Where to Stay in Oman (2026 COOLEST Areas!)

FIRST TIME IN OMAN

FIRST TIME IN OMAN

Muscat

Muscat is the capital city, the most populated city, and the most important city in Oman. It holds a long and prestigious place in the history of Middle Eastern cities and was at one point the most important port town on the Arabian Peninsula.

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Nizwa

Nizwa is an ancient city in Northern Oman located about one hour and forty five minutes away from Muscat by car. It used to be a main stop on a major Middle Eastern trade route and now has become the second biggest tourist destination in Oman.

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Sur

Sur is situated two hours down the coast from Muscat, almost at the very eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It’s an ancient port town that played a crucial role in the history of the country.

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FOR VISITING THE DESERT

FOR VISITING THE DESERT

Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sands, or Sharqiya Sands as it is known locally, is an amazing region to visit for the adventurous folk out there! It’s a massive barren desert that covers and area of 12,500 square meters, and is almost exclusively made up of sand dunes.

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When it comes to visiting Oman, it’s really important that you consider where to stay carefully, as it can be so incredibly hot that you’ll want to limit the amount of time you spend in the blaring sun.

1. Muscat – Where to Stay in Oman for your First Visit

Muscat, Oman’s capital, holds a long and prestigious place in the history of Middle Eastern cities and was at one point the most important port town on the Arabian Peninsula.

Muscat is a city like no other thanks to the unique mix of modern life and ancestral culture.

Furthermore, it’s where ninety-nine percent of holidays to Oman start and finish since it’s home to the Muscat International Airport. The city is jam-packed with top things to do in Oman things to see and do ranging from up-scale shopping malls, local markets, restaurants, and museums.

Also, since it’s surrounded by mountains on one side and coast on the other, there are numerous outdoor activities and day trips to take part in if you’re a nature lover.

• Best For: First time visitors, Culture and architecture lovers, relaxed luxury travelers
• The Vibe: Calm, elegant, scenic, authentic
• Proximity to Airport: 20-40 minutes from Muscat International Airport (MCT)
• Transport Level: Easy – taxis and rental cars are widely available
• Budget: Budget-luxury, you’ll find a wide variety of pricing here
• Crowds: Moderate with a weekend and evening spike

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Things to See and Do in Muscat:

1. Go bargain hunting and haggle over prices at the Mutrah Souq.
2. Marvel at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
3. Take a day trip to the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve.
4. Explore the many “wadis” (valleys) around Muscat.
5. Walk around the “Secret Quarter” to see traditional Arabian style homes.
6. Climb the 250 steps to the top of the Mutrah Fort.
7. Visit the Oman National Museum and learn about local culture and history.
8. Marvel at the Wadi Shab and Bimmah sink hole.

The Chedi Muscat | Best Hotel in Muscat

The Chedi Muscat is a five-star oceanside resort and without a doubt one of the most marvelous hotels in all of Oman! Yes it’s bougie, but it’s worth it for a splurgey trip.

The standard rooms sleep up to three people, while they also offer larger beachside suites. All the rooms and suites come with private terraces or balconies, as well as TVs and espresso machines. Furthermore, the hotel has one of the most jaw-dropping swimming pools you’ll ever see, an on-site spa, and six different restaurants! If you want to feel like a celebrity in Oman, this is the place for you!

Basil Hostel | Best Backpacker Accommodation in Muscat

Backpackers, there are in fact hostels in Muscat and Basil is the best! It’s such a fun, social place where you’ll be able to meet plenty of other travelers. It’s located in a house with a nice yard to chill out in, and there’s frequently group events. It’s also only a short walk from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and a ton of good restaurants.

Centrally Located Modern Flat | Best Apartment in Muscat

This modern one-bedroom apartment is located in the heart of Muscat and is ideal for a couple or solo traveler. It’s in the center of all the city’s top attractions, and only five minutes away from the largest shopping malls! The apartment is super spacious, and in the living room, you’ll find a giant 50-inch smart TV that has free access to Netflix. Additionally, the property has an astonishing swimming pool, a gym, a playground for the kids, and an area for barbecuing.

