’s a waterfall inside a swimmable cave… need I say more?
• A legit oasis in a desert.
• (Warm) Waterfall… in a cave…

Out of everything I saw in Oman, Wadi Shab was THAT place. A place I still think about now, quite a few moons after leaving the Kingdom. Looking for the most beautiful place to visit in Oman? I believe this might be it.

• Why it’s awesome: Where else on Earth are you going to get to swim up to a cave, and then get to experience a waterfall… in a cave? And did I mention the water was warm (and the waterfall and cave)?
• What to do there: Chillax to the max. It takes about 45 minutes to hike to the main swimming area. Spend the entire day in the area soaking in the crystal clear water, and perhaps pair it with a picnic. The only mistake I made here was not bringing enough water (and at the time not having a filtered water bottle ). The waterfall portion of Wadi Shab is also fosho’ a place where you’ll regret not having a GoPro (or an awesome GoPro alternative ).

#3 – Salalah – Green, southern, and absolutely stunning.

• A lush, tropical desert paradise of a city.
• Beaches, mountains, and plenty of fruit trees.
• 10-hour drive from Muscat…

Not a desert person? Don’t worry — one of the best places to go in Oman is as green as green can be. Salalah is sweet and often overlooked by travelers due to its vast distance from most other tourist spots in Oman. Don’t be like them, Salalah IS indeed worth the drive!

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a completely different vibe than the rest of the country. Often compared to India’s green state of Kerala, you can’t say you’ve seen all of Oman without visiting Salalah. And while it’s often said to avoid monsoons, you should do the opposite as far as Salalah is concerned! From June-August, the region is transformed into a full-on jungle paradise complete with pop-up waterfalls and streams. 
• What to do there: There are a ton of places to visit in Salalah, including the Frankincense Land Museum where you’ll learn all about Oman’s iconic frankincense industry. You can also admire the gorgeous Qaboos Palace (named after longtime King Sultan Qaboos), check out Haffa (the old town), and if you’re lucky you can get fully culturally immersed at the Khareef Festival , celebrating the monsoon every summer. 

#4 – Wadi Bani Khalid  – A HUGE desert oasis that you just can’t miss when you visit Oman.

• A vast swimming area.
• Surrounded by villages and colorful plantations.
• Basically, paradise.

Wadi Bani Khalid can be described as one hell of a sexy spot . A true paradise arising out of the desert. If you love swimming, cliff jumping, or just beautiful spots in general (duh), you can’t miss Wadi Bani Khalid when you visit Oman. 

• Why it’s awesome: Wadi Bani Khalid literally pops out of nowhere. One minute it’s desert as far as the eye can see, and then BOOM! Wadi Bani Khalid appears like a knight in shining armour. It’s large, vast, and wide open, unlike Wadi Shab which is more narrow and requires a bit of trekking. Wadi Bani Khalid has waterfalls, multiple swimming areas AND you can visit the nearby local villages, too. 
• What to do there: Swim, hike, enjoy the waterfalls, and just bask in the awesomeness of one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oman! I highly recommend bringing food: you’re definitely going to want to spend the whole day here.

#5 – Jebel Shams  – Oman’s best hike, hands down.

• The most epic hike in Oman!
• Mountains!!!
• Viewz for dayz.

Most things to see in Oman do involve water, but you shouldn’t forget your hiking boots! The Jebel Shams canyon will allow you to feast your eyes on some truly unique scenery, including a 500-meter canyon drop. Make sure you leave any fear of heights at home!

• Why it’s awesome: Literally translated to “mountain of the sun,” Jebel Shams is a part of the Al-Hajar Range. But what makes it so great is that its balcony walk (which has some dope-ass sunset/sunrise views) can be done by literally anyone. 
• What to do there: The balcony walk is definitely one of the top things to do in Oman . You’ll drive to the top of the canyon and begin the walk, which is mostly flat. My fave part came at the end though, when you can take a dip in a waterfall! The hike is only 4km with a 200m elevation gain, but unless you want to wake up early, stay overnight in Misfat Al Abriyinn, the closest village.

#6 – Wahiba Sands  – One of the top things to see in Oman.

• Talk about a rare landscape!
• Option to stay in Bedouin tents.
• Insane sunsets.

Sick sunsets, sand, and the opportunity to get a feel for REAL nomadic life? Yep, sold! Wahiba Sands (now called Sharqiya Sands) is spread out over 5,000 sq miles. Need more?

• Why it’s awesome: Few landscapes can match the feeling a desert gives… especially when an epic sunset is sinking into it. It’s also one of the best places in Oman to experience real Bedouin culture. Double win!
• What to do there: Head up to the top of the dunes to watch the sun sink into the dunes before spending the night at a traditional-style tent camp. If you’re carrying your own backpacking tent , you can pitch that too, though I’d go for one of the rugged, traditional options here if I were you!

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#7 – Muscat  – The super-chill coastal capital of Oman.

• Oman’s pretty, aquatic capital.
• Lots of cool things to do .
• Ehhh , food.

Muscat is Oman’s chill capital that you’ll almost undoubtedly be starting your trip in. And lucky for you, because it’s not a bad place to start! Muscat is easily one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen, and it certainly wins the cool capital competition if there was ever one. Where else can you find a city that’s both on the water AND surrounded by rugged mountains? 

• Why it’s awesome: Muscat’s tourist attractions are plentiful, its scenery stunning, and its easy access to nearby points of interest is certainly notable. You can find beautiful beaches in the city and nearby, too; one of my favorite places in all of Oman ended up being a fishing village less than 30 minutes from Muscat. Add in a ton of history and you’ve got yourself an ideal place to start your trip to Oman. 
• What to do there: Out of all the places to visit in Muscat, it’s hard to pick the *best* thing to do. Stroll along the shimmering Gulf of Oman , admire the artistry of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque , shop til’ you drop at the Muttrah Souq , and check out the sultry sunset spot at the Muttrah Fort , which shows off one of the most iconic views in all of town.

#8 – Nizwa – A historical place to see in Oman.

• Oman’s second-largest city.
• Historical AF… like 6th century historical.
• There’s an epic fort.

If you want to get a feel for an Omani city but find Muscat to be a basic bitch, then let me welcome you to Nizwa. Famous for its fort, Nizwa is also the perfect city for wandering and simply getting a feel for local life. It’s undoubtedly one of the top cities to visit in Oman. 

• Why it’s awesome: Nizwa was the country’s flourishing capital in the 6th and 7th centuries and today remains one of the must see places in Oman thanks to its sexy, cylindrical-shaped 17th-century fort. The city also has a completely different vibe than Muscat: it’s a true desert oasis!
• What to do there: Explore the Nizwa Fort, some parts of which date back to the 9th century! You should also check out the Nizwa Souq for a memorable shopping experience. It’s also a perfect place to pull out your travel camera for a bit of street photography!

#9 – Ras Al Jinz  – Visit Oman for ecotourism!

• Nesting place for the rare Green Turtle!
• One of the ONLY places in the world where turtles lay eggs 365 days a year.
• There’s a cute fishing village.

Ras Al Jinz is a small village at the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula world-famous for its green turtle nesting grounds. Green turtles are endangered, and in 1996 the Sultan of Oman established the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Center to protect these precious habitats. 

• Why it’s awesome: Where else in the world can you see turtles laying eggs every day of the year? Especially endangered ones! Ras Al Jinz is super unique, and it’s doing some excellent things in the name of ecotourism. 
• What to do there: See both adult females lay eggs and newborn green turtles hatch, of course. This is one of the few places on Earth where you’re almost guaranteed to see both in one day. (And let me tell you, it’s magical! )

#10 – Musandam  – The Norway of Arabia.

• Surreal beaches and landscapes.
• Kind of requires you to leave Oman?
• Outdoor adventure paradise!

Yes, you read that right: the Musandam Peninsula isn’t quite in Oman; in fact, it’s entirely surrounded by the UAE. Luckily, you can still drive from Muscat or take a flight to Khasab. Despite being a bit out of the way, it’s well worth it: Musandam is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oman. 

• Why it’s awesome: Appropriately nicknamed the “Norway of Arabia,” Musandam is STACKED with epic adventures to be had. It also happens to be the perfect place to take your travel photography drone out for a spin over shining blue waters!
• What to do there: Visiting Musandam is all about the water: you can scuba dive, snorkel, or even head out on an epic dolphin-spotting adventure that will have you sailin’ through fjords in a traditional Omani boat. There’s no better way to enjoy Oman than in its waters, and a day on a boat is totally worth the cash splurge!

#11 – Bahla Fort  – Another top historical place to go in Oman.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site!
• Preservation? Check!
• Close to Nizwa.

Oman is full of some seriously dazzling forts, and Bahla Fort, which sits beneath the Jebel Akhdar Highlands, might just be its best. The fort dates back to the 13th (!!) century and is only 40 km from Nizwa. 

• Why it’s awesome: An Omani tourist spot that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and an incredibly well preserved one. While in Bahla, you can also check out the city walls (which are made out of adobe), and perhaps treat yourself to some pottery.
• What to do there: Explore the fort, check out the local markets, take some epic pics. What else do you need?

#12 – Oman’s Iconic Beaches – Just trust me on this one.  

As much as I loved the wadis, the history and the mountains, it’s Oman’s beaches that flash into my mind again and again. With hundreds of miles of coastline and plenty of undisturbed swimming spots, Oman is a beach bum’s paradise. Just don’t forget to put sunscreen on your beach packing list : the Omani sun is strong. 

• Why it’s awesome: So freakin’ gorgeous! Omani beaches are a mix of bright blue water, fishing boats, waves, rock formations and, of course, tall mountain ranges that you might not have ever thought you’d see paired with a beach. Yup, they’re all epic: even the unknown ones. My favorite beach in Oman happened to be a small one located in a fishing village not far from Muscat. Don’t be afraid to just pull over anywhere you see a prime ocean scene!
• What to do there: Swim, tan, float, and relish in the fact that you get to experience both beaches and mountains at the same damn time. 

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

#13 – Sur  – A coastal city paradise.

• One of the most beautiful places in Oman.
• Relaxed, seaside vibe.
• On the way to Ras Al Jinz.

Sur is one of the most chill places in Oman, and while far from Muscat and many other Omani points of interest, it’s absolutely worth the drive! Especially if you love coastal architecture and seaside towns as much as I do, this is definitely a place to consider for your backpacking adventure .

• Why it’s awesome: This small city — which used to be an important trading hub — is filled with beautiful white houses, shimmering bright blue water, traditional dhow boats, and a selection of good eats to choose from. Sur is easily the most picturesque city in Oman!
• What to do there: Wander around and get lost! Take pictures, try local eats, stroll along the harbor, and climb up to Al Ayjah Watchtower for an amazing view of Sur! You can also check out a dhow factory to see exactly how the traditional fishing boats are made

#14 – Masirah Island – Truly one of a kind.

• Island time!
• The perfect blend of sun, sand, and history.
• Secluded AF.

Located off its eastern coat, Masirah is the country’s largest island and one of those things to see in Oman that you just can’t miss. And because most other people DO skip Masirah, you’re probably going to have most of it to yourself 😀 

• Why it’s awesome: Um, because it’s an island off the coast Oman? Masirah has tons of virtually unexplored beaches, shipwrecks off the coast, and an “island vibe” that you can’t quite find anywhere else in Oman. Regular ferries also make it easy to reach from the mainland!
• What to do there: Swim, lay in the sun, and explore some of the old shipwrecks. Masirah is all about relaxing and becoming one with the slow-paced life of a real island. 

Get insured before heading out to the best places in Oman!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Yes, it might be in the Middle East, but relax because Oman is not just one of the safest countries in the region to visit, but perhaps even the world! Crime is virtually non-existent, and it’s FOR SURE safer than the United States or even most of Europe. 

Even so, no backpacking packing list is complete without travel insurance. Because while Oman itself might be safe, you never know what might happen!

What if you fall while navigating a wadi? Get attacked by a camel? Okay, that last one might be unlikely, but it’s still possible. 

Which is why you should ALWAYS consider getting travel insurance before any trip. 

Now that your are fully equipped with where to go in Oman, I’m sure we can both agree that this country sure has a lot to offer. And believe me when I say there’s even MORE places to Visit in Oman if you know where to look. And if you’re still trying to decide on where to stay in Oman , check out our handy guide to this.

Despite being as beautiful as it is, Oman is still a relatively off-the-beaten-track destination. Plenty of hidden gems, empty beaches, and natural oasis pools await discovery if you give yourself enough time to find them!

That’s why I strongly encourage you to take your time with Oman. Yes, highlights can be seen quickly, but if you really want to get to know this mountain-beach-desert-oasis paradise you gotta dig deep, and ideally, pack a cheap camping tent!

To visit Oman is to see the Middle East at its most beautiful — now get out there and enjoy that twinkling gem of the desert to the fullest!

Samantha Shea

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The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Oman

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

From the mountains of Wadi Bani Awf to exploring the capital of Muscat, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Oman on your first trip!

Are you looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Oman? Then this is the blog post for you!

Let me start off by saying this now – Oman was not what I expected at all. In fact, I think it’s a country that will really surprise you too.

I’ve been to the United Arab Emirates a few times before. I’ve even been to Fujairah, the Emirate state neighbouring Oman in the Arabian Gulf, so I assumed the country would be very similar to this place. Oh how wrong I was.

Oman is nothing like Dubai or the UAE . In fact, it’s like nowhere else I’ve been to before. There are just so many beautiful places in Oman that make it such an amazing country to explore for your holidays.

For my tour of Oman, I went straight from the city of Muscat to spend a night in the sand dunes under the stars. Then I drove though Wadi Bani Awf and up into the mountains where it’s surprisingly cold, not what you’d expect from a desert country at all. Then I headed back into the hustle and bustle of Muscat again to end my trip. All in just a few days in the country.

I’m going to tell you all about these places and more.

Beautiful Oman

This may sound stupid, but I had no idea that Oman had so many different landscapes. I thought because it was in the Middle East that it was an endless desert.

I don’t say this lightly, but Oman is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever been to before. It’s a place that just captures the imagination and I can’t wait to go back again and explore more of the country one day. It’s no wonder the tourist board keep on calling it ‘Beautiful Oman’ – it really is.

In this blog post I’m going to show you some of the most beautiful places to visit in Oman. I’m also going to add in lots of practical information too like whether you need a guide and some of the different customs in Oman.

Basically, if you’re planning a trip to Oman then this is the blog post for you – just keep on reading!

If you’re planning a trip to the Middle East, then check out my guides to the UAE and Dubai . I’ve also written about the infamous Dubai jeep safari too!

Customs in Oman

First things first, let’s look at some of the customs in Oman before your trip.

• Everyone is very welcoming – I found Omanis really welcoming and friendly wherever I went. Everyone I met was curious about where I was from and why I was visiting the country, but in a very kind way. If a local comes up to you it’s more for a chat than anything else which I loved.
• Say hello to everyone – I can’t remember not saying hello to a single Omani while I was there. It’s just custom to say As-Salaam-Alaikum to pretty much everyone you make eye contact with. When meeting someone of the opposite sex, do not offer your hand unless they offer you theirs first.
• Don’t hold hands – As Oman is a strictly conservative culture, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not hold hands with your partner in public. I travelled to Oman with my fiancée and we refrained from holding hands in case we caused any offence.

• Dress appropriately – It’s best for women to wear loose clothing with their shoulders and arms covered. Chloe’s written an amazing blog post all about what women should wear in Oman so check that out. For men, try to avoid very short shorts and no vest tops please!
• Show respect to Sultan Qaboos – Sultan Qaboos came into power in 1970 making him the longest serving leader of the Arab world and he has completely changed the country to the point he is revered.
• And don’t get angry – It’s actually illegal to show anger in any way in Oman so try to keep your emotions under control. One of the more surprising customs in Oman for you!
• Check out some more advice & information on visiting Oman here. This post is packed full of everything you need to go before you go.

Flying to Oman

Flying to Oman is very easy from the UK (or anywhere else around the world!)

We flew from London Heathrow to Muscat with Oman Air and there are flights twice a day. You can also fly direct from Manchester too.

Flight time is around 7 hours so it is a relatively quick flight and perfect for a holiday. However, because of the time difference you do land at night, so make sure you factor this in when booking your trip. It’s always best to get an airport pickup or a taxi as it’s late at night.

Beautiful Places in Oman

Dunes by al nahda.

The first place we visited in Oman was Dunes by Al Nahda . This is only an hour and 15 minutes from the capital Muscat but it feels like it’s a million miles away.

Dunes by Al Nahda is a 4* resort where you get to sleep in luxurious tents under the stars. It’s quite hard to describe really so hopefully the photos will show you what I mean!

When we arrived here I couldn’t believe the views of this place. The resort is surrounded by huge dusty orange sand dunes and it makes you feel like you’re in the heart of the desert.

One of the best things about staying at Dunes by Al Nahda is you’re completely cut off from it all. The only things you’ll need to worry about is how long you should relax in the infinity pool or whether to have breakfast in bed.

One of the more adventurous activities you can do there though is quad biking through the sand dunes. The quad bikes are beasts but you don’t need any experience and it is so much fun. This was probably my favourite adventure in Oman!

Rustaq Fort

Let me say this now, I love a fort. I just love how they’re a blend of architecture and history all in one place. That, and you usually get a killer view at the top too.

Rustaq Fort is located in the Al Batinah Region of northern Oman. Built in 1711, Rustaq Fort is an amazing example of Omani Islamic architecture with these high walls and narrow windows everywhere. And surrounding the fort are the mountains of Wadi Bani Awf (also one of my top places to visit in Oman!)

I arrived at the fort fairly early at around 10am and I was surprised to have the place all to myself. It takes around an hour to walk around the fort and there are a number of secret passageways and ladders leading you to the ramparts.

The fort has been carefully restored and it’s an impressive sight looming above the town, so if you’re heading to Wadi Bani Awf then I’d definitely recommend visiting this place first.

Entrance tickets to the fort is 500 baisa (£1) so it’s very cheap! There are also a few Rustaq beach resorts in the surround area too.

Wadi Bani Awf

I bet you didn’t think Oman had mountains like this!

I know you’re thinking: “what is a wadi?” Well, a wadi is basically a valley or ravine that’s dry except in rainy season. So, if you’re looking to head up into the mountains you’ll most likely drive through a wadi!

A lot of people head to Wadi Bani Awf to go canyoning and rock climbing at Snake Canyon , but we went on a different adventure all together.

Driving through Wadi Bani Awf to the top of the mountains is a bone-shuddering adventure in itself. All the ‘roads’ here are off-road dirt tracks, and it’s impossible driving in this region without a 4X4.

With our driver, guide and all-round legend Ahmed from Desert Camel Adventure Tours , we took on the rough roads all the way to the top.

The hardest part was not stopping every 100 metres to take another photo. These were some of my favourite views in Oman, especially when you get to the top of the wadi at 2,000 metres.

If you’re looking for a 4WD safari tour from Muscat then check out this day out . This is a full-day tour where you’ll explore the Wahiba sands and the wadis of the area.

Jabal Akhdar

From Wadi Bani Awf, one of best places to visit in Oman is Jabal Akhdar. This is a village high up in the mountains of northern Oman.

In Jabal Akhdar, perched on the edge of the cliffs, you’ll find the Anantara Resort . There’s no way to subtly say this but the Anantara is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It’s expensive but I promise you it’s worth it.

The Anantara is a blend of ancient Islamic architecture where part of it looks like an old fort, with modern design bringing it into the 21 st century. Even though this is an uber-luxurious place to stay, the views of the Jabal Akhdar valley are stunning.

My favourite spot at the Anantara was Diana’s Point . This is a glass lookout point where you can grab a cocktail and watch the sun set behind the mountains. It’s like your own platform on Mars.

It’s named after Princess Diana and Prince Charles visited the exact same point in 1986, long before the hotel was built here. Basically you’re walking in the footsteps of Royalty which is another reason to come here! In my opinion Diana’s Point is one of the top things to do in Jabal Akhdar. Apparently it’s the most tagged Instagram location in the country too!

Birkat Al Mouz

Another reason why it’s a great idea having a driver is he’ll take you to all the best spots in Oman like this one, Birkat Al Mouz.

As we were driving back to Muscat, Ahmed asked: “Would you like to see a lookout point that not everyone knows about?” 10 minutes later we were overlooking this oasis of palm trees in the middle of the desert. I mean, this place just screams ‘Beautiful Oman’.

Nestled at the foot of the mountains is an abandoned village which you can explore. You can also drive through the middle of the palm trees to really immerse yourself in this oasis.

For me though, this was one of those spots that just captured the magic and imagination of Oman. I told you there were a lot of different landscapes here – well this is just another one. For me, this is one of the top places to go in Oman that’s slightly off the beaten track.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the finest mosques in the world. Built by Sultan Qaboos in 2001 as a present to his people, the mosque can hold up to 20,000 people at one time.

In fact, it’s full of superlatives. It took 300,000 ton of Indian sandstone to build the mosque. The main chandelier above the prayer hall is 14 metres tall, weighs 8.5 tons and is made up on 600,000 Swarovski crystals. But my favourite fact is the prayer hall houses the world’s second largest hand-woven carpet with a whopping 1,700,000,000 knots. Imagine stitching that one together!

I always enjoy visiting mosques around the world as I just love the clean lines of symmetry wherever you look. And they are always so peaceful and calming.

With the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, foreigners are encouraged to visit to learn more about Islam as a religion and to see how accepting it is. It’s a good ethos.

If you’re visiting the mosque, it has a very strict dresscode. For men, that’s trousers and a t-shirt. For women, it’s either a long dress or trousers, you need to make sure your shoulders are covered and you need to wear a headscarf. If you’re not dressed appropriately you can hire clothes on site.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Muscat. It’s open every day for tourists from 8am till 11am. After that it’s closed for prayer.

National Museum of Oman

For those of you interested in the history of Oman then I’d really recommend visiting the National Museum. Located in the Old Quarter of Muscat, the National Museum opened in 2016.

The museum is really well laid out and goes through the history of the first settlers to modern day Oman. I didn’t realise that settlers dated back 4,000 to 5,000 years ago here, so they preceded the Egyptians.  

The emphasis of this modern museum is on quality rather than quantity. Each display has a huge amount of space, height and light to really enhance the selective displays showcasing the heritage of Oman.

My favourite exhibition was learning about the mysterious Beehive Tombs of Al Khutm and Al Ayn. These date back nearly 4,000 years, and a bit like Stonehenge here in England, no one knows why they were built. So fascinating learning the history of this country!

Tickets for the National Museum cost 5 Riel (£10) for an adult.

Al Alam, the Sultan’s Palace

Opposite the National Museum is the Sultan’s Palace, Al Alam. This palace gives you a small insight into the wealth that Sultan Qaboos must have. Oh, and this is just one of six palaces he has around the country.

For me the main highlight here are the brightly coloured blue and gold columns on the palace. These look like flowers rising out the ground and they look surprisingly modern considering this palace was rebuilt in 1972.

Even though most people pause in front of the front gate for a few photos, you can actually walk around the back of the palace. Here you really get to see the size of the buildings. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Oman.

Either side of the palace are Mirani and Jalali Forts built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.

Muttrah Fish Market

It may seem strange to add in a fish market as one of the top places to visit in Oman but I really liked it here!

Unlike a lot of markets in Middle Eastern countries (and I would even throw Muttrah Souq that’s just down the road into the category), the fish market felt very real. It’s where locals and businesses would go to buy their fish. It wasn’t for tourists, it wasn’t fake, and I liked it for that.

There was a real buzz to the place as they were selling everything from freshly caught crabs to huge whole tuna.

What the locals do at the fish market is they buy their fish, then they take it to a separate section where it gets cleaned a gutted for a small charge. I thought this system was quite clever as it means you can have a freshly fileted fish without having to do it yourself.

Beware: this is a real working fish market with lots of live fish. If you’re vegetarian or vegan it’s probably best to steer clear of this one.

The Muttrah Corniche

Just outside the Fish Market is the Corniche, a long part of Muscat well worth visiting on any trip to the capital.

I think after visiting places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi , I expected Muscat to be built up and modern, but it is the complete opposite. There are no uber lux skyscrapers on the horizon or traffic problems that blight Dubai. Instead, Muscat has kept its beauty and charm, traits signified in places like the Corniche.

Lined with 19 th century merchant’s houses and punctured with bright blue minarets from the surrounding mosques, the Muttrah Corniche is one of the city’s most vibrant areas.

I’d really recommend picking up a lemon and mint juice and taking a stroll along the waterfront. It really is such a peaceful place wander around.

A great way of seeing a lot of these places mentioned is on a Muscat city tour . If you’re looking at what to do in Oman, this is a great place to start. That way you’ll get to see Muscat before exploring the rest of the country.

Bandar Khayran

This might just be my favourite place to visit in Muscat. Located in the north of the city is Bandar Khayran, a coastal town that feels so far from the bustle of the city centre.

Here the coast breaks up into a series of khors (inlets) and bandars (natural harbours), the perfect place to go exploring. There are a few hills by the side of the road the you can scramble up for an amazing view of the bay below.

Another really popular activity is to hire a kayak and to paddle around the secluded bays and beaches. This is also a really popular dive spot too with a dive school located next to the Shangri-La.

The colour of the water is something else though, especially when the sun sets. If you’ve got time, I’d definitely add this to your Oman itinerary. And yes, it really does look as good as the photos!

