What to do in Oman: the 10 must-see places to visit

Why a road trip is the best way to discover Oman

Picture yourself behind the wheel of a 4×4, windows down, a warm breeze scented with spices drifting through the air. In front of you, breathtaking landscapes unfold — golden deserts, rugged mountains, and endless skies. Welcome to Oman, a hidden gem on the Arabian Peninsula.

Exploring Oman by road trip is without a doubt the best way to experience this fascinating country and its many facets. Unlike its ultra-modern neighbors, Oman has managed to preserve its authenticity and traditions, while still offering comfortable infrastructure for travelers. The roads are excellent, the landscapes incredibly diverse, and the distances between highlights are perfect for a self-drive itinerary.

During your trip to Oman, you’ll enjoy the freedom to stop whenever a spectacular view catches your eye, to change your route on a whim, or to linger longer in places that truly captivate you. This flexibility is exactly what makes a road trip through Oman so special.

Our 4×4 adventure with a rooftop tent gives you the chance to experience all this and more — complete freedom, combined with a carefully designed itinerary that ensures you won’t miss the must-sees while also uncovering hidden gems far from the crowds.

So, ready to discover our top 10 most beautiful places in Oman? Buckle up — let’s hit the road!

The Musandam Peninsula is often referred to as "the Norway of Arabia." And for good reason! Its stunning fjords carve into the coastline, creating a breathtaking landscape. The turquoise waters beautifully contrast with the rocky mountains that plunge straight into the sea.

From Khasab, the main town in the region, embark on a cruise on a traditional dhow. These wooden boats have transported goods for centuries between Oman and neighboring Iran. Today, they take you to see the dolphins playing in the fjords. A magical sight!

After your sea adventure, take the mountain road that winds up to Jebel Harim, the "mountain of women," the highest point in the region at over 2000 meters above sea level. The panoramic view of the fjords and the Strait of Hormuz is simply stunning. It’s one of the highlights of any Oman trip worth its salt.

Muscat: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

The capital of Oman, Muscat is an astonishing mix of traditional architecture and controlled modern development. Here, there are no outrageous skyscrapers like in Dubai! The city stretches along the coast, white and elegant, dominated by the surrounding mountains.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-see during your Oman stay. With its impressive 4200 m² Persian carpet and monumental Swarovski chandelier, it embodies the cultural richness and artistic finesse of the country. Don’t forget to dress modestly for the visit.

Stroll through the Muttrah Souk, one of the oldest markets in the Arabian Peninsula. The scent of incense guides you through the alleys lined with silver jewelry, khanjars (traditional daggers), colorful textiles, and fragrant spices. It’s the perfect place to pick up authentic souvenirs.

In the evening, head to the Corniche, which beautifully lights up at sunset. The mountains take on orange hues, fishing boats return to port, and you can enjoy a delicious fresh fruit juice while soaking in this living picture.

Imagine golden sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, constantly changing shapes and colors in the whim of the wind and light. Welcome to Wahiba Sands, one of the most beautiful deserts in the Arabian Peninsula and a must-experience on any Oman road trip.

With your 4x4, you can venture into the heart of these majestic expanses (after deflating your tires!). For an even more authentic experience, spend the night in the desert, ideally in a rooftop tent like the one offered by Travelbase Nomads. Falling asleep under a sky full of stars, far from any light pollution, is an experience you will never forget.

In the early morning, wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes. The shadows grow long, the sand takes on golden hues, and the silence is absolute. A magical moment to capture unforgettable photos of your Oman journey.

Don’t hesitate to meet the Bedouins who still live in this region. Their hospitality is legendary, and sharing a cardamom-scented coffee in their tent is a privilege that will connect you to the deep soul of Oman.

While Oman is primarily desert, the country hides true aquatic gems: the wadis. These canyons that fill with water during rains form natural pools of striking emerald blue.

Wadi Shab is undoubtedly the most famous, and for good reason! After a short boat ride and a hike of about 40 minutes, you’ll discover a series of freshwater pools perfect for swimming. The more adventurous can swim to a hidden cave that houses a waterfall. The coolness of the water contrasts deliciously with the surrounding heat.

Further south, Wadi Bani Khalid is easily accessible and offers immense natural pools framed by palm trees. It’s the perfect spot for a refreshing break during your Oman itinerary. The rock formations sculpted by water create a surreal backdrop that seems straight out of a tale from the Arabian Nights.

Wadi Tiwi, on the other hand, is less crowded but just as stunning. You’ll find traditional villages nestled in the mountains and lush terraced fields contrasting with the surrounding aridity.

Jebel Shams is the highest point in Oman at 3009 meters above sea level. But it's not just its height that impresses; it's mainly the dizzying Wadi Ghul that opens at its feet, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Oman.”

The cliffs drop steeply over 1000 meters, offering breathtaking views. The “Balcony Walk,” a hiking trail that runs along the edge of the canyon, is an unforgettable experience during your stay in Oman. The path passes by ancient abandoned villages clinging to the cliffs, remnants of an ancestral way of life.

