A photograph of Oman

Country guide

Places to visit in Oman — page 2

Oman is 315,331 km2 holding roughly 5.46 million people, which makes it the third-largest country on the Arabian Peninsula and one of the least crowded. Muscat,...

Photograph · Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

1,774 Places
1Cities

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Oman is 315,331 km2 holding roughly 5.46 million people, which makes it the third-largest country on the Arabian Peninsula and one of the least crowded. Muscat, the capital and largest city, is strung out along the Gulf of Oman between mountains and water instead of spreading from a centre, so seeing it means driving one long coastal road end to end. The country's northern tip is not attached to the rest: Musandam is an exclave enclosed by the United Arab Emirates, with its own coast on the Strait of Hormuz. Between the capital and the far south lies Arabian Sea coastline and desert.

Checked 2026-08-25

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Arabic; English is widely used in visitor services
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+968
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Omani rial (OMR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
9999
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type G · 240 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor drinking-water statement was recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Mutrah Fort Mutrah Fort
    07 45 min

    Mutrah Fort

    قلعة مطرح

    Mutrah Fort, locally known as Qalʿat Maṭraḥ, is a historic defensive structure overlooking Mutrah Corniche and harbour in Muscat, Oman.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Muscat
  2. Bait Al Zubair Bait Al Zubair
    08 1 hr 30 min

    Bait Al Zubair

    بيت الزبير

    Bait Al Zubair Museum is a cultural institution in Muscat, Oman, dedicated to Omani heritage and arts.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  3. Fort Al-Mirani Fort Al-Mirani
    09 45 min

    Fort Al-Mirani

    قلعة الميراني

    Al Mirani Fort, known locally as Qalʿat al-Mīrānī, stands as a historic military fortification in Muscat, Oman. The fort forms part of the capital's defensive architecture overlooking the harbour area.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Muscat
  4. Al Jalali Fort Al Jalali Fort
    10 45 min

    Al Jalali Fort

    قلعة الجلالي

    Al Jalali Fort, known locally as Qalʿat al-Jalālī, is a historic coastal fortification in Muscat, Oman. It stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the harbour entrance near the Old Town.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Muscat
  5. Qurum Beach Qurum Beach
    11 1 hour

    Qurum Beach

    Qurum Beach is Muscat's best-known urban beach, known locally as Shāṭiʾ al-Qurm.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Muscat
  6. Riyam Park Riyam Park
    12 1 hour

    Riyam Park

    حديقة ريام

    Riyam Park, known locally as Ḥadīqat Riyām wa Mijmar al-Bukhūr, is a recreational park situated in Muscat, Oman. The park occupies a coastal location with views toward the harbour area.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Muscat
  7. Fish Souk (Market) Fish Souk (Market)
    13 45 min

    Fish Souk (Market)

    Mutrah Fish Market, known locally as Sūq as-Samak bi-Maṭraḥ, is a working fish market in Muscat's historic Mutrah district. The market serves as a commercial hub where local fishermen and vendors trade fresh seafood.

    • Must see
    • Market
    • Muscat
  8. Muscat Gate Museum Muscat Gate Museum
    14 1 hr 30 min

    Muscat Gate Museum

    The Muscat Gate Museum occupies a reconstructed city gate structure that once controlled access to Oman's capital. Its Arabic name, Matḥaf Bawwābat Masqaṭ, reflects this fortified heritage.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  9. Bait al-Baranda Museum Bait al-Baranda Museum
    15 1 hr 30 min

    Bait al-Baranda Museum

    متحف بيت البرندة

    Bait Al Baranda Museum, locally known as Bayt al-Baranda, is a cultural institution in Muscat, Oman. Housed in a historic building, the museum presents aspects of Omani heritage and history to visitors.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  10. Sultan's Armed Forces Museum Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
    16 1 hr 30 min

    Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

    The Sultan's Armed Forces Museum is a military museum in Muscat, Oman. Its local name is Matḥaf Quwwāt as-Sulṭān al-Musallaḥa. The museum occupies a historic fort building and presents the military history of Oman.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  11. Oman Natural History Museum Oman Natural History Museum
    17 1 hr 30 min

    Oman Natural History Museum

    متحف التاريخ الطبيعي

    The Oman Natural History Museum is a national institution in Muscat dedicated to preserving and presenting the Sultanate's natural heritage. Its Arabic name is Matḥaf at-Tārīkh aṭ-Ṭabīʿī.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  12. Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque
    18 30 min

    Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque

    جامع محمد الأمين

    The Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque, known locally as Jāmiʿ Muḥammad al-Amīn, is a prominent Islamic place of worship in Muscat, Oman. The mosque stands as a significant religious and architectural landmark within the capital city.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Muscat
  13. Al Qurm Natural Park Al Qurm Natural Park
    19 1 hour

    Al Qurm Natural Park

    حديقة القرم الطبيعية

    Qurum Natural Park is a public green space in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Its local name is Muntazah al-Qurm aṭ-Ṭabīʿī. The park sits within the Qurum district, a well-known residential and commercial area of the city.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Muscat
  14. Oman French Museum
    20 1 hr 30 min

