Nizwa travel guide - everything you need to know

Welcome to Nizwa - once a capital of Oman and an important trading hub on the Silk Road. In my opinion, if you want to experience 'the real Oman' this is a must on your itinerary.

Here you can meet locals, shop where they shop, walk streets reminiscent of old Arabia and explore Oman's culture through some of its best museums and attractions.

But before the good stuff, I'd like to thank you for visiting Oman Wanderlust and also encourage you to join our Facebook group Oman Unpacked. It's a community to get even more personal recommendations from visitors and expats who love Oman.

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About Nizwa

Nizwa is one of Oman’s oldest cities, dating back more than 4,000 years, and has been its capital not once but multiple times. It has an impressive 17th Century fort and sprawling Souq selling fresh produce, silver and pottery.

In between the 6th and the 12th Century it was Nizwa, not Muscat, that was the capital of Oman. In fact, Muscat was then just a trading port compared to Nizwa which was a centre for international commerce, arts and religion, nestled in the fertile foothills of the Hajar Mountains.

It continued to be a hub of Islamic learning and prominent city long after capital status moved elsewhere and even served as Oman's first city again between 1913 and 1957.

What to do in Nizwa

You're going to need a couple of days to make the most of what the city of NIzwa has to offer visitors. Click on these images to find a round up of the best things to do and even more information about some of our favourite experiences here.

How many days do you need in Nizwa?

The minimum number of days I would suggest you need for Nizwa is one with an overnight stay.

The stay is essential if you want to see the Friday goat market without getting up at 4am to travel from Muscat. It is much more relaxing to book a stay in Nizwa the night before, go to the market when it begins and head back to your accommodation or a cafe for breakfast before exploring further.

Here are some more suggestions for a one day Nizwa itinerary:

• Begin by exploring Nizwa Fort (open daily 8am to 8pm, Fridays it is closed from 11.30am to 1.30pm). You'll need to allow a couple of hours to enjoy climbing the battlements of the fort and castle before seeing the garden and exhibitions inside.
• Next, shop in the souq. Much of this is undercover so you can avoid the heat as temperatures rise towards midday. If you don't have time before the shops close at lunch time, come back in the evening.
• After lunch - we love Athar Cafe (Google Maps locations) which over looks the fort and souq - book a golf cart ride to tour the old city walls and ancient falaj system.
• Spend the hottest part of the day relaxing at your accommodation or making a brief visit to Oman Across the Ages Museum. Be aware that it closes at 5pm and you'll need to drive or order an OTaxi to get there. If you don't have time, make sure you visit the day before or after exploring Nizwa - it's well worth it.
• Finish your day wandering Nizwa's souq and ancient streets during the relative cool of the evening. This is when you'll see most Omanis out and about.

If you have more than one day, use Nizwa as your base for exploring more of the Hajar Mountains. Scroll down for some of our recommended places to see nearby.

Where to stay in Nizwa

We can recommend staying in Nizwa if you want to see the famous fort, souq and get the best start for the Friday market. Here's a couple of options close by:

Valley Cliff Inn

Valley Cliff Inn offers two B&B villas set in lush gardens with private swimming pools and a small playground. It is an oasis away from the hubbub of the city, yet it's close to everything.

We have stayed here a couple of times while visiting Nizwa and love it. It’s a short drive from the Souq, Fort and Goat market. Visit in the cooler winter months and you could walk.

Read our full review of Valley Cliff Inn.

It is a great option for large families. We have stayed here when we have had grandparents visiting.

Rooms are available from 30 OMR per night and accommodate up to two people. One of the villas has three bedrooms and the other has five, so you could book out a whole villa as a family group. Request rooms together when you book.

Check prices and availability for Valley Cliff Inn.

Antique Inn at Nizwa

If you prefer a hotel the Antique Inn comes highly recommended. It’s a traditionally decorated hotel with swimming pool and is located just 200m from Nizwa Fort and Souq.

Triple rooms are available from 35 OMR per night including breakfast. If you are a family of four or more you would need to book more rooms.

