15 Best Things To Do in Nizwa
When visiting Nizwa, make sure to take in and enjoy the following:
1. Trade and buy at Nizwa Souq
This is one of the country’s oldest and an extensive marketplace for fruit, vegetables, meat and fish that are sold from hundreds of stalls in new buildings surrounded by the crenulated city wall, overlooking the wadi. Ideal place to do your daily shopping and for watching brisk trading in sheep, goats, cattle and even the occasional camel. You can also shop for handicrafts here, particularly silverware and antiques. Pick up the silver khanjars or curved daggers, known for their exquisite craftsmanship but make sure to bargain also.
2. Marvel at Wadi Ghul
It’s the Grand Canyon of Nizwa. Offers great facilities for adventure lovers and hikers. Its ‘balcony walk’ offers a most stunning sunrise and as you hit the top, be prepared for some breathtaking views of Oman city. The area is known for its tranquility and will certainly calm you down. Best visited at sunrise time and one needs to be careful about sudden blind turns.
3. Visit Nizwa Fort
The city’s crowning jewel, Nizwa fort dates back to the 17th century, standing out because of its forty meter main tower’s cylindrical shape. It also comes with 7 wells, a prosecution ground and prisons. The main tower displays multiple defense mechanisms like honey traps, pitfalls and hidden windows for shooting. Take in its permanent exhibition illustrating Oman’s history as also the great view of the Grand Mosque, the Hajar Mountains and date plantations. Open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
4. Walk around Bahla Fort
Restored meticulously, Bahla Fort is a must visit for history lovers. The walled city of Bahla has a rich past and is a 30-kilometer drive from Nizwa.
5. Taste the fruit of Jebel Akhdar
Oman’s ‘Fruit Bowl,’ Jebel Akhdar encompasses the Saiq plateau and is famous for its high quality apricots and pomegranates. Its lush orchards and fruit gardens add to the area’s vegetation and offer a soothing contrast to Oman’s otherwise barren terrain. You can either take a day trip or stay overnight even in this area also called Oman’s emerald. It’s cold suring winter, however, with temperatures dropping to -5 degree Celsius.
6. Visit Misfat Al Abreyeen
A quaint village on a mountaintop, Misfat Al Abreyeen’s inhabitants are mostly farmers who farm the mountain slopes. Its houses resemble waving terraces from a distance and is a sight to behold. The village is more than two centuries old and is accessible by road. You can either take a tourist bus or a hired cab.
7. Take in the charm of Al Hoota Cave
This cave has a rich ecosystem comprising two lakes. There’s the smaller northern lake and the larger central lake. The lake underground holds about 30,000 m³ of water. The prime lake is 800 meters in length and 10 meters in breadth and is about 15 meters deep. You will see the rare “Garra barreimiae or blind fish. The Al Hoota Caves are said to be 2 million years old and have a mystic quality about them. Not to be missed. Access for the physically challenged also available. Reachable by train from Oman city or by hired cab.
8. Behold the beauty of Wahiba Sands
You will be mesmerized by the sight of this gorgeous stretch of majestic dunes and golden sand that is ideal for a day’s outing. Take in the local camel races conducted by the Wahiba tribals. It’s advisable to travel by a 4x4. Overnight stay in comfortable tents is strongly recommended to get an authentic taste of desert life.
9. Experience the glory of Jabrin Castle
Restored recently and extensively, Jabrin Castle has audio guides explaining the fort’s history and beautiful interiors. You will be simply mesmerized by the exquisite carpets and ceilings that give you a taste of the Omani royals. It takes about thirty minutes from Nizwa to reach Jabrin Castle by road. Great for those who are interested in the lifestyles of the Omani royals.
10. Visit Tanuf Ruins
A 20-kilometer drive from Nizwa, these ruins remind you of a once thriving town that the British bombed in 1954. However, ensure to do some preliminary reading on the site as you may not be able to relate correctly to what you see. Great for hikers and those who love taking in the incredible views. There are no guides, signage or maps and you are left alone to check out the area by yourself which is marked by narrow streets and collapsed houses.
11. Take a break at the Nizwa Fort Coffee House
If you want to rest your tired feet while visiting Nizwa Fort, take a break at the Nizwa Fort Coffee House. Rejuvenate yourself with some exotic Omani coffee and delicious date-encrusted halva. Enjoy its lip-smacking meat wraps and air.
12. Enjoy the charm of Birkat Al Mouz Ruins
The name means ‘banana pool’ in Arabic and this historical site is one of Nizwa’s most popular ones. You will see them as you drive from Nizwa to Muscat. What apparently greets is the eye is an abandoned village which is great to explore on foot and for some lovely for a photo-ops. You have date and banana orchards dotting the area as also some crumbling brick and mud houses. This place is sure to give you a taste of Nizwa’s rural life as also the excellence of historical Omani architecture.
