Things to See in Nizwa, Oman: Explore this historical city

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Nizwa is an ancient city in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of northern Oman. This fascinating town is at the foothills of the Al Hajar mountain range in Oman, at a distance of about 1.5 hours from Muscat. With ancient heritage sites up against vast mountain peaks and palm oases, Nizwa could be someone’s childhood imagery of Arabia.

The town is famous for Nizwa Fort, but there are other things to see in Nizwa as well. The majestic Nizwa Fort is a castle with a huge cylindrical tower built in the 17th century to defend the city’s position on a major trade route. The adjoining marketplace, Nizwa Souk, is lined with handicrafts stalls and silversmiths working in small shops. Let’s dive into exploring the historical city of Nizwa Oman and the Nizwa tourist places to be visited.

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How many days to spend in Nizwa

Nizwa is at a driving distance of only 1.5 to 2 hours from Muscat, so it can easily be covered as a day trip from Muscat. However, spending a night will give you a more relaxed and authentic way of exploring this historical town.

You can also cover many things to see in Nizwa during the day and then drive further to stay at a mountain resort at Jebal Akhdar mountains. This is exactly what we did on our Oman road trip.

You can rent a car in Muscat to drive to Nizwa and explore the town by yourself. Or book a day tour for Nizwa and the surrounding area of Jebal Akhdar / Jebal Shams.

Nizwa Tourist Places to be explored

Nizwa Fort

This Fort is the most visited attraction in Oman. Nizwa fort was important in protecting the city against invading forces who wanted the region’s natural wealth and its strategic location at the crossroads of vital trade routes. The main fort is round in shape and surrounded by a complex of intertwined storage rooms, living quarters, passageways, prayer rooms and communal spaces. The round tower was fun to explore both for us and the kids. You get a bird’s eye-view of the town laid out on flat plains and the mountains surrounding it.

There are several restaurants around the Nizwa Fort, which make a good stop for a quick snack and a refreshing drink. You will need all the hydration possible on a warm afternoon day in Nizwa Oman.

Nizwa Fort Museum

Don’t miss the museum housed in the adjacent Nizwa castle! It has numerous artefacts and paintings that depict the traditional way of living in Oman. There is an entry fee to Nizwa Fort that covers the museum as well.

Nizwa Souq

Nizwa Souq is one of the oldest markets in the country and free to explore. Part of the souq (nearest to the fort) is dedicated to handicrafts and caters specifically to the passing tourist trade. But as such, the souq is vast and this extensive marketplace is housed in separate blocks. There are separate buildings that house a date market, a fresh produce market, and other stalls.

The souq opens very early in the morning, at 5 am. So if you are staying overnight in Nizwa, you will get to explore the marketplace in the best possible way. The market is shut down for afternoon from 1-4 pm. It opens again at 4 pm and the evening session continues until 10 pm.

Nizwa Souq is one of the Nizwa Tourist Places to visit. — Pick up an Omani souvenir from Nizwa souq.

Like in Muscat’s Muttrah Souq, there is a surplus of antiques and old-looking jewellery, furniture, chests, swords and other knickknacks. You can pick up fresh dates, Nizwa pottery, Omani antiques as souvenirs from Oman.

Bahla Fort

Nizwa Fort and the Souq take about 3 to 4 hours and are the most visited attractions who tourists who come to Nizwa as a day trip from Muscat. If you have more time in Nizwa, there are other things to see in this historical town.

Bahla Fort was Oman’s first UNESCO-listed fort added in 1987. This fort is an outstanding example of a fortified oasis settlement of the medieval Islamic period. It is the largest fort in the country and was once the seat of the Nabhani dynasty that ruled Oman for over 500 years. The grand fortress here is a huge complex of towers, bastions, and arches that celebrate Oman’s mastery of defensive architecture.

The importance of the settlement is enhanced by the Friday mosque with its highly ornate mihrab. There are also the remains of an old, semi-covered souq, comprising a complex of single-storey shops.

Jabreen Castle

If you are spending the entire day in Nizwa Oman, adding Jabreen Castle to your itinerary is logical. This castle is reminiscent of a palatial summer residence than a war time fortification, so is quite different from Nizwa and Bahla Forts. Built in 1675 by Imam Bil-Arab Bin Sultan, Jabreen Castle was an important centre of learning for astrology, medicine and Islamic law.

There is an audio guide available for a deposit at the entrance, lasting for about half an hour. A number of rooms in Jabreen Castle feature some superbly decorated ceiling decorations. There is an interesting date store to the right of the main entrance.

Travel Tips for a visit to Nizwa Oman

Is it safe to travel to Oman?

It is completely safe for you to travel to Oman as a tourist. While the country is conservative, and you should be mindful of their culture and traditions, there are no violent or petty crimes against tourists.

Best time to visit Nizwa

You must avoid the hot summer months of June, July and August for Oman. The best season to visit Nizwa is from October to March. This is also the high season with pleasant day temperature and no rainfall. We visited Oman in November which was ideal to explore the country.

Dress modestly in Nizwa

Oman is a traditional country, and you would see many local women both in Muscat and outside the capital, in traditional garments. Omanis are tolerant of foreign clothing; for example, it is not necessary for women to don a headscarf. If your outfit covers shoulder to below the knee, preferably sleeved rather than sleeveless, this would not be jarring to local sensibilities.

The stairs to climb the tower at Nizwa Fort and other sites are built high, so do remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Dress modestly for Nizwa tourist places. — Loose cotton clothes work well in Oman.

Money exchange and credit card usage

Credit cards are accepted widely in Oman. But if you take a road trip to visit Nizwa, do keep some cash for buying souvenirs from the souq shops, or paying at a local restaurant.

Try the kahwa and local dates in Nizwa

You will find Omani coffee, also known as kahwa and dates everywhere, including Nizwa. Different varieties of dates are found ini Nizwa Souq and make a good souvenir or Omani gift to take back home.

Haggling is expected in a Souq

If you are headed to a souq to buy something local, ask the prices from a few shops to get a broad sense. Some haggling is required before you buy the item.