Are you planning to travel to the Middle East? Have you checked all the popular destinations like Cairo, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai from your traveling bucket list? Then, it’s time to explore the hidden gems in this region – travel destinations that not many tourists know of. We are talking about stunning landscapes, historical architecture, and rich cultural heritage, such as Oman and its city, Sohar, in particular.
So if you are running from the freezing temperatures of North America or maybe Europe and want to take shelter among pristine beaches, lush greenery, and warm sunshine on your face, then the Middle East is waiting for you with open arms.
Is Sohar Oman Worth Visiting?
When you tell someone that you are visiting Oman, especially for the tourist places in Sohar, Muscat, or any other city, the first question they ask you is, “Where is Sohar,” or, “Is Oman really worth visiting?”
But think about the legendary and traditional Sohar Market and the Sohar Corniche, a beautiful sea route that overlooks the coast, letting you glance at the historic Castle, and you will realize that it is for the best that this city in Oman and all the beautiful places to visit in Sohar are still quite underrated.
These are all the more reasons to discover these hidden gems and set foot on lands that are untainted by inflation, pollution, litter, and other negative effects of heavy tourism.
What Is Sohar Famous For?
The origins of Sohar are prehistoric, and the town was an early part of Islam. Later, Sohar developed into a well-developed port and started being known as the most important and largest city in the Arab World.
It was Sohar who inspired the most interesting Persian fable, Sinbad the Sailor. Today, the forts and other historical places to visit in Sohar stand as a testimony of its past splendor, attracting visitors from the far ends of the world to visit this oldest town of Oman.
Best Places To Visit In Sohar Oman With Family
1. Sohar Fort
Sohar Fort was built in the 13th century, and till now, it is the best place to visit in Sohar, Oman. The Fort has a distinctive tower and a 10 km long tunnel that was used as an escape route in times of siege.
The square tower also boasts a small museum that is a living testament to the local history of Oman. The Sayyid Thuwaini Bin Sultan Al Busaid tomb is also an attractive feature worth visiting.
Sohar Fort has recently become one of the well-maintained tourist places in Sohar due to its restoration of several rooms. The Fort is furnished in a way that gives you an insight into the military life of Oman in the 19th century.
2. Sohar Handicraft Souq
Take your kids to the Sohar Handicraft Souq, one of the best Souqs located in the Al Hajra region. This aesthetic place to visit in Sohar is built in a traditional Arab-Islamic architecture style.
The Handicraft Souq was opened in 1999 as an initiative to encourage artisans and others to participate and conserve the traditional handicrafts of Oman. The craft shops in this Souq are spread over 7,000 sq. meters, and you can find a variety of Omani handicrafts and traditional industries under one roof, such as goods made with ceramic, leather, cotton, palm leaves, gold, silver, and wool.
You can also source the best herbs, perfumes, honey, and Omani sweets from this market, as well as browse through the traditional weapons.
3. Sohar Municipal Park
If you are looking for fun and casual things to do in Sohar with your family, then visit the Sohar Municipal Park, which is located right next to The Sohar Beach Hotel.
This clean and ambient park is great if you want to have a fun picnic or take your partner for a special date night. The amenities here are well maintained, such as the washrooms, children’s play area, and a jogging track for early morning or sunset jogs.
There are many eateries nearby, which converts even a leisurely stroll in the park into a special night.
4. Fun City In Safeer Mall
Safeer Mall is both an entertainment hub and a classy representation of Middle Eastern architecture. The Mall is one of the best places to visit in Sohar, Oman, if you want a mix of convenience, shopping, and other lifestyle options.
The dining and entertainment options are endless, and the Fun City is another one of those exciting options to try out. There are kid’s rides. There are big rides and video games that you can enjoy for as low as 100 baisa. The Fun City has a range of fun-filled games that can make any trip to the mall enjoyable.
Drop your kids off to this thrilling games area while you shop, or accompany the little ones and see their faces light up with excitement.
5. Sohar Corniche
The Corniche is one of the most attractive tourist places in Sohar if you want to witness the beauty of the city in a leisurely and affordable manner.
This Corniche is located in the Al Batinah North Governorate and overlooks the beautiful coast of Sohar. The sea route passes through the Sohar Historical Castle as well and boasts a range of signboards, restaurants, umbrellas, and other pretty areas to lounge under.
There is every entertainment option and amenity here at the Sohar Corniche that you can expect from such a tourist place. You can also find a small visitors park at the one corner of Corniche.
6. Wadi Hibi
Wadi Hibi near Sohar is a place where time seems to stop to let you breathe in the nature around you. Take your family to this remote village that is famous for its crystal clear waters and picturesque scenery.
Wadi Hibi is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sohar, and many people from around the region come here for hiking or swimming with their friends and family. You can also find a small place, Al Hajal, in the center of the valley, where there are multiple ancient houses made with mud rocks.
If you aren’t fascinated with the whole village already, ask a local to narrate its history, and they will tell you how the village got abandoned in the first place due to drought and the lack of jobs. And how the other villagers still rely on traditional agriculture, irrigation systems, and livestock.
7. Sohar Gate
A great place to visit in Sohar to teach your kids more about the history of this land is the Sohar Gate. Oman has an incredible gate in every city, which stands as proof of the great architecture of this region and the generosity of its rulers.
They might be just gates, but they are also a mini introduction to the history of all Omani cities. You can either spot this gate and admire it from a distance while driving through it or stop to look at the intricate details carved on the beautiful structure.
At night, The Sohar Gate looks even more ethereal as it lights up with ambient warm and colorful lights, making it look like a bright lantern from a distance.
