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Lonely PlanetOct 30, 2026

A Guide to Muscat and Beyond: See the Best of Oman

Visit Muscat for its architecture, shopping and restaurants, then explore more of Oman for swimming, hiking and stargazing in the mountains and desert.

15 things in this story
  • Nizwa FortSightBuilt in the 17th century, provides insight into Oman’s history.
  • Nizwa SouqMarketStock up on dates, jewelry, frankincense, pottery, and halva.
  • Elsewhere
  • Damaniyat IslandsNeighborhoodMuscat, OmanSnorkel with fish and turtles; whale sharks in August.
  • Hajar MountainsSightMuscat, OmanScramble up mountains before morning tea.
  • Sharqiyah SandsSightMuscat, OmanRun up sand dunes to catch the sunset.
  • Sultan Qaboos MosquePlace of worshipMuscat, OmanAdmire second-largest single-piece carpet and 8-tonne chandelier.
  • Muttrah SouqMarketMuscat, OmanFind frankincense, jewelry, perfume, and Omani textiles.
  • National Museum of OmanMuseumMuscat, OmanDisplays 7000 objects related to Omani heritage.
  • Royal Opera House MuscatTheatreMuscat, OmanSee shows from September to March; guided tours available.
  • MesaRestaurantMuscat, OmanServes Omani food with Portuguese and Mediterranean twist.
  • Jebel AkhdarSightMuscat, OmanPart of Hajar Mountains with towering peaks and lush greenery.
  • Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar HotelHotelMuscat, OmanClimb the via ferrata; Diana’s Viewpoint is located here.
  • Desert Nights ResortHotelMuscat, OmanStay here for sunset drives and stargazing.
  • Wadi Bani KhalidSightMuscat, OmanRefreshing pitstop with rocky river gorges and natural pools.
  • Three Villages WalkTrailMuscat, Oman7km route on Jebel Akhdar plateau with outstanding mountain views.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 21

The Best Things to Do in Oman

Here are the best experiences in Oman

25 things in this story
  • Nizwa FortSightSite of the Friday cattle market.
  • Nizwa SouqMarketFind Omani halwa and shop for khanjar.
  • Elsewhere
  • Mutrah CornicheSightMuscat, OmanPromenade stretching alongside the Gulf of Oman.
  • Mutrah SouqMarketMuscat, OmanExplore stalls selling goods.
  • Sultan Qaboos Grand MosquePlace of worshipMuscat, OmanDominates the city skyline with its 91m minaret.
  • Damaniyat IslandsNeighborhoodMuscat, OmanChain of nine uninhabited islands, prime for snorkeling and diving.
  • QurayyatNeighborhoodOmanSmall fishing village on the way to Sur.
  • Bimmah SinkholeSightOmanPlunges to 20m, a serene spot for swimming and cliff-diving.
  • Ras Al JinzSightOmanEasternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, turtle nesting site.
  • Ras Al Jinz Turtle ReserveHotelOmanEco-lodge with tented accommodation and a scientific center.
  • SurNeighborhoodOmanEpicenter of trade for long wooden boats called dhows.
  • Wadi Bani KhalidSightOmanPicturesque wadi famed for its emerald waters and waterfalls.
  • BahlaNeighborhoodOmanOman’s main center for pottery production in ancient times.
  • Bahla FortAttractionOmanUNESCO-listed fortified outpost.
  • Jabreen CastleSightOmanWhimsical castle.
  • Bait Al Radidah fortressSightOmanObscure fortress.
  • Jebel AkhdarNeighborhoodOmanRemote area in the Hajar Mountains with a green plateau.
  • Wadi GhulSightOmanOman’s Grand Canyon with spectacular views.
  • Jebel ShamsSightOmanOman’s highest peak, offering views into Wadi Ghul.
  • Misfat Al AbreyeenNeighborhoodOmanMountain village with narrow alleyways and irrigation canals.
  • Misfah Old HouseHotelOmanTraditional guesthouse where guests sleep on the floor.
  • Sharqiya SandsHotelOmanDesert region with shifting sand dunes, perfect for adventure.
  • DhofarNeighborhoodOmanWild frontier region that transforms into a tropical idyll.
  • SalalahNeighborhoodOmanRegion's capital, flanked by Mughsail Beach and Wadi Darbat.
  • Mughsail BeachSightOmanStunning beach flanking Salalah.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →
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