Oman has it all: wild adventures, history and enchanting culture. It’s a country full of surprises.
We knew it had stunning wadis and beautiful mountain landscapes, but we didn’t expect to have incredible wildlife experiences, one of the most welcoming cultures and possibly the best coffee in the world (sorry Australia, we still love you).
Oman may not be as flashy and glitzy as its neighbour the UAE, but it offers a lot more substance and many more memorable experiences.
The best things to do in Oman
Quick Summary
Top Tip: Don’t believe that you can only visit Oman with a 4WD. The majority of top attractions can be done with a small car, or you can get a little help via short 4WD transfers (which are much cheaper than hiring your own 4WD). This makes visiting Oman a lot easier for budget travellers.
Coffee Lovers Pick: Especiales Cafe, Muscat or Brew Oz in Sur
Currency: Omani Rials
Visa: Many nationalities can visit for up to 14 days without a visa, but you can also apply for a 30 day or 60 day visa.
Safety: Oman is one of the safest countries to visit in the world, with very little crime. It’s often referred to as the “Switzerland of the Middle East” due to its stability and neutrality within the region.
When to go: The weather here will dictate when you want to visit as the temperatures are insanely hot during the summer months. Between November and February, the temperatures are warm, but not scorching, which is when it’s the best time to visit.
Peak Season: November - February
Off Season: April - September
Walk My World Cost Index: $$$ - Some things in Oman are expensive, but there are cheap ways of doing a lot of things. You can get incredibly good cheap food, petrol is really cheap and a lot of the best things to do in the country are free.
Planning your trip
Oman is a great place for a road trip and there really is no better way to explore the country. We’re sharing tips for renting a car in Oman, as well as whether you really need to a hire a 4WD to make the most of your visit.
There are so many amazing places to visit in Oman, from breathtaking wadis with crystal clear water, to historic forts and castles, remote mountain villages and vast deserts. In this guide we’re sharing the best areas to visit that give you access to the most spectacular scenery and things to do in the country.
Everything you need to know to visit one of Oman’s most beautiful villages, Balad Sayt. From the 4WD mountain road to get there, to what it’s like to stay overnight in the village and where you should stop on route.
Our unsponsored review of The Suwgra, one of Oman’s most incredible hotels. Located in a 500 year old abandoned village these traditional rooms are like stepping back in time. We’re sharing what to expect from the rooms, food and walk to get there.
Why we didn’t visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and where we went instead, including what to expect from viewing turtles without a tour.
Everything you need to know about visiting Jebel Shams, from where to watch sunrise and sunset, to hiking trails and what to expect from an overnight stay.
Everything you need to know about the Balcony Walk from the trail conditions, to the best time for photography and how to find the hidden cave and pool.
Everything you need to know when planning a visit to the Daymaniyat Islands, from tips on how to avoid the crowds, to how hard the snorkelling is and why you might prefer a small tour group over the bigger ones.
Everything you need to know about visiting Wahiba Sands, including why we think a small camp right inside the dunes is the way to go.
Misfat al Abriyeen is like something you’d read about in a novel, with traditional mud brick houses, some of which are still in use whilst some are crumbling away. All are atmospheric. We’re sharing details on what it’s like to stay overnight in the village, all three walking tracks and which are the best rooftops cafes to help you plan the perfect trip.
Everything you need to know about visiting Wakan Village, from the drive to get there, to the mountain walk, sunrise vs and sunset and what it’s like to stay overnight.
Bimmah Sinkhole is incredible, a deep turquoise and azure swimming hole surrounded by steep golden cliff walls. However, somewhere this special does get busy so you’ll want to avoid the crowds. How to do that as well as all the details on the walk and what it’s like to swim there are in this guide.
Everything you need to know about visiting the spectacular Wadi Tiwi and Mibam Waterfall. From how hard the hike is (including the sections with ropes and chains) to how to avoid the crowds.
Everything you need to know to get the incredible Wadi Shab all to yourself (not easy without our tips now it’s so popular!). We’re also sharing how hard the hiking and swimming is, as well as tips for photography.
Exactly how to find the best pools at Wadi Damm and detailed directions for if you only have a 2WD. Everything you need to know about the track conditions, included the boulder climb and swimming in the pools.
Everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Wadi Bani Khalid, from what the hike and swimming is like, to how to beat the crowds and find the hidden cave.
How to find the hidden secluded pools at Wadi Al Arbeieen, including coordinates for the best spots and full details on the track conditions.
Wadi Qurai is stunning, with towering canyon walls and crystal clear emerald pools. At less than a one hour drive from Muscat, it makes a great day trip! We’re sharing everything you need to know about the hike to the pools, including exactly what the trail conditions are like.
We're sharing a Nizwa itinerary which blends both the stunning natural landscapes and the fascinating culture, from visiting an abandoned village which now looks more like a movie set, to meandering the labyrinth that is Jabreen Castle, taking a dip in a spectacular wadi and sipping coffee amongst the date plantations in the delightful village of Misfat al Abriyeen.