Beyond Muscat: a guide to Oman

When travelers talk about the Sultanate of Oman, the conversation often doesn’t stretch far beyond Muscat. The capital is undeniably captivating, with its modern architecture designed in harmony with the region’s rich heritage. Unlike many cities in the Gulf, Muscat’s skyline isn’t dominated by glass towers; instead, you’ll find landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House proudly reflecting Omani culture and identity. But Oman is more than its capital, it’s a land of contrasts, tradition, and natural beauty. In our Oman travel guide, let us take you on a journey across the country, showing that the true essence of Oman lies in the stories beyond Muscat.

Discover the authentic heart of muscat

Begin your journey in Old Muttrah, one of Muscat’s most atmospheric and historically rich neighborhoods. Here, narrow alleyways wind through the Muttrah Souk, one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world. The air buzzes with energy, shopkeepers call out from beneath colorful awnings, lanterns cast warm glows over stalls piled high with frankincense, myrrh, spices, and silver jewelry. The scent of oud and cardamom drifts through the passageways, inviting you deeper into this sensory maze.

Just beyond the souk, the Muttrah Corniche stretches along the waterfront, where ancient wooden dhows float serenely beside massive cruise ships in the harbor, a beautiful contrast between tradition and modernity. This is a place where the rhythm of daily life continues much as it has for centuries. Locals shop, socialize, and trade, giving visitors a true taste of Omani culture.

Glimpse into traditional coastal life

Just a 40-minute drive from Muscat, the fishing village of Seeb offers an unfiltered look at daily life, an essential stop in any well-rounded Oman travel guide. Stroll the beach at sunrise and you’ll find colorful wooden boats resting on the sand, while fishermen mend their nets with timeworn hands and easy smiles. Many are happy to pose for photos, their laughter and curiosity creating genuine connections with visitors.

Nearby, a small traditional souk bursts with color and aroma. Vibrant stalls overflow with citrus fruits, tobacco, and aromatic local spices. Watch skilled cobblers at work or follow the fragrant trail of cardamom and cloves to uncover hidden treasures from the spice merchants. Seeb offers a peaceful, authentic escape and a vivid glimpse into Oman’s enduring coastal traditions.

Experience unmatched Omani hospitality

In Oman, hospitality isn’t a performance, it’s a way of life. Pause to chat outside a family home and you might find yourself invited in for dinner. This happened to Iain and his friends several times; Omani families are as curious about their visitors as travelers are about them, often eager to share stories, culture, and food.

Read more: Our top 10 reasons to visit Oman

Visit a fortress of history and tradition

No Oman travel guide would be complete without a journey to Nizwa, one of the country’s most historically significant and culturally vibrant cities. Once the capital of Oman, Nizwa remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s heritage, centered around its imposing 17th-century fort. This architectural marvel, with its massive circular tower and labyrinthine passageways, was designed to defend against invaders and now serves as a captivating portal into the past. Inside the fort, exhibitions detail the city’s storied history, from ancient warfare strategies to local craftsmanship. Make your way up to the ramparts and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Hajar Mountains and the date palm plantations that dot the landscape. If the modest coffee shop atop the fort is open, enjoy a strong Omani coffee paired with sweet local dates, an ideal pause with a view.

Beyond the fort, the souks of Nizwa are a sensory delight. Bustling with activity, they’re famous for pottery, silver jewelry, handwoven textiles, and fresh produce. Among the more unusual sights are vendors selling antique rifles, khanjars (traditional curved daggers), and other tribal artifacts, many of which are still used in ceremonial events. These stalls are like living museums, where every item has a story and every merchant is happy to share it.

Venture into the dunes

For a truly iconic desert experience, head to Wahiba Sands, where towering dunes ripple into the distance. The wind leaves delicate patterns in the sand, creating a natural canvas untouched by footprints. Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts flock here to test their skills, though the shifting dunes often get the better of them. Camel riders, on the other hand, always succeed. The day ends with a traditional underground lamb roast, a slow-cooked feast buried in the sand and shared under the stars.

Go high in the Hajar Mountains

Oman’s Jabal Akhdar mountains hide one of the country’s best-kept secrets, Nakhar Canyon, sometimes referred to as Oman’s “Grand Canyon.” Its dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain are a testament to the raw power of nature, offering some of the best hiking and scenic viewpoints in the region.

Read more: Where to experience active adventures in Oman

Enjoy a Wadi adventure

Near the coastal town of Sur, Wadi Shab is a spectacular gorge flanked by colorful cliffs and dotted with emerald pools. Dip your toes into the clear water and you might feel the gentle nibble of “doctor fish,” cleaning away the dust of your hike. For a look at Oman’s ancient ingenuity, head to Misfat al Abriyeen near Nizwa. This mountain village still uses its traditional falaj irrigation system, with water running down narrow stone channels past terraced farms and stone homes. Donkeys and locals share the path as they go about their daily routines.

Visit the lush south

Salalah, in southern Oman, is strikingly different from the rest of the country. Thanks to its unique climate and annual monsoon, this area is green, fertile, and often called “the Garden of Oman.” Fruit trees and honey vendors line the roads, and the coastal scenery is equally dramatic, rocky cliffs give way to Donkey Head Beach, a serene cove with white sands and gentle waves. Travel inland and you may spot wild camels grazing among thorny scrub, the landscape stretching endlessly with hardly a soul in sight.

Make it happen

Traveling through Oman is a deeply varied and authentic experience. If our Oman travel guide has you feeling inspired, get in touch with our local experts today who can start planning your next personalized adventure!