2. Nizwa – Where to Stay in Oman on a Budget

Nizwa is an ancient city in Northern Oman located about one hour and forty-five minutes away from Muscat by car. It used to be the main stop on a major Middle Eastern trade route and now has become one of the most popular places in Oman.

While locals still maintain a conservative culture, they are now much more open to tourists. With that said, you should always respect their local views and dress accordingly when out on the streets. Thanks to the towering mountains all around the city and the abundance of forts, castles, and ruins, Nizwa is beloved by outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

• Best For: History and culture lovers, nature and adventure seekers
• The Vibe: Traditional, authentic, rural-meets-historic
• Proximity to Airport: 1.5-2 hours from Muscat International Airport (MCT)
• Transport Level: Car rentals or a private driver are necessary to see everything
• Budget: Budget-Mid range with lots of camping opportunities in the mountains
• Crowds: Low to moderate, with a spike at the fort and souq

Things to See and Do in Nizwa:

1. Visit the historic 17th century Nizwa Fort.
2. Shop for handmade local goods at the Nizwa Souq.
3. Explore the mountains! Jebel Akhdar is an absolute must see!
4. Go on a tour of all the ruins around the city.
5. Check out the ancient Jabreen Castle.
6. Enjoy a relaxing day at one of the many local spas.
7. Check out the Jabal Shams (the Grand Canyon of Oman)
8. Go trekking in the mountains. You can do it on your own or sign up for guided tours.

IntercityHotel Nizwa by Deutsche Hospitality | Best Hotel in Nizwa

This charming hotel is ideally located in the middle of Nizwa and is a great basecamp for exploring everything in and around the city. The modern rooms are big and have large windows with city views.

Also, there’s an in-house restaurant that serves breakfast daily, and you can choose between a continental or buffet-style breakfast. They even have vegetarian and vegan options! Furthermore, they provide a 24-hour reception where they can help you exchange money and with any other questions you may have.

House 76 | Best Budget Hotel in Nizwa

This cozy accommodation isn’t a hostel but it’s just about the cheapest place to stay in town. The location is perfect and the rooms are spacious and clean. You’ll be right near the fort and souq, and have access to a SMART TV and a minibar.

Room in Nizwa | Best Airbnb

This modern apartment gives you access to a clean, modern room in the heart of Nizwa that’s big enough for two guests. The best part about this place is hands down the location though. It’s in the dead center of the city only 500 meters away from the Nizwa Fort.

3. Sur – Where to Stay in Oman for Families

Sur is situated two hours down the coast from Muscat, almost at the very eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It’s an ancient port town that played a crucial role in the history of the country. Over the many years, it’s transformed from a popping port village into a charming and quiet seaside town that’s ideal for traveling families.

The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is one of the most remarkable nature experiences in Oman and is an excellent place to spend the day. Thousands of green turtles visit the reserve year-round, with the summer months of May to September being peak season (hatching season).

• Best For: Families, Nature and coastal lovers, Relaxed travelers
• The Vibe: Laid-back, peaceful, breezy
• Proximity to Airport: 2.5-3 hours from Muscat International Airport (MCT)
• Transport Level: Car rentals or a private driver are necessary to see everything
• Budget: Mid range and up, unless you want to camp!
• Crowds: Low to moderate, you’ll find things much calmer than in Muscat

Things to See and Do in Sur:

1. Take a day trip to the Bimmah Sinkole.
2. Visit the Dhow Factory and learn all about traditional wooden boat making techniques.
3. Check out all the local castles and forts.
4. Stroll around the Old Town and see the lighthouse.
5. Relax at the beach and swim in the ocean.
6. Take a tour of the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.
7. Stop by the Sur Maritime Museum and see restored traditional Arabian shipping vessels.

Sur Grand Hotel | Best Hotel in Sur

The Sur Grand is a beautiful beachside hotel located in northern Sur a little outside of the downtown area. It has large modern rooms which include private balconies with superb views of the beach. Additionally, all the rooms have air conditioning and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. The best feature of this hotel is no doubt the wonderful rooftop swimming pool! It has terrific views and is especially a great place to relax at the end of the day and watch the sunset.