The light playing on the rock faces creates a fascinating spectacle that changes throughout the day. At sunrise and sunset, the rocks take on vibrant hues that delight photographers.

At night, temperatures drop significantly at high altitudes, providing a welcome coolness during the hot months. It's the perfect opportunity to sleep under the stars with your rooftop tent and enjoy an exceptional night.

The Mysterious Lost City of Misfat Al Abriyeen

Nestled on the mountainside in the Hajar mountain range, Misfat Al Abriyeen is a traditional village that seems frozen in time. Its stone and ochre-colored mud houses harmoniously line the slope, surrounded by lush palm groves irrigated by an ingenious falaj system (irrigation canals).

Get lost in the maze of narrow alleys, under the covered passages between the houses. You’ll meet welcoming locals going about their daily lives, children playing in shared courtyards, and donkeys carrying loads.

The view of the terraced fields stretching below the village is particularly impressive. These green gardens, where banana trees, pomegranates, and papayas grow, create a striking contrast with the surrounding aridity.

It's one of the highlights of any road trip in Oman that seeks to veer off the beaten path to discover the authenticity of the country. Plan to spend at least half a day there to soak up the unique atmosphere of this enchanting place.

Former capital of Oman, Nizwa is a must-visit stop on your Oman trip. Its impressive circular fort, built in the 17th century, towers over the city and serves as a testament to Nizwa's strategic importance at the crossroads of trade routes.

On Friday morning, don’t miss the famous livestock market, a centuries-old tradition that continues to thrive. Hundreds of Omanis from surrounding villages flock to Nizwa to buy and sell goats, sheep, and cattle in a lively and colorful atmosphere.

The Nizwa souk is renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly silver items and pottery. You can watch artisans preserving ancient techniques. The scent of incense and spices will accompany you throughout your stroll.

Just a few kilometers from Nizwa, the Jabrin Castle is also worth a visit. Less defensive and more palatial than the Nizwa fort, it impresses with its painted ceilings, intricately carved doors, and airy rooms that reflect the refinement of Omani architecture.

Salalah and Dhofar: the Green Arabia

Far to the south of Oman, the Dhofar region and its capital Salalah present a radically different face of the country. From July to September, during the monsoon (khareef), the region is draped in a lush green mantle, transforming the usually arid landscapes into verdant meadows dotted with temporary waterfalls.

It is in this region that the frankincense tree grows, which has brought wealth to Oman for millennia. You can visit plantations and observe how this precious resin is harvested, which was once more valuable than gold.

The deserted beaches with crystal-clear waters along the Dhofar coast are perfect for swimming and dolphin watching. To the west of Salalah, don’t miss the impressive cliffs of Mughsail and the blowholes, natural geysers formed by waves crashing into rocky cavities.

A complete Oman stay should include this fascinating region, even if it means taking a domestic flight from Muscat if your Oman itinerary is too tight.

The coastal city of Sur, with its traditional shipyard where wooden dhows are still built, is a charming stop on your road trip in Oman. Its picturesque port and corniche offer lovely sunset strolls.

But the real treasure of this region lies at Ras Al Jinz, a nature reserve protecting one of the most important green turtle nesting sites in the world. Every year, between May and October, thousands of turtles come to lay their eggs on these beaches.

Accompanied by a guide, you can witness this moving spectacle at night when the turtles laboriously make their way up the beach to dig their nests, or at dawn when the baby turtles hatch and rush towards the sea. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially for families on a trip to Oman.

Fins Beach, not far from there, is considered one of the most beautiful in the country, with its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. It’s an ideal spot for snorkeling, with its coral reefs rich in colorful fish.

The abandoned village of Birkat Al Mouz and its palm groves

At the foot of the Hajar Mountains, Birkat Al Mouz (“Pond of Bananas”) is a partially abandoned ancient village that offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Omani life before the country modernized.

The ochre ruins of the adobe houses, with their finely crafted doors and windows, tell the story of a prosperous community that thrived on agriculture. The traditional irrigation system (falaj), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is still functional and nourishes the surrounding palm groves.

Take a stroll through this timeless place, climb to the heights of the village for a panoramic view of the oasis, and let yourself be lulled by the sound of water in the canals and the whisper of the wind in the palm trees.

It’s a relaxing and authentic stop that perfectly complements your Oman itinerary between Nizwa and the wadis of the east coast.

Oman remains one of the most preserved and authentic jewels of the Middle East. With its spectacular and varied landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming people, it's the perfect destination for an Oman road trip that you'll never forget.

The excellent road infrastructure, remarkable safety, and reasonable distances between points of interest make Oman an ideal country for 4x4 adventure. Whether you choose a two-week stay in Oman or a shorter getaway, you'll return enchanted by the magic of this country.

To fully experience this adventure, our nomadic adventure package with a 4x4 equipped with a rooftop tent gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace while enjoying a carefully designed itinerary to discover all the Omani treasures.

So, what are you waiting for to explore this multifaceted country, where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, where the desert meets the sea, and where hospitality is not just a phrase?