Musandam Peninsula

governorate of Oman

Masirah Island

island in Oman

Hajar Mountains

Mountain range in Oman and the United Arab Emirates

Sur

city in Oman

Sohar

city

Salalah

city in Oman

Nizwa

city in Ad Dakhiliyah Region, Oman

Bahla

human settlement

Muscat

capital of Oman

Bahla Fort

fortress

Rustaq

human settlement

Muttrah

city

Jebel Jais

mountain in Oman

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

This is the third largest mosque in the world and mostly the entire complex is open to non-Muslim visitors; ladies are however expected to keep their heads, ankles and wrists covered while visiting the mosque. Must-sees in the mosque include the Swarovski crystal chandelier, the second largest hand made Persian carpet in the world, and the marble panelling.

Mirbat

town in Dhofar Governorate, Oman

Fort Al-Mirani

Built at the same time as Al Jalali Fort which it faces across the harbour. This fort has also been converted to a museum which is closed to the general public, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside.

Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

Three sites of prehistoric settlements and beehive tombs dating from the 3rd millennium BCE, collectively inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Nakhal Fort

A restored fortress with a history dating to the pre-Islamic era, scenically situated on a rocky outcropping at the base of the northern Hajar Mountains. The fort houses a museum of historic guns.

Al Alam Palace

This is the office of Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. This beautiful palace stands on the head of a natural deep water harbour and is guarded on either side by the twin forts of Mirani and Jelali. Visitors are not allowed to visit the palace, but they are allowed to take photographs at the entrance of the palace.

Oman Natural History Museum

Muscat Gate Museum

This museum marks the location of the old city wall, and has the original city gates which were used until the 1970s. The location offers good views of Old Muscat and the palace.

Al Hamra, Oman

Set right at the base of the mountains, this town is notable for a number of Yemeni-style mud-brick buildings, some of which are among the oldest houses in Oman. They are in an older section of the town overlooking the newer town; in recent years many of the older houses have been abandoned as the inhabitants have chosen to move into more modern buildings.

Wahiba Sands

massive rolling dunes as far as the eye can see

Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre

This private museum has six permanent displays explaining the formation of, and modern extraction of oil and natural gas.

Nizwa Fort

Built in 1668 by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Ya'rubi, this imposing fort is one of Oman's most-visited national monuments. In the early 1950s the large round tower of the fort was bombed by the British Royal Air Force during the revolt. It houses a museum, and from the tower there are good views of Nizwa and the surrounding date plantations.

Qantab

human settlement in Oman

Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

This excellent museum is housed in a building built in 1845 as a royal summer home. The lower level has displays on Oman's history, and the upper level examines Oman's international relations and military history. All visitors are given a mandatory military escort.

Ruwi

human settlement in Oman

Museum of Omani Heritage

This small museum has a good collection of archaeological exhibits, and is worth visiting for the excellent views.

Oman Children's Museum

Wadi Bani Awf