1st place: Muscat
Oman’s capital, Muscat, is where most holidaymakers land when they first visit the country. This city is located between deserts and mountains in the Romanesque Bay. Unlike other major cities of the Persian Gulf, Muscat has retained its cultural value and Bedouin sentiments. With various historical attractions, Muscat charms all visitors with its muted elegance and rich heritage. Muscat has everything – forts, tempting shopping malls, majestic palaces, museums, the best of modern architecture and a harbor that overlooks the famous royal palace of Qasr al-Alam. This is one of the best places in Oman for both families and friends.
2nd place: Wahiba Sands
Discover the Middle East at its best with rolling sand dunes and golden shades at Wahiba Sands. This stretch of desert is a place where the Bedou people live, and tourists can get acquainted with the real nomadic Omani culture. When the sun sets, the sand dunes turn from a rich yellow to a copper-orange hue, showing you the best of nature. Here you can experience the thrill of sand sports, dune rides, night camping, hiking and other activities.
3rd place: Nesfat Al-Abriin
Visit the mud village of Oman – Nesfat Al-Abriin, which is one of the rare old villages where people still live. It is located in the heart of the country. And it is a tiny village surrounded by the high hills of the Jebel Sham mountain range. Here you will find stone buildings in various shades of orange and brown, which give this place picturesque views in a mountain-type valley. Large boulders hold the houses together, and hardened mud bricks give the village an unusual architectural look. The main attractions include the Jebel Shams balcony, green gardens and labyrinthine passages between houses up to 300 years old.
4th place: Bahla
Located in the north of Oman, the city of Bahla is also known as Madinat Al-Sehr or the City of Magic. Bahla is considered a mysterious city because of its centuries-old myths, legends and superstitions. Not very popular, but at the same time grandiose, Bahla is a worthwhile tourist destination that has great potential for any observing traveler. This city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its ceramics and silver artifacts. The Bahla Fort dates back to the 13th century, when the entire region was under the rule of the Banu Nebhan tribe. Here you will find palm trees, local houses, sophisticated Islamic architecture, a market and a mosque. Watch dolphins, take a bike tour or hike, ride camels. Visit the market in Bahla before heading to your next destination on a tour of Oman.
5th place: Nizwa
Also known as the “Pearl of Islam”, Nizwa is a historic city located in the Ad-Dahiliya district of northern Oman. Back in the 6th-7th centuries Nizwa was the capital of Oman. Here you will find popular attractions such as Nizwa Fort, which was built in the 17th century, and Jebel Akhdar Mountain, where you can see the city in the form of ancient ruins, majestic monuments, banana plantations and date palms. Education, trade, culture and art once flourished in abundance in Nizwa. The city retains its vintage artistic charm. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oman.
6th place: Mirbat
Located almost 75 kilometers east of Salalla, Mirbat is an old fishing town. It used to be the capital of Dofar and the center of the incense trade and breeding of Arab horses. This is a quiet, peaceful place where you can sit on the beach or get acquainted with the lifestyle of a small fishing town. If you are interested in scuba diving, then Mirbat has excellent coral reefs on the shore. You can also enjoy fine dining and a stay at an upscale resort.