Oman🇴🇲 | best citiesBest 12 cities in Oman

How many cities to visit: Plan on three bases for a first trip of one to two weeks, because distances are long and every transfer eats half a day. More than that and you spend the trip on highways and fuel-station coffee. Fewer than two leaves you without the contrast between coastal and interior towns that makes Oman worth the effort.

Choosing the kind of city: If you are on a tight budget, favor the capital region’s hostels and guesthouses, where food and buses are easiest. If you want atmosphere, prioritize interior oasis towns with forts, date groves and market mornings, and accept fewer restaurants and almost no nightlife. If you want cooler weather in summer, the south is the only choice, but prices jump. Coastal towns suit travelers who like fish markets, corniche strolls and sea breeze. … read more 👉

How many cities to visit: Plan on three bases for a first trip of one to two weeks, because distances are long and every transfer eats half a day. More than that and you spend the trip on highways and fuel-station coffee. Fewer than two leaves you without the contrast between coastal and interior towns that makes Oman worth the effort.

Choosing the kind of city: If you are on a tight budget, favor the capital region’s hostels and guesthouses, where food and buses are easiest. If you want atmosphere, prioritize interior oasis towns with forts, date groves and market mornings, and accept fewer restaurants and almost no nightlife. If you want cooler weather in summer, the south is the only choice, but prices jump. Coastal towns suit travelers who like fish markets, corniche strolls and sea breeze.

What it costs: Oman is not a cheap country. A frugal backpacker can manage on US$35 to 50 a day (about 13 to 19 OMR) with dorms or basic rooms at roughly US$15 to 30, street shawarma or curry for US$2 to 4, and local buses. Mid-range travelers should expect US$80 to 130 with a rental car at US$30 to 50 a day plus fuel, which is cheap at about US$0.60 to 0.70 a liter. Fort entry usually costs around 0.5 to 3 OMR (US$1.30 to 8). Guides for a half day cost US$40 to 80, and taxis are metered rarely, so agree on a price first. A decent budget for each city visit, covering entries and local transport, is US$10 to 25.

Safety and etiquette: Oman is among the safer countries I know, with very low street crime and polite, patient locals. The real hazards are heat, fast highway driving and flash floods in dry riverbeds (wadis) after rain. Carry two liters of water in the car at all times and never park or camp in a wadi bed.

Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a light scarf for mosques. Mosque visits are limited to specific hours and non-Muslims are only admitted to some. Ask before photographing people, especially women. Alcohol is available only in licensed hotels and bars, and public drunkenness brings serious trouble. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight, and expect restaurants to open after sunset.

Carry cash in small rial notes for markets and fort ticket booths, since some small vendors don’t take cards, and bring your passport for checkpoints on inland roads.