In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman shines with its cultural diversity and natural beauty, making it one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. This enjoyable tour is to explore the most famous tourist cities in Oman, combining the charm of history and the splendor of nature in a unique blend.
Salalah Safari Tours is the perfect companion for exploring these enchanting cities, thanks to its uniqueness in offering tours within Oman. The company provides unique experiences blending adventure and comfort. If you’re wondering about the most popular tourist city in Oman, we will assist you in that regard. The charming tourist cities along the Arabian Sea coast and the enchanting heritage villages in the Hajar Mountains offer a diverse range of experiences. Your journey with Salalah Safari Tours will be an unforgettable experience in the unique beauty of Oman.
Most Famous Tourist Cities in Oman
Salalah
The city of Salalah, the coastal jewel in southern Oman, shines with its natural charm and rich history. Located in the Dhofar Governorate, Salalah is one of the top tourist destinations in the Sultanate. It is characterized by its moderate climate and gentle monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean.
Salalah boasts a range of stunning natural attractions, where you can enjoy its beautiful beaches like Al Mughsail Beach with its white sands and turquoise blue waters, and Al Fizayah Beach, which stretches for several kilometers.
Springs and valleys hold a special place in Salalah, with springs like Ain Razat, Ain Sahalnoot, Ain Garziz, and Wadi Darbat adding enchanting beauty to the region. Additionally, the lush green plains of Ateen provide a haven for relaxation and enjoyment of the charming natural landscapes.
Salalah is rich in culture and heritage, reflecting the beauty of traditional Omani architecture. It is famous for its frankincense and offers a unique shopping experience in its traditional markets.
With Salalah Safari Tours, you can explore this wonderful destination with enjoyable and comfortable tours. Choose Salalah for your next destination and enjoy an unforgettable experience in this unique city.
Muscat
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is one of the destinations that embodies a rich history and cultural diversity. It is one of the most famous tourist cities in Oman, located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Formerly known as “Oman,” the city has witnessed many invasions and has been ruled by different countries and empires, resulting in diversity in architectural styles, including Portuguese, Arab, Persian, Indian, and African.
Muscat includes a range of museums reflecting Omani heritage, such as the Omani Heritage Museum and the National Museum of Oman. The city also hosts important historical landmarks like Al Jalali Fort and encourages visits to traditional areas like Old Muscat and Al Alam Palace.
Visitors can explore the beauty and diversity of Muscat with enjoyable tourist trips, as the city includes modern projects such as the Royal Opera House and the National Museum of Oman. It also offers shopping opportunities in centers like Muscat Avenue Mall and Muscat Mall.
With the opening of new projects like Al Araimi Boulevard and Muscat Mall, the rapid development of Muscat showcases it as one of the modern and attractive cities in the region.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Salalah and discover the untouched beauty of nature with tailored tours provided by Salalah Safari Tours.
Nizwa
Nizwa, known as the “Pearl of Peace,” is one of the most famous tourist cities in Oman, thanks to its natural beauty and splendid historical heritage. Located in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, about 164 kilometers from the capital Muscat, Nizwa historically served as the capital of Oman during the early Islamic eras, witnessing distinguished intellectual activity and hosting generations of Omani scholars, jurists, and historians.
Also known as the “Islam Egg,” Nizwa’s historical fort, known as Nizwa Fort, stands as a testament to the city’s past glory. Built in 1660 AD by Imam Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al Ya’arubi, the fort rises to a height of 24 meters with an outer diameter of 43 meters and remains majestic to this day, with its circular features, wells, and multiple openings.
The region is distinguished by its forts, towers, and historic mosques, making it a unique tourist attraction. There is also Nizwa Castle, which is associated with a fortress with complex labyrinthine corridors, and Nizwa Traditional Souq adjacent to it serves as a vibrant center for traditional crafts and thriving handicraft industries.
suhar
The city of Suhar is located on the coastal area overlooking the Sea of Oman, about 240 kilometers north of the capital Muscat, and is considered the industrial and commercial capital of Oman. The wilayat (district) includes many modern factories and enjoys a strong infrastructure, in addition to the presence of Sohar International Airport and vast agricultural lands.
Suhar is characterized by diverse tourist landmarks, attracting mountain climbing enthusiasts with its towering mountains, and many valleys, whether permanent water valleys throughout the year or those characterized by seasonal rains. Many families and gatherings can be seen in Wadi Al Jizzi, Wadi Ahan, Wadi Haybi, and other valleys scattered around Suhar.