Where to stay in Muscat

While I was in Muscat I stayed at the Kempinski , a gorgeous property on the Gulf of Oman.

Nestled within the newly built coastline community of Al Mouj which has been dubbed ‘the new heart of Muscat’, the Kempinski is a fantastic place to base yourself to explore all the city has to offer.

There are 4 restaurants on site offering everything from traditional Arabic food to modern dining. One of the restaurants, Soi Soi, was the best Thai food I’ve had in a very long time (not including my most recent trip to Thailand of course!)

I really enjoyed my time at the Kempinski though and hitting the pool after a busy day of sightseeing was bliss. Oh, and the airport is only a 15-minute drive away, so it’s a good option for business travellers too!

Tours in Oman

My trip to Oman was in association with Experience Oman showcasing some of the best things to do in Oman. As always, all view and opinions are my own.

Are you looking at where to go in Oman? What part of the country would you like to visit first? Let me know in the comments below!

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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6 thoughts on “The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Oman”

I have some notes and corrections as a French who has been in Oman for many years: 1. It’s not offensive to hold your partner’s hands or hug them, but be cautious with kissing (which depends on how far it goes) 2. Vest top is ok, and exposing shoulders and arms for women is ok too unless you went inside a mosque like that 3. It’s not illegal to be angry as you said, but it is illegal to curse or fight in public. While slurs or anything that promotes sectarianism is totally forbidden in Oman and would undoubtedly get you in jail

Overall, don’t be afraid of asking anyone in public about anything, most Omanis are very cooperative and helpful, especially if you are a foreigner as they know you most probably would have a completely different culture than theirs. That’s why everybody asks you about where you are from. They don’t get offended by your difference as my experience with ‘some’ European countries. They are actually curious and love to learn about your culture.

Amazing advice and very useful, thanks very much for posting to help people out. I completely agree with you that Omanis are very curious – it was really refreshing that they just wanted a chat about a different culture. I loved my time in Oman, I would 100% recommend it to people!

Oman surprised me with its stunning beauty!! Completely blown away with the variety of landscapes. Everywhere you turn was another beautiful view. A photographer’s dream and nightmare all encompassed into one. The people were extremely welcoming. The food, absolutely delicious. In just a few short days complete strangers became family. Thanks to social media it makes it so easy to stay in touch often. My recommendation … do not miss an opportunity to visit a date souq. Omani dates are some of the best in the world. I had no idea there were so many different varieties! You’ll find your in sensory overload from tasting as many of the two dozen or so varieties. No sampling limits either! From the three I liked the best I had my guide choose for me. Definitely buy more dates than you think, trust me on this one. Looking forward to my next adventure there to different areas.

Thanks very much for commenting Gayle, and I couldn’t agree more! I absolutely loved the variety of landscapes in Oman – it’s a photographer’s dream. I love the tip about dates too. Hopefully a fair few people get to try them when they’re out in Oman.

Thank you for this very informative blog … loved it. Waiting for travel restrictions to ease … so can travel.

You’re very welcome! I really hope you get to visit there one day – it really is an incredibly beautiful place to visit.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Oman

Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world, featuring historical sites and modern wonders. It lies on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula neighboring Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. It is home to glorious beaches, high sand dunes, and mountains known for adventurous hikes.

There is more to Oman than its capital Muscat . However, Muscat is a sight to see in itself. Experience the grandeur of the Grand Mosque in Muscat and smell the roses grown on Jebel Akhdar mountain. Also, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, like the beaches on Sur and historical sites in Salalah.

  Tuul & Bruno Morandi

Known as the modern capital of Oman, Muscat offers an abundance of traditional sites, stunning mountain backdrops, and pristine beaches. Feel like you stepped back in time by enjoying shopping at the Mutrah souk, which offers immaculate jewels and other Arabian trinkets for sale in the open area market. Also, gaze upon breath-taking views at the Royal Opera House Muscat , with its glistening white stone walls where the likes of jazz artists such as Chick Korea and Branford Marsalis have performed.

Elmer Gascon / EyeEm / Getty Images

Situated more than 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) south of the capital Muscat, Salalah is far from the main bustle of Oman but is well worth the visit. You can take an 8 to 9-hour road trip from the capital, but Salalah also has its own international airport if you prefer to fly there. It is host to distinctive attractions including the historical UNESCO Frankincense Land Museum , Al Baled Archaeological Park, and Prophet Job’s Tomb. The city is most famously known for its lush green scenery during the monsoon season, locally known as Khareef. Khareef season occurs from late June until early September, which is when the city holds its annual Salalah Tourism Festival.

Emad Aljumah / Getty Images

The city of Nizwa is located within the interior of Oman, in the A’Dakhiliyah region of the country. It is a land-locked area made up of an expanse of the Al Hajar Mountain range. Tourists and locals can enjoy visiting the renowned Nizwa Fort and souk, which is one of the oldest forts in Oman. The Nizwa souk is famed for its precious handicrafts including sterling silver jewels and traditional pottery well-known in the city. Those who visit the market early enough on a Friday morning can witness a true Omani experience by taking part in the goat market.

Sharqiya Sands

The Sharqiya Sands (also known as Wahiba Sands), is a desert region of Oman named after the Bani Wahiba Bedouin tribe. The area is made up of large uninhabited masses of sand, featuring soaring orange sand dunes that stretch for miles upon miles. Outside of a handful of tourist resorts, the area is only made up of a few Bedouin tribes and small families living there. Tourists can enjoy having a barbecue amongst the stars in the evening, after zipping up and down the dunes in 4X4 trucks during the day.

Who wouldn’t want to see massive turtles or tortoises laying hundreds of eggs on a white sandy beach? This is exactly an annual occurrence at the Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve in the city of Sur, which is located on the eastern tip of Oman. Sur is most known for being a port city that produces traditional dhow boats—wooden ships that are still on display throughout parts of the city like at the Maritime Museum. Additional local attractions include two forts, a relaxing corniche, and the  Bimmah Sinkhole located in Najm Park.

Jebel Akhdar

Jebel Akhdar is one of the highest mountain ranges in Oman and is located in the A’Dakhiliyah region down the road from Nizwa city. It is a mountainous plateau most famously known for its green terrace fields bustling with roses and pomegranates. Hence, this is how it got its nickname of “The Green Mountain.” Tourists can experience viewing the traditional rose water extraction ceremony with a local Omani guide. Additionally, visitors can hike through ancient villages like Sayq and stop by Diana’s Point now located at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort , named after Princess Diana when she visited in 1986.

Located off the northernmost tip of Oman is the idyllic island of Musandam. It is home to 6,562-foot (2,000-meter) high mountains and breathtaking crystal blue waters, as well as picturesque fjords. The region is known for having fantastic snorkeling and diving for adventurous tourists. Must-do experiences include visiting the ancient Khasab Castle , enjoying a barbecue on Dibba beach, and setting sail around the island on a traditional Omani dhow cruise.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is a stunning oasis that is worth trekking a few hours from Muscat to visit. The wadi (valley), situated in the Ash Sharqiyah region, features several pools of water and a fresh spring that flows inside of the wadi throughout the year. Wadi Bani Khalid is also home to several small villages and lush, green plantations. Tourists will feel like they stepped back in time while viewing gorgeous rock formations and clear, sparkling waters.

 R. Hackenberg / Getty Images

Situated in the Northern Governorate of Al Batinah off the Gulf of Oman is the port city of Sohar. It is home to the historic Sohar Fort, which houses a museum and was the central location of the cities’ past trading practices. Near the fort is the newly renovated Sohar Souk, which is designed with traditional Arabic decorations and offers an array of cafes and dining options.

Take a stroll on the Sohar Corniche waterfront, which features a fish market, park, and several restaurants with local cuisines. Visitors can also head to the camel-racing track and beautiful watering holes like Wadi Salahi and Wadi Hibi, located nearby the city.

Rub' al Khali

As one of the largest sand deserts in the world, Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter) is a sight to behold for anyone visiting Oman. It is located in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and also covers portions of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. It houses a host of exciting wildlife such as oryx, reptiles, and birds. The Ramlat Duhayth portion of Rub' al Khali is home to massive sand dunes that adventurous travelers enjoy zipping up and down in 4X4 trucks on tours to the region. It is the only way to get to the dunes. It is highly recommended to go dune bashing in groups because cars are known to get stuck in the sand, but this just adds to the adventure!

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The best times to visit Oman for blooming roses, racing camels and nesting sea turtles

Jan 24, 2022 • 5 min read

Camel races are an exciting annual part of Oman’s high season © Mohammed Mahjoub / Getty Images

Oman  is chock full of adventurous activities to enjoy during the cooler months and calm beaches where you can cool off during the scorching-hot summer months.

The best time to visit this desert country is typically from October through March, when the weather is close to perfect for activities including hiking and camping at the beach. No matter when you decide to go, the “Pearl of Arabia” offers plenty of things to do and sights to visit, from historic castles and forts to Unesco World Heritage Sites such as Al Baleed Archaeological Park .

Note that key Muslim holidays such as Ramadan and Eid, which are based on the lunar calendar, could affect your trip, and the dates shift in the Western calendar every year.

Follow our guide to decide the best time to visit Oman.

High Season: October to March

Best for outdoor events and festivals

High season in Oman coincides with pleasant temperatures ranging from about 15°C (60°F) to 30°C (85°F). These months see little to no rainfall, making it an ideal time for enjoying outdoor events and festivals, such as the Muscat Festival in January. Adventure lovers will have a great time taking road trips and going for hikes.

Shoulder Season: April to May

Best for budget travelers

The weather warms up to excruciatingly hot during shoulder season, but lower visitor numbers mean more affordable accommodations and tours. April is a great time to visit Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) and experience the rose-blooming season. Beachgoers will delight in Oman’s beautiful stretches of sand.

Low Season: June to September

Best for indoor activities and turtle watching  

Oman’s summer months are an insufferably hot time to visit, unless you’re heading to Salalah in the Dhofar region. There, the khareef (rainy season) brings much cooler temperatures as the rest of the country swelters. The hot temperatures drive visitors indoors to museums and other cultural institutions. Wildlife watchers should plan a trip to Ras Al Jinz Beach in September, when green sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand. 

The start of the new year brings days filled with sunshine and hardly any rain. It’s a fantastic time for outdoor adventurers to explore Oman. The weather is perfect for enjoying the Muscat Festival, which highlights Oman’s culture and history.  Key events : Muscat Festival, Youth Sailing World Championships 

The cooler weather continues, and outdoor music festivals and cycling marathons prevail in the region. Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is Oman’s largest sporting event and attracts runners from all over the world. Key events : Tour of Oman, Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, Sifa Stock 

Warm spring temperatures and long sunny days mark March in Oman. The Sultan Camel Race Cup features competitive races and camel beauty pageants, while Holi, the festival of color, brings a bright splash of joy. Key events : Sultan Camel Race Cup, Holi, Oman World Folk Music Festival

Ever-warming temperatures mark the start of Oman’s off-peak season, but travelers can still enjoy being outdoors before the truly scorching temperatures set in. April is the peak time to stop and smell the roses atop Jebel Akhdar as they are harvested and made into rose water. For the next few years, Ramadan will take place at least partly in April. During Ramadan, most restaurants close during the day, but some hotels have food available for guests in private. Families gather to enjoy huge feasts to break the fast after sunset. Key events : Rose garden tours at Jebel Akhdar, Ramadan

The heat continues to escalate, but Oman is still worth visiting in May. Take in the beauty of cultural celebrations as the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close in 2022 and witness Eid Al Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. Key events : Eid Al Fitr 

The insufferably hot summer heat continues to roll in, but that just means spending time indoors learning about the history and culture of Oman at museums like Bait Al Zubair and the National Museum of Oman . Cool off while shopping at Oman Avenues Mall or Mall of Muscat. For balmier weather, head to Salalah to experience khareef (rainy season) and the lush greenery it brings. Key events : Khareef season in Salalah 

July in Oman is scorching, so be prepared with sunscreen, shades and a big hat to shield yourself from the rays. The rainy season continues in Salalah, and you can experience Omani culture at Salalah Festival, which showcases traditional performances, dances and Omani cuisine. Key events : Salalah Festival, Renaissance Day 

August is the hottest month of the year in Oman, so stay indoors enjoying the museums, shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a delicious buffet at one of the many restaurants offering Eid specials, including discounts on food and drinks.  Key events : Eid Al Adha 

By September, cooler fall weather arrives in the desert. Nature lovers and beachgoers should venture to the beach to witness the hatching of baby turtles at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve .

Omanis and tourists alike rejoice at the pleasantly cool temperatures that October brings. It’s a perfect time to enjoy nature walks and hikes with the fall harvest of olives, walnuts and pomegranates. 