    Oman French Museum

    المتحف العماني الفرنسي

    The Omani French Museum, known locally as al-Matḥaf al-ʿUmānī al-Faransī, is a museum in Muscat, Oman. It is housed in a historic building that was formerly the French Embassy in Muscat.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  15. Place & People Museum Place & People Museum
    21 1 hr 30 min

    Place & People Museum

    متحف المكان والناس

    Place and People Museum, also known locally as Matḥaf Ghāliyā lil-Fann al-Ḥadīth, presents Omani society through artistic and historical themes. The museum is in Wilayat Muttrah, near Muttrah Fort and the Corniche.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  16. Amouage Perfumes Visitor Centre
    22 45 min

    Amouage Perfumes Visitor Centre

    The Amouage Manufacture and Visitor Centre is a perfume production facility and visitor experience located in Muscat, Oman.

    • Must see
    • Market
    • Muscat
  17. Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
    23 1 hour

    Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve

    The Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, known locally as Maḥmiyyat Juzur ad-Dīmāniyyāt aṭ-Ṭabīʿiyya, is a protected archipelago off the coast of Muscat Governorate in northern Oman.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Muscat
  18. Bandar Khiran reserve
    24 1 hour

    Bandar Khiran reserve

    Bandar Al Khairan is a coastal area near Muscat, Oman, known for its scenic shoreline and marine environment. The location sits along the Arabian Sea and attracts visitors seeking natural coastal scenery.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Muscat
  19. Al Mouj Muscat Al Mouj Muscat
    25 2 hours

    Al Mouj Muscat

    Al Mouj Muscat is a waterfront master-planned community developed along the coast of Oman's capital. The local name al-Mawj Masqaṭ reflects its Arabic identity.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Muscat
  20. Qantab Beach Qantab Beach
    26 1 hour

    Qantab Beach

    Qantab Beach, locally known as Shāṭiʾ Qantab, is a coastal place near Muscat, Oman. It sits beside a working fishing village, where boats and maritime activity remain part of the shoreline’s character.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Muscat
  21. Zawawi Mosque Zawawi Mosque
    27 30 min

    Zawawi Mosque

    جامع الزواوي

    Zawawi Mosque, also known as Masjid az-Zawāwī, is a prominent mosque in Muscat’s Al Khuwair district. Its dome and minaret give the building a distinctive silhouette within the urban landscape.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Muscat
  22. Holy Spirit Catholic Church Holy Spirit Catholic Church
    28 30 min

    Holy Spirit Catholic Church

    Holy Spirit Church, Ghala is a large Catholic parish serving Muscat's Christian community. Located in the Ghala district, it represents a significant element of Oman's religious diversity, where Islam is the state religion but other faiths are permitted to worship.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Muscat
  23. Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre
    29 1 hr 30 min

    Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre

    Oil and Gas Exhibition Center مكتب نفط عمان

    The Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre is a petroleum industry museum in Muscat operated by Petroleum Development Oman.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  24. Museum of Omani Heritage Museum of Omani Heritage
    30 1 hr 30 min

    Museum of Omani Heritage

    The Museum of Omani Heritage in Muscat introduces visitors to the cultural life of Oman before modern development reshaped everyday routines. It is a public museum focused on traditional crafts, customs, objects and historical identity.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Muscat
  25. Oman Aquarium
    31 1 hr 30 min

    Oman Aquarium

    Oman Aquarium is a large public aquarium inside Mall of Muscat, offering an indoor attraction centred on aquatic life. It combines education and recreation in a climate-controlled setting, making it a practical choice when Muscat’s outdoor heat is intense.

    • Must see
    • Family attraction
    • Muscat

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Oman be?

Allow seven to ten days for Muscat, Nizwa, the Hajar Mountains and one desert or coastal leg. Salalah is a separate southern journey rather than a quick add-on, so include it only when the schedule can absorb a domestic flight and another base.

What entry documents are needed for Oman?

Oman’s Royal Oman Police eVisa portal is the authoritative place to check eligibility, stay length and document requirements. Apply through that service when required and match the application to the passport and purpose of travel; a Gulf itinerary does not create a common visa across neighbouring states.

What is the best way to travel around Oman?

A car or licensed driver is useful beyond Muscat because forts, wadis, mountain villages and desert camps are dispersed. Intercity buses serve principal towns, but access roads vary; confirm whether four-wheel drive is required and never enter a wadi when official flood warnings are active.

When is a practical time to visit Oman?

October through March is the practical window for Muscat, the interior and desert camping. Salalah’s khareef is a different seasonal proposition, and mountain temperatures can be much lower than the coast, so an Oman-wide itinerary needs region-specific weather checks.

What money and payment basics apply in Oman?

The Omani rial is the official currency and is subdivided into one thousand baisa, which matters when reading prices. Carry cash for smaller inland stops while using banks or authorised exchange services; verify the currency and decimal placement before approving a payment.

What practical safety details should I save for Oman?

For police, fire or ambulance assistance, save 9999; Oman uses Type G sockets at 240 V. National tap-water guidance is Not recorded here, so confirm locally at each hotel or camp, where supply arrangements may differ from Muscat.