Nizwa Souq (2026): A Step-By-Step Guide & What to Buy

29th November 2025

In this practical guide, we walk through Nizwa Souq step by step as we are shown around by Amjad, a local from Nizwa who knows the market well. We explore the different parts – including the Goat Market (al-Munādāh) – and discover what to buy.

Set beside Nizwa Fort in the heart of the city, Nizwa Souq remains one of Oman’s most important working markets. Experiencing it is an intrinsic part of one of four itineraries you can follow in a day in Nizwa – outlined in my guide,

If you’re short on time, these quick answers give you an overview before diving into the details below.

Quick answers on Nizwa Souq

What is the best day to visit Nizwa Souq?

Friday is the best day to visit Nizwa Souq. This is when the weekly goat market takes place in the early morning and draws people in from the surrounding villages. It’s a normal working day at the souq, not a performance for visitors.

What is the best time to arrive at the Souq?

Aim to arrive at Nizwa Souq early, ideally between 7:00 and 8:30 am. This is when traders are setting up and people are actively using the market. On Fridays, it’s worth arriving even earlier (around 6.30) to catch the goat market as it is setting up. By late morning, much of the activity has already passed.

Where is Nizwa Souq?

Nizwa Souq is located in the centre of Nizwa, right next to Nizwa Fort. It sits within easy walking distance of the fort and the old town, and the whole area is compact and straightforward to explore on foot.

What should I buy at Nizwa Souq?

Buy things that reflect everyday Omani life rather than souvenirs made for display. Look for silver jewellery, khanjars and leatherwork, locally made pottery, woven baskets, and simple household items. Spices, dates, and frankincense are also good choices, especially if you enjoy cooking

A STEP-BY-STEP Discovery of the Souq

Set beside Nizwa Fort in the heart of the city, Nizwa Souq remains one of Oman’s most important working markets.

Step One: The Pottery Market

A good Friday morning at Nizwa Souq starts early. When I arrived just after five — eager to experience the Goat Market as it comes to life — the first sound was the adhan calling people to prayer as the day slowly took shape.

Passing through one of the main gates, I reached the pottery section before the stalls had opened. Clay lanterns hung overhead, catching the early light and casting soft patterns across the floor — a quiet moment before the market fully woke up.

The red pottery sold here comes from Bahla, an oasis town about 35 minutes from Nizwa. This tradition dates back several centuries, with techniques passed down through generations of potters. Bahla pottery is recognised across Oman for its distinctive red clay and simple, functional forms.

Nizwa Souq is one of the easiest places for visitors to buy authentic Bahla pottery directly — from lanterns and bowls to incense burners — making this section a worthwhile first stop as the market comes to life.

Step Two: The Corner for Old Finds & Antiques

I met Amjad soon after and he suggested we begin our visit with ‘the Vintage Finds’ Corner – a spot I wouldn’t have noticed on my own. It is situated in a corner of the car park opposite the Central Main gates to the market.

Here, there are no stalls at all; sellers spread their finds on sheets laid directly on the ground. Old cassettes, brass coffee pots, worn tools, copper kitchen bowls, and the occasional antique all sit side by side.

Step Three: A Local Breakfast Stop at the 'Post Office Grill'

It’s now time for breakfast — I’m actually starving! We go to a proper local stop just across from the post office. The place is officially called Mashawi Al Wadi. But locals in Nizwa know it as Mashawi Al Bareed, the “Post Office Grill” — a detail I only learnt by asking Amjad where locals actually eat. It has been here for 35 years and is a simple cafe serving only one Omani classic, mishkak. ‘Mishkak’ is barbecued beef on small skewers and can be eaten with salad or in a sandwich.

When we arrived it was still early, but the place filled quickly with locals stopping in before the market. It was a hearty breakfast, and it’s exactly the kind of spot worth trying if you want a quick, authentic bite (and experience!).

While you’re in the vicinity, it’s worth hopping over to the other side of the street to see the two old letter boxes. They’re no longer in use, but are still side by side: one labelled “Arab Countries” and the other “Other Countries.”

The post office itself is still operating and sits only a few metres away, making this a small but interesting stop before heading back toward the souq.

Step Four: The West Souq

Right near the ‘Arms Market’, we find the entrance to the West Souq. Although it was once the heart of Nizwa’s silverwork and traditional crafts, very little trade happens here today. Still, it’s worth stepping inside for one striking detail: a beautifully preserved wooden ceiling with an ingenious old ventilation system. Small angled windows sit on each side of the structure, designed to draw hot air upward and out — a simple, clever solution perfectly suited to Oman’s climate.

Step Five: The East Souq for Daily Essentials and Spices

After whirling round the arms market, time to pop into the East Souq.This is a part of the market dedicated to everyday essentials. Spices, dried foods, incense, and practical household items are sold here week after week, making it one of the most lived-in corners of the souq. It’s also a good place to find authentic souvenirs, including Omani coffee cups, spices, and frankincense.

Before leaving the East Souq, Amjad took me to a small corner where the old market well still stands. It’s no longer in use, but he lowered the bucket to show how traders once drew water here during long mornings at the souq. This detail — one that most visitors never notice — brings the history of this place quietly to life.

Step Six: The Vegetable Souq

We walked on to the vegetable souq, which was buzzing. Farmers stood over neat piles of greens and spring onions still streaked with earth, while buyers gathered tightly around the sellers, calling out their bids with cheerful determination.

A little further along, I noticed a small table covered with plates of fresh honeycomb — something I had never actually seen in person before. Thick pieces were cut straight from the hive and set out as they were, still glistening in the morning light.

Step Seven: Inside the Market Hall and the Date Market

After wandering through the lively vegetable souq outside — all bunches of herbs, bargains, and early morning chatter — we stepped into the indoor Market Hall.

This is where you’ll find the dates section and the halwa shops, two of the souq’s treasures and, honestly, some of the best souvenirs to take home. Omani dates come in so many varieties that you can taste your way through the country’s regions, and a beautifully wrapped box of halwa makes a thoughtful and genuinely local gift.

The Goat Market (al-Munādāh): The Heart of Friday at Nizwa Souq

Quick Facts on the Goat Market

Local Name for Auction

al-Munādāh (المُنَادَاة)

Day: Friday morning only

Best time to arrive: 6:00–6:30 a.m.

Peak bidding: 7:00–8:30 a.m.

Location: Circular pavilion near the main souq area

The Goat Market is the grand finale of a Friday morning at Nizwa Souq, and it truly feels like stepping into living heritage. As we reached the circular pavilion, the crowd had already thickened into a dense ring.

Sellers moved through it with goats that didn’t always want to cooperate, buyers called out their bids from every direction. Meanwhile, tourists threaded themselves into any gap they could find.

The whole space pulsed with a kind of lively, slightly chaotic energy — the kind that comes from dozens of things happening at once, all layered over a system that locals understand instinctively.

The growing popularity of Nizwa’s Goat Market seems to have created a small challenge: so many visitors now come to watch that it can be surprisingly difficult to actually see the animals being paraded. You may find yourself craning your neck, slipping between shoulders, or simply listening to the rhythm of the market rather than watching it. Still, even from the edges, the atmosphere is unforgettable. I would describe it as lively, proud, and deeply rooted in Omani tradition.

A Living Tapestry: The Dishdashas and Kumas of Nizwa’s Traders (Local Dress Code)

One thing that struck me was the colours. In the Interior region of Oman, men wear a much wider palette than visitors often expect, and it gives the whole market an earthy, grounded beauty. Around the ring were dishdashas — the long, ankle-length robes worn by Omani men — in shades of sand, cream, beige, cocoa brown, olive, dusty grey, and even the occasional pale blue.

The headwear carried just as much character. Most men wore the kuma, a traditional Omani embroidered cap with dense geometric stitching that reflects both region and personal taste. No two are exactly alike, and up close the details are extraordinary — tiny patterns, layered colours, and designs that take real skill to produce.

Inside the al-Munādāh: How the Auction Works

The auction — known locally as al-Munādāh (المُنَادَاة) — is surprisingly fluid. While there is no single, formal auctioneer, the process is managed by a manadi (caller) who acts as a facilitator, ensuring the bids are heard and the process moves quickly.

Sellers lead goats (or sheep/cows, though goats dominate) on ropes or leads, parading them around the market’s circular pavilion so buyers have a chance to see them close-up.

As animals pass, buyers shout bids — sometimes calling out numbers, sometimes simply raising their voices — from all sides.

When a seller hears a bid he likes, he walks over to the bidder and they negotiate outside the ring. The buyers don’t just look at the animal’s size; they check the teeth for age, the coat for health, and the hooves for strength. These are the criteria a local uses to select the best livestock. Money and ownership are transferred privately — not in the middle of the parade area.