Green, red and white are displayed prominently throughout the country as Omanis show pride in their country with National Day on November 18, which celebrates Oman’s independence. It’s also one of the best times of the year to get out and relish in outdoor activities such as sailing in Sur during the Sailing Arabia Tour or camping at the famed Wahiba Sands (also called the Sharqiya Sands ).  Key events : National Day, Sailing Arabia Tour 

While Oman is mostly a Muslim country, that doesn’t mean holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s aren’t prominently celebrated. Christmas events are hosted at an array of hotels such as Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah and Kempinski , which offer festivals and tantalizing buffets.  Key events : Muscat Eat Food Festival

You might also like: 10 must-see natural wonders in Oman    The 8 best places to visit in Oman: rugged mountains, seaside towns and culture-rich cities Underwater oasis: where to dive in Oman    

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21 Places To Visit In Oman: Top Locations To Add To Your Travel Wishlist

A country nestled on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula and boasting of its incredible attractions, Oman is a land that promises nothing but the sheer joy of a holiday. From historical forts and mesmerizing desert landscapes to the finest of beaches and scenic mountain ranges, one can find numerous places to visit in Oman that not only surprise but also inspire the tourists.

Also known as the Sultanate of Oman, the country is one of the top picks of travelers coming from around the world today, and rightly so. Its capital Muscat very much contributes to the charm of the country and highly popular amongst travelers coming for a holiday here.

So, if you're planning your next holiday wondering about the top tourist attractions in Oman, we have compiled a detailed round-up of the best locations of Oman that one should definitely visit when on a vacation to the country.

Top 21 Places To Visit In Oman

Have a look at the best places that you can explore on your vacation in the Sultanate of Oman.

1. Muscat: A City Home To Historical Attractions In Oman

The capital of Oman and one of the finest cities in the country, Muscat promises numerous attractions are a treat for travelers. From forts and giant palaces to the best of museums and markets, Muscat has it all. Home to some truly fascinating tourist attractions in Oman , the city is home to the world-renowned Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque where visiting during the mornings is the name of the game. The mosque houses an enormous crystal chandelier, top of the line marble wall panels, and so much. In fact, it is home to the world's second-largest Persian carpet which is a true highlight for the visitors.

What's more? Muscat even has a harbor that overlooks the famous Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace. Although the visitors cannot see the interior of the palace, the sight of it from the harbor is something you can't afford to miss.

Guarding the palace are the two forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani. Featuring amongst the notable attractions in Muscat today, the forts have now been converted into public museums where visitors can enter and catch a glimpse of the historic beauty.

Besides, the city not only offers the beauty of palaces and museums but also its buzzing market places where shoppers are bound to have a great time. So, if you're thinking about some top Oman places to visit on your vacation, why not consider a visit to Muscat?  

Best Time To Visit Muscat: November to March

How To Reach:

• By Air - Reaching Muscat by air isn't much of a hassle. There are direct flights to Muscat available from virtually popular destinations around the world. Airlines like Emirates, Gulf Air, Air India, British Airways, and Lufthansa all fly to the city.
• By Road - Travelers can make a road trip to Muscat from UAE. The journey takes about five hours. Likewise, one can even take a six hours road journey through Yemen to Muscat.
• By Bus - There is no railway network connecting Muscat with nearby areas as of now. However, travelers can opt for buses that run from Dubai and Abu Dhabi and are owned by the Oman National Transport company.  

Ideal Duration For Stay: 2 nights 3 days

Nearest Airport: The Muscat International Airport is located 42 km from the city.

Popular Attractions: Mutrah Corniche; Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque; The Royal Opera House; Wadi Bani Khalid; Yiti Beach; Bait Al-Zubair; Al Alam Palace; Al Mirani Fort; Bimmah Sinkhole; Al Jalali Fort

Things To Do: City Tour; Wahiba Safari; Wadi Shab Tour; Wadi Bani Tour; Nizwa Day Tour; Jebel Akhdar Green Mountain Day Tour; Visit to Rustaq

Adventures To Try: Dolphin Watching Tour; Wadi Hike; Snorkeling; Grand Canyon Tour; Desert Safari; Cruise

Best Places To Stay In Muscat: Kempinski Hotel Muscat Oman; Grand Hyatt Muscat; Mysk Al Mouj By Shaza; Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel; Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair

Best Shopping Markets: Mutrah Souq; Oman Avenues Mall; City Centre Qurum; City Centre Muscat; Muscat Grand Mall

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2. Nizwa: The Second-Largest Destination Of Travel In Oman

An ancient city nestled in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of Northern Oman, Nizwa is one of the best places to visit in Oman and a land that boasts of its picturesque setting and a wide range of attractions. From the best of agricultural attractions to the historic beauty that dates back a long way, Nizwa is one of the best Oman places to visit that have it all. In fact, it is the second-largest tourist destination in Oman and has earned the nickname, "The Pearl of Islam."

What's more? Travelers coming to Nizwa can either explore the architectural marvel of Nizwa Fort or head over to some popular locations like the Souq, Jebel Akhdar, and so on. Interestingly, this is a city that was once the hub for education, religion, trade, and art in Oman. Surrounded by the gorgeous banana plantations and date palms, Nizwa could be a perfect destination for a grand holiday in Oman.

Best Time To Visit Nizwa: Between September to March

• By Air - Travelers can easily book a flight to the Muscat International Airport and continue their rest of the journey to Nizwa by road. Virtually all top airlines have flights to Oman .
• By Road - Travelers can take taxis from the Muscat International Airport for Nizwa or rent a car to drive themselves. However, visitors need an International Driving Permit in order to drive themselves to any place in Oman. There are even cabs available from the airport.
• By Bus - The Oman National Transport Company runs regular buses from Muscat to Nizwa twice a day. The journey takes an estimated 2.5 hours.

Ideal Duration For Stay: 2 night 3 Days

Nearest Airport: The Muscat International Airport is located 1.6.16 Km from Nizwa.

Popular Attractions In Nizwa : Jebel Akhdar; Nizwa Fort; Jabreen Castle; Tanuf; Nizwa Souq; Wadi Ghul; Nizwa Grand Mall; Birkat Al Mouz Ruins; Falaj Daris; Desert Camel and Adventure Tours

Things To Do: Oman Grand Canyon and Nizwa Full-Day Tour; Nizwa Bahla and Jabrin Tour; Jabel Akhdar Overnight Excursion; Al Hamra and Hatt Mountains Tour; Jabel Shams Overnight Excursion

Best Places To Stay In Nizwa: Alila Jabal Akhdar; Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort; Intercity Hotel Nizwa; Antique Inn Nizwa; Nizwa Heritage Inn

Best Shopping Markets: Nizwa Souq; Nizwa Mall; Lulu Hyper Market; Faidh Hyper Market; Produce Market

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3. Salalah: Your One-Stop Destination For A Scenic Travel In Oman

Famed amongst travelers for its unique climate and a wide range of attractions, Salalah is a picturesque city in Oman that welcomes visitors to a true paradise. Home to the King of Oman, this is a city that offers everything you possibly expect. From the finest of beaches perfectly adept for snorkeling and diving to the lush green mountains that present a scenic sight to the visitors, Salalah has all the attributes to be your perfect holiday destination in Oman.

The best part? Although the mountains in Salalah present a gorgeous sight to the visitors, Monsoon season is the time when these mountains come alive, making Salalah one of the best places to go in Oman during the Monsoon season.

What's more? The holiday experience in Salalah gets even better as the visitors get to taste the finest of delicacies in the city, most notably the seafood choices here that are a real culinary highlight in Salalah. So, why not consider a visit to the city on your vacation to Oman with your loved ones?

Best Time To Visit Salalah: Late June to September

• By Air - There are two best routes that travelers can consider in order to reach Salalah. One can either fly from the capital city of Oman, Muscat which is an appropriately 90-minutes flight, or take a Dubai flight which is a 2-hour flight.
• By Road - One can easily take a 12 hours' drive from the city of Muscat in order to reach Salalah. The drive boasts of its picturesque scenery along the way where visitors can catch a glimpse of the desert, oil fields, the old town of Nizwa, and other gorgeous locations of Oman.
• By Bus - Traveling to Salalah by bus is considered to be the cheapest mode of travel. There are regular buses available from virtually Omani cities and even Dubai. These buses are run by the Gulf Transport Company and are highly popular amongst travelers owing to their modest prices.

Nearest Airport: The Salalah International Airport is a mere 2.6 Km away from the main city.

Popular Attractions In Salalah: Mughsail Beach; Wadi Darbat; Sultan Qaboos Mosque; Sumhuram Archeological Park; Taqah Castle; Marneef Cave; Jebel Samhan; Al Baleed Archaeological Park; Tawi Atair Sinkhole Oman; Anti-Gravity Point

Things To Do: Salalah Day Trip; Omani Madhbi Lunch Tour; Watch Sunset Above Largest Dunes of Desert; Desert Tour; West of Salalah Private Tour; Hiking Tour; Salalah East Tour

Adventures To Try: Off-Road Tour; Boating; Hiking; Fishing; Safaris; Camping; Scuba Diving; Snorkeling

Best Places To Stay In Salalah: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara; Salalah Gardens Hotel; Fanar Hotel and Residences; Millennium Resort Salalah; Juweira Boutique Hotel

Best Shopping Markets: Salalah Gardens Mall; Salalah Grand Mall; Al Hosn Souq; As Salam Street Salalah; Oasis Mall Salalah; Al Nahda Center Salalah; Al Saada Commercial Centre; Lulu Hypermarket Salalah; Salalah Gallery Mall; China Commercial Town (CCT)

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4. Sur: A City Brimming With Tradition

One of the finest places to visit in Oman , Sur is a port city nestled about 200 km from the country’s capital Muscat. Boasting its old shipyards and mesmerizing forts, Sur is a place that travelers should definitely have on their list. From the finest of historical and cultural attractions to the best of natural wonders one can find here, there’s a lot about Sur that surprises travelers today.

In fact, one can explore places like the Bilad Sur Castle, Sunaysilah Fort, Al Ayjah Watch Tower, Fatah al Khair while on their vacation in Sur.

Best Time To Visit Sur: Early December to Late February

• By Road - Travelers can travel to Sur from Muscat easily by taking a bus or driving themselves. The journey takes a little more than 3 hours.
• By Air - The nearest airport to Sur is the Muscat International Airport. Travelers can easily book a flight to Muscat and drive further to Sur.

Nearest Airport: The Muscat International Airport is located about 225 km from the center of the city.

Popular Attractions In Sur: Bilad Sur Castle; Sunaysilah Fort; Al Ayjah Watch Tower; Fatah al Khair

Things To Do: Explore the old town; Enjoy Fishing; Relax at the Beach; Visit historical forts

Best Places To Stay In Sur: Sur Plaza Hotel; Sur Grand Hotel; Sur Inn Hotel Apartments; Zaki Hotel Apartment

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5. Masirah Island: Witness The Life Of Turtles Up Close

Are you someone who gets fascinated about seeing turtles or camping at the beach? Well, Masirah Island is the spot for you. One of the finest tourist attractions in Oman , Masirah offers a number of attractions to tourists. From the opulent beauty of Safa'iq to the thrills of water sports, there’s a lot to look forward to at Masirah Island. In fact, the island is considered to be a top destination in Oman for those who love camping and turtle watching.

Best Time To Visit Masirah Island: November to March

• By Air - There is no airport at Masirah Island. Travelers coming here can opt to head to Shannah first and take a ferry from there.
• By Road - Travelers arriving at Masirah are can opt to hire a cab or drive themselves from Muscat. The journey takes about five hours to complete.

Nearest Airport: The Muscat International Airport is the nearest airport to Masirah Island.

Popular Attractions at Masirah Island: Hilf; Jabal Al Humr; Masirah Beach Camp; Safa'iq Grave Site

Things To Do: Enjoy Water Sports; Turtle Watching

Best Places To Stay at Masirah Island: Masira Island Resort; Hotel Danat Al Khaleej; Masirah Hotel; Masirah Beach Camp

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6. Muttrah: Enjoy The Adventures Of Oman Here

A district that was the commercial center of Oman and one of the finest places to visit in Oman , Muttrah is a fine location that travelers can consider visiting on a holiday. Boasting of some fine locations that are set to catch the eye, this is a colorful area where there are ample places to discover for the visitors. From the finest shopping experience at the Muttrah Souq to the best of historical experience at the Bait Al Baranda Museum, Muttrah awaits the visitors with its fine adventures in Oman.

Best Time To Visit Muttrah: November to March

By Air - Travelers can take a flight to Muscat from top locations and drive to Muttrah which is only a few miles away.

By Road - Travelers travel by road to Muttrah and its other top locations like the Muttrah Fort without any hassle. There are direct buses available from Muscat to the city while visitors can also hire a car to drive to the place.