Suhar boasts clean beaches that attract tourists and visitors, whether citizens or tourists. The government of the Sultanate of Oman has paid great attention to developing tourism facilities, with the restoration of Sahar Fort and the establishment of public parks and recreational areas.
The Suhar Entertainment Center is considered one of the popular attractions, with international cinema theaters and several hotels and institutions providing tourist services. The opening of the first five-star hotel in Sahar, and the new airport, reflects another development in the field of transportation and communication to enhance the role of Suhar as a comprehensive tourist destination.
sur
The city of sur, located in the eastern region of the Sultanate of Oman, is the capital of the governorate and is about 150 km southeast of the capital, Muscat. sur is renowned for its long maritime history and its vibrant economic and cultural life.
sur serves as a beacon for maritime industries, fishing, and maritime transport. It is a major regional center with a strategic geographical location overlooking the sea from the east, situated in the far east of Oman, including the Al-Aija area and its ancient maritime lighthouse, which serves as a guiding beacon for ships.
sur is characterized by its cultural and historical landmarks. The sur Fort stands out as one of the most prominent forts in the governorate, used to guard the main gateway to the entrance of the governorate. The ur Fort is one of the most important forts in the city, formerly used as the governor’s residence and as a venue for celebrations and events.
The natural tourist attractions in sur include springs, valleys, and caves, making these areas attractive tourist destinations. The governorate hosts numerous attractive sites such as Al-Ays Cave and the cliff of Mankhurq, offering cultural and historical tourist attractions, such as the Qalhat area and the Ras Al-Meel lighthouse in Al-Aija.
Al-Khaburah
Al-Khaborah city, one of the cities of the North Al Batinah Governorate in the Al Batinah region of the Sultanate of Oman, covers an area of approximately 2,700 square kilometers, stretching along the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is bordered by Al-Suwayq to the south, Al-Awabi to the west, Saham and Sohar to the north, and includes 198 villages, coastal and mountainous, as well as villages located on the banks of valleys. The governorate relies on the emblem of the Omani dagger.
Al-Khaborah Governorate is known for being a peaceful area, characterized by the widespread palm groves. It is one of the prominent centers for dagger manufacturing, fishing, as well as traditional boat building, salt production, and organic fertilizers.
The city of Al-Khaborah is one of the most famous tourist cities in Oman, boasting prominent historical tourist attractions. It hosts seven castles, including Bani Said and Al-Aqli Castle, and contains 21 forts, among which the Al-Khaborah Fort is the most prominent. Other tourist attractions include towers like the Al-Qusf Tower, Al-Badi’ah Tower, and Al-Mithar Tower in the Al-Ghayzin village, as well as the Al-Buma Tower in Al-Safa. The Fort of the Governorate, Al-Qasabiyah Fort, Al-Badi’ah Fort, Al-Hajari, Al-Ghushiyan, Al-Aqli, Al-Dawahinah Walls, Al-Qutait Walls, Falaj Bani Rabia Fort, Al-Khabt “Al-Ain” Fort, Khazam Fort, and Sahila Fort are among the most important historical forts in the governorate.
sahm
The sahm Governorate in North Al Batinah, Sultanate of Oman, is distinguished by its rich historical heritage evident in the forts and castles protecting it. Its inhabitants are known for their hospitality and beauty, combining the coast and the mountains, with valleys and springs used for irrigation.
Its industries are diverse, ranging from daggers and swords to traditional crafts and local arts, making it a unique tourism destination due to its heritage, beautiful landscapes, and diverse activities, making it an exciting tourist destination.
Al-Buraimi
Al-Buraimi city in the Sultanate of Oman is one of the important historical destinations, distinguished by its famous forts such as Al-Khandak Fort and Al-Hala Fort, which was recently renovated. The region also boasts ancient houses like Bait Bahar.
Al-Buraimi includes 49 Falaj and is surrounded by sandy deserts and pastures, making it an exceptional tourist site. The thriving Al-Buraimi market is an important commercial destination, where goods flow from neighboring states and the United Arab Emirates.
Ibri
Ibri city in the Sultanate of Oman hosts a rich collection of cultural and historical landmarks, making it one of the most famous tourist cities in Oman. These landmarks include springs, valleys, caves, castles, forts, towers, and mosques, with springs like Abu Saleh, Ad-Dayyan, and Shabihat, while Ain Al-Mileh is famous for its beneficial waters.