Turtle Guest House | Best Budget Hotel in Sur

The Turtle Guest House is located only 1.2km from the turtle beach and is the perfect place to stay if you plan on visiting the turtle reserve. Here all the room options are private, with the largest room being able to sleep as many as five people. If you are a large family, they also have a two-bedroom apartment available which can accommodate up to eight people. Moreover, the hostel has a restaurant, a 24-hour reception, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Dew Hut | Best Airbnb in Sur

If you are traveling as a family, this is unquestionably where to stay in Oman! This stunning seaside villa can sleep five and is the family-sized home you’ve been looking for. It’s incredibly spacious with the best views, and it also has a fantastic outdoor space.

4. Wahiba Sands – Where to Stay in Oman for Visiting the Desert

The Wahiba Sands, or Sharqiya Sands as it is known locally, is an amazing region to visit for the adventurous folk out there! It’s a massive barren desert that covers an area of 12,500 square meters and is almost exclusively made up of sand dunes. Think of the Sahara Desert, only more accessible and easier to explore.

Many people opt to take day trips to the Wahiba Sands, but that’s an enormous mistake because one of the coolest and most unique experiences in Oman is actually sleeping in the desert! There are tons of desert camps, ranging from dirt cheap and basic, to luxury five-star resorts, so regardless of your travel style there will be a place for you.

Additionally, you can sign up for all sorts of adventure-filled activities such as riding a quad bike, sandboarding, hikes, camel rides, and visits to traditional Bedouin homes.

• Best For: Adventure seekers, photographers, bucket-list travelers
• The Vibe: Vast, quiet, otherworldly
• Proximity to Airport: 2.5-3 hours from Muscat International Airport (MCT)
• Transport Level: Car rentals or a private driver are necessary to see anything
• Budget: Flashpacker to luxury – you’ll find every kind of camp here
• Crowds: Extremely low – the perfect place to spend some time alone

Things to See and Do in Wahiba Sands:

1. Sleep overnight in the desert in a camp.
2. Explore more of the desert by car on a 4×4 desert safari.
3. Take a day trip to the Wadi Bani Khalid.
4. Hop on a quad or a sand board for an adrenaline filled adventure.
5. Wake up early so you can see a beautiful sunrise over the dunes.
6. Learn about local culture by visiting the home of a traditional Bedouin family.

Desert Nights Camp | Best Hotel in Wahiba Sands

Desert Nights Camp may still be considered a camp, and it’s still located in the middle of the desert, but that’s where the similarities end between this luxury resort and the two previous camps. It’s a five-star resort that offers 39 exquisite and traditionally decorated Bedouin tents, along with 14 similarly decorated luxurious rooms. There’s also a lounge room that has billiards, darts, foosball, and other games. If that wasn’t already enough, they also offer tons of luxury desert experiences and have a swimming pool!

Oriental Nights Guest House | Best Budget Hotel Near Wahiba Sands

This hotel is affordable and conveniently located 25 minutes from desert. It’s not camping either, you’ll have your own room in a standard hotel, that has some amazing extras! Enjoy a pool, large patio on the edge of a sea of sand, and a daily breakfast buffet.

The Mirage Camp | Best Glamping in Wahiba Sands

Here you’ll have a true desert experience as this dome camp is quite isolated from the outside world. The host is very friendly and will reach out to you in advance to give you more information about the camp and to arrange a meeting point to pick you up prior to your stay. He can also help you arrange dune bashing, camel riding and ATVs upon request.

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Oman is a country most people still haven’t traveled to for one reason or another, but due to everything it has to offer, that’s sure to change in the near future!

Now is the perfect time to visit as it is still relatively unexplored, maintains its traditional feel, isn’t full of tourists, and prices are still low. What are you waiting for?!?!

As you know, Oman has accommodation options for everyone, no matter what you are interested in or what your budget may be. Now it’s just time to make those bookings 🙂

Did you find what you were looking for? Let me know in the comments!