The ancient capital of Oman, famous for its fort and traditional souq. Located about 140 km from the airport in the interior.

About Nizwa

Nizwa was the capital of Oman's interior for many centuries and remains the country's cultural and spiritual heartbeat. The city is dominated by the Nizwa Fort, a 17th-century circular tower fortress built by Sultan bin Saif al-Ya'rubi, whose massive drum tower (40 meters diameter, 30 meters high) offers panoramic views over the date palm oases and the Hajar Mountains beyond.

The Nizwa Souq, sprawling around the fort, is Oman's most authentic traditional market. The Friday livestock auction (goats and cattle) is a spectacle where Omani men in white dishdashas and colorful kumma caps engage in animated bidding. The souq's permanent sections sell dates (Oman produces over 50 varieties), halwa, rose water, honey, silver jewelry, and pottery — all at prices far below Muscat's tourist shops.

Nizwa serves as the gateway to Oman's most spectacular interior attractions: Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain, with its rose terraces and dramatic canyon viewpoints), Jebel Shams (Oman's highest peak at 3,009m and the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia'), the ancient mudbrick village of Misfat al-Abriyeen clinging to a cliff face, and the abandoned village of Al Hamra with its crumbling multi-story mud houses — one of the oldest towns in Oman.

Nearby Landmarks

Nizwa Fort Nizwa Souq Jebel Akhdar Bahla Fort (UNESCO) Jabreen Castle

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $100-130 (OMR 40-50)
Time 1.5-2 hours

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Mwasalat intercity bus from Ruwi Bus Station to Nizwa (connect from airport by bus or taxi)

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $100-130 (OMR 40-50) 1.5-2 hours Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

There is no public transport between Muscat and Nizwa after dark. A private taxi or hired car is essential for this journey. Driving at night on the Muscat-Nizwa highway is generally safe but be aware of camels occasionally crossing the road in rural sections. Nizwa has a few hotels (Golden Tulip, Nizwa Heritage Inn) but limited nightlife. Most visitors treat Nizwa as a day trip from Muscat or an overnight stop en route to Jebel Akhdar.

Luggage Tips

If visiting Nizwa as a day trip from Muscat, leave luggage at your Muscat hotel. If staying overnight, Nizwa hotels have drive-up access. The Nizwa Fort and souq involve walking on gravel and stone surfaces — travel light with a small day bag. A 4WD vehicle is recommended if continuing to Jebel Akhdar or Jebel Shams, where the mountain roads are steep and sometimes unpaved.

Accessibility

Nizwa Fort has stairs with no elevator access to the upper tower — wheelchair users can access the ground-level museum and courtyard only. The souq is partly accessible on the ground level but has uneven surfaces. The Muscat-Nizwa highway is fully accessible by vehicle. Mountain attractions (Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams) are not wheelchair accessible. Hotels in Nizwa have basic accessibility, with the Golden Tulip offering the best facilities.