Attractions of Oman

To help inspire or plan your trip to Oman, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Oman which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cities of interest in Oman

Muscat
The old walled city of Muscat is one of the most attractive of the region. It is set on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped ring of mountains that have restricted its growth. Its most striking feature is the huge Sultan Qaboos Mosque, one of the largest in the Middle East and capable of holding 20,000 worshippers. Completed in 2001, it took seven years and 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone to complete and contains the world's largest single piece of carpet, made over four years by 600 weavers. The mosque is intricately decorated with black and white marble, tiles and stained glass. On the waterfront lie the Portuguese fortresses of Merani and Jalali, the ornate Al Alam Palace and the colourful Mutrah souk, reputedly one of the best in the region with Omani daggers, silverware and spices like frankincense and myrrh for sale. The Bait al Zubair museum has an excellent display on Omani history and culture.

Muscat

The old walled city of Muscat is one of the most attractive of the region. It is set on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped ring of mountains that have restricted its growth. Its most striking feature is the huge Sultan Qaboos Mosque, one of the largest in the Middle East and capable of holding 20,000 worshippers. Completed in 2001, it took seven years and 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone to complete and contains the world's largest single piece of carpet, made over four years by 600 weavers. The mosque is intricately decorated with black and white marble, tiles and stained glass. On the waterfront lie the Portuguese fortresses of Merani and Jalali, the ornate Al Alam Palace and the colourful Mutrah souk, reputedly one of the best in the region with Omani daggers, silverware and spices like frankincense and myrrh for sale. The Bait al Zubair museum has an excellent display on Omani history and culture.

Nizwa
Nizwa was capital of Oman between 751 and 1154 AD and is still considered the cultural capital. The 17th century Nizwa Fortress, built to guard the Sumail Gap during the struggles between the Sultan and radical Imans has recently been renovated. Its walls are 40 metres high, towering over the city and holding 400 gun placements. Nizwa is also famous for its bustling souk and its traditional goat market.

Nizwa

Nizwa was capital of Oman between 751 and 1154 AD and is still considered the cultural capital. The 17th century Nizwa Fortress, built to guard the Sumail Gap during the struggles between the Sultan and radical Imans has recently been renovated. Its walls are 40 metres high, towering over the city and holding 400 gun placements. Nizwa is also famous for its bustling souk and its traditional goat market.