Ideal Duration For Stay: 2 Night and 3 Days

Nearest Airport: The Muscat International Airport is located about 31.4 KM from Muttrah

Popular Attractions: Muttrah Souq; Bait Al Baranda Museum; Mutrah Fort; Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art; Omani Heritage Gallery; Old Watch Tower

Things To Do: Shop for diverse goods at Muttrah Souq; Engage in the offerings of the Bait Al Baranda Museum; Explore Mutrah Fort; Relish the Omani lifestyle and culture at Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art

Best Places To Stay In Mutrah: Al Falaj Hotel

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7. Seeb: Spend Time On The Pristine Beaches Of The City

A coastal fishing city that is renowned for a number of locations, Seeb is popular amongst worldwide travelers. This is a place that offers relaxation at its very best. In fact, one can explore the best of local fare and markets in the area while getting to stay in the best of luxury hotels here. One of the finest places to visit in Oman , Seeb is widely renowned for its pristine beaches and gorgeous gardens that are perfect in every sense.

Best Time To Visit Seeb: November to March

By Air - Travelers coming to Seeb are required to arrive at the Muscat International Airport and complete the rest of the journey by hiring a vehicle.

By Road - The distance between Seeb and Muscat is around 29.7 KM and the travelers are required to hire a bus or rent a vehicle to cover the journey. The journey between the two cities takes about half n hours to complete.

Ideal Duration For Stay: 2 Night 3 Days

Nearest Airport: The Muscat International Airport is located about 24.2 KM away from Seeb

Popular Attractions: Seeb Souq; Wadi Al Khoud; Oman Botanic Garden; Al Naseem Park; Zulfa Mosque; Al Sahwa Public Garden; Maizoon Bint Ahmed Mosque

8. Misfat Al Abriyeen: Discovering the Beauty Of Oasis

Misfat al Abryeen, an offbeat and small village that is one of the best places to visit in Oman for a unique experience. With the contemporary vibes and the myriad of a natural vista like the banyan trees dominating most of the terrains makes it a wonder to explore. The Italian villages and the vintage house add beauty to the ancient village offering you a great vacation in Oman.

Nestled away from the chaos of the city, the Misfat al Abryeen is nothing lesser than an oasis that is painted in the brown and green hues of nature.

Best Time To Visit Misfat al Abryeen: June to August

How To Reach: The Misfat Al Abryeen is 232 kilometers away from Muscat that can be covered via a drive. As you land at Muscat international airport, you can heir a cab or taxi that will drop you at the gate of the village. You can trek the rest of the village.

Ideal Duration For Stay: 2 days

Nearest Airport: Muscat International Airport

Popular Attractions: Al Hoota Cave, Al Naseem Park, Rustak Wadi Bani Auf

Things to Do: Village Tour, Hiking, Old House Tour

Places To Stay in Misfat al Abryeen: Durrat Al-misfah Guest House, Misfah Heights, Al Misfah Hospitality Inn, Bait Aljabal Hospitality Inn

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9. Wahiba Sands: Experience The Thrill Of Desert

The Wahiba Sands or the Sharqiya Sands is a deserted area in Oman you can visit for your vacation. The Wahiba Sands dominated by the rolling dunes and the golden hues makes it one of the best tourist attractions in Oman . From desert adventures to trekking and lunch amidst the serenity, Wahiba sands offer leisure as well as thrill to make your visit, one of the best experiences. Get ready for sand sports and night camping, dune bashing and every possible activity you can think of.

The Wahiba sands nothing less than a dreamland that is spreading to an area of 180 kilometers or more.

Best Time To Visit Wahiba Sands: October to April

How To Reach: From Muscat International Airport, one can get a 4x4 vehicle to reach Wahiba sands. The distance of the airport from the Wahiba sands in 253 km that will take approximately 3 hours to reach.

Ideal Duration For Stay: 2 nights

Things to Do: Dune Bashing, Sand Boarding, Camel Safari, Bedouin Family Tour, Overnight Camping, Desert Safari

Places To Stay in the Wahiba Sands: Queen Desert camp, Home X4, Alsarmadi Desert Camp, Nomadic Desert Camp

10. Sohar: Discovering The Mythical Characters

Sohar is known to be a dwelling place of sailors Ahmed Bin Majid. Now, what makes it the best attraction for tourists in Oman is the mythical character, Sinbad. The destination houses some of the most amazing beaches and vibrant souqs, monuments, and other places of tourist interest. Bounded by the magnificent beaches on the outskirts, the city is the best place to discover the art, heritage, and traditional art of Oman. Look out for adventures like camel rides or buy some traditional handicrafts as you plan your holiday around the splendid attraction.

Best Time To Visit Sohar: November to February

How To Reach: Board a flight to Sohar International Airport from there you can rent a cab or get a taxi to reach Sonar. Cabs and taxis are also available from cities like Muscat making it easy to each from any corner of the world.

Ideal Duration For Stay: 6 days

Nearest Airport: Sohar International Airport

Popular Attractions: Sohar Corniche, Sohar Fort, Sohar Handicraft Souq, Sohar Muncipal Park,

Things to Do: Shopping from famous malls, Beach leisure, Camel rides

Places To Stay in Sohar: Radisson Blu Hotel, Mercure Sohar, Sohar Beach Hotel, Al Wadi Hotel, Royal Garden Hotel

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11. Wadi Darbat: Explore The Calm Blue Waters and Caves

Wadi Darbat is one of the most amazing scenic spots for nature lovers, surrounded by the hills and gorgeous waterfalls.  it is a lush green valley, surrounded by hills with small caves people can hike up.  it is the best places to visit in Oman with family and friends. It is flooded with locals and tourists during the monsoon seasons as they come to enjoy the green landscaped hills.  Shawarmas, popcorn and ice-cream are some of the street foods sold at the small stalls and restaurants.

Best Time To Visit: June to August

How To Reach

The best way to reach Wadi Darbat is to fly to Muscat or Dubai, which is a 90 minute- 2-hour flight respectively. One can fly with Oman Air.

By road, it is a 12-hour journey.

There are several buses that go to this place, which are offered by the Gulf transport company.

It is well connected by train, so they won’t be any problem.

Ideal Duration For Stay: 1 day

Nearest Airport: Salalah International Airport

Popular Attractions: Tawi Attair, Sumhuram Archaeological Park and Mirbat

Things To Do: Boat ride, walk or trek and visit the waterfalls

Adventures To Try: Trekking and Boat Ride

Best Places To Stay In Wadi Darbat: Souly Eco Lodge, Kairaba Mirbat Resort, Roshan Resort

Best Shopping Markets: Salalah Gardens Mall, Salalah Glory tours and Al Husn Souq

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12. Musandam: The Unexplored Omani Getaway

The unexplored Omani getaway is rich with modern architecture and serene beaches. Musandam is a one stop destination for scuba divers as it has clear waters and several facilities. Rich in Arabian culture, mixed with Iran’s, the Omani peninsula is surrounded by mountains and water bodies and with two gulfs- Arabian and Omani. Being one of the best tourist attractions in the middle east, Musandam has one of the most important and busiest waterways- the strait of Hormuz.  Jebel Harim is one of the tallest peaks in the region as it is studded with fossils of fish and various marine animals. It is one of the most breathtaking destinations to visit.

Best Time To Visit: October

Oman air is the only flight that goes to Khasab and Muscat. The duration of the flight is about 1.25 hours and departs and leaves from the military base.

If one were to travel by road, then one will have to get insurance permits for two countries and go past at least 8 entry checkpoints. On the other hand, if one were to drive down from Dubai, it is a lot simpler as one will have to pass only Tibat.

There is a ferry people can take from Muscat to go to Khasab.

Ideal Duration For Stay:   1 day

Nearest Airport:   Khasab Airport

Popular Attractions: Musandam peninsula, jebel al Harim, Khasab fort and Khor Najd

Things To Do: Camping, interact with the dolphins

Adventures To Try: Camping, paragliding, diving and snorkeling

Best Places To Stay In Musandam: Dibba beach resort, six senses zighy bay and khasab hotel

Best Shopping Markets: Lulu roundbot, zaree Khasab souvenirs shop and al Marsa Musandam dive shop

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13. Bahla: A Reconstructed Heritage Town

Bahla has been declared as a UNESCO world heritage site, one of the first ever Omani town, located in the Dakhliya region of Oman. One of the major tourist attractions in Muscat is the Bahla fort, even though the site constitutes of traditional vernacular houses, a market and a mosque. It is one of the most ancient forts that goes back to the 13th century. The town is known for its pottery and silver artefacts. It has been an interesting part of several Arabic legends as it was believed that it was the birth place of black magic.

The town is the perfect example of fortified oasis settlement of the Islamic period and boasts of a defensive architectural ensemble that allowed tribes to gain prosperity in the desert.  It offers a perfect view of the palm groves that can be seen from the Jabrin entrance.

Best Time To Visit: June- September

By Air: Muscat International Airport is the nearest airport in Bahla. There are several buses from Muscat for Bahla. It is best to hire a taxi or cab or travel in your vehicle.

Popular Attractions: Bahla Fort, Mosque, vernacular houses and markets

Things To Do: Pottery and visit the old souq

Adventures To Try: Camel rides, Dolphin watching, hiking and bike tours

Best Places To Stay In Bahla: Bait Bahla hospitality inn, hotel apartments and Al Hamra old house

Best Shopping Markets: Bahla Souq, riyal gift markets, Al Karama Hypermarket, Bahla

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14. Khasab: The Land of The Many Vistas

Khasab is a peaceful town that oozes with history as it home to the mountain of women, sandy beaches, beautiful corals and Portuguese fortress. People can take cruise through the Fjords of Musandam and swim in the blue seas. One can even snorkel and discover the stunning corals and sea life. The history lovers will love trekking the Musandam mountains and going to the abandoned houses in the deserted towns close to Khasab. It may be an old town but it is taken care of by its residents and has still sustained its charm. It is a humble city like no other and one of the many attractions in Oman.

Best Time To Visit: November

There are regular flights to Khasab from Muscat and the nearest airport is the Muscat international airport.

One can hire a cab to Khasab from Muscat, which would take about 6-7 hours to reach.  People can even rent a car or taxi.

Popular Attractions: Sandy beaches, beautiful corals and Portuguese fortress.

Things To Do:   Snorkel, Trekking and Swim in the blue sea

Adventures To Try: Snorkel and Trekking

Best Places To Stay In Khasab: Diwan Al Amir, Khasab Hotel, Atana Musandam Resort, Shams Musandam

Best Shopping Markets:  Ajmal Market center, Musandam Almasya, Marjan Market

15. Wadi Shab

For the locals and tourists, one of the most famous places to visit in Oman is Wadi Shab. November is the best time to visit the place and view the breathtaking hills, date palms, and waterfalls inside the caves in the mountains.  A 40-minute hike will take you to the place and while hiking people will discover the most beautiful path and will see pools along the way where they can swim. For a bit of fun and adventure, from the mountain cliff, one should dive into the pool. It is an adventure of a lifetime one should not miss out on.

The closest airport in Oman is the Muscat International Airport.  One can take a bus or hire a car or cab and go to Wadi Shab. It is will take about 2 hours.

One will have to check and see if there any trains to Oman.

Popular Attractions: Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Tiwi

Things To Do: Hiking and Swimming

Adventures To Try: Hike and Dive into the pool from the mountain cliffs

Best Places To Stay in Wadi Shab: Wadi Shab Resort and Tiwi Sunrise Hotel

Best Shopping Markets:   Muscat City Center

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Cyprus For The Gorgeous Mountains And Ancient Ruins

Barka is a colorful beachside city located on the Omani coast. The ancient traditions of bullfighting and Omani Halwa make it a unique town that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oman . Barka is a 40 - minute drive from Muscat, making it an ideal day trip with family and friends. The fort overlooks the coastline of Oman and the Souq, the marketplace of the city. During the Muscat festival that is held annually, Barka bursts into life. Attending the festival is one of the many things to do in Oman as it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see what it is about.

Best Time To Visit: December

How To Reach:   From the city center of Muscat, Barka is a 45-minute drive. One can hire a taxi or rent a car and go to Barka.  People can even travel by bus to Barka as there are buses that go to the place regularly.

Ideal Duration To Stay: 1 day

Popular Attractions: Naman Zoo, Barka Fort

Things To Do: Go watch bull fighting, Eat Omani Halwa

Adventures To Try: Snorkeling, Fishing

Best Places To Stay In Barka:  Bait Al Sawadi, Barka Hotel Apartments

Best Shopping Markets: Bait Al Sawadi, Season Inn Hotel

Have you ever visited the old parts of Oman? It is one of the most exciting Oman tourist places people should explore. Located in the northern Al Dhahriah region of Oman, Ibri is a stopover between Saudi Arabia and UAE. Based on the various UNESCO heritage sites, Ibri's treasure lies in its heritage. Tombs of Al-Ayn, Al- Khutm, and Bat are some of the most famous ancient ensembles in the world. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Muscat with archaeological sites with towers, forts, castles, and tombs. It is known for its oil and back in the year 1979, metal hoards were discovered. In 2018, several shopping places opened up.

