How to Spend a Day in Oman

Tourists don't often see Oman as a tourist destination, but Oman is one of the best destinations, and it's easy to travel here. People are amiable, and the food is great, not to mention the excellent accommodation options. Oman is rather a large country, so it's not possible to explore everything during the course of a day, but if that's all you have, you can experience the principal tourist attractions in Muscat.

1. Spending a day in the capital

Muscat is everything you'd hope an Arabic city would be. It is perched on the Gulf of Oman and surrounded by the desert and mountains. This city is a mixture of past, present, and future. The clifftop Portuguese attractions are unmistakable. Oman restaurants offer the best Emirati cuisine, and as for accommodation, the city is provisioned with places like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

2. Spend some time at Wadi Shab

An hour's drive from Muscat is Wadi Shab. The emerald water of these natural pools is the main highlight. Strolling while enjoying the desert scenery coupled with the emerald-coloured water is one of the best experiences. After driving here, you still need to take a short boat drive to get to the site.

3. Camping in the desert

The Wahiba Sands is located on the tip of the Empty Quarter; you can get here by 4x4 jeep. Camping and dune bashing are popular things to do and don't forget to take enough water with you.

4. Watch the sunset at Wadi Dayqah Dam

Sitting on the east coast of Oman, Wadi Dayqah Dam offers some of the most spectacular views in Oman. It is easy to get here, and locals frequent the site every day, but the natural beauty of the place remains undisturbed. There's a park located beside the lake where children can play while adults enjoy the mesmerising sunset.

5. Marvel at the design of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

A recent addition to Muscat's list of attractions, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a stunning architectural piece. Opened to the public in 2001, the mosque is a revered religious site as well as an excellent tourist attraction. The beautiful details of the architecture are the main reason for tourists to visit the site.

6. Visit an old castle

Nizwa Fort is one of the oldest structures in Oman. It was part of Oman's fortifications against enemy attacks. People come here to walk around for a few hours and ponder over the eventful history of Oman. Getting to the top of the fort will grant you amazing views of the green oasis that surrounds the fort. The café inside the fort sells fresh drinks and snacks. The entrance fee is 11 USD.

7. Stay at Misfat Al Abriyeen

If you want an authentic experience, visit Misfat Al Abriyeen. The local mud village is a traditional style Omani village located at the foot of a mountain. All the houses here are built in the traditional Arabic style with terraces at the top. Every rooftop here overlooks a garden where locals grow dates and bananas. Although the village is a traditional one, guests are offered all the comforts.

8. Enjoy natural scenery at the Jabal Akhdar Mountains

For another sightseeing experience, visit the Jabal Akhdar Mountains. The drive up to the mountain is an experience in itself. Hiking is one of the popular tourist activities. You need to rent a 4x4 vehicle to get here, and a bit of driving experience is needed to tackle the mountainous paths – it is always best to hire someone to drive you here.