As a tourist, it is your responsibility to explore a new place like no other tourist has. Which means going beyond the regular stays and ordinary adventures, and exploring new things to do. If you are planning a trip to Oman, there is no doubt that Salalah will be on your travel bucket list. After all, who can resist the crystal-clear waterfalls, the fresh produce of fruits and vegetables, and green landscapes as far as the eye can see? So here are some exciting things to do in Salalah that cover popular tourist attractions as well as hidden gems that will introduce you to the city’s history and culture. Let’s go.
1. Make A Run For The Vibrant Souqs Of Salalah
Souqs are traditional markets found in every city and town of Oman. Souqs are more than just a market. These are places that bring communities together, bond tourists with the locals, and proudly present all the cultural and historical goods of a particular region.
The hustle and bustle of souqs make their experience one of the best things to do in Salalah. There are many souqs in the city such as Haffa Souq, Al Husn Souq, and Shams Souq, where you can find spices, sweets, perfumes, electronic goods, textiles, and other trade items. You will surely find something to take away as a souvenir.
2. Bathe In The Lush Greenery Of Ayn Razat And Ayn Khor
Being a region that dramatically transforms into a breathtaking display of green landscape and waterfalls, there are plenty of things to do in Salalah during the monsoon season. Two of the most stunning results of the Khareef season are Ayn Razat freshwater spring and Ayn Khor waterfall.
Even though most of the natural springs in this region of Salalah are seasonal, you can find Ayn Razat at any part of the year. But the crowd it gets during the Khareef season is phenomenal thanks to the beautiful weather and makeshift stalls that give a warm and magical ambiance to the whole place. The Ayn Khor waterfall is also an enchanting waterfall that you can visit if you are in the mood for gentle sounds of water and a serene display of crystal-clear pools and lush greenery everywhere.
3. Chase The Waves At Al Mughsail Beach
The Waves dance in harmony with the breeze at Al Mughsail Beach, and while you are dipping your toes in the crystal-clear waters, take a moment to appreciate the serene mountains around you. This long stretch of beach has pristine white sand that both locals and tourists love to visit at any time of the year. The landscape of Al Mughsail Beach is what sets it apart from ordinary beaches.
You can stroll around, play with your family and friends, ride a camel, or watch the birds at this beach. Or if you are still unsure of what to do in Salalah, leave the urban landscape for a while and sit for the breathtaking sunset views at Al Mughsail Beach.
4. Unearth Omani History At Al Baleed Archeological Park
There are many places to visit and things to do in Salalah to discover the history of this land, and Al Baleed Archeological Park is just one of them. The Omani history echoes in every corner of this open-air heritage site where you can visit the remains of the city of Zafar, the Grand Mosque at Al Baleed, the ruins of the City Wall and Al Baleed Fort, and also visit The Lagoon at the Park.
You will also find the famous tourist attraction The Museum of the Frankincense Land on the eastern side of this park, and it is surely a place to make a stop. You can feel the whispers of the archeological wonders speaking to you as you explore the historical artifacts in this museum.
5. Enjoy Frankincense Shopping At Al Husn Souq
We thought we were done praising the souqs of Salalah, but the unique frankincense shopping experience deserves a spot of its own in this list. Frankincense has a stronghold in the history of Oman with its multiple uses in traditional medicine and other religious purposes. If you are ever confused and don’t know what to do in Salalah souqs, then do try out the frankincense and perfumes shopping experience.
Many shops at Al Husn Souq and other markets sell frankincense in colorful clay pot burners that are beautifully displayed across the markets. As a tourist, the incense burning inside the pots will surely invite you with their intoxicating aroma.
6. Soak In The Grandeur Of Sultan Qaboos Mosque
As a masterpiece that stands as evidence of the grand Omani architecture, there are plenty of things to do in Salalah when visiting Sultan Qaboos Mosque. This largest mosque in the region has a stunning display of Islamic architecture and structure, such as a large chandelier hanging under the main dome that is worth giving your time and attention.
Besides the normal day tours, you can also visit the mosque at night when it manages to look even more ethereal due to the special illumination. While the mosque closes after the Isha prayer, you can always stop by and admire it from the outside.
7. Witness The Beauty Of Taqah Castle
If you are wondering what to do in Salalah to journey into the past and explore its history, visit the most popular Taqah Castle in the region. The old walls and well-preserved chambers of this castle are worth making a stop for, as here you will find numerous exhibits of ancient Omani lifestyle and military history.
The ground floor has a reception hall, a prison, and various storage rooms. On the upper floor, you will find the Wali family quarters and watchtowers, and rooms displaying the weapons and cookware used in the past. This castle is definitely worth a visit if you are new to Salalah.
