Three Popular Places to Visit during a Trip to Oman

Located on the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a beautiful country and has a coastline punctuated with immaculate sandy beaches. In the centre of the country, lies a large desert, which is perfect for camping under the stars and camel trekking. If you are planning to book flights for an exotic and cost-effective family trip to Oman, remember to put any/all of these destinations in your itinerary.

Muscat

Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is a port city on the Arabian Sea. Unlike the quiet and thinly populated deserts in the interiors of Oman, Muscat is a dynamic and busy place with high-rise buildings, shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment complexes. If you are interested in knowing about the history and culture of the city, explore the labyrinthine of lanes, including the Mutrah souk. It has the Gulf’s best fish market and various craft and jewellery stalls. While exploring the city on foot, you may also come across historical attractions such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Sultan’s Palace and Portuguese Fortifications in the Old Town area.

Nizwa

Nizwa, once the capital of Oman during the sixth and seventh centuries, is an affluent city at the base of the beautiful Hajar Mountains. The location of the city was significant as it lay on the trade routes which linked Muscat, Dhofar and the interiors. Nizwa’s significant merchant trade can still be seen at the bustling Nizwa Souq, a common market selling fish, meat, spices, vegetables and fruits as well as copperware, leather and pottery. Nizwa was one of the centres of education, trade, religion and art in the past, and even today it has various impressive historical attractions including the Nizwa Fort.

Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands are a vast landscape of large and impressive sand dunes carved by the south west monsoon winds and shamal trade winds over thousands of years. The desert area has harsh conditions and is not suitable to sustain flora and fauna. However the place is home to a large population of Bedouins. Visiting a traditional Bedouin household is the main highlight of one’s trip. From June to September, the Bedouin tribesmen come together to harvest the delicious dates at the Al Huyawah oasis, which is a great spectacle. Desert camping and camel trekking in the desert are a couple of popular activities. They have beautiful textiles and rugs that make one feel very comfortable.