Check prices and availability at the Antique Inn.

Tips for visiting Nizwa

Here are some handy tips and things to know when planning your visit to Nizwa.

How to get to Nizwa

By car is the most convenient way to travel to Nizwa. It is an hour and 40 minute drive from Muscat International Airport. Once you are out of the city, Route 15 will take you nearly all the way there though a dramatic mountainous valley.

This is a main road a suitable for two wheel drive vehicles. Last time we drove it some of the road surface was damaged, making it a bit bumpy and noisy in places. Expect local drivers to sit in the outside lane to avoid the rumbly sections.

If you want to stop on the way here's some suggestions for places to see between Muscat and Nizwa.

After about an hour and 25 minutes take the exit for Nizwa.

Alternatively, you can get a Mwasalat bus (route 53 or 54) from Muscat to Nizwa. It picks up at Muscat International Airport or Azaiba Bus Station (Google Maps locations). Tickets cost super budget friendly 2.5 OMR each way.

There are two buses a day each way on this route. The journey takes about three hours in each direction depending on the service you choose. This makes the bus a less convenient option if you are limited on time.

You can check the cost of the taxi journey and book your ride using the Otaxi app or Yango app if you don't want to drive, but need to move fast.

And the final, but most expensive option, is to book a tour from Muscat.

What to wear in Nizwa

While Nizwa is a big city you will notice people dress more traditionally here than in Muscat.

Visitors should dress conservatively, covering your knees and shoulders. As a woman, I have always felt more comfortable in long trousers and sleeves. See-through materials, exposed shoulders and low necklines will draw people's gaze.

Find out more about what to wear in Oman.

Getting around Nizwa

The main tourist attractions and points of interest are centred around the old city walls, so walking is a good way to get around once you arrive. In fact, some of the older streets are very narrow so you may find them hard to navigate in a modern 4x4.

Explore Nizwa on foot in the morning and late afternoon for the most comfortable temperatures.

If you plan to go to attractions like Oman Across the Ages Museum or further afield to Misfat or Al Hoota Cave, drive, take a taxi or book a local guide.

Parking in Nizwa

If you do bring your own car or hire one, free parking is available in a large car park outside Nizwa Souq (Google Map location). However, be aware that this car park sits in the middle of a wadi - a dry river bed. If there is a flash flood cars parked here get swept away.

Keep an eye on local weather reports and if you have accommodation booked, check with them about the best place to park. Paid parking is available on street.

Find out more in my posts about getting around in Oman and driving in Oman.

Shopping in Nizwa

Bartering is acceptable in the silver, gift and antique sections of Nizwa Souq, but you'll find the prices are already lower than at Muttrah Souq in Muscat, so bear that in mind. Prices in the permanent food and date souqs are fixed. You can barter in the temporary outdoor markets.

Many businesses in Nizwa Souq close between midday and 4pm, so make sure you plan your day around these times. In fact, we found that most independent businesses and some restaurants did the same. Their local customers visit in the morning and evening.

You will find the modern retail shops and the HyperMax supermarket in Nizwa Grand Mall open from 10am to 10pm daily, and until 11pm on Thursdays and Friday.

Cash and currency in Nizwa

Oman’s currency is the Omani Rial or OMR. Check the current exchange rate.

You’ll find most shops, hotels and restaurants in Nizwa accept cards, even at Nizwa Souq. You can also pay for taxis via the OTaxi or Yango apps.

If you want cash you'll find an ATM outside of the souq complex (Google Maps location) and at Nizwa Grand Mall.

Where next? Places to visit near Nizwa

These are some of the places you can easily visit while staying in Nizwa. Click on each image to find out more.

Before you go, check out my latest guides to Oman

• Bedouin desert camp in Oman - an authentic Wahiba Sands experience
• Wahiba Sands in Oman - travel tips and experiences not to be missed
• Review: Valley Cliff Inn, Nizwa family villas
• What to buy in Nizwa Souq
• Places to see between Muscat and Nizwa