Top 5 Things to Do While in Nizwa- Fun Times in Nizwa

This 17th-century building holds its structure remarkably well and took 12 years to be completed. The fort played a vital role in defending the city from invaders, who coveted the region's natural resources. It's located at the intersection of important trade routes, which made the city a significant capture. From the circular column atop the fort, you will have panoramic sights of the rugged mountainous landscape, green palm trees, and white-washed walls of homes. The site is an excellent illustration of how spectacular ancient Omani architecture can be!

Another highlight of Nizwa is the old market that is known as a 'souq'. Nizwa, located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, was a meeting spot for traders who brought goods from outside the mountainous and coastal regions. This practice is still prevalent today, and the city continues to be a leader in selling goods from all over the country. The old souq is where trading still takes place. One can encounter plenty of shops and stalls that cater to tourists and locals. This is an ideal place to buy spices, dates, rose water, lamps, and carpets. The jewellery section at the edge of the market is considered the best in the country!
The streets are lined with exquisite pottery and turbaned shopkeepers. Some may even request you to join them for Omani coffee and dates! Nizwa Souq is considered better than the one in Muscat due to its variety and authenticity.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an enormous fortress with stone ramparts and towers. The Bahla Fort has numerous towers, wells and mosques, and the dimensions of the fort premises are immense. You could easily spend many hours exploring it!

The castle was constructed by a leader who was passionate about art and science. It is reflected in the design and is considered the most beautiful castle in Oman. The interior is adorned with elegant windows, wooden balconies, Arabic calligraphy and painted ceilings. Inside, there are numerous halls to welcome guests with carpets and embellished pillows, a library, learning rooms, dining rooms, and a courtyard.

Visiting the surrounding mountains is one of the best things to do in Nizwa! The Jebel Shams, known as the 'mountain of the sun', is the highest summit of the peninsula. Jabal Akhdar, known as the Green Mountain in Arabic, is plentiful in vegetation. You can find roses, pomegranates, and even donkeys and goats happily grazing. When visiting the mountains, it is required to travel in a four-wheeled drive, as the management won't let you enter otherwise. The likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort are among some of the accommodations nearby.