13. Don’t overlook the Nizwa Fort Gate
This was erected sometime in 1650 and is the fort’s main entrance. It was started by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, the second Ya’rubi Imam and is an exquisite piece of architecture. It’s also a silent witness to the countless attempts made to capture Nizwa city in the past. It is officially Oman’s most important historical monument.
14. See Falaj Daris
Officially a World Heritage Site, Falaj Daris is Oman’s largest falaj or water reservoir and the city’s life sustainer. It supplies the Omani countryside with water for its plantations. Dhoot and Al Ghantuq are two other major Nizwa falajs which cater to the palm farms stretching over 8 kilometers along the Al Abiadh and Kalbouh wadis.
15. Indulge the foodie in you
Tickle your taste buds at the Al Mandi Al Dhahabi which serves authentic Middle Eastern, Zanzibari and Omani food. Try its tasty mandi dishes of meat and rice. You also have the Bin Ateeq restaurant on Oman’s Main Street for some great local dishes; the Al Duhli Restaurant that has pavement seating and serves an array of kebabs and shawarma. Take in the great night-time view as you enjoy your dinner as also the mosque and the fort that it overlooks. Takeaways also available at reasonable prices.
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Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nizwa, Oman
Must see places in Nizwa ranked on popularity. Here is the complete list of best attractions in Nizwa and point of interests to visit.
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Nizwa Fort
#1 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 09:00 am - 04:00 pm DetailsAddress: Nizwa Fort, Nizwa, Oman 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 ...Read more
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Wadi Ghul
#2 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Wadi Ghul, Oman Breathtaking views await you at Wadi Gul-Oman’s Grand Canyon! Drive down to the place and you will be surprised to see the magic that nature has in store at this majestic canyon. Step out from t...Read more
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Jebel Akhdar
#3 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm DetailsAddress: Jebel Akhdar, Oman 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 g...Read more
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Bahla Fort
#4 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 09:00 am - 04:00 pm DetailsAddress: Oasis of Bahla, Nizwa, Oman 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 a...Read more
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Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa... Reviews: 76 | 9 hrs -
Private Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa... Reviews: 8 | 9 hrs
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Misfat Al Abreyeen
#5 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Wilayt Al Hamra, A'Dakhiliyah Region, 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 ...Read more
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Nizwa Souq
#6 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 09:00 am - 08:00 pm DetailsAddress: Nizwa, Oman 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 s...Read more
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Oman Short Stay... 4 days
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Wahiba Sands
#7 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Wahiba Sands, Ash Sharqiyah, Oman 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 driv...Read more
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Al Hoota Cave
#8 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm DetailsAddress: Al Hoota Caves Access Road, Rwadah-Hamra Road, Western Hajar, Oman Al Hoota Cave is located in Al Hamra. Al Hoota Cave Oman contains a rich ecosystem that includes four lakes, three are small northern lake and the other one is the central lake. The undergro...Read more
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Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa... Reviews: 76 | 9 hrs
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Private Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa... Reviews: 8 | 9 hrs
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Tanuf Ruins
#9 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Tanuj village, Oman 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 ...Read more
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Jabrin Castle
#10 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 09:00 am - 04:00 pm DetailsAddress: Jabrin, Oman 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 su...Read more
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Nizwa Fort Coffee House
#11 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 10:00 am - 09:00 pm DetailsAddress: Near Nizwa Fort, Nizwa, Oman 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. ...Read more
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Birkat Al Mouz Ruins
#12 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Nizwa, Oman 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 Nizw...Read more
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Al Zuhly Restaurant
#13 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm DetailsAddress: Nizwa, Oman 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 delect...Read more
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Nizwa Fort Gate
#14 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa Address: Nizwa, Oman Built in the 1650’s, the Nizwa Fort Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The second Ya’rubi Imam; Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi started its construction. People believe that the underl...Read more
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Alila Jabal Akhdar
#15 of 21 Things To Do in Nizwa
Timings: 24-hrs DetailsAddress: Al Roose, Jabal Al Akhdar, Al Jabal Al Akhdar 621, Oman
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Types of Things To Do in Nizwa
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Top Nizwa Activities And Tours
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Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa 76 ReviewsDuration: 9 Hrs
The tour starts with a spectacular drive through the Hajar mountains via the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz, to reach Niz...
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Save 7%
Private Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa 8 Reviews
Duration: 9 Hrs
The tour starts with a spectacular drive through the Hajar mountains via the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz, to reach Niz...
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