Things to Do in Nizwa

Referred to as ‘Oman’s Grand Canyon’, Wadi Ghul offers fantastic opportunities for hiking and adventure. Take a ‘balcony walk’ to experience the most stunning sunrise you have ever seen. Or just drive to the top for jaw-dropping views of Oman. The vegetation-less mountains of Oman have a strange tranquillity about them and Wadi Ghul is known to be amongst the best.

After a tediously long but meticulous restoration, Bahla fort re-opened for visitors in all its glory. With a number of nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered, a visit to the fort is sure to be an intriguing one. Bahla is an enchanting walled city that carries mysteries and stories from its rich past even today. Within thirty kilometres of Nizwa, this one is a must-visit.

The Nizwa souq will intoxicate you with its smells and sights. With its multicolored delights and electric atmosphere, a visit to the souk will remain embedded in your senses forever. Take back home some lovely middle eastern antiques and relish the fresh fruits and vegetables, you can easily spend hours at the souq. For the authentic local colour, don’t miss the goat market that takes place on Friday mornings.

Al Hoota Cave Oman contains a rich ecosystem that includes two lakes, one is a small northern lake and the other one is the central lake. The underground lake estimates to be holding 30,000 m³ of water. The main lake is 800 m long and 10 m wide, with a maximum depth of 15 m, where you can find rare blind fish “garra barreimiae”. Estimated to be 2 million years old, Al Hoota Caves are mystic and beautiful, carrying secrets from ancient times. Truly a thing of spectacular beauty!

The Nizwa fort is the crowning jewel of Nizwa. It was built in the 17th century and stands tall and proud even today. This fort is unique among other forts in Oman due to the cylindrical shape of its main tower which also happens to be the biggest to tower in a fort in Oman. It has seven wells, a number of prisons, and prosecution ground. The main tower features many defence mechanisms Omanis used in the past such as pitfalls, honey traps, and gun shooting windows. The fort also contains many exhibits and artefacts displayed in each of the rooms of the fort. There is also a nice gift shop and a permanent exhibition that illustrates the geographical history of Oman. Offering great views of the Grand mosque, it is worth climbing all the way up just to witness Nizwa in all its glory.

Jebel Akhdar or the ‘Fruit bowl of Oman’ as it is fondly known is an area that encompasses the Saiq plateau. It is known for its prized fruits like pomegranate, apricots. The orchrds and gardens are a welcome change from the ‘nothingness’ of Omani terrain. Worth a day trip or a one-night stay from Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar is the emerald of Oman.

Misfat Al Aberyeen is a small but pretty village on top of a mountain. The homes of its inhabitants are at the top of the mountain and their farms are on the slope. Its decorated houses standing side by side in close proximity look like terraces waving up and down with the mountain’s terrain and give the visitor a distinctive visual pleasure. It is said that the first house in Misfat Al Abriyeen village was built two hundred years ago.

Wahiba Sands is a stretch of gorgeous golden sands and majestic dunes that make for a good adventurous day out. One can also choose to witness the camel races of the tribe living in Wahiba. A 4x4 drive over the dunes will be just the adrenaline punch you require in this castle-dominated country. Stay overnight for a true taste of life in a desert.

Located about 20 km for Nizwa, these ruins are reminiscent of a thriving old town that was bombed by the British in 1954. Read up before you go because otherwise it’s difficult to relate to the ruins.

An extensive restoration project has made sure that Jabrin castle retains its glorious personality. It is well equipped with audio guides that explain the history and interiors of the fort. You are sure to be enamoured by the beautiful interiors that are fit for a blue blooded royal. Exquisite ceilings and carpets transfer the visitor to a regal world. Situated approximately on a half an hour drive from Nizwa, this fort is perhaps Oman’s best kept secret.

Sample some delicious Omani coffee served with halva and date at this humble but popular coffee house. It also serves some lipsmacking wraps and is air conditioned to provide a respite from the heat. They also have wifi and the bathrooms are clean.Great after a tiring day around the souq.

Meaning ‘a pool of bananas’ in Arabic, Birkat Al Mouz is a historical site in Nizwa. Located on the way from Nizwa to Muscat, this uninhibited, abandoned village is a good reminder of Nizwa’s old days. Great for a photo-op and to explore on foot, this place is full of date, banana orchards and mud, brick houses that are mostly falling apart. Visit this place to get an idea of rural life in Nizwa.The houses are in ruins but their salient features, like the windows and ventilation system, are clearly visible. It is a reminder of the fact that ancient Omani architecture excelled in comfortable living despite the land's harsh climate.

Located close to the bustling Nizwasouq, Al Zuhly restaurant boasts of the best views of Nizwa’s technicoloured life. Great for takeaway or even a quick bite in the car, this place offers delectable signature shwarmas and kebabs. It does get quite crowded but much deservedly so.