*** Discovering Oman ***

The country that stole our hearts

>> Middle East // Oman // Nizwa

Highlights: About Oman // Muscat // Nizwa // Jebel Akhdar // Wadi Shab // Wahiba Desert // Dimaniyat // Highlights

Nizwa: >> An Escape into Oman’s Timeless Heritage and Culture

Nizwa, often referred to as the "cultural capital" of Oman, is a charming city filled with history and tradition. Located about 165 kilometers inland from Muscat, it’s easily accessible by car, making it a popular day-trip destination for those exploring the country. Nizwa holds significant cultural importance, as it was once the capital of Oman and remains a key center for Omani heritage. The city is known for its ancient fort, traditional souq, and the Grand Mosque, all of which showcase the region’s rich history and strong connection to Islamic culture. With its stunning blend of architecture, historical sites, and authentic Omani life, Nizwa is a must-visit destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in the heart of Omani culture.

Best time to visit?

Nizwa is famous for its animal market which takes place every Friday. It's recommended to arrive early (around 6am is ideal) to experience the market coming alive, with traders arriving and unloading their livestock.

Where to stay?

We knew we wanted to visit the animal market and arrive early, so we opted to stay overnight in Nizwa. We found a nearby Hostel called Aryaf Hostel which is located around 15 minutes away from the market by foot, but also has a peaceful garden where you can relax after your morning adventures. Honestly, the tranquility of the gardens and private rooms made this one of our favourite places we stayed in Oman.

Nizwa Animal Market:

We arrived at the animal market nice and early around 6am. It was still quiet and most of the traders were still arriving. This gave us the perfect opportunity to wander through the quieter alleys of the larger Nizwa market. One of the most surprising discoveries was the sight of shops filled to the brim with merchandise, yet completely unsupervised. Although the shops were still closed, the lack of security felt almost surreal—an unspoken testament to the safety and trust that defines everyday life in the Middle East, where the merchandise is left unattended without a second thought.

After a short stroll through the other markets, we returned to the Goat Market, now bustling with fellow visitors, locals, and traders. Despite the crowds and the presence of livestock, the atmosphere remained remarkably calm and serene. We took our time observing the animals on display and watched as traders skillfully haggled to secure the best prices for their stock.

The Nizwa Goat Market is a vital part of Oman’s cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted traditions. Held every Friday morning in the heart of Nizwa, it is one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Oman. The market serves as more than just a place for trading; it is a reflection of Oman's agricultural lifestyle and its strong ties to pastoral traditions. For centuries, animals have been a vital part of the Omani way of life, whether for food, wool, or even as symbols of wealth and status.

The market mostly trades in Goats and sheep, however I read online that someone once brought a donkey for sale, which caused such a stirr it was all over local social media!

Nizwa Souq:

After visiting the Goat market, we returned to the now bustling Nizwa Souq. Visiting Nizwa Souq is like stepping into a vibrant maze of markets, each with its own unique offerings. The souq is a fascinating collection of smaller markets all rolled into one, where you can easily wander from one section to the next. From the bustling spice market, filled with aromatic scents of cumin, saffron, and frankincense, to the gold and silver souq, where intricate jewelry and traditional Omani handicrafts are on display. As you move through the souq, you’ll find stalls brimming with an abundance of goods—fresh produce, textiles, pottery, woven baskets, and much more. Its worth visiting the market in the morning, as by mid-day most stalls had been packed up and the market emptied waiting for the next day of trading.

Nizwa Fort:

Nizwa fort is like something out of an Arabian fairytale. Built in the 17th century, this impressive fort once served as the stronghold of the ruling dynasty in Nizwa. It stands proudly at the center of the city, its towering structure offering stunning views of the surrounding palm groves and the majestic Hajar Mountains in the distance. The fort's imposing architecture, with its thick stone walls, circular towers, and grand entrance, highlights the strategic importance of the location. As you explore, you’ll find detailed engravings and old inscriptions that tell stories of its role in defending the city from invaders throughout the centuries.

Walking through the narrow corridors of Nizwa Fort is a truly immersive experience. The cool, shaded passageways lead you through various chambers, rooms, and watchtowers, each providing a glimpse into the fort's defensive history. You can almost hear the echoes of past battles as you wander the ramparts and peek through the fort's small windows, offering a unique view of the city below. The beauty of the fort’s design, combined with the sense of history that lingers in the air.

The fort also featured some local traders selling locally produced food items and snacks, as well as local ladies offering traditional henna art for women. In Omani culture, henna is a significant part of traditional celebrations, especially during weddings, festivals, and other joyful occasions. The intricate designs, often applied to hands and feet, symbolize beauty, good luck, and protection, and have been an important cultural practice for centuries.

Nizwa Grand Mosque:

As is often the case with mosques in Oman, the Nizwa Grand Mosque was closed to visitors when we arrived on Friday. Despite this, its impressive exterior still left a lasting impression. Built by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, this mosque reflects his vision of blending modernity with Omani tradition. Its towering minarets and stunning design make it a must-see when visiting Nizwa.

Latest Update: Mar. 2025