Top Things to Do in Sohar, Oman: Your Insider's Guide

Tucked between Al Hajjar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, Sohar is one of the Sultanate’s most beautiful cities. 

The coastal city makes a perfect getaway for couples or friends, especially if you’re travelling from Dubai or nearby cities. Although it’s relatively quiet, Sohar offers a more relaxed rhythm than the capital, Muscat. It also has a distinctly different pace compared to its glamorous neighbours, Dubai and Abu Dhabi – you won’t find any skyscrapers in Sohar, or Oman, for that matter. 

Instead, Omanis are known for their peaceful way of life, which is why their country is sometimes called the "Switzerland of the Middle East," offering a neutral, balanced approach to both current affairs and daily living. The people of Oman are also known for their warmth and hospitality, and in Sohar that spirit shines through, giving you a chance to experience the true soul of the Gulf – as many like to call Oman.

Whether you're browsing the Sohar Souq, visiting Sohar Fort, or discovering hidden gems like Wadi Hibbi Fort and Wakan Village, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Sohar. When you explore sightseeing spots or journey through Oman's picturesque landscape – framed by desert, mountains, and sea – it’s easy to understand why life here slows down.

If you’re visiting town, Mercure Sohar is the perfect place to base yourself. The hotel has a fitness centre, spacious suites, and stylish rooms offering pool or garden views where you can unwind after a long day of Sohar sightseeing. Located along the Muscat–Dubai highway on the Batinah Coast, Mercure Sohar is just 15 minutes from both Sohar Airport and the Industrial Estate and Free Zone. It’s also just a 5-minute drive from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and 10 minutes from the Sohar Souq, but we’ll dive into all the Sohar sightseeing options shortly.

Ready to explore this charming Arabian city? Keep reading. This itinerary will guide you through the top things to do in Sohar.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Sohar Fort is a testament to Oman’s humble architectural legacy. As you wander through the fort’s museum, you’ll stumble upon trinkets and relics from Oman’s golden days – think ancient treasures with serious stories behind them.

For breathtaking views of Sohar, climb the ancient towers. (The leg workout is worth it!) Sohar isn’t typically crowded, so you don’t have to worry about making this trip too early to avoid lines. 

Picture yourself walking through an ancient market, the air rich with the scent of frankincense and the sweet, woody aroma of Arabian Oud. Around you, stalls overflow with silver and gold jewellery, desert-hued pottery, and sweet, sticky Arabian dates. This is the Sohar Handicrafts Souq, which opened in 1999 to preserve Oman’s heritage.

Although it was built in modern times, it still gives off the charm of an old market. Parts of the souq are built from traditional clay and finished in warm, earthy tones.

Its architecture reflects the functional aesthetic unique to the Gulf, which stands in contrast to the ornate North African or Ottoman designs known for their colourful tiles and zellige. Here, the architecture is beautiful because its humble materials stay true to the country's desert roots.

For locals, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Masjid, or mosque in Arabic, has quickly become a symbol of Oman’s spiritual identity and heritage. Completed in 2016, the mosque is one of the most impressive in the country, with elegant white marble facades and Islamic geometric patterns designed to please the eye and calm the soul. Although the masjid isn’t an ancient one, its towering minarets reflect a blend of traditional Islamic design with an Omani touch.

If you step inside (after removing your shoes), you'll find a vast prayer hall decorated with crystal chandeliers and handwoven carpets. With every detail of the decor intentional, the mosque is a space for peace and reflection.

When you visit, keep in mind a few important points of etiquette: dress modestly – long sleeves, trousers, or long dresses are necessary. Women and girls should also bring a scarf to cover their hair and shoulders.

Another thing to be mindful of is the five daily prayer times, as the masjid is closed to non-Muslims during these periods, which last for about 10–15 minutes. The masjid is also closed to tourists on Fridays, which is when Muslims hold their longer congregational prayer. 

Wadi Hibbi Fort might be small, but locals know it as a place where time seems to stand still. Some say it was built in the 19th century, though no one is really sure, and that mystery just adds to its simple, down-to-earth charm.

Tucked away in a quiet village about 65 kilometres or a 40-minute drive from Sohar, the old sand-coloured fort is surrounded by rugged mountains and known for its fresh water springs, but only when the rains have graced the arid land. 

Just a 25-minute drive north of Sohar, Liwa Castle is worth exploring off the beaten path. The Islamic-style fort, said to be built in the 17th century, was once the castle home of the local wali, meaning governor. Its clay-coloured walls are surrounded by beautiful palm trees, which make it stand out even more.

If you're up for a scenic day trip beyond Sohar, Wakan Village offers breathtaking views. Tucked high in the Western Hajar Mountains, this tiny village sits about 150 kilometres from Mercure Sohar, which takes roughly two hours to reach by car through changing landscapes and winding roads. But the journey is worth every minute.

Known for its terraced gardens, fruit orchards, and cool mountain air, Wakan is especially beautiful from February to March, when apricot blossoms cover the hills. With stone homes and sweeping valley terrain, it’s a magical place, perfect for admiring Oman's mountainous views.

Salam Alaykum – you’ve made it this far on the itinerary! As you continue exploring, it’s good to know that in Oman, a predominantly Muslim country, people usually greet one another with “Salam” or “Salam Alaykum,” which means “Peace” or “Peace be upon you” in Arabic. It’s a meaningful way to connect with the locals across the Gulf and wider Middle East region.

Speaking of connection, nothing affects your travel experience like the weather. The Gulf is rarely cold, even in winter. In spring and summer, the weather shifts between warm and downright scorching, so dress lightly. The sweet spot for visiting is from November to March when the air is more inviting. But from July to October, expect full-blown summer mode with temperatures climbing above 50 degrees.

With the weather sorted, let’s talk food. Many of Sohar’s sightseeing spots don’t have dedicated dining options, but no worries, we’ve got you covered. Mercure Sohar has an onsite restaurant that offers a buffet and à la carte options. If you prefer to venture out, try the Cornish Restaurant. No, they don’t serve Cornish food. Cornish (pronounced Corn-eesh in Arabic) means coast, and this local favourite is set right by the sea, offering great views with fresh fish, Asian dishes, and several other tasty dishes. 

We saved the best for last. Delicato Kitchen is another local favourite that serves decadent lobster biryani, fresh seafood, loaded fries, and cheesy tacos and quesadillas. They also have pizza and a creamy seafood soup simmered inside a hot clay dish. Delicato has some of the best ratings, and it’s just a 10-minute cab ride from Mercure Sohar. Highly recommended!

With key sights like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Sohar Souq located near each other, getting around Sohar is simple. You can take a cab, rent a car from the airport, or book online for a fee to arrange Sohar sightseeing trips.

Some of the best things to do in Sohar include exploring Sohar Fort, strolling through Sohar Souq, and visiting the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. If you have time, venture off the beaten path to places like Liwa Castle or Wakan Village.

Whether you're here to relax or experience Oman’s authentic Gulf charm, Sohar won’t disappoint.