Eid Mubarak. There are plenty of places to visit in Oman during the Eid holiday. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight stay, I have some suggestions for things to do in Oman during Eid, including a few cities, wadis, and beaches.
Cities
Muscat
If you want to stay in the capital city, head to the National Museum, Al Mirani Fort, Muttrah Fort, and Al Alam Palace. I also suggest wandering around Muttrah Souq and the nearby area.
Also, head to the corniche and stop by Muska Gallery and Cafe for dessert and coffee. The Victoria Cake is light and tasty. It’s a relaxing cafe where you’ll find yourself sitting for hours.
For more Muscat inspiration, check out my post here.
Sur
Head to the marina to take pictures of the murals, followed by a visit to the Dhow Factory. There’s also a maritime gallery with details about Sur’s boat history.
My favorite sunset spot is from the watchtower in Al Ayjah. The lighthouse is also nearby. I have more suggestions here that will keep you busy in Sur.
Nizwa
Another option is going to Nizwa. It’s one of my favorite places because the traditional mud homes have been converted into cafes, coffee shops, and guesthouses.
I like wandering around the alleys of old Nizwa. Don’t miss the date souq, where you can buy cumin and ginger-flavored dates.
The Oman Across Ages Museum has impressive hands-on exhibits about twenty minutes away. The architecture is also excellent.
UNESCO Filaj Daris is about a ten-minute drive from the souq. It’s inside a park, so it’s a good relaxing spot. Nizwa is another good choice of things to do in Oman during Eid.
Wadis
Now that summer is here, why not cool off in a wadi? Here are a few options.
Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is about an hour and a half from Muscat.
Visitors pay 1 OMR return for the boat, and then you’ll need to walk about forty-five minutes before reaching the first pool of water. There are three pools before reaching the entrance of the cave.
For those who are claustrophobic, the cave entrance is very narrow.
This popular wadi gets busy after 9 am, so I recommend starting at 6:30 if you want the place to yourself. This is another good options for things to do in Oman during Eid.
Wadi Qurai
This wadi is an hour from Muscat, and you won’t find many people here. It takes about one hour to reach a small pool of water, which you can swim in.
The path is part gravel, part going around large boulders. Follow the filaj and the red, yellow, and white painted rocks. I suggest shoes with a good grip.
Bimmah Sinkhole
This is an hour and twenty-minute drive and near Wadi Shab. Locals say this was once a meteorite that formed into a sinkhole. It’s another great option for things to do in Oman during Eid.
Visitors will walk through the park and downstairs to the sinkhole. The last time I came here, it was busy around 9:30 in the morning, so try to arrive at 8:00 to avoid crowds. The entrance is free.
Wadi Tiwi
There are several ways to reach the waterfall. Whether hiking from the bottom to Mibam, driving halfway and then walking, or driving to Mibam and walking down roughly 300 steps, all are great options.
The waterfall is a natural massage, and there’s also an option to swim through pools of water on the other side of the waterfall. Check out the full options here.
Beaches
For those looking to relax, a few beaches make for great picnic spots. Here are a few beaches to visit in Oman during Eid.
Qurum Beach
This Muscat beach is a good spot for sunrise or sunset. There’s also a walking path. Many people come here to swim. There are different sections, including Shatti, Love Street, and the Waterfront.
Ras Al Hadd
This is a good beach to go to if you’re near Sur and another excellent option for things to do in Oman during Eid. My friends and I have come here for breakfast and late lunch picnics.
It’s usually about five to ten degrees cooler here, with a nice breeze. The waves are generally too rough to swim, but it is a nice place to dip your feet in the water.
For the turtles’ protection, police will ensure visitors leave the area before sunset.
Al Ashkarah
For those up for a longer road trip, this nearly four-hour drive from Muscat offers some great views of the coast on one side and the desert on the other.
I’ve never swum here because the waves are rough, but it is cooler here and another good spot for a picnic. It’s also nice to go to the marina to watch the fishing boats in the early morning.
Things to do in Oman during Eid
Whether you’re up for a city adventure, cooling off in a wadi or enjoying a picnic at the beach, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy in Oman during Eid. Eid Mubarak.