Best Time To Visit: May- September

How To Reach: If traveling by air, then people can fly to Muscat and then travel by road. The nearest airport in Muscat is Muscat International Airport. Ibri is about 300 km away from Muscat. People can travel by bus from  Azaiba Bus Station to Buraimi, which passes by Nizwa and Ibri.  People can even travel by taxi from Muscat.

Popular Attractions: Towers, Forts, Castles and Tombs

Things To Do: Visit the archeological sites and tombs

Adventures To Try: Camping, walking and hiking

Best Places To Stay In Ibri: Al Majd Hotel, Ibri Oasis Hotel

Best Shopping Markets: Sinaw Souk, Nizwa Souk, Al Husn Souq, Salalah, Gun Souq, Salalah

18. Al Suwaiq

Have you ever visited the market in Oman? It is one of the most famous places to see in Oman . In Arabic, Al Suwaiq means market. People can explore the mountains, valleys, and plains along the coast. Several tourists on holiday can explore the market place, the countryside, discover the shores of Oman, and give their taste buds a treat to some of the most delicious food in Oman .

The town was popular for its market back in the day. One can visit Al Suwaiq to sell or buy goods. The place that was once off the grid has evolved over the years and today, one can see a combination of a traditional and modern town.  What more can anyone ask for in terms of having an ideal time? People should visit the market at least once as it is a once in a lifetime experience. What more can one ask for?

How To Reach: The nearest airport is Muscat International Airport and so, people can fly to the Oman easily;  and then hire a cab or taxi to visit the market.

Nearest Airport:   Muscat International Airport

Popular Attractions:   Shores Of Oman, valleys, plains and mountains

Things To Do:   Buy souvenirs

Adventures To Try: Cruising, snorkeling

Best Places To Stay In Al Suwaiq:  Gulf Sand Resorts, Al Ghadeer Hotel

Best Shopping Markets: NA

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Cairo, Egypt To Discover The Melting Pot Of History

19. Al Hoota Caves

The caves are about 2 million years old and situated at the foot of the Jebel Shams mountains. It is home to bats, anthropoids, snails, and mollusks and is well protected.  People will get to see the 4 lakes while taking a tour of the caves. The rare blind fish, Garra Barreimiae are seen in the lake and are only seen in the middle east. The tour is about 45 minutes as people get to see all of the 500 m of the cave.

People will get information in both Arab and English about when the cave was formed, founded and the animals that existed, and how long has it been preserved. One will have to walk carefully as the caves are quite slippery.

Timings: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Ideal Duration To Stay: 1-2 hours

Popular Attractions:   Rare Blind Fish, Bats, Snails and Mollusks

Things To Do: Explore the cave

Adventures To Try: NA

Best Places To Stay In Al Hoota Caves: Al Hamra Old House, Al Hamra Guest House

Best Shopping Markets: Carrefour, Nizwa Grand Mall, Nizwa Souq

Now here's a thing, Mirbat may not be amongst the most talked about places to go in Oman but is certainly one spot that travelers can explore when on a vacation to this part of the world. Primarily famous for fishing, Mirbat was once the capital of Dhofar and a place where frankincense trade was heavily practiced in the old times. In fact, while being the capital of Dhofar, Mirbat earned most of its revenue from the frankincense trade and from breeding Arabian horses.

Interestingly, during the Dhofar Rebellion, it was also the site of the Battle of Mirbat in 1972 which certainly adds a historical significance to the place. Today, history lovers from around the world can come here and see the old remains easily here. Not only this, the town has a population of around 15000 today and has gained popularity as a perfect diving and snorkeling spot in Oman. There are excellent coral reefs offshore that divers would certainly love to explore. Likewise, visitors coming to Mirbat can also spend time savoring fine delicacies at a restaurant or spend a night at an upscale resort, this place has it all. Besides, since Mirbat is located close to Salalah, it becomes easily commutable for travelers today.

Best Time To Visit - June to October

How To Reach - Mirbat is located in close proximity to the Salalah International Airport. Travelers can easily take a flight to Salalah and cover the rest of the journey by road. Mirbat is 70 km east of Salalah on Highway 49 and it takes about an hour to reach here from the airport.

Ideal Duration Of Stay- 1 day

Nearest Airport - Salalah International Airport

Popular Attractions - Frankincense Museum, Tomb of Mohammed Bin Ali

Things To Do - Diving, snorkeling, exploring historical locations

Best Places To Stay In Mirbat - Mirbat Marriott Resort, Kairaba Mirbat Resort, Alila Hinu Bay

Best Shopping Markets - Mirbat Commercial Market

Suggested Read: Striking Places To Visit In Bahrain For An Enriching Travel Experience

21. Telegraph Island

A small piece of land surrounding the Musandam Peninsula in the middle of water, Telegraph Island was once a station in the 19th century that was used to boost the British Telegraph messages along the Persian Gulf cable line. Although not much remains of the old station on the island, it is still the perfect spot to enjoy snorkeling as the water conditions are perfectly favorable for the same. Hence, for travelers who are looking to experience the best of water sports in Oman , a trip to Telegraph Island makes perfect sense.

Best Time To Visit - Travelers can visit the Telegraph Island at any time they want

How To Reach - Travelers can take a flight to Khasab which is located nearby Telegraph Island.

Ideal Duration Of Stay - Few Hours

Nearest Airport - Khasab Air Base

Popular Attractions - Ruins of Telegraph Station

Things To Do - Snorkeling

Best Places To Stay In Telegraph Island - There are no such places to stay on Telegraph Island as it is a relatively small island.

Best Shopping Markets - N/A

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka For A Vacation Worth Remembering

A country that welcomes travelers to its scenic haven all round the year, Oman has a lot to be admired about. From gorgeous beaches, amazing food, and fresh sea breeze to the enchanting Souq and desert landscapes, this is a country that has it all. As for travelers, knowing the top places to visit in Oman is the real trick as the country has enough attractions to keep one engaged for weeks. Hence, if you're planning your next trip to Oman and wondering about the top places you can visit, keeping Muscat, Nizwa, and Salalah in your travel diary is almost mandatory for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Yes, Oman is one of the safest Middle-Eastern countries today where travelers can spend weeks without worrying about any mishaps.

The expense of traveling to Oman clearly depends on the number of days one decides to spend in the country. Ideally, the cheapest hotel room may cost around 12–15 OR per night in the country.

Yes, most top airlines around the world fly direct to Oman with cheap flights available for travelers.

Yes, US citizens can travel to Oman without much hassle. However, they do need a visa and passport prior to their journey.

Places like Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Mughsail Beach, Mutrah Souq, Wadi Dayqah Dam, Khasab Fort, etc, are the best places to visit in Oman.

As believed by many travelers, spending 2 weeks in Oman is an ideal duration to explore the whole country.

The time between October and April is considered as the best time to visit in Oman owing to the pleasant weather during this period.

There are no such restrictions on wearing shorts in the country. Travelers can wear anything that is dignified but they must not wear shorts while visiting mosque.

Rajat Kanojia

Driven by his keen impulse for globe-trot, Rajat is a buoyant writer, blogger, and traveler who breathes an airy passion to escape to a distant wild and live to share the tale with the world.

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• 21 Places to Visit in Oman on Your Next Grand Vacation

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Places To Visit in Oman

Here are the top 17 tourist places in oman.

1 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 17 Tourist attractions

Muscat, the capital of Oman, has served as an integral trading link between the east and the west and still remains a major stop for cruises and trade vessels. The city has maintained its old charm with even the newer structures having Arabian details. Not to mention the emerald blue ...

Best Time: October to March

2 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 20 Tourist attractions

Home to the Sultan of Oman, Salalah is a beautiful city with rich culture, history and magnificent beaches! Famous for its Arabian Peninsula and unique climate, this town is full of lush mountains and greenery that comes alive during the monsoon season. Its stunning beaches offer many...

Best Time: Late June to September

3 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 11 Tourist attractions

Among the highest and most majestic mountains of Oman, lies the historic city of Nizwa. Known as "The Pearl of Islam", the conservative yet open nature of Nizwa makes it the second-largest tourist destination in Oman! The ancient city was once the hub for trade, education, religion and art. Sur...

Best Time: December to March

4. Wadi Darbat

4 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 3 Tourist attractions

A beautiful scenic spot for all nature lovers, Wadi Darbat, has picturesque hills surrounding it and a beautiful waterfall. Wadi Darbat is a splendid lush green valley with the surrounding hills having small caves which people can hike up! It's the perfect spot for a little family picnic or a f...

Best Time: June to August

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Classic oman package: muscat with wahiba sands & wadi bani khalid excursion, dubai and oman tour package, discover oman: 3 nights muscat package with dolphin watching, mesmerizing muscat, wahiba & jebel akhdar tour package, 4 nights oman exploration tour package.

5 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 6 Tourist attractions

Rumoured to be the home of the famous sailers Ahmed bin Majid and mythical character Sinbad, Sohar is the perfect blend of culture and contemporary societies. The city has huge malls and skyscrapers, some of the most gorgeous beaches in Oman and souqs and monuments that are full ...

Best Time: October to February

6. Musandam

6 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman

Musandam is rich with modern architecture as well as serene beaches. It is a much-loved destination for scuba divers because of the clear waters and the amazing facilities at the destination. This Omani peninsula is bordered by rugged mountains and turquoise water bodies and guarded b...

Best Time: November-March

7 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman

The first-ever Omani town to be declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bahla is a small Oasis settlement situated in the Dakhliya region of Oman. Although the settlement is constituted of traditional vernacular houses, the fortification wall, a market, the Falaj system and a mosque, it ...

Best Time: October to March

8 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 10 Tourist attractions

Sur is a city that is best known for the craftsmanship associated with boats or traditional 'Dhows'. Shipbuilding, particularly building wooden ships is a trade that is a part of Sur’s rich heritage. Sur is the second wealthiest city in Oman, with a population of around 120,000 residents. Sur i...

Best Time: October to April

9 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 3 Tourist attractions

Home to Jebel Harim or the 'Mountain of Women', sandy beaches, beautiful corals and a Portuguese fortress, the city of Khasab is a quiet town oozing with history. Tourists can enjoy a cruise through the 'Fjords of Musandam' and swim in the turquoise seas. Or, if they prefer, snorkel and explore...

Best Time: November to March

10. Wadi Shab

10 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 3 Tourist attractions

The beautiful Wadi Shab is an extremely famous outdoor destination for locals and tourists in Oman. The beautiful wadi is packed during the peak season of November to March because it surrounded by picturesque hills, date palms and the gorgeous waterfall inside one of the caves in the moun...

Best Time: Late February to early April

Best tourist destinations in Oman

Cities in Oman

Beaches in Salalah

11. Wahiba Sands

11 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 4 Tourist attractions

Found when taking a diversion on the road between Sur and Muscat, the mighty Wahiba Sands also known as The Sharqiya Sands is home to the bedouins, exciting sand sports and night camping in Oman. 

12. Masirah Island

12 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman 5 Tourist attractions

Being the largest island in Oman as well as the most relaxing destination for a weekend getaway,  Masirah Island is filled with stunning beaches and exciting water sports. The island has a population of about 12,000 people and was only recently open for tourism. This island is known as a "...

Best Time: November to April

13 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman

Situated on the Omani coast, Barka is a vibrant beachside city in the Al-Batinah region. What makes this town unique is their age-old tradition of bull-fighting and their famous Omani Halwa. A 40-minute drive from Muscat, Barka provides the perfect day trip and is a favourite resort destin...

Best Time: December to February

14 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman

The Oasis town of Ibri is situated in the northern Al Dhahirah region of Oman and just 2.5 hours from Muscat. Usually, the town is treated as a friendly stopover between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But the treasure of Ibri lies in its heritage as it is the base for visiting many UNESCO Heritage sites....

Best Time: September to May

15. Al Suwaiq

15 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman

Al Suwaiq means 'market' in Arabic. The town is also recognized as one of the Wilayats (also the largest Wilayat) of Al Batinah North governorate. Here, people get to see the mountains, the valleys and the plains along with the coast all located at short distances from each other. Each year, a consi...

16. Misfat Al Abriyeen

16 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman

If you are looking for a truly unique and awe-inspiring trip to Oman, visit the ancient, gorgeous and charming village of Misfat Al Abryeen. Alighted high on the mountains of Jebel Shams is mesmerising village whose inhabitants have transformed the terrain to a fertile oasis by the strength of their...

