Muscat’s Mosques and Palaces: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Alam Palace, Royal Opera House
Forts, Oases, and a Fabulous Museum: Birkat al Mouz, ‘Oman across Ages’ Museum, Nizwa Fort.
On the third day of your itinerary, you will spend time in Birkat al Mouz, a traditional mud-brick village, and wander over to the most recently opened Museum in Oman: ‘Oman across Ages,’ located south of Nizwa. Finally, you’ll visit Nizwa Fort, Oman’s most visited monument. I suggest you stay in Nizwa so that you can get up early on Day 4 and see Nizwa Souq at its liveliest.
Budget-friendly: IHYAA Inn. Very central (situated in the historic centre of Nizwa about 300 metres away from the Fort). Very friendly and helpful staff. Free parking. Very clean but some rooms have no window.
Mid-range: Intercity Hotel Nizwa. Newly opened and modern. Offers comfortable rooms and has a swimming pool.
I suggest you get up early and have breakfast at your hotel.
After spending 3 nights in Muscat, it’s time to set off towards Nizwa. On the way, you should stop at Birkat al Mouz, a stunning mud-brick village that also has some beautifully lush oases. It should take you about 1 and a half hours from Muscat depending on traffic.
Before you wander around the historic part of Birkat al Mouz, you may want to stop at Al Alam Café which, in my opinion, offers some of the best coffee I’ve tasted in Oman! It’s situated at the entrance of Birkat and is very popular with locals, as you will no doubt see. Another option for coffee is going to Banana Café in the historic neighbourhood of Birkat al Mouz. It offers a stunning view over a palm grove.
Meander around the narrow streets in the old neighbourhood of Harat As Sibani and clamber up to the top of the demolished tower. This will take you about an hour. For a ‘step-by-step guide around Birkat’ and more tips, you can have a look at my blogpost.
Birkat al Mouz is not always included in itineraries but I really think you shouldn’t miss it as it will give you an insight into Omani life as it has been lived in villages for centuries!
After exploring the lush oasis and historic ruins of Birkat al Mouz in the morning, your next stop is the Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Birkat al Mouz, following a straightforward route through the desert plains. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Oman’s long and complex history, and it’s a perfect way to deepen your understanding before heading to Nizwa for the night. The building in which the museum is located is also impressive architecturally.
Before diving into the exhibits, you might want to grab lunch at the museum itself. Both the Museum Café and As Sablah Café offer a range of basic meals and snacks, so you can refuel without having to leave the premises. In my experience, this is a good way to keep your energy up, as the museum is quite expansive, and there’s a lot to see.
I have visited the ‘Oman Across Ages Museum’ twice and I must say that I really enjoyed it. It is designed to take you on a journey through Oman’s history, from the earliest settlements to the modern era. One of the standout features is the “Oman Across Ages” Gallery, where interactive displays use cutting-edge technology to bring the past to life. You’ll get a sense of the country’s ancient maritime trade routes, the rise of its powerful empires, and the challenges and triumphs of its modern transformation.
Practical tip: Wear comfortable shoes – the museum is quite large, and you’ll likely spend a few hours here if you want to explore it properly.
Location: Manah, approximately 30 minutes from Birkat al Mouz
Ticket Prices:
Omani citizens and GCC nationals: 1.000 OMR (with valid ID)
Residents: 2.000 OMR (with valid resident card)
Tourists: 5.000 OMR
Free entry is available for:
Senior citizens (60 years and above)
Children under 6 years old
Students up to 25 years old (with valid ID)
Organized school and university visits
🕒 Opening Hours
Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Note: The museum is closed on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
It’s now time for you to drive to Nizwa. Leaving the Oman Across Ages Museum, it’s a straightforward 30-minute drive to Nizwa, the cultural heart of the interior and the former capital of Oman.
Once you arrive, check into your hotel and take a moment to catch your breath before setting off to explore Nizwa and its Fort in the early evening.
Nizwa Fort is now open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with a midday break on Fridays from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM . This schedule allows for an early evening visit, offering the opportunity to explore the fort as the day cools.
Before heading into the fort, take a moment to wander through Nizwa’s historic district, just a short walk away. In recent years, this area has been undergoing an extensive restoration programme, carefully preserving its traditional architecture. When I lived in Nizwa about six years ago, many of these buildings were little more than crumbling ruins, so it’s truly impressive to see how this neighbourhood is coming back to life.
Now head to the Fort. I’ve visited Nizwa Fort many times, and it never fails to impress. Built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya’rubi, this massive structure is a testament to Oman’s strategic military history.
Its towering round tower offers panoramic views of Nizwa’s palm groves and surrounding mountains, while the maze of rooms, passageways, and hidden staircases reveal the fort’s defensive design.
An historic Fact: One of the more intriguing features is the series of narrow ‘murder holes’ cut into the floors, through which Omani soldiers would pour boiling date syrup to stop attackers from advancing.
Practical tips: Don’t forget to visit the Souvenir Shop. I have always found the staff there extremely friendly and knowledgeable about local products. I particularly recommend the locally produced perfumes and natural skin care products. In the courtyard, you can also buy an ‘Omani sandwich’ made of home-made Omani bread, cream cheese and ‘Omani chips’. A classic!
Location: Central Nizwa, near the historic souq.
Ticket Prices:
Adults (Tourists): 5.000 OMR
Children under 12: Free
🕒 Opening Hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Note: Nizwa Fort is closed on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Evening: Dinner in a Local Restaurant or Return to Hotel
Option 1: Wander down to Liwan Nizwa Restaurant, which is about 8-10 minutes walk from Nizwa Fort. They serve a good range of dishes and the food is excellent. In the winter months, you can sit outside on their large terrace.
Option 2: Go back to your hotel and have a restful evening. Tomorrow, you’ll need to get up really early if you want to catch a glimpse of Nizwa Souq in ‘full swing.’