8. Discover How Magical The Mughsail Blowholes Look
A visit to Mughsail Beach is indeed one of the most aesthetic things to do in Salalah, but the blowholes are a fascinating part of the beach on their own. You will find the Blowholes on the downside of Marneed, and since they are so close to the Mughsail Beach, they are commonly referred to as Mughsail Blowholes or Mughsail Natural Fountains.
You can either take the stairs or a paved path to reach your way to the blowholes. We highly recommend visiting them during the Khareef season when the rough sea and high tides create blow-hole water jets that are as high as 28 meters.
9. Cruise Through Wadi Darbat
If you want to enjoy a day at one of the most scenic spots in the city, then Wadi Darbat is the place to go. It offers everything from green landscapes to incredible waterfalls and looks equally serene in Khareef season and without it as well.
And if you need ideas for things to do in Salalah when visiting Wadi Darbat, then here are some suggestions; trek across the valley and spot the cows, camels, and other animals, visit the waterfalls that look even more captivating during Khareef season, enjoy boating on the irresistibly beautiful lake, or enjoy a range of local flavors in the restaurants and huts that offer drinks and refreshments.
10. Visit The Stunning Museum Of The Frankincense Land
A visit to the Museum of the Frankincense Land is what to do in Salalah when you want to know more about the cultural history and story of Frankincense in this region. This museum is located on the east side of Al Baleed Archeological Park, and has an air-conditioned indoor museum that holds artifacts from Al Baleed, Ash Shisr, and Sumhuram as well as other archeological heritage models.
While the Museum of the Frankincense Land is a wonderful journey on its own, there are other tourist attractions near it that you can visit on the same day such as the Al Husn Palace, Haffa Beach, and Al Husn Souq.
11. Birdwatching Paradise in Salalah
Among the most exciting things to do in Salalah with your family is birdwatching. Salalah boasts more than 500 bird species that you can spot at different sites at different times of the year. The best locations to spot these beautiful birds are the Dhofar Mountains, the valleys, springs, and waterfalls of Salalah, Arabian sea coastline, lagoons, deserts, caves and sinkholes.
We recommend you book a guided tour for the best birdwatching experience so that the professional guides can plan out the perfect itinerary for your group size. It is the only best way in our opinion to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
12. Trekking Through The Scenic Jebel Samhan
For amazing views of a blanket of clouds obscuring the city, visit the scenic Jebel Samhan. Also known as Mount Samhan, this series of three Dhofar Mountains on the east side of Salalah offers you the wildlife of mountains and pretty ambiance in a single trip.
Jebel Samhan is a natural reserve which means that you can spot many unique species of animals living in the region such as The Wild Arabian Leopards, and enjoy other things to do in Salalah. Hayur Cave is the highest viewpoint in Jebel Samhan, and it is from this point that you can see the series of clouds enveloping the natural landscape below.
13. Make Salalah Gardens Mall Your Shopping Destination
Salalah Gardens Mall has earned the title of being the largest and most modern mall in Salalah. If you are ever stuck between the modern lifestyle and traditional culture of the city and don’t know what to do in Salalah, then head over to this mall on Ar Rubab Street.
Salalah Gardens Mall has a range of international brands and diverse shopping destinations. It is a great attraction in the city for families, especially kids who love to play around the color-changing fountain or eat their favorite meals at the food court. The dining scene at the mall is equally exciting as there are three locations for sitting including an indoor area on the ground and first floor, and an open-air sitting area near the fountains.
14. Walk Around The Coastal Town Of Mirbat
Mirbat is a charming coastal town in Salalah between the Jebel Samhan and the Arabian Sea. Strolling in the picturesque streets of this town is one of the best things to do in Salalah as a tourist, as the fusion of modern amenities and traditional décor will whisper the tales of true Omani culture wherever you go.
The entrance displays two miniature statues of brown horses, and then the Mausoleum of Bin Ali, as an ode to the religious and historical facts of Oman. The coastline offers many traditional boasts for you to see up close to get to know more about the fishing lifestyle in the coastal regions.
15. Dare To Peek Inside The Deep Tawi Atair Sinkhole
Have you been to all the famous places already and are unsure of what to do next in Salalah? Have you had the chance to visit one of the deepest and most intimidating natural sinkholes in the world? If not, then Tawi Atair Sinkhole should be your next destination.
This sinkhole has a viewing gallery that visitors use to peek inside the captivating abyss. The deep sinkhole is surrounded by greenery and cliffs, which adds to the mysteriousness and ambiance of the whole place. And that’s not it. At the bottom of the sinkhole, there is water which serves as a great sport for migrating birds. Who knows what animals and birds might welcome you as soon as you arrive at the site?