As I stepped away from the Friday goat market, the energy of the morning was still buzzing around me. Nizwa Souq felt alive in every possible way. It isn’t just a market — it’s a window into real Omani life. I left with a full heart and a simple wish to return again.

HI, I’M CHRISTINE

I’ve been living in and exploring Oman for the past five years. I love coffee (probably too much!), dancing and watercolour painting. My passion? Helping others explore Oman and the Middle East beyond the stereotypes.

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Planning Your Visit to Nizwa Souq

Why Fridays Matter

Friday morning is the most important time to visit Nizwa Souq. This is when the market gathers into its fullest form. While it’s still pleasant on a weekday, Friday mornings feel different: farmers arrive early from nearby villages, families shop for the weekend, and the Goat Market brings everyone together in one place. It’s the moment when the souq functions as a true community space, not just a market.

What Time to Arrive

If you want to experience Nizwa Souq properly on a Friday, aim to arrive around 6:00 a.m. It’s early, but it completely changes the experience — cooler temperatures, easier parking, and time to move around before the crowds build.

Use the first hour to explore the quieter corners of the souq, starting with the area of old finds and antiques. The main action of the morning begins closer to 7:00 a.m., and you can plan your visit roughly like this:

6:00 a.m. — Arrive at the souq and explore the antiques and vintage finds corner
6:30 a.m. — Quick breakfast stop
Around 7:00 a.m. — Head to the Goat Market
From 7:30 a.m. onwards — Explore the rest of the souq, starting with the arms auction

TIP: If you can, visit Nizwa Souq during the winter months as the temperature will make it much more enjoyable. To have more information about ‘the best time to visit Oman’, see my complete guide.

How to Get to Nizwa Souq and Parking Information

Nizwa Souq is easy to find — it sits right next to Nizwa Fort in the centre of town, about a 90-minute drive from Muscat on a straightforward, well-signed highway.

Parking is available around the souq, but on Fridays it fills up very quickly. If you’re coming for the goat market, plan to arrive early and expect to park a little farther away, then walk in. On quieter days, you can usually find a spot close to the main entrance without any trouble.

If you are planning a longer trip, this visit is part of my recommended 7-Day Road-trip Itinerary.

Visitor Etiquette: What to Wear and What to Keep in Mind

Nizwa Souq is relaxed, but modest clothing makes it easier to feel comfortable as you wander around. Think loose trousers, a light top with sleeves, and a scarf if you like having an extra layer. The rest is simple: move with the flow and check before photographing anyone up close. It’s an easy place to navigate and people are extremely friendly.

Shopping at Nizwa Souq: Haggling Tips and Payment Methods

Shopping at Nizwa Souq is easy and a bit of fun. Haggling is part of the experience, but keep it light — ask the price, offer a little less, and see where the conversation goes. Most sellers are friendly and used to a bit of back-and-forth, especially for handicrafts, antiques, or souvenirs.

Cash is still the simplest way to pay, although some shops in the indoor hall now accept cards. Bring small notes, smile, and enjoy the exchange — it’s all part of the souq’s charm.

Where to stay in nizwa

Budget-friendly: IHYAA Inn. central, just 300m from Nizwa Fort, with friendly staff, free parking, and very clean rooms (though some don’t have windows).

Mid-range: Intercity Hotel Nizwa. modern, newly opened, with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool to cool off in after sightseeing.

If you enjoyed this look at Nizwa’s traditional market, you might also be interested in exploring Muscat’s historic coastal market. For a complete guide to the capital’s famous souq, read my post on Mutrah Souq.

If you’re continuing your journey through the Interior, you may enjoy my guides to:

* Bahla and its Fort

* Birkat al Mouz

* 7-Day Itinerary in Oman: An Insider’s Road Trip Guide with Map

Have you experienced the electric atmosphere of the Nizwa Goat Market or uncovered a hidden gem of your own? Share your favourite Nizwa Souq memory or essential tip in the comments below!

Author: Christine van den Hogen

Hi, I’m Christine. I've lived and worked in Oman for five years, including a year based in Nizwa where I taught English to local students. This deep immersion in Omani communities shapes how I share my experiences with independent travellers. Every guide on Joussour to Oman is based on my own visits and interactions with Omani people.