Tourist Places To Visit In Sohar
1. Sohar Old Market
Sohar Old Market is a boisterous commercial area hosting a range of cafes, restaurants, tailoring stores, etc., making it an attractive tourist place in Sohar, Oman.
You can find this market in the Al Hajrah area, which is parallel to Corniche. There are four entrances and over 25 shops that allow you to carry out many important activities while you are here. You can visit the first floor, which offers an exhibition of Sohar’s historical pictures and books.
Or you can check out the market corridors that make the ancient heritage and Islamic motifs come to life. Women can visit the stores selling gowns and clothes with the finest embroidery, and then you and your family can head over to the restaurants on the first floor serving delicious meals.
2. Fish Market, Sohar
You might be wondering how a fish market can be a great tourist spot in Sohar. But let us introduce you to the Sohar Fish Market, probably the cleanest fish market in the region.
Just visiting the fish stalls and browsing through the different shapes, colors, and varieties of seafood is an exciting experience on its own. Even if you aren’t in the mood to buy anything, you can chat with the fishermen, who will gladly walk you through the process by which they caught the fish.
And if you want to buy something, there are plenty of fish, lobsters, prawns, squid, crabs, and other items ready for you fresh out of the water.
3. Camel Racing Track
Camel Racing is one of the most exciting things to do in Sohar, Oman. The owners and their camels gather at the racetracks, with the crowd cheering on with extreme enthusiasm.
The camels can race up to a speed of 65 km per hour, as the tracks are built specifically for these races. Camels have long been considered the “ships of the desert,” which means that desert life is their natural playground.
This sport is even more thrilling than traditional horse racing, as it has evolved into a professional and official race occasion in many parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
The race managers make sure that every aspect of the sport is refined, such as the race tracks, intensive training, farms to raise camels, and the use of new technology to make the races even more successful.
4. Safeer Mall
Safeer Mall is a unique tourist place in Sohar, Oman, which is strategically located on Sultan Qaboos Highway. Here, you will find an exciting blend of Middle Eastern architecture with a modern lifestyle.
The mall itself is spread over a huge area spanning 40,000 sq. meters, with two levels and a parking capacity of up to 800 cars. There are tons of retail outlets at Safeer Mall, including grocery stores, a children’s indoor play area, food courts, women’s and kids’ shopping outlets, and other options.
Safeer Mall is indeed the biggest and most beautiful mall you can find in Sohar, Oman.
Things To Do In Sohar
1. Visiting The Sultan Qaboos Grand Masjid Sohar
Want to see a breathtaking piece of architecture in Sohar? Head over to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is an extraordinary and huge building spread over 181,000 sq. meters.
The intricate designs, magnificent architecture, and other aspects of this mosque are so spectacular that you won’t ever want to leave this place. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Sohar and has held a great economic position in the history of Sohar.
Ever since the mosque opened up for worshippers in 2016, more people have been stopping by this wonderful historical landmark, giving Sohar the recognition and fame that it deserves.
2. Keeping An Eye Out For The Sohar Eye
Sohar Eye offers exciting and unique things to do in Sohar, as it is a spacious area with lush greenery and plenty of recreational facilities.
Here, you can walk among the perennial evergreen leaves or strike a pose against the beautiful fountains and water ponds. Or if you are here for a morning jog or evening stroll, then the bicycle and walking paths are well-maintained and ready to cater to your excursions.
Furthermore, there are a number of cafes and restaurants in the park serving delicious local flavors so that you can get to know Sohar in a more intimate way. Sohar Eye is the perfect place to spend time with your children and family in an outdoor ambiance.
3. Silver Jubilee Public Park
The Silver Jubilee Public Park is one of the best places to visit in Sohar, Oman, if you are in the mood for a leisurely walk or to sit on the beach for a peaceful evening.
This park is an open space with sprawling green spaces and beautiful water bodies that can make any casual visit to the park a memorable stay. You can visit this park for walking or to enjoy a variety of sports with your friends and the locals.
There are also free children’s play areas where you can find different rides and water bikes to enjoy. Or you can grab a cup of tea or coffee and sit on the beach to have a hearty conversation with someone and take aesthetic photographs.
4. Falaj Al Qabail Public Park
Falaj Al Qabail Public Park is different from many other parks in Sohar in that it has state-of-the-art volleyball, football, and basketball courts.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Sohar, head over to Falaj Al Qabail Public Park, where you will find cycling paths, a 1000-meter-long walking path, service facilities, cafes, and other sports facilities.
In addition to the playgrounds and dedicated fun areas for the kids, there is a fountain and picturesque pools scattered throughout the park so that you and your family can stroll among nature’s beauty and capture beautiful pictures as a souvenir.
5. Public Garden
Sohar Public Garden is a great place to visit in Sohar, located in the heart of the city. This clean park is an ideal tourist place in Sohar, Oman, for families and children, but you can also take a special someone out for a pleasant picnic night surrounded by the beautiful ambiance of the park.
The park has a maintained play area for children and toilets, and there are also a number of cafes and restaurants that serve local delicacies, perfect for spending a late evening or weekend night in Sohar.
6. Almenyal Beach Park
Sohar is a beautiful city filled with gardens and beaches, and the Almenyal Beach Park is another one of the best places to visit in Sohar, Oman, for a refreshing change from the city’s life.
The kids enjoy each other’s company in the enjoyable playgrounds, where you will also find a carting area for their exciting adventures. The park is an elegant space with sprawling greenery, perfect for rest and relaxation in a clean beach and garden space.
Grab a cup of coffee from the nearest café and sit on the beach to breathe in the fresh breeze coming in from the coast of Sohar.
