Welcome to our journey through Oman, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Join us as we share our experiences, tips, and insights for the best places to visit in Oman. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve got you covered with insider recommendations, travel hacks, and plenty of inspiration.
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Quick Peek
Fact-sheet about our Oman trip for our busy travelers.
Travel Time
November
Travel Mode
Journey (15 days)
Our Must-Sees
Wadi Shab, Qaboos Mosque,
Nizwa Fort
Where to stay
Fraser Suites,
Anantara Al Jabal
Plant-Based Food
Self-catering
Mobility
Rental car
Travel Budget
€6.852
Explore Oman’s Hidden Gems: Our Must-Visit Spots
Muscat (6 days)
After an uncomplicated entry and arrival, Muscat served as our starting point for exploring Oman and as a base for day trips. The city itself left us awestruck. With a population of over 1.5 million inhabitants, Muscat buzzes with energy and charm.
Sultan Qaboos Mosque (Day trip)
Our first cultural stop was at Sultan Qaboos Mosque, where we spent an entire morning exploring one of Oman’s most impressive architectural marvels. Spanning an area of over 416,000 square meters, the mosque boasts intricate designs and can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Oman.
Wahiba Sands (Day trip)
We took a day trip from Muscat to Wahiba Sands, a breathtaking experience. The expansive desert landscape was unlike anything we had ever seen before. It’s hard to describe such moments in words, and they always seem to slip away too fast.
Wadi Shab (Day trip)
Our next day trip took us to one of Oman’s famous wadis, Wadi Shab. It’s an incredible landscape, and we thoroughly enjoyed swimming, hiking, and immersing ourselves in the untouched natural beauty of the area. There are plenty of Wadis, and probably all of them belong to the best places to visit in Oman.
Jebel Akhdar (9 days)
Moving to the mountainous region of Jebel Akhdar, we found respite from the heat and were treated to stunning landscapes. We spent a total of nine days here, primarily enjoying the luxurious accommodations at Anantara Al Jabal.
Finding Serenity: Our Favorite Accommodations in Oman
Like in nearly every vacation, we split our time between more affordable accommodations focused on day trips and then indulged in luxury and relaxation. Our first home in Oman was Fraser Suites in Muscat, and we’d gladly repeat the experience. For around €150, we enjoyed a spacious apartment with a clean kitchen and fantastic breakfast – a rare find in today’s market.
For the second half of our stay, we treated ourselves to Anantara Al Jabal. It’s safe to say it was one of the most remarkable hotels we’ve ever experienced – everything was simply perfect.
Oman on a Plate: How we Stayed Vegan
🌱 While Oman may not be widely known for its vegan options, we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to maintain our plant-based diet during our visit. In the Carrefour supermarkets in Muscat, we found everything we needed to cook our own meals in the first half of our trip.
For breakfast, there were numerous options available to us, ensuring a satisfying start to each day. During the second half of our trip at Anantara Al Jamal, we didn’t have to worry about finding vegan options at all – although it was to be expected given the price.
From A to B: Getting Around Oman Like a Pro
Getting around Oman was initially a bit daunting for us, but we quickly realized it’s much easier than expected. The main roads are well-maintained, and everyone drives extremely disciplined. Even in Muscat, where traffic can get a bit busier, we never really felt worried.
Venturing into the Wahiba Sands was an adventure in itself. Deflating the tires and maneuvering through the sand dunes was surprisingly easy, thanks to the helpful tips from locals and the well-equipped gas stations nearby.
If you’re planning to explore off the beaten path, we recommend doing so before nightfall, as there are usually few streetlights outside of the main roads. However, with a bit of planning, navigating through this beautiful country is a breeze.
Cost Breakdown: How Much We Spent
Accomodation
Fraser Suites 6x€152 = €912
(incl. breakfast)
Anantara Al Jabal 9x€430 = €3.870
(half-board)
Food & Dining
Snacks & Self-catering
around €40 per day = €600
Mobility
Rental car
around €90 per day
Fuel total around €120
Activities
Explored this beautiful
country for free!
Total Spent
€6.852
without air fare
Picture-Perfect Oman: Insta-Worthy You Can’t Miss
Join us for a glimpse of Oman’s top highlights, focusing on the most photogenic places in the country. From stunning natural wonders to historic landmarks, these spots offer the perfect backdrop for your photos.
Bimmah Sinkhole
GPS Coordinates: 23.0541° N, 59.0030° E
Explore the wonders of Bimmah Sinkhole. Marvel at its turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. Parking is limited, so plan your visit wisely!
Bandar Al Kharain Viewpoint
GPS Coordinates: 23.2266° N, 57.4643° E
Discover Bandar Al Kharain Viewpoint and enjoy panoramic vistas of Oman’s rugged terrain. The hike up may be steep, but the view is worth it!
Nizwa Fort
GPS Coordinates: 22.9318° N, 57.5361° E
Step back in time at Nizwa Fort. Admire its historic charm and traditional architecture. Don’t miss the iconic motifs adorning the fortress walls.
Mutrah Souq
GPS Coordinates: 23.6150° N, 58.5902° E
When it comes to the best places to visit in Oman, a Souq has to be on the list for sure. Lose yourself in the vibrant Mutrah Souq. Explore narrow alleyways and immerse yourself in Omani culture.
Got Questions? Here’s What You Need to Know about Oman
The best time to visit Oman is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more pleasant for outdoor activities.
Most visitors to Oman require a visa. However, citizens of certain countries may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival. It’s best to check with the Omani embassy or consulate in your country for specific visa requirements.
The official currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR). It’s advisable to exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange offices for the best rates.
In Oman, safety is paramount, making it one of the most secure countries in the Middle East. With its low crime rates and hospitable environment, it offers travelers a sense of peace and security. Our personal experience echoes this sentiment—we’ve never felt safer than when exploring Oman.
Alcohol consumption is regulated in Oman, and it is only available in licensed bars and hotels. Public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
While tap water is generally safe for hygiene purposes, it’s advisable to stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking to avoid any potential stomach issues.
Yes, tourists can rent cars in Oman. International driving licenses are usually accepted, but it’s advisable to check with your rental agency beforehand.
The standard voltage in Oman is 240 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz. The plugs used are Type G, which have three rectangular pins. Travelers may need a plug adapter depending on their country of origin.
Tipping is not customary in Oman, but it’s becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. In restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill, but leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated.
A permit is required for all drones flights in Oman, and this permit is currently only granted for commercial purposes. You may not enter the country of Oman with a drone without already having permission, and it is likely your drone will be confiscated at the airport if you try to enter without permission
Some must-visit attractions in Oman include the stunning Wahiba Sands desert, the historic forts of Nizwa, the ancient city of Muscat, and the breathtaking Wadi Shab.