Sohar, a city with a rich and ancient history, was once the official capital of Oman. Historically known for activities like fishing, trade, and agriculture, it has today evolved into an advanced industrial hub thanks to the ongoing development of Sohar’s commercial and industrial port, which has played a significant role in enhancing the city’s prominence.
Sohar boasts a coastal view of the Gulf of Oman on the eastern side, with a coastline stretching 45 kilometers. It also features a diverse flatland area shaped by valleys and green parks