Overview

Nizwa, located in the heart of Oman, is a city known for its rich history and traditional architecture. It is one of the oldest cities in Oman and was the country’s capital in the 5th and 6th centuries. Situated at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains, it is strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior of Oman to Muscat and Dhofar.

Once the center for trade, religion, education, and art, Nizwa has benefited significantly since 1970 with the reign of Sultan Qaboos. The modern city of about 77,000 is now connected to Muscat with a two-lane highway, resulting in an increase in tourism. Nizwa offers a handful of interesting attractions worth visiting, as well as beautiful natural scenery within a two-hour drive. If you’re planning a trip to Oman, visiting Nizwa is a must-do on your itinerary.

Things to See and Do

Shop at the Nizwa Souq. Nizwa Souq will give you a glimpse of old Oman, with some sections having retained its ancient architecture and unrenovated structures. The souq has different parts depending on what you want to shop for; in the mornings you will see locals buying vegetables and meat. The rest of the souq sells unique souvenirs like taqiya caps, lamps, and fresh dates.

Get lost in the narrow streets of Nizwa. Lined with traditional buildings, many featuring traditional intricately carved wooden doors and balconies, the streets of the city offer a glimpse into the city's rich architectural heritage. Wondering through the narrow streets, you'll find a range of small shops, charming little restaurants, and cafes.

Watch the Goat Auction. Early on Friday mornings the Nizwa animal market is the best place to see age-old Gulf traditions come alive. As early as 6 am, locals will begin parading their goats and cattle around the market. By 9:30, the entire market will start to shut down. It is a perfect way to witness the culture that has been preserved for generations.

Discover the Jabreen Castle. Located about 6 miles from Bahla Fort is the most well-preserved castles in Oman, The Jabreen Castle. The castle was built in the late 17th century, and it served as a center for education and learning, with a library and classrooms for teaching Islamic law, language, and science. Jabreen Castle features a range of architectural styles, including Islamic, Persian, and local Omani design elements. The castle’s many rooms and courtyards are intricately decorated with murals, carvings, and calligraphy, showcasing the region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Make sure to visit the top of the tower over the courtyard, the views are worth it!

Visit the most famous attraction, the Nizwa Fort. The fort played a significant role in the history of Oman, serving as a military stronghold and a center for governance and administration. The Fort is well-preserved where you can explore its numerous rooms and exhibits, including a museum showcasing traditional Omani weaponry, costumes, artifacts, a prison, a library, and more. You can easily spend hours wandering all the secret passageways, fortifications, and royal chambers that make up the Nizwa Fort. From the main circular fortress, climb to the top for amazing panoramic views of the surrounding city.

Day Trips From Nizwa

The Jebel Akhdaris, also known as the Green Mountain due to its shrubs and trees that grow because of the precipitation it receives every year, is comprised of mostly desert and limestone. This is one of the most popular tourist places in Oman, famous for its fruit orchards, date plantations and walnut cultivation which has a distinct fragrance of rose water that is distilled to the home in the village nearby.

The W18B Tourism walk from the Ministry of Tourism is a nice 2-hour walk along a marked trail between the villages of Al-Aqur and Sayq, passing through Al-Ain and Ash-Shirayjah. The trail passes through terraced farms, mountain views, and picturesque villages.

The Wahiba Sands Desert is located close by to Nizwa. This mesmerizing landscape of dunes is vast, covering an area of around 6,200 square miles. The desert's unique topography and rich cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination that offers excellent adventure. From dune bashing to camel riding, exploring the Wahiba Sands is an experience like no other.

The Jebel Shams is a worthwhile day trip from Nizwa (around 1.5 hours by 4WD). This breathtaking mountain and massive canyon offer excellent opportunities for adventure. This is where the famous Balcony Walk can be found. The walk is around 3 hours and winds along the rim of massive cliffs over 3,000 ft high, with amazing views across the canyon. The route is clearly marked, however, this is definitely not for the faint-hearted or those with a fear of heights.

The town of Al Hamra is located before the Jebel Akhdar. Known for its old town, sadly almost completely abandoned. Make sure to visit Beit al Safah while here, a restored mudstone house where you can get to see the Omani culture. This is easily visited from Nizwa.

Nearby to Al Hamra is the village of Misfat al Abryeen on the lower slopes of the Jebel Akhdar. It is a paradise of green terraces and Falaj (Omani irrigation channels used to irrigate crops - a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It offers some excellent photo opportunities and is great to walk around the village for an hour or two. This is a great trip to combine with Al Hamra.