67 Best Sights in Oman

In the mountains of Jabal Akhdar, especially in the village of Saiq (just over an hour from Nizwa), more than 100 Omanis still use traditional methods to distill the Damascus roses that grow wild on the mountainsides. The resulting rose water is very different from the clear, fragrant stuff you have likely encountered before. Jabal Akhdar rose water is prized for its intensely smokey scent, which comes from the wood-fire distillation process, and it is extremely popular throughout the Arabian Gulf. Rose water distillers are happy to allow visitors to watch their process in season (typically in the springtime around April), and visits can be arranged through your hotel, by calling the Ministry of Tourism, or by talking to friendly vendors in the Nizwa Souq, where the smoky water is available to purchase year-round.

Commissioned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the Royal Opera House is a contemporary masterpiece of Omani design and architecture, marrying traditional elements with clean, sophisticated, modern lines. The performances are likewise a lively blend of traditional local music and performance and world-class touring operas, ballets, and concerts. It is well worth spending an evening taking in a performance. You can also wander the hall on your own or as part of a house tour from 8:30 am to 10 am during the week or stop by one of the informative Saturday open house presentations. The schedule for tours varies dramatically by season, so be sure to call ahead.

The museum not only displays traditional and modern weaponry used in the Sultanate, but it also gives a history of the various wars, uprisings, and battles that have taken place in Oman over the centuries. Tours are lead by a member of the armed services, and guides are typically very knowledgeable and friendly. Don't miss the photo gallery of all the world leaders who have visited, from Margaret Thatcher to Bashar Al-Assad.

The Sur fish market is a hive of activity in the early morning, when fishermen haul in their fresh catch and hawkers sell it off for the best price. Fishing has always been the lifeblood of Sur, so this is not simply a wonderful spectacle but a fantastic opportunity to witness an important part of daily life. It is also a great place for getting beautiful photographs; just be sure to ask permission before snapping pictures of any people, especially women.

The Sur Souq stretches over several blocks, beginning with an outdoor vegetable market near the old spice shops, where spices are still roasted and custom-blended for customers. Past these shops there are tailors, perfume shops, electronics stores, and finally a little strip of gold shops. It is a quiet part of town in the afternoon, but in the morning, you will find Suri ladies doing their grocery shopping, and in the early evening, there is a good showing of local residents wandering in and out of the other shops and taking tea along these narrow streets.

Tanuf, about 20 minutes outside of Nizwa, was a simple but functional village up until the 1950s when the ancient town was destroyed by British bombs on the orders of the former sultan during the Jabal Akhdar wars. The ruins that remain are eerily beautiful, and the wadi that feeds the Al Falaj system is a wonderful place for a quick hike. About 15 minutes down the wadi, you can find another small but inhabited village that is quite picturesque. Other than a small signboard with a brief history, there are no facilities at this sight.

Reaching this beach requires a mountanous drive along gravel roads, and then finding the ideal spot to set up may require some cruising up and down the shoreline, but this secluded beach is a great place to fish and enjoy nature. There are no facilities, restaurants, or shops for miles, so it is best to fill the car with anything you might want. The soft sand beaches make good sites to set up a tent and camp. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude.