Summer in Oman is extremely hot, so you may wonder how to escape the heat. There are a few options to stay cool.
Whether it’s cooling off inside at a cafe or museum, or swimming in a wadi, check out my ideas below to escape the heat in Oman.
Cafes and entertainment
Good Idea
This board game and cafe in Muscat is a perfect spot to sit inside, with a variety of games to choose from. Staff can recommend a great one for you, whether you want to have fun or are in a strategic mood; there are plenty of games to keep you busy.
I enjoyed Tapple. You hit letters on a wheel to name different things from a category card. I failed at building blocks in another game.
For those with a sweet tooth, try the pistachio or chocolate milkshake paired with a slice of Sebastian’s cheesecake. They also have coffee, smoothies, tea, and juice.
Fun Zone
Located in Qurum, Muscat, this spot is also a great place to escape the heat when you’re in Oman.
There’s ice skating, bowling, rides for kids, and virtual reality games.
It’s fun for all ages, and there’s also an excellent Chinese restaurant on the first floor.
Muska Gallery and Cafe
Located in the same building as Bait Al Luban in Muttrah, the gallery and cafe is another place to escape the heat in Oman. Use your creativity by attending one of their many workshops, including pottery and painting.
Muska is an excellent place to do some work or enjoy some tasty food, including eggs Benedict, a club sandwich, and pasta. Make sure to try the date or Victorian cake.
Museums
National Museum of Oman
If you want to learn more about Oman’s rich history, why not escape from the heat in Oman by stepping back in time?
Discover the maritime history, clothing, jewelry, and ancient settlements. There’s also a fifteen-minute movie in English and Arabic highlighting Oman’s timeline.
I’ve visited the museum several times, and I always enjoy watching the movie and noticing a detail I may have missed in the previous visit.
Bait Al Zubair
Another museum in Muscat, near the National Museum, is Bait Al Zubair. There are five houses within this space, featuring a range of items, including traditional clothing, food storage, old cameras, maritime history, and more.
When I bring people here, they love the charm and the fact that it’s located inside an old house. Don’t miss the garden, which also features a filaj, along with replicas of a fort and village.
Wadis
For those who enjoy swimming, there are several wadis to help you escape the heat in Oman. Some hiking is needed to reach them.
Wadi Qurai
About an hour drive from Muscat, this wadi can be reached by following the white, red, and yellow painted flags on rocks.
After about a forty-five-minute easy to medium-level hike, you will reach a small pool of water with a small waterfall.
The water is refreshing, and it’s a nice spot to have snacks. Hardly anyone comes here, you’re likely to have the place to yourself.
I recommend arriving by 5 or 6 in the morning, as it gets very hot.
Snake Canyon
Snake Canyon is a mix of hiking, abseiling, and swimming, and requires going with a hiking group, such as Explore and Challenge, Wadi Adventure, and Change Your Routine.
When I went, there were three abseils, ranging from 10 to 30 meters, but depending on the water level, there could be more.
There are five to six pools to swim through. The crevasses and formations make this medium hike worth visiting.
To check groups, head to Instagram @exploreandchallenge, @rawahna_adventurs_tours, @wadi.adventure, and @cyr_adventures.
When I went, I ripped my pants while abseling, so if you’re going to wear yoga pants, I recommend wearing some shorts over them just in case.
Bring a waterproof bag and phone case.
Wadi Hawar
This fun and moderate-level hike takes about six to seven hours, depending on your pace. Some pools are about 500 metres, while others are shorter. After about a forty-minute hike, you’ll reach the first pool.
The rock formations and turquoise colored water make this a popular spot. Some go with hiking groups because some of them abseil.
I’ve gone twice with friends, but we arrived before 7 am to avoid the crowds.
Check out various groups on Instagram, such as @exploreandchallenge, @rawahna_adventurs_tours, @wadi.adventure, and @cyr_adventures, if you prefer to go with a group.
Bring a waterproof bag and phone case, water, and snacks.
Escaping the heat in Oman
Whether playing board games, getting creative at a gallery and cafe, bowling, learning about Oman’s history, or cooling off in a wadi, there are ways to escape the heat in Oman.