Top Things to Do in the Salalah | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Salalah

Places To Visit In Salalah

Sumhuram Archaeological Park

Lying amongst one of the marvellous bays of Dhofar, was once one of the chief trading ports of frankincense, Khor Rori (almost 2000 years ago) which is now the Sumhuram archaeological park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies 25 miles east of Salalah on a hilltop which overlooks the beautiful freshwater creek of Khor Rori. The park itself is fascinating to visit as it is both a museum and an archaeological park. You can see the archaeologists at work around the ruins, excavating this historical place. Visitors are most likely to witness ongoing excavations and archaeologists busting around in the sand tagging along with historians who pass out instructions. Saunter through the gallery’s museum and learn the reminiscent history dating from first century BC to third century AD. Read More

Al Baleed Archaeological Park is a jewel in the landscape of Salalah. The park has been inducted into UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Site earning it a prominent place in the itinerary of visitors to the Sultanate of Oman. The park is an open-air archaeological site located off the coast of the Arabian Sea and lies in close proximity to Al Husn Palace and the famous Haffa souq. The park is open to visitors from 8 in the morning to eight in the night with a modest admittance fee per car. Read More

You can find almost anything you need at the Souq, from clothes to food to souvenirs, the souq has it all! Bargaining is allowed. The vendors are all respectable and bargain respectfully. You'll also find extremely unique items that you won't get anywhere else in the city. The souq is located next to the Sultan's Palace and is a popular hub for the Dhofari people.

Located on the route between Mirbat and Salalah, is a desolate stretch of road which defies gravity as a car put in Neutral gear will start moving uphill at a speed of up to 35 km/hr. This bizarre experience has a lot of scientific explanations for this; most common being that this is an anti-gravity hill. Regardless, this is a fun spot to visit for mystery-junkies and families alike. Simply explained, stop your car on the road, put it into Neutral gear, and wait. By some trick of physics, the car appears to be moving uphill seemingly on its own. The bigger and heavier the car, the faster it moves. Read More

A bizarre local market can be witnessed in the town of Salalah. This peculiar souq, apart from selling antiques and souvenirs to tourists are also involved in selling weapons. They don't sell actual firearms but rather antique items. You can procure antique rifles and traditional knives. An informal market setting set up in open-air near Sultan Qaboos Street is your location if you want to adorn your apartment with a collection of antique guns or beautiful daggers. Visit early mornings for a better experience. Read More

Jebel Samhan is another local attraction in the city of Salalah. Burrowed in the hills and pasture lands of the Dhofar ranges is a protected and enclosed is the wildlife reserve of Jabal Samhan. The wildlife sanctuary plays host to the endangered Arabian leopard and other species of flora and fauna found in the Arabian peninsula. Although you need a permit to visit the sealed enclosure a trip is well worth the effort.

Located in Shatti Al Mughsayl area, which is about 40 km from Salalah in the Governorate of Dhofar, Al Marneef Cave is ranked among the top 10 most popular tourist attractions in the Indian Ocean. It overlooks the Arabian Sea and Al Mughsayl Fountains (which also happens to be the most preferred picnic spot by locals and tourists). Al Marneef Cave doesn’t qualify as a cave due to the absence of any opening (or hollow space), yet the symbolic cave-like look lets it qualify as a cave. Al Marneef Cave is a large rocky structure which faces a mountain. Several smaller caves are also present on Al Marneef making it a popular rock-climbing spot. Another reason which makes Marneef Cave a popular tourist attraction are Al-Mughsayl Blowholes (natural fountains). There are three of these which are at proximity to Al-Mughsayl Beach. The sound of water gushing through rock cavities and hence emerging out as a natural fountain altogether makes up for a marvellous sight. Read More

Mugsail is a long stretch of clear blue water with white sand and beautiful cliffs on either side of the water. It's a magnificent and picturesque landscape! Perfect for a picnic and a quick swim, you can even drive through the beach! There are also many cute traditional huts at the beach where you can have your own barbequed lunch.

Immerse yourself in the Omani culture and history by visiting the UNESCO heritage site, Museum of the Frankincense Land! This museum is part of the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. The displays are beautifully presented and takes you back to the origins of Frankincense discovery in Oman. Interesting and educational, it is recommended for all history buffs!

At the tomb, lies the remains of Nabi Ayoub (PBUH) or Prophet Job as mentioned in the Bible. Holding a significant landmark from the bible, this tomb is located 25 kms from Salalah on a hill called the Jabal Al Qar and the tomb compound also houses a mosque. The remains of the holy man can be found enclosed in a well-preserved tomb. The sight has been a spiritual hotspot for many religions.