From Muscat to Nizwa, the Old Omani Capital

What I really like during my travels, is to experience the unexpected. Be it by spotting interesting buildings after getting lost in the streets of a big city, or when I go to a basic restaurant and taste some food from heaven. On my trip to Oman I experienced it again, but this time by scrapping my plans to go south to Salalah, to visit the small and picturesque Nizwa, the country’s old capital, and its surrounding area. I had read little about the place, but many Omanis recommended I visited it instead of going to the country’s second largest city.

I took a bus from Muscat’s bus station in the Ruwi area, where I stayed. The bus trip was very pleasant, always in a plain passing by small villages with towering minarets, and surrounded by some of the country’s highest mountains.

The bus stops anywhere along the way, and Nizwa’s stop is in an area 5km from town, in the middle of the wadi. What I found quite unusual is that all hotels are located far from the town centre – about 2km away, at least. The town centre can be reached by microbus (300 baihas) or taxi. I was lucky enough to get a free lift from two youngsters who probably felt sorry for me. They even offered to drive me to the mountains the following day, but I could not accept such generosity.

View of Nizwa town centre

The town centre is very small, and the main attractions are the fort, built in 1668 and from where you have great view of the town, surrounding oasis of palm trees and the market. It is quite small, but charming, and you will find some good silver jewellery – don’t miss the chance to see silversmiths working their craft outside some of the shops. If you have the spare luggage space, you can also buy some beautiful local pottery.

After my mini exploration, it was time to taste the local food, and hopefully, mingle with locals and hear some interesting local stories.

Nizwa: Useful Information