A trip from Muscat to Nizwa Oman should be included on your road trip to Oman. Nizwa is an ancient city that was once the capital of Oman and known as ‘The Pearl of Islam’. With high walls surrounding the historic town with fort Nizwa and souq Nizwa as must-sees. The distance from Muscat to Nizwa is around 148km and takes around 2 hours.
Where to Stay on a trip from Muscat to Nizwa
When looking for hotels in Nizwa, we can highly recommend the Antique Inn Nizwa. It is a stunning, traditional Omani building within the fort walls. Antique Inn Nizwa has an old-new charm with features such as a swimming pool and air conditioning. The inn Nizwa is surprisingly spacious with a large car park, garden and terrace with a rooftop breakfast restaurant. The Antique Inn Nizwa offers stunning views over the old city.
We opted for a double en-suite room with an extra bed for the kids which was more than enough space for the 4 of us for a night. It was reasonably priced at 40 OMR (400dhs) including breakfast. The rooftop breakfast was simple with cereal, toast, eggs and some traditional Omani delights. We can definitely recommend Antique Inn Nizwa for your stay in Nizwa in Oman. We enjoyed a few hours at the pool after breakfast before heading onto our next destination at The Suwgra hotel in Jebel Akhdar too.
Other hotels in Nizwa Oman
A similar hotel to the Antique Inn Hotel is the Nizwa Heritage Inn which is also inside Nizwa old city walls. These 2 hotels have been protected to maintain a heritage site within the old city. They are ideally located so you can ditch the car and just wander the narrow streets. There are not many restaurants in Nizwa. We ate dinner, traditional Omani food, at the hotel restaurant which we enjoyed.
However, if you are looking for something bigger and more modern on your trip from Muscat to Nizwa, check out the Hotel Golden Tulip Nizwa. It is set on spacious grounds with mountain views and a swimming pool and is reasonably priced. However, be aware that it is not located inside the city walls.
Booking.comFort Nizwa
Fort Nizwa is one of the best things to do in Nizwa. The fort stands out throughout the historic town with the large circular tower reaching to the sky. Fort Nizwa is the largest fort in Oman and is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The castle was built in the 9th century with the fort added on in the 17th century.
There is a lot to explore and discover at Fort Nizwa. Enjoy the climb up to the main tower to see the views. Look out over the date palm oasis, small farms and of course the Al Hajar mountain range looming in the background.
Kids will enjoy checking out Fort Niza. Our boys’ favourite was the numerous traps, dungeons and the prison. They loved looking at the map on one of the walls outlining all the dangerous parts of the fort.
It is an interesting glimpse into old times. The narrow corridors and the exhibits have a lot of information. Read the stories on how the British explorer Wilfred Thesiger was recommended to stay away from Nizwa in Oman in the 1940s due to it’s conservatism. An interesting read!
Souk Nizwa
Souk Nizwa is one of the best things to do in Nizwa. It is is spread out into different parts, the fruit and vegetable and meat and fish indoor markets are in separate buildings. Wander through the backstreets to see handicrafts like pots, crockery and other pottery ornaments as well as plenty of silver shops. Nizwa in Oman is renowned for silver in particular the khanjar or dagger so expect to see lots around. Make sure to include Souk Nizwa on your trip from Muscat to Nizwa.
I wandered the area alone in the morning after breakfast and after initial trepidation at being a woman alone I immediately felt comfortable. I was welcomed with lots of ‘salams’ (hellos), friendly smiles and no one haggled me or tried to make me buy anything. A much more pleasant experience than some of the other souks we have visited around the world.
Other things to do in Nizwa
We found Nizwa in Oman to be an utterly charming, beautiful town. The architecture, narrow streets and unique Arab doors were a delight to wander. The locals were friendly and welcoming. We went into a beautiful coffee shop, Athar Cafe despite us being the only tourists and feeling slightly conscious. A few local people come up to us and said hello to the boys. As well as asking us questions about how we were enjoying Nizwa and the rest Oman. We love the way the town is being preserved and gives tourists an insight into how the ancestors lived whilst striving to keep the traditional culture alive.
Make sure to add Muscat to Nizwa into your trip of Oman. Nizwa to Muscat is only about 2 hours. It is also a good place to stop on the return journey to Dubai entering the UAE border through Al Ain.
Booking.comJebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar
The Al Hajar mountains loom in the background of Nizwa in Oman. Jebel Shams is known as the ‘mountain of the sun’ and is the first place in Oman to see the sunrise. Jebel Akhdar can not be driven up unless you have a 4×4, there is a police check as you enter the mountain. The mountains are grey, rocky and full of boulders but offer incredible views.
The access to Jebel Akhdar is around a 45minute drive from the old town of Nizwa in Oman. You could stop off in Nizwa for a look around before heading to the mountains and stay in one of the stunning mountain hotels. The View Hotel Nizwa Oman is on Jebel Akhdar and has an incredible swimming pool overlooking the mountains. It is more affordable that some of the other luxurious hotels in the area.
Where to stay in Jebel Akhdar
A popular hotel with UAE residents is the stunning 5* Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort Nizwa Oman. The Anantara is popular for a reason. It is the highest five star resort in the Middle East. An infinity pool, tennis courts, multiple restaurants and an incredible spa make this resort a real break away.
Another gorgeous hotel in this area is the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort in Nizwa Oman. It has villas with breathtaking views over the mountains, an infinity pool and terraces to relax. A stunning hotel which is worth the drive and money.
However, if you are looking for a truly unique experience in Jebel Akhdar then check out our post on a Traditional Oman Hotel. This was one of the most memorable trips we have ever had. The Suwgra is a transformed cliffside hotel and is ideal for the adventure seeker.
If you enjoyed this post about Nizwa in Oman then check out 7 stunning places to visit in Oman. You can check our guide on how to spend a weekend in Muscat and our favourite wadi, Wadi Bani Khalid. If you’re looking for other family travel inspiration then check out our guide on where to go in Thailand or check our Destinations Page for other ideas.
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