17. Al Hoota Caves

17 out of 17 Places to visit in Oman

Located at the foot of the grand Jebel Shams mountain, Al Hoota Cave is almost 2 million years old and the only show cave in the Arabian Peninsula that is 4.5 kilometers long. With a wonderful ecosystem consisting of bats, anthropoids, snails and mollusks, the cave is very well protected and preserv...

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An ex-Wall Street banker who's visited every country shares 6 places where you can spend less and still travel in luxury

• Lee Abbamonte, 45, is an ex-Wall Street banker who has visited every country in the world. 
• When it comes to destinations where dollars go the furthest, Southeast Asia is his go-to.
• In Bangkok, Abbamonte paid less than $50 a night for a Shangri-La hotel and loved the street food.

This summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record for the US economy .

Household wealth is at a record high, the job market is strong, and wages are rising faster than inflation. Meanwhile, the dollar has steadily gained against rival currencies. Simply put, Americans have dollars to spend. One question they might have: Where, oh where, to spend it?

Lee Abbamonte has some suggestions. Abbamonte, who quit his Wall Street finance job to become a travel blogger in 2002, has visited every country in the world, every US state , plus the South and North Poles.

Abbamonte's go-to for getting the most bang for your travel buck is Southeast Asia .

In countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, luxury hotels can cost under $100 a night and street food can be as delicious as fine dining, Abbamonte said.

One downside is that traveling to Southeast Asia from the US can take anywhere from 15 hours to more than a day.

"The hardest part is getting there," added Abbamonte, who last visited the region between 2017 and 2019. "But once you're there, you're in heaven."

Here, Abbamonte shares six countries — in Southeast Asia and beyond — where your vacation budget can buy some indulgent splurges.

During a past trip to Thailand, Abbamonte stayed in a five-star hotel for less than $50 a night.

Thailand is one of Abbamonte's favorite destinations in Southeast Asia, for good reason.

In Bangkok, he said, street food is world-class and high-quality yet inexpensive compared to comparable meals in the US. Abbamonte stayed at several stunning hotels along the Chao Phraya River, which flows through the heart of the city.

"I remember I paid like $39 for the Shangri-La," he said.

A one-night stay at the Shangri-La in Bangkok is a bit more expensive now, according to its website : $162 as of June 2024.

Outside Bangkok, Abbamonte can't get enough of Phuket, an island off the west coast of mainland Thailand brimming with rainforest and white sandy beaches that look straight out of a postcard.

"Some of the best hotels I've ever stayed at in my life are in Phuket," he said. His favorite is Kata Rocks, an oceanfront five-star hotel that is "one of the most beautiful places" Abbamonte has ever been.

"I don't remember exactly what it cost, but it wasn't that much," Abbamonte said, estimating that he spent "around $100" a night.

In July 2024, a one-night stay at Kata Rocks in Phuket costs more than $490 according to its website . That may not seem cheap, but villas in more expensive locations like the Caribbean can cost a lot more.

Vietnam is exceedingly affordable for its stunning vistas and delicious delicacies, he said.

Vietnam is one of Abbamonte's top countries in South Asia, where "the food is cheap and easy, and it's fantastic."

The country is home to some awe-inspiring natural wonders, including Ha Long Bay, which you can explore via luxury overnight cruises with amenities like pools, jacuzzis, and wine cellars from about $190 a night.

"Ha Long Bay, near Hanoi, is one of the most beautiful places in the world," Abbamonte said.

Tourists can also get great deals, he added, in the artsy and history-rich city of Hanoi, the coastal city of Da Nang, and Vietnam's southern capital, Ho Chi Minh City.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Abbamonte recommends stopping by the War Remnants Museum. Known locally as the American War Museum , an adult ticket costs 40 Vietnamese dong, or around $1.50.

Home to exhibits on the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War, Abbamonte said it's his "favorite" museum outside the US.

Money goes a long way in Cambodia, home to a world-class beach scene that relatively few know about.

Another one of Abbamonte's favorite places to splurge without spending too much is Cambodia.

Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam, the country is affordable in all the ways that its neighbors are but is more off the beaten path.

"There aren't the tourists you get in Thailand and Vietnam," Abbamonte said.

Most tourists visit Cambodia to see Angkor Wat, an ancient Hindu-Buddhist temple complex near the city of Siem Reap. Abbamonte said the temple, which costs $37 to visit for a day, is worth seeing, but added that the country has so much more to offer.

"There's a lot more going on outside Angkor Wat," he said. "They have nice beaches, and they've really improved their infrastructure."

Some of the most idyllic seaside spots are situated on the tiny islands off of the coastal city of Sihanoukville, like Saracen Bay, a beach on Koh Rong Samloem.

Argentina has some amazing steakhouses that are generally more affordable than their US counterparts.

Abbamonte said many Americans sleep on Argentina, but that it's one of the most affordable, exciting, and pleasant places to visit in South America.

He's particularly fond of Patagonia, a region of mountains, glacial lakes, grasslands, and rainforests that runs through both Argentina and Chile across the southernmost tip of South America.

It's as close to paradise as it gets for Abbamonte, who loves being outdoors — and it doesn't hurt that food and accommodation are inexpensive.

"You can go down there and live it up real cheaply," he added.

The capital of Buenos Aires is also a must-see, Abbamonte added, because it's home to an array of luxury hotels and high-quality steakhouses where American dollars go a long way.

One of his favorite eateries is La Cabrera, a steakhouse in the trendy Palermo Soho neighborhood of Buenos Aires that offers a daily 40% happy hour discount on food and drinks between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. (One blogger who reviewed their La Cabrera meal during a 2023 trip said, at the time, a 21-ounce ribeye cost the equivalent of $45.)

"I'm a meat eater," Abbamonte admitted. "So if you like steak, there's really nowhere better."

Ethiopia offers affordable safari options in awe-inspiring wildlife reserves.

"Ethiopia is one place that I love," Abbamonte said. "It's definitely in my top five African countries."

In the past, he's flown into the capital city of Addis Ababa and stayed in five-star hotels for $100 a night. "They're really, really nice, and you can eat world-class meals for virtually nothing," he added.

While booking safari-type vacations can be "pretty expensive," Abbamonte said more adventurous travelers can always consider camping, which he did during his first trips 20 years ago.

At the time, he said, buying supplies, organizing transport within the park, and getting camping permits cost him between $100 and $200.

For example, foreign tourists visiting the Simien Mountains National Park pay 90 birrs, or around $1.50, for a 24-hour pass and an additional 40 birrs, less than $1, to camp in a tent with up to four people.

Compared to some luxury lodges, it's incredibly affordable, and "you get all the same animals," Abbamonte said, adding that he felt completely safe, given all the park rangers roaming around.

Abbamonte said there's never been a better time to visit Japan, one of his favorite countries in the world.

Japan isn't typically the first country that comes to mind for affordable travel, but Abbamonte said it's never been a better time to book a trip because, as of June 25, $1 buys 159.72 yen.

It's one of the best conversion rates in recent history.

"It's as cheap as it's ever been for the American dollar right now," Abbamonte said. "In Tokyo, the hotels are slashed to a third less than they normally are."

For example, at the Hilton Tokyo, a five-star hotel in the bustling Shinjuku district, one-night stays start at under $300 a night, according to its website .

Abbamonte said Japan is worth the trek — and the steeper prices compared to Southeast Asia — for the unique experiences it offers.

From the Kobe beef in Kobe and the bustling streets of Tokyo to the omakase scene in Osaka and the tranquility and history of Kyoto, there's "nowhere" in Japan Abbamonte doesn't like.

"It's probably the best country in the world," he said.

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29 top cheap weekend getaways in the u.s..

Weekend getaways are often cheaper by default – especially in these destinations.

Top Cheap Weekend Getaways

Jason Tarr | Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the best places for an affordable weekend escape.

Sometimes you just need to escape from your everyday routine – but you may not have weeks (or funds) on end to spend away from home. For those seeking a quick, affordable trip, we've compiled a variety of cheap weekend getaways across the U.S., organized by region so you can find something within driving distance to keep costs low (or further afield if you're up for the journey).

Top Regional Destinations:

Burlington, vermont.

Getty Images

You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Burlington, Vermont – especially since the best ways to experience it are low-cost or free. Rent bikes and go for a ride on the Burlington Bike Path, which later becomes the Island Line Trail – a stunning pathway over Lake Champlain. You can also stroll Church Street Marketplace, where the Burlington Farmers Market is hosted on Saturdays; sample sweets at Lake Champlain Chocolates; and enjoy a craft beer tasting or two.

Niagara Falls, New York

There's no cost to visit this iconic landmark , and if you want to get up close, you'll find several affordable tours of Niagara Falls – namely boat rides that'll get you up close to the roaring waters. A visit to Niagara Falls, New York, also omits the cost (and hassle) of getting or renewing a passport . Free and low-cost things to do in Niagara Falls include hiking state parks and sampling vinos along the Niagara Wine Trail.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

You can enjoy an affordable weekend in Atlantic City – provided you steer clear of (or don't spend too much time at) the casinos. Instead, explore the beach and boardwalk, whose roots date back to 1870. Other budget-friendly things to do in Atlantic City including visiting Absecon Lighthouse (the tallest in New Jersey) and Lucy the Elephant. If you come here for a romantic getaway , treat yourself and your partner to dinner on the waterfront.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Spend as much or as little as you like in the Pocono Mountains. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the region's terrain affords a variety of free and low-cost activities amid beautiful scenery, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating. Lake Wallenpaupack, Hickory Run State Park and Lehigh Gorge State Park offer some of the best camping for those who'd like to keep lodging costs low, though you can also find affordable vacation rentals in the area.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Destination Gettysburg

Gettysburg National Military Park (which also comprises the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center) is free to visit, and there's no cost to explore the Civil War battlefields with a national park ranger. Gettysburg ghost tours – a must for anyone who's interested in the area's haunted history – are relatively affordable, too, as are local hotels , which include options under $200 and $100 per night.

Farm Sanctuary: Watkins Glen, New York

Courtesy of Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary in the Finger Lakes region of New York is part animal sanctuary, part country retreat – and an ideal location for a weekend escape from New York City . Travelers eager for a break can book a tiny home or cabin and spend time with more than 500 rescued farm animals in Watkins Glen. Nightly rentals start at $250 per night (plus a $25 membership fee) for up to two people in May through December, and include a special tour each morning of your stay. Sample the region's signature rieslings and chardonnays at some of the top wineries in the Finger Lakes during your visit, or hike to waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park .

Address: 3150 Aikens Road, Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park, South Dakota

This area of the U.S. is home to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and the fascinating caverns of Wind Cave, making it easy to see several iconic attractions in one jaunt. To save on entry fees, consider the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Priced at $80, it provides access to all national parks and federally protected lands in the U.S., so you'll likely be able to use it for another trip down the road, too.

Read: The Top Things to Do in South Dakota

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari: Santa Claus, Indiana

Courtesy of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari ranks among the most affordable amusement parks in the U.S., in part because of its free parking and modest lodging costs. The amusement park also offers complimentary family-friendly perks with admission, including sunscreen and soft drinks.

Address: 452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus, IN 47579

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Courtesy of Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau

Wisconsin Dells is home to myriad water park resorts – many of which combine water park admission and overnight lodging in one rate. Other attractions in Wisconsin Dells include a Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum, a bustling downtown and plenty of gorgeous scenery marked by unique rock formations. You can frequently find hotel and attraction discounts on the Wisconsin Dells tourism bureau's website ; keep in mind for any family trips that the best prices are typically available when kids are in school.

Branson, Missouri

Courtesy of Explore Branson

Table Rock Lake State Park, where you can swim, canoe, kayak, fish, hike and bike, as well as Branson Landing, which features a spectacular fountain show at night, are among the free attractions in Branson, Missouri . You can also ride a free trolley around town from March to December. The most expensive activity in Branson might be a visit to Silver Dollar City, though you can often find deals on tickets, like discounted evening rates in the fall. For affordable lodging in Branson , try the Thousand Hills Resort Hotel , which often lists rates around $100 per night.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Courtesy of Visit Indy

There are a variety of free things to do in Indianapolis , including the Monon Trail, which connects downtown Indy to the Carmel area, with shops and restaurants along the way; the 250-acre White River State Park, perfect for a picnic lunch; and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which connects the city's public spaces. On the first Thursday of every month, the Newfields Art Museum offers free admission (and whether or not you go to the museum, the grounds alone are worth a visit). In the summer, Concerts on the Canal brings free entertainment to the area – just bring your own blanket or lawn chair.

No matter your budget, a visit to the Indianapolis Children's Museum is worth the splurge if traveling with kids – it is the largest children's museum in the world.

Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio

Courtesy of Cedar Point

Not only is Cedar Point one of the best amusement parks in the U.S. – and the self-proclaimed Roller Coaster Capital of the World – but a visit here is also relatively cheap when you factor in the affordability of hotels in Sandusky . The Comfort Inn Sandusky , for example, offers free breakfast with rates starting at less than $100 per night. Keep in mind that, as a seasonal attraction, Cedar Point is typically closed from November to early May.

Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870

Read: The Top Water Parks in Ohio

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Washington, D.C.

Courtesy of Washington.org

With 22 free Smithsonian museums including the National Zoo, Washington, D.C. is an obvious choice for a cheap weekend getway. And while many hotels in D.C. are expensive, you can still find affordable accommodations on rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores boasts more than 30 miles of white sand beaches , making it one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast . You don't have to visit during the summer to experience the area's best weather, though: Spring and fall bring temperatures that are still comfortable for sunbathing, swimming and strolling on the sand.

Budget-friendly things to do in Gulf Shores include bike riding at Gulf State Park; casting a line at Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier; exploring The Wharf, an entertainment and shopping venue; and visiting the Orange Beach History Museum and the Gulf Shores Museum, both of which are free. At local hotels like the Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores , nightly rates for apartment-style accommodations and free breakfast currently hover around $100 a night.

Massanutten Resort: Massanutten, Virginia

An ideal weekend getaway from Washington, D.C. , Massanutten Resort offers four-season fun, from winter sports like skiing and snowboarding to golf, mountain biking and water park action during warmer months. A la carte fees for many activities allow you to spend as much or as little as you'd like, and while there's a nightly resort fee, it covers access to the indoor and outdoor pools, playgrounds, sports courts (including pickleball), hiking trails and more. Plus, the resort fee doesn't seem so bad when you consider that townhomes and guest rooms are available for less than $150 a night.

Address: 1822 Resort Drive, Massanutten, VA 22840

Asheville, North Carolina

Krista Rossow | Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

Situated within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its mix of history (Biltmore Estate), nature (the Blue Ridge Mountains) and food (from craft breweries to a flourishing dining scene). Travelers can tackle a number of hikes in Asheville for some scenic – and low-cost – fun. You can also stroll along the 1.7-mile Asheville Urban Trail to learn about the city's unique past, go for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and explore downtown, where you're bound to come across some of the tiny city's famous street performers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an easy and relatively affordable day trip from Asheville, too.

Bahia Honda Key, Florida

You don't have to visit Key West – or break the bank – to experience the best of the Florida Keys; in fact, the best beaches in the Florida Keys are not even in Key West. At Bahia Honda State Park, for example, you can swim, rent kayaks and snorkeling gear, or even hop on a boat to snorkel in the Looe Key marine sanctuary reef. Entry fees at Bahia Honda State Park are $8 per vehicle with two to eight passengers. Plus, you can camp here for just $36 per night (not including tax and the utility and reservation fees). Renting a cabin costs about $120 per night plus fees from May through October, and slightly more in the cooler months.

Read: The Best Places for Camping in Florida

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

One of the most affordable beach destinations in the U.S., Myrtle Beach is known for its roster of low-cost or free activities that appeal to travelers of all ages. Explore the mile-long Myrtle Beach Boardwalk (home to the iconic Skywheel) as well as Broadway at the Beach (an entertainment complex), both of which offer live entertainment including music performances and fireworks shows. Vereen Memorial Gardens, just north of the city, is also free to visit. When it comes to Myrtle Beach accommodations , there are affordable options aplenty; the Crown Reef Resort, for example, offers an on-site, year-round water park and rates as low as $92 per night for a family of four.

Polk County, Florida

Courtesy of Visit Central Florida

A vacation in Orlando has its time and place, but if you're on the hunt for a cheap weekend getaway, head to Polk County instead. Here, you can explore stunning (and free) parks and nature preserves such as Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, as well as Bonnet Springs Park. The park connects several attractions, including a kids treehouse, a rooftop bar, a butterfly house, The Florida Children's Museum, botanical gardens and more. Legoland Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park are close by if you decide to splurge on a theme park visit.

New Orleans

There are more things to do in New Orleans than you could ever accomplish in a weekend, but you can still enjoy a short and cheap trip to The Big Easy. Ogle the historic houses in the Garden District, stroll along iconic Magazine Street, wander through the French Quarter (where you're bound to see street performers), or stop in a local eatery for a famous po'boy sandwich or beignet. For affordable accommodations in New Orleans , look outside of the French Quarter.

South Padre Island, Texas

Courtesy of South Padre Island CVB

Not only does South Padre Island offer 34 miles of coastline and the cleanest beach water in Texas, but it's also ultra-affordable. Low-cost attractions include Sea Turtle, Inc., which is currently building the world's largest sea turtle hospital, and South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. There are also plenty of places to enjoy fishing, one of the island's most popular activities. A visit to the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site – the last Texas lighthouse open to the public – costs just $5 per adult ($3 for kids). Sandcastle Days, the island's beloved festival that is hosted every October, is also free.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

One of the most beautiful national parks in California , Joshua Tree National Park is also fairly affordable thanks to campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks, where you can enjoy the seclusion of the deserted wilderness. There are more than 100 primitive campsites available here, with reservations required in the busy season from September to May; a maximum of six people can occupy a campsite for just $20 per night (on top of fees to enter the park).

San Luis Obispo, California

Courtesy of Visit SLO CAL

Combining small-town charm with beautiful weather, San Luis Obispo is an ideal weekend getaway from Los Angeles (about 190 miles from the city). With the plethora of outdoor activities here, visitors can enjoy budget-friendly fun like hiking the area's trails, surfing in the ocean, zip lining or horseback riding. For local flavor, visit the Thursday evening farmers market or dine alfresco at one of many downtown patios. The town's free Concerts in the Plaza series features performances by the area's top artists. Beaches await those seeking relaxation in SLO, while wine lovers can explore the region's Edna Valley wineries.

A glitzy getaway in Las Vegas can be yours – and it may be less expensive than you initially imagined. Hotels in Vegas can cost as little as $50 per night on weekdays (plus resort fees), and local attractions like Bellagio Fountains, the Fremont Street Experience, the Las Vegas Sign and Seven Magic Mountains (just outside the city) are all free to visit. This might just mean you'll have some room in your budget for a casino visit, tickets to one of the city's spectacular shows , and/or a tour of the Grand Canyon .

Sedona, Arizona

Courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

It won't cost you a penny to visit most attractions in Sedona , including Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge and Fay Canyon. And while Sedona's spa and wellness resorts are undoubtedly pricey, you can find lodging for less in off-peak months (summer and winter), as well as a variety of vacation rentals year-round.

Read: The Top Things to Do in Arizona

Gros Ventre Wilderness, Wyoming

The Gros Ventre Wilderness, which is part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, is another natural wonder worth visiting. Plan a weekend here to discover rolling rivers, abundant wildlife, and amazing geological features such as rock formations and natural slides. As for accommodations, travelers can rent the cozy Hoback Guard Station cabin for $80 per night for a party of up to six guests from May to October.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is well worth a weekend visit, whether you want to hike, stargaze or explore its more than 70 miles of untouched Pacific Coast shoreline – which include dog-friendly beaches , if your furry friend wants to come along. While here, visit the famous Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent and Rialto Beach. You can even camp within the park for as little as $40 per night for up to 10 people sharing a campsite. Note that you'll have to pay a fee to enter the park.

Read: The Best Weekend Getaways from Seattle

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Courtesy of Visit Albuquerque

Albuquerque is quirky and fun, with an Old Town that features cobblestone streets and adobe-style buildings and is free to explore. Plan a visit during spring or fall for the best weather, then take advantage of local, low-cost festivals: May brings the New Mexico Wine Festival ($25 or less per ticket) to town, or come autumn, you can stop by the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (around $15 per person) to witness one of the best hot air balloon festivals in the U.S. Other things to do in Albuquerque include visiting the Petroglyph National Monument, which is free of charge. Opt for a vacation rental rather than a hotel to save some coin.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is an affordable Texas destination brimming with cultural flair, historical significance and free activities. There's no cost to visit iconic attractions like the Alamo or the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and you won't pay anything to stroll the famous River Walk (though dining at least once here is a must). Another popular activity, narrated river cruises are also cheap, with tickets for less than $15 per person via local operator GO RIO Cruises.

You might also be interested in:

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• The Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
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The Best Times to Visit Paris for Great Weather, Events, and Fewer Crowds

Not that you can ever go wrong with a trip to the City of Light.

Paris is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, stuffed with iconic landmarks, renowned museums, designer boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants.

There are advantages to visiting in every season. Although January through March are the chilliest months, they're also the quietest and the best for wrapping up in a chic coat and experiencing Paris like a local. In the spring, vibrant blooms in the famed jardins are a major draw, while the long summer days create the ideal conditions for sipping cocktails at an outdoor brasserie late into the evening. September and October are arguably the best months to visit, when the air turns brisk, Paris Fashion Week is in full force, and changing leaves accent the city.

To help you decide when to travel to Paris, here are the main tourist seasons:

• High season: June to August and late December
• Shoulder seasons: April to May and September to November
• Low season: Early December and January to April

Ready to book your trip to the City of Light? These are the best times to visit Paris depending on your priorities.

Best Time to Visit Paris to Avoid Crowds

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world, with tourism peaking between June and August. There are major downsides to visiting Paris in its high season: Large crowds make exploring popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre more time-consuming, and you might need a reservation to dine at trendy restaurants. Hotel prices, too, will inevitably climb in the summer months.

If your main objective is to avoid crowds, visit between October and April — sidestepping the jam-packed holiday season in December. Go at the beginning or end of this window for temperatures still comfortable enough to sit outside at one of the quintessentially Parisian cafe tables.

To see the city's top tourist attractions with fewer people around, aim to visit on weekday mornings, but check the official tourism website since many museums are closed one day or more each week. Other crowd-beating tactics include buying tickets that allow you to skip the line and walking instead of squeezing into public transportation. Paris is best enjoyed on foot anyway.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Best Time to Visit Paris for Good Weather

Travelers are drawn to Paris in the summer because of the long days and sunny weather. It's a stunning time to see the sights, from Sacré Cœur to the Jardin du Luxembourg, and the laid-back atmosphere at cafes and along the Seine is a treat. It's worth noting, however, that Paris is not known for its air conditioning. In fact, AC isn't as common in Europe as it is in the U.S., though most hotels have it. While Paris can see heat waves that bring temperatures in the 80s and 90s, summer temperatures are generally comfortable, in the mid-70s range.

Winter in Paris is relatively mild, but avoid visiting between December and February if you're averse to temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Does it snow in Paris? Not really. The city receives a dusting now and again, but visitors needn't pack bulky gear for extreme weather. Spring temperatures are typically pleasant, in the 50s and 60s, but come with a higher chance of rain — May is one of the rainiest months in Paris. Fall can also bring wet weather. From mid-September to November, after the Labor Day and Fashion Week rushes, Paris quiets down and the weather becomes crisp and autumnal.

Best Time to Visit Paris for Lower Prices

The cheapest time to visit Paris is during the off-season — in the winter, before and after the holiday rush, which means early December, January, and February. These months see average temperatures in the 30s and 40s, but if you don't mind the cold, you'll likely save on flights, public transportation, attractions, and accommodations.

Visiting Paris in winter is special — not least because the restaurants are less crowded and attractions quieter — as well as easy and affordable. Cons include fewer tour options and less frequent tours, including a reduced timetable for cruises on the Seine.

Best Times to Visit Paris for Holidays and Festivals

The city's calendar is packed with festivals, holidays, and traditions worth traveling for. Let's start with the biggest sporting events: the Paris Marathon is typically held in April, the French Open begins in May and ends in June, and the Tour de France typically zooms into Paris in July.

In May, museums across the city open their doors for free perusing after hours on La Nuit des Musées . In the summer, the iconic Fête de la Musique brings live music to parks and other public spaces on June 21, and Bastille Day is marked by military parades and fireworks on July 14. The Paris Jazz Festival is an ongoing event from June to September. Both fall and spring attract the international style set to Paris Fashion Week, held in late September/early October and late February/early March.

Starting around mid-November, the holiday season in Paris sees grand boulevards like the Champs-Élysées ablaze with Christmas lights and holiday markets popping up around the city. Parisians wrap up the holidays with the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, which is when you'll find king cake (or galette des rois ) on market tables and in bakery windows everywhere.

Worst Times to Visit Paris

There's no bad time to visit Paris — the city is remarkable any time of year, even when it's bitterly cold or sweltering and teeming with tourists. But if you're easily annoyed by heat and crowds, you should probably think twice about a trip in July or August. If you happen to be in Paris during a heat wave, you could be quite uncomfortable sans AC in some attractions, shops, and cafes. And during the high season, prices are correspondingly high.

The holidays are another chaotic (albeit magical) time in Paris. By all means, go in December if you want to shop for unique gifts and see Christmas lights galore, but avoid this period if you're hoping for a quiet trip.

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