Exploring the City of Nizwa

Located in the heart of Oman, Nizwa is a city of timeless beauty, offering visitors an opportunity to explore its hidden gems. From the iconic Nizwa fort and its breathtaking views to the bustling souq and the many small, traditional shops, Nizwa is a city that has much to offer. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and stunning desert oasis, Nizwa is a place that should not be missed. From camel rides to tasty traditional cuisine, this traveler’s guide will help you explore the best of this ancient city and uncover its secrets. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and join us on a journey to discover the hidden gems of Nizwa.

Exploring the Nizwa Fort

The Nizwa fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Oman’s most famous landmark. Built in the 17th century and located in the heart of the city, this stunning fort is a must-see for any visitor to Nizwa. Although it’s open daily, you should visit between October and April to avoid the extreme summer heat. Entry to the fort is free and you can explore the impressive architecture and view the iconic Omani architecture. If you are feeling energetic, you can climb to the top of the fort by foot, by way of 369 stairs, or you can take a ride in the mechanical lift. Once at the top, you can take in the impressive views of the city, the nearby mountains, and endless desert. The fort is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

 

Discovering the Nizwa Souq

The Nizwa souq is an ancient market, set in a beautiful, winding maze of traditional shops selling everything from spices and traditional Omani garments, to souvenirs and jewelry. The souq is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm and is free to explore. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants hidden within the souq. The Nizwa souq is a must-see attraction in Nizwa and is definitely one of the hidden gems of the city.

 

Exploring the Traditional Shops

While exploring the Nizwa souq, you will no doubt stumble across a range of traditional shops selling a variety of Omani items. The shops are decorated in traditional Omani architecture and are usually run by Omani families, selling everything from spices and incense, to fabrics and traditional Omani garments, jewelry, and souvenirs. You can also explore the traditional shops outside of the souq, including the Traditional Handicraft Centre.

 

Enjoying a Camel Ride

If you visit Nizwa between March and October, you can enjoy a camel ride and explore the desert oasis. The ride will last around 2 hours and you can visit the nearby sand dunes. You can also enjoy a guided tour of the desert, visiting the nearby farms, where dates and other crops are grown.

 

Trying Traditional Cuisine

The heart of Nizwa’s cuisine is dates, and you can try a variety of delicious dishes made with dates, including the traditional Omani dish, shuruf. Other recommended dishes include biryani, jahlee, and fahfu. If you want to try something very local, you can always try the Omani version of burgers and fries, which is known as frankfurters.

 

Visiting the Nizwa Oasis

The desert oasis in Nizwa is one of the hidden gems of this ancient city. This oasis and palm grove is located just outside the city and is a must-visit for any visitor to Nizwa. You can enjoy a walk through the oasis and see the traditional irrigation system used to water the palm trees. The oasis is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm.

 

Hiking in the Mountains

You can enjoy the stunning views of Nizwa from the mountains surrounding the city. You can hike to the top of Jabal al Akhdar, which is the highest mountain in Oman, or visit the nearby Jabal Shams.

Taking a Tour of the City

If you are short on time and want to see as much as possible, then you can take a tour of the city. The Nizwa city tour lasts around 3 hours and includes the Nizwa fort, souq, and a visit to the Nizwa oasis. The tour guide will also provide useful information about the history and culture of Nizwa. The tour costs 12 Omani rials (OMR) per person and can be booked at the Nizwa tourist office.

 

Conclusion

Nizwa is a city of timeless beauty, rich history, and stunning architecture. The city is home to the famous Nizwa fort and the desert oasis, and it’s a must-visit for any traveler to Oman. This traveler’s guide will help you discover the hidden gems of Nizwa, including the Nizwa oasis, the traditional shops, and the many stunning architecture. Nizwa is a place that should not be missed and is definitely worth the visit.