A lot of people living in the Gulf keep Oman on their list for years and then finally go, and the first reaction is usually the same that why they did not come earlier. The country is quiet, clean and the landscape changes every hour of driving, from rocky mountains to sand dunes to small fishing villages near the sea. But for a first trip the main confusion is what to see and what to leave, because the places are spread out.
So the Oman visa part comes first. Since August 2026, nationals of selected countries can get a free tourist visa for 14 days, and everyone else can apply for the eVisa online on the Royal Oman Police website. If you are a resident in any GCC country, you also apply online, just make sure your residence visa is valid for minimum three months. Hotel booking, return ticket and travel insurance should be ready with you, since they are normally checked.
1. Muscat for the First Two Days
Muscat is where almost every visitor lands, and two days here is enough to get the feel of the city. Start with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque early in the morning, because tourist hours are limited and it gets warm later. Evening time is best for Muttrah Souq, where you can buy frankincense and silver items, and then a walk on the Corniche. Dolphin watching boat trips from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha also run in the morning and cost around OMR 20 to 25 per person.
2. Nizwa Fort and the Mountains
Nizwa is about 90 minutes drive from Muscat and it was the old capital of Oman. The round tower of Nizwa Fort gives a nice view of the date farms around, and if you reach on Friday morning you will see the live goat market which is quite an experience. Now if we talk about Jebel Akhdar, the road up is steep and police allow only 4x4 cars at the checkpoint, so plan your rental car accordingly.
3. A Night in Wahiba Sands
Suppose you have already done desert safari in Dubai, then also Wahiba Sands feels different because there are no city lights around at all. Most camps include dinner, breakfast, camel ride and sunset on the dunes, and price for a couple usually comes between OMR 40 and 70. Staying overnight is better, since the night sky is the real highlight.
4. Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole
Wadi Shab needs a little effort but its worth it. After a short boat crossing you walk for about 45 minutes, then swim through a few pools to reach the cave with the hidden waterfall. Good shoes and a waterproof phone cover is a must. Bimmah Sinkhole comes on the same coastal road towards Sur, so both can be done in one day easily.
5. Keep Salalah and Musandam for Later
Salalah becomes green and misty during the Khareef season from June to September, and Musandam is famous for dhow cruises in the fjords near Khasab. But both are far from Muscat, so for a short first trip my suggestion is to keep them for next time.
