The former capital of Oman has a 17th-century circular fort, traditional souq markets, and palm groves along ancient water channels known as aflaj.
Located 140 kilometers from Muscat, Nizwa draws visitors to its circular fort where you can climb narrow staircases and look out over the city from a 39-meter tower. In the morning livestock market, farmers auction their goats and sheep, while in nearby workshops, silversmiths shape silver into rings and necklaces. At the base of the Hajar Mountains, you can follow the ancient Falaj Daris water channels or drive to Tanuf village to see its winter waterfalls.
Shopping at the Morning Markets
The goat market begins at 7:30 AM with farmers leading their animals in circles while buyers bid. You'll find the main souq near the fort, divided into distinct sections: dates and spices fill wooden stalls in the central area, butchers and fishmongers work in the covered market, and craftsmen occupy the northern section. The market opens from 6 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
Watching Craftsmen at Work
In the souq's craft section, silversmiths hammer and shape silver into rings, necklaces, and bracelets. You can watch artisans create khanjars - curved daggers with handles carved from horn or wood. The workshops also produce copper coffee pots, leather bags, and clay pots specific to the Nizwa region.
Exploring Nizwa Fort
The circular tower of Nizwa Fort rises 39 meters above the city center. The fort's defensive design includes narrow staircases and holes in the ceiling where guards would pour hot date syrup onto attackers. Inside, you'll find 17 wells and four cannons. Climb to the tower's top for views across Nizwa and the Hajar Mountains' rocky peaks.
Planning Your Visit
The best time to visit is between October and April when temperatures average 25°C (77°F). You can drive from Muscat in 1.5 hours or take a public bus. Walking is convenient for city center sites, but mountain trips require a car. Hotels near the fort cost from 30 OMR per night, with both budget and upscale options available.
Mountain Trips from Nizwa
Drive 20 kilometers to Tanuf village to see waterfalls that flow between December and March. Bahla Fort, 40 kilometers away, has 50-meter earthen walls and pottery workshops selling locally-made ceramics. At Jabreen Fort, 20 kilometers north, rooms display wooden ceiling paintings, period furniture, and historical artifacts.