The governorate shines with its castles and forts, such as the Al-Zahir Castle, Freiver Fort, and Al-Shabak Fort, in addition to numerous historical towers and mosques, like Al-Aqabah Mosque and Imam Azan bin Tamim Mosque.
Caves like Jarf Rajib Cave and Al-Khayban Cave are among the natural wonders in the governorate, adding to its tourist charm. Other distinctive sites include Majazah Faj, Al-Hadhmah, Qusaybah, and Sih Al-Hasanat. Old markets like the Imam Azan bin Qais Market and Al-Yahmadi Market are part of the rich heritage of the governorate, along with the Wednesday Women’s Market.
Birka
Barka city is located in the Al Batinah region of the Sultanate of Oman, on the coast of the Arabian Sea, 85 km from Muscat. It includes more than 51 villages and has an estimated population of about 64,526 people. The inhabitants work in government and private sectors, in addition to agriculture, livestock, and fishing. Agricultural products such as lemons, tomatoes, fruits, and dates are prominent.
The governorate contains historical and tourist buildings like Barka Fort and Al-Fulaij Fort and is rich in historical towers and recreational areas like the Al-Naseem Public Park. Omani sweet making and bull wrestling are known activities in the city, which is one of the important agricultural governorates, witnessing the cultivation of mangoes, fodder, lemons, and palm trees. Its walls include the Barka Fort Wall, Al-Jannah Wall, Al-Mawalik Wall, among others, and extend the Al-Sawadi and Al-Malh khors in the region, hosting the Al-Dimaniyat Islands Natural Reserve. It hosts the Blue City project, has splendid beaches like Al-Sawadi, and features several hotels and resorts.
Nakhal
Nakhal city is located in the South Al Batinah Governorate of the Sultanate of Oman and is distinguished by several prominent castles and forts, notably Nakhal Castle and Al-Janah Castle in the Al-Aliyah area near the mosque of the same name. The governorate also hosts castles in other villages like Al-Abiad, Al-Taw, Halban, and Wadi Mistal.
The governorate is known for its historical forts and towers, including Al-Musawir Fort at Al-Ghrabi location and Al-Qarin Fort in the Al-Sa’bah Al-Kubra area, along with historical towers like Aqum and Al-Tabtub.
Nakhal also hosts prominent ancient mosques, including Al-Ghareid Mosque, Al-Makbar Mosque, Al-Ula Mosque, and Al-Sareer, along with Nakhal Mosque
Seeb
Seeb is a governorate in the Sultanate of Oman, part of the Muscat Governorate, boasting a coastal location overlooking the Gulf of Oman and renowned for fishing. Located northwest of the capital, Seeb is home to numerous historical landmarks and modern developments.
Historical landmarks in Seeb include Khoud Tower, Jifnain Towers, Rusayl, Khars, and Sallil Towers, along with the North Ma’abela Mosque. The governorate preserves remnants of ancient artifacts such as the walls of Hayl Al Awamer and the falaj connecting Khoud to Hayl Al Awamer.
Modern landmarks established by Sultan Qaboos bin Said include Sultan Qaboos University, the university hospital, the military hospital, and Muscat International Airport. Seeb also hosts prominent commercial complexes like City Centre, Al Bahja, and Al Lulu, along with diverse markets such as Al Khoud Market and the Central Fruits and Vegetables Market.
Al Awabi
Al Awabi, part of the South Al Batinah Governorate in Oman, is characterized by historical and archaeological landmarks, including forts, towers, and ancient houses. The old name for the governorate was Sonai, and Al Awabi means a piece of land suitable for agriculture.
The governorate features prominent forts like Al Awabi Fort, Al Ratem Fort, and Al Salut Fort, along with the Sada and Najur Towers, and famous ancient houses including Sarasuj, Al Misfah, and Al Wulayah.
Natural attractions hold a special place in the governorate, with areas like Al A’la known for beautiful landscapes and mango trees, and Al Ajja featuring pathways and caves adorned with inscriptions and archaeological engravings. The areas of Sabikha, Al Hajir, and their mountains and green trees are also attractive tourist spots, making it one of the most famous tourist cities in Oman.
Izki
Izki is considered one of the oldest settlements in Oman, possibly founded before Nizwa, evident from drawings and inscriptions in Wadi Halfayn, indicating the Stone Age. Archaeologists found traces dating back to the Stone Age in Wadi Bani Khalid and Izki, including weapons. Danish and Harvard missions uncovered beehive tombs dating to the early third millennium BCE.
