This is my list and recommendation of the best places that are well worth the admission price in Oman. The price I paid at the time of my visit is reflected along with the recommendation. Not alone are these places set up for much interpretation, there’s also a whole lots of things to do here. Some places charges an additional 5% tax while some don’t.
- Oman across the Ages Museum near Nizwa
- Jabreen Castle near Nizwa
- Bait Al Farah at Al Hamra
- Al Aqur Wall at Nizwa
4. Al Aqur Wall
At OMR1, this was a pleasant find walking through Nizwa after a visit to the Nizwa fort. The wall walk has much potential as there are various vantage points towards various parts of the city. The wall itself is accessible at various points along the entire length, and there are ticket checkers from checkpoints. I returned in the day to find these ticketing locations unmanned. Along the wall are various cafes, and some construction is in progress. There are also waterways as part of the Aflaj Irrigation System and five of these in various other parts of Oman are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
3. Bait Al Farah
At OMR3.15, it initially feels expensive for a relatively small building. However, it is not so much the building itself, but the interaction with the guide and staff within that made it a memorable experience. The house used to be where the chief of Al Hamra stays and some of the staff are extended family members of the chief. Having been to many Arab countries, it is still a pleasant surprise to get to know new things. For example, I never knew that there was a crispy flat bread. While staff will also showcase their other products like perfumes and argan oils , it is not hard selling. The guide also showed us the proper way to stand up from a sitting position and vice versa. Then there are secret compartments where the family safe is located. The house had interiors modelled to look like some halls at the Jabreen Castle.
2. Jabreen Castle
After visiting the large Bahla fort, Jabreen Castle is a much more compact building of sorts, and I thought I would be able to complete the visit in less than an hour. And I was wrong. The house was a labyrinth and it would be impossible for anyone to make sense of the house and arrive at a particular location without going around some detours. The house is some 350 years old and built by Imam Bil’arab bin Sultan Al Yarubi.
The story of the Imam itself is captivating, and that the Imam had planned for his own burial at the centre of the castle. It was quite the workout going up this staircase and then ending up in another part of the castle. The castle was split into four distinct zones at intermediate levels and only linked at the ground and roof levels. The roof offers a viewpoint of the surrounding mountains where one can see the highest point in Oman.
1. Oman across the Ages Museum
if you only have time for one museum in Oman, this is the museum to be in. At OMR5, I can spend at least 4 hours here, getting to know about Oman, from its geology, to its history, and then its culture. There’s much to read, think, and understand. It was also a good respite from the daytime heat which would be too scorching to remain outdoors. The architecture of the building itself is also quite the statement and make for much photography opportunities within and around the site. The same museum building also houses a library. All in, this make the museum top of my list if best places well worth the admission price in Oman.
Some other places which I have also visited are:
- Music Museum at ROHM
- Royal Opera House of Muscat (ROHM)
- Muttrah Fort
- National Museum
- Al Mirani Fort
- Nizwa Fort
- Bahla Fort
- Al Hoota Caves
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