What Is Oman Known For? Best Time to Visit, Where to Go, What to Do, & More

The Grand Mosque in Muscat

The Grand Mosque is the only mosque in Oman open to non-Muslim visitors. It offers a glimpse into Islamic architecture and traditions. The main prayer hall accommodates 20,000 worshippers and features one of the world's largest hand-woven carpets.

You can marvel at the intricate mosaic work and chandeliers. The immaculate courtyards and gardens provide a serene atmosphere featuring creamy marble tiles and white sandstone glinting in the sunlight, in addition to the bronze lanterns decorated with stained-glass panels. You can gain insight into the meaning of the features in Islamic art and architecture as you tour preserved grounds in which artistry and cultural heritage combine to create an architectural masterpiece.

The Daymaniyat Islands

The Daymaniyat Islands off the coast of Muscat are a protected nature reserve providing an immersive connection to an underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers. The clear waters teem with coral reefs and marine life like turtles and dolphins.

You can tour the vibrant underwater world on a guided snorkeling or scuba-diving tour to enjoy the warm waters, find cauliflower coral, or witness the passing Arabian butterflyfish or zebra shark, in addition to the four types of sea turtles that nest around the islands.

Boat tours can take you around the islands for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking on a secluded beach. During nesting seasons, you can see seabirds like the sooty falcon. The Daymaniyat Islands connect you with Oman's surprisingly diverse marine ecosystems above and below the surface.

Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams is Oman's highest peak at 9,872 feet above sea level. It features the "Grand Canyon of Oman", known as Wadi Ghul, and the Balcony Walk, which offers nearly two miles of walkway with exceptional canyon vistas. Jebel Shams is also home to Jebel Al Akhdar, an area famous for Damask rose cultivation, where fields of pink blossoms cover the desert landscape in spring.

Tour rose water distilleries to see the ancient process of extracting rose essence. Visit with artisans who practice intricate carpet weaving in a local village. Bask in the mountains showcasing Oman’s natural beauty. When visiting Jebel Shams, you can embrace how the local people live in harmony with their environment.

Nizwa Fort

Nizwa is a historic city in Oman's interior known for its preserved historical fortress. The imposing stronghold features a massive cylindrical tower and intricate carvings decorating wooden doors, ceilings, and walls. The geometric and floral patterns demonstrate the power and beauty of nature through artisan craftwork.

Visiting Nizwa Fort can also take you to the nearby Falaj Daris irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century CE. As the largest ancient irrigation channel in the country, the underground aqueduct has sustained communities for centuries.

Guided tours along the falaj system showcase its ingenious engineering and maintenance techniques kept operational for over a millennium. You can view the lush oasis gardens and date palm plantations, as well as hear the water gurgling as it passes across the ancient stones.

Misfat Al Abriyeen

Misfat Al Abriyeen is centuries old and located in Oman's rugged mountains. The narrow alleyways lead through traditional mud-brick dwellings, some converted into guesthouses.

The network of ancient falaj water channels has sustained the community for centuries and encouraged the growth of the surrounding oasis of date palms.

Feel how the mud bricks remain cool beneath the desert sun, relax in the pleasant mountain breeze, or savor traditional Omani meals made by villagers from ingredients grown in the oasis gardens. No matter how you choose to visit Misfat Al Abriyeen, you can glimpse into the village’s enduring way of life seen in the necessary resilience and wisdom.

Experience an Authentic Omani Coffee Ceremony

Participate in a traditional Omani coffee ceremony, where coffee beans are roasted, ground, and brewed using age-old methods. This ritualistic experience is accompanied by dates and other local delicacies, allowing you to savor the rich flavors and hospitality of Oman. Your guide can prepare the coffee before your eyes, permeating the air with aromas hinting at chocolate and charcoal. You can gain insights into the cherished cultural tradition and its significance in Omani society as you stop to enjoy the scents of roasted beans, the flavors of local coffee, and the conversation it inspires.

Indulge in Flavorful Omani Street Food

Venture into the vibrant Mutrah Souq in Muscat, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the local street food scene. Wander through the maze of alleyways to find the aromas of fresh samosas or brewing karak, a tea known for its delicate spice blend.

Inside the historic Nizwa Fort, you can seek out the legendary lady offering freshly baked bread with cheese for a combination of fluffy texture and briny flavor offering a true taste of Omani culinary heritage. Haggle with vendors for traditional handicrafts and silver jewelry to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of bustling life around the country.

Witness the Magic of Turtle Nesting

From May to September, Oman's beaches transform into a natural wonder as sea turtles arrive to lay their eggs. Embark on a guided tour to witness the incredible phenomenon as the ancient creatures emerge from the ocean to carefully burrow into the sand and leave behind their precious eggs.

As you observe this captivating ritual under the stars, you can gain a profound appreciation for Oman's commitment to environmental conservation, which helps preserve the green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles. Leatherback turtles are visible in the waters when snorkeling or scuba diving, but do not nest within the country’s borders.

Explore Oman's Dhow-Building Tradition

Delve into Oman's rich maritime heritage by visiting a traditional dhow factory. These handcrafted wooden vessels are intricately constructed using centuries-old techniques and have played a pivotal role in Oman's seafaring history. Skilled artisans continue to craft the customary boat from Burma teak and ghaf trees. Each dhow is constructed using techniques passed down through generational experience rather than tangible designs. Listen to the rhythmic tapping as the hammer hits the wood, relax in the comforting aroma of the sea breeze, and watch as the artisan rolls the large planks over logs for a glimpse of the past in modern-day Oman.

The best time to visit Oman is from November to March.

Oman's climate is generally warm and sunny, but the fall, winter, and spring months from November to March provide cooler temperatures ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The winter months provide pleasant weather for exploring the country's incredible forts, souks, and natural landscapes without the intense heat typical from May to September.

The summer months, from June to August, can be uncomfortably hot, especially in the interior regions, with temperatures frequently soaring above 104°F. While summer offers unique experiences like turtle watching, the cooler seasons are generally more comfortable for most travelers to enjoy Oman's diversity.

From ancient forts and traditional villages to breathtaking natural wonders, Oman is a journey of authenticity and enrichment. Your Oman tour promises an immersive experience steeped in heritage and warm hospitality, where welcoming people take pride in sharing their vibrant customs and harmonious way of life with visitors.

You can find more inspiration for your exciting discovery of Oman by speaking with an Oman travel specialist for expert advice, insider guidance, and tips you will only find with the help of a local specialist.