Historical sources suggest Izki was a base for the Banu Sama bin Lu’ay tribe, playing a significant role in Oman’s history, including leadership roles like Musa bin Abi Ja’far and Musa bin Musa. Important landmarks include the ancient Nazar Quarter and the Royal Falaj established by Malik bin Fahm Al Azdi.
Rustaq
During the reign of Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al Ya’arubi and Imam Ahmed bin Said, Rustaq served as the capital of the Ya’aruba state in Oman, where their rule began. The city features several tourist sites, including Ain Al Kasfah, known for its therapeutic hot springs, along with the renowned Ain Al Hweyt and Ain Al Khudra with their pure waters and enchanting landscapes.
Rustaq also encompasses many beautiful valleys such as Wadi Al Sayyabin, Wadi Bani Ghafir, Wadi Bani Auf, Wadi Bani Haras, Wadi Bani Hani, and Wadi Al Sahtan. Prominent historical landmarks include Rustaq Castle and Al Hazm Fort, along with famous villages like Al Washil, Al Ghushub, and Ayni (named after Ain Al Kasfah). Wadi Bani Ghafir, among the most famous valleys in the region, includes a beautiful area called Al Khadah and the village of Say.
Khasab
Khasab is an Omani governorate serving as a regional center for the Musandam Governorate, approximately 500 kilometers from the capital, Muscat, located in the northernmost part of the governorate, deriving its name from the fertility of its soil and the presence of Khasab Port.
It is one of the most famous tourist cities in Oman, featuring archaeological landmarks such as castles, forts, and towers, including Khasab Castle dating back to the Al Busaidi era, restored in 1990. Cultural heritage also includes historical mosques like Al Seebah Mosque and the Market and Kumasarah Mosques rebuilt during the reign of Sultan Qaboos.
Among the natural tourist areas in Khasab, places like Al Rawdha, Al Sayh, and Al Khalidiya stand out, along with valleys, bays, and islands such as Khasab Bay, Kumasar Bay, Shisha Bay, Shamm Bay, Khawr Sham, Khawr Al Neid, Khawr Hablain, Khawr Qabil, Khawr Ghab, and Khawr Qadhi. The governorate houses Khasab Airport and is famous for its historical castles like Khasab Fort built in the seventeenth century.
Mattrah
Mattrah, one of the most important cities in the history of Oman, is located in the capital, Muscat. Its history dates back to the third millennium BC, overlooking the shores of the Sea of Oman, which has made it an important commercial area throughout history.
The Port Sultan Qaboos is famous for transporting and exporting various goods, and the famous Mattrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in the Sultanate. The market offers various goods, herbs, spices, and silverware, with popular souvenirs being highly sought after.
Mattrah boasts many tourist attractions, such as the Corniche, Riyam and Kalbuh Parks. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Mattrah and enjoy the aromas of spices. Don’t miss visiting the market for a unique experience, reflecting the city’s name as a ship’s mooring and indicating the presence of a cargo port. The Al Bustan Palace Hotel is one of the prominent tourist facilities in the area.
Bahla
Bahla Oasis in Oman is one of the provinces of the Interior Governorate, distinguished by its springs and dense palm trees. It was founded under suitable conditions for the Omani people, containing a walled palm oasis and a fortress with defensive walls. The oasis consists of about 18 neighborhoods and is famous for producing scholars who enriched thought in Oman and beyond.
The central fortress stands out in the oasis, with the old Bahla market located west of the fortress. Pottery factories are distributed in the northern parts of the oasis.
Bahla Fort and Bahla Oasis were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987, as the oasis contains diverse cultural and historical elements, including Quran schools, mosques, walls, traditional markets, and pottery-making.
Bahla’s history is ancient and complex, characterized by its walls and castle. It is the only city in Oman surrounded by walls, and Bahla’s wall is considered the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China, making it one of the most famous tourist cities in Oman.
Ibri
Ibri, located in the Dhahirah Governorate in Oman, is one of the regional centers in the west of the Sultanate, where urban, Bedouin, and rural environments converge. It is about 279 kilometers from the capital, Muscat.
Ibri occupies a unique location connecting the Sultanate with other regions in the Arabian Peninsula, as commercial caravans passed through it throughout the ages. The city is characterized by many archaeological sites, including the famous Al-Salif Castle, in addition to traditional dress in Ibri, which consists of the “mukhor” (headgear), headscarf or shawl, and veil.
