Oman

Sights

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – An imposing mosque with one of the world's largest hand-woven carpets.
• Mutrah Souq and Corniche – Frankincense, silver and fabrics in the old harbourside bazaar.
• Royal Opera House – An elegant opera house with performances from around the world.
• Old Muscat – Al Alam Palace, flanked by the Jalali and Mirani forts.
• National Museum – A good overview of Oman's seafaring and frankincense history.
• Bimmah Sinkhole – A turquoise sinkhole for swimming along the coastal road.

Food & nightlife

• Shuwa – Marinated lamb slow-cooked in an earth oven – a festive dish.
• Omani halwa – A sticky sweet with rosewater and saffron, served with coffee.
• Kahwa – Omani coffee with cardamom, served with dates.
• Fresh fish – Kingfish and lobster at simple restaurants by the sea.

Day trips

• Wadi Shab – Hike and swim through green pools to a cave with a waterfall.
• Nizwa – A round fort, a souq and the Friday livestock market.
• Wahiba Sands – A night at a desert camp among red dunes.
• Jebel Shams – The «Grand Canyon of Arabia», with a trail along the rim.

Good to know

When to go

October–March

Getting around

Outside Muscat a hire car is best, with four-wheel drive for wadis and mountains. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated.

Tipping

Service is usually included – rounding up is a nice gesture.

Power

Plug type G, 240 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

Plan your trip to Oman together

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

Plan with Pickeed