Bousher
Bousher Province is part of the Omani Governorate of Muscat and serves as the government capital, surrounded by cities such as Al Khawair, Al Athaibah, Al Ghubra, Al Ansab, Ghala, and Bousher Al Balad.
Historical landmarks in Bousher include the Grand Mosque, the “Al Fath” Castle, the Al Hamam Towers, the Old Bousher Market, and ancient mosques like the “Al Najjar” Mosque and the Al Awaina Mosque.
Modern landmarks in the province include the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, the Sultan’s Hospital, the Ministry Complex, the Embassy District, and commercial complexes such as Al Masa Mall, Grand Mall, Panorama Mall, and Qurum City Centre.
Al Amerat
Al Amerat Province is one of the most famous tourist cities in Oman, located in the Governorate of Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. Its history dates back to the period of conquest when it became famous for opening the valley villages. The province witnessed population growth due to urban planning and available services, making it a magnet for citizens.
It is characterized by historical elements such as castles, forts, and towers, and is famous for lead mines, retaining archaeological sites such as old houses and archaeological dams. It combines heritage and modernity, with the historic Al Khafiji Mosque and other historical mosques embodying the splendor of the past and present in this wonderful province.
Madha
Madha City in the Sultanate of Oman, located in the Governorate of Musandam, is surrounded by the United Arab Emirates from all sides, separated from other regions by a border fence, with a population of about 3,000 people. It is surrounded by mountain ranges and the Emirates of Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
The province contains many archaeological sites, such as ancient rock carvings and drawings dating back to pre-Islamic times, as well as archaeological sites dating back to the Iron Age and the period between 1000 and 1500 BC.
It also contains underground secret stores known as “Juhl Warehouses”. The province hosts many forts and towers, such as Madha Fort and Al Ghunah Castle, which are qualified monitoring centers built of gravel on mountaintops.
Bidbid
Bidbid Province in the Sultanate of Oman is characterized by its diverse tourist attractions, from sands and mountains to springs and valleys, making visitors enjoy a unique experience.
The province retains many springs and springs, such as the Al Muntarib, Al Ghabbi, Al Juhais, Al Shareq, and others, and contains springs that irrigate its outskirts like Ayn Yaya and Ayn Habsin.
The houses and streets in Bidbid reflect artistic elegance, carrying designs and colors that add beauty to the place. The stunning nature surrounds the area, with a special flavor in Bidbid’s sands that offer a unique and enchanting experience, where valleys merge with golden sands to form a beautiful artistic painting. At night, the desert takes on a peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the charm and splendor of its quiet darkness.
What activities can you do when visiting Oman?
Oman shines with a variety of enjoyable tourist activities. Visitors can enjoy desert safari trips, explore beautiful beaches, and dive into some of the world’s greatest coral reefs. Additionally, they can embark on long walks in Oman’s stunning mountains and enjoy cultural experiences in local markets, forts, and museums. For adventurers, Oman offers thrilling sports like rock climbing, kite surfing, and paragliding, making it an ideal destination for thrill-seekers
“General questions”
What activities can you do when visiting Oman?
Oman shines with a variety of enjoyable tourist activities. Visitors can enjoy desert safari trips, explore beautiful beaches, and dive into some of the world’s greatest coral reefs. Additionally, they can embark on long walks in Oman’s stunning mountains and enjoy cultural experiences in local markets, forts, and museums. For adventurers, Oman offers thrilling sports like rock climbing, kite surfing, and paragliding, making it an ideal destination for thrill-seekers.
Why choose Oman as a tourist destination?
The Sultanate of Oman is one of the unique and attractive tourist destinations in the Middle East, blending the unique allure of nature with rich cultural heritage, making it an exceptional tourist destination for travelers seeking a unique experience.
In conclusion to our exploratory journey of the most famous tourist cities in Oman, we find that this charming country is characterized by its cultural diversity and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers, from modern capitals to traditional towns. These cities reflect both heritage and modern development alike.
Among these wonderful cities that reflect the beauty and richness of Oman’s tourism, we find Salalah, Nizwa, Muscat, Sohar, Al Buraimi, Al Seeb, and many others. These cities constitute a distinctive destination for visitors seeking an exceptional tourist experience.
In this context, Salalah Safari Tours stands out as a reliable and distinctive companion for exploring the beauty of these cities and knowing the most popular and sought-after tourist city in Oman, where it organizes its trips with utmost care and offers unique experiences, contributing to making this journey an unforgettable experience in the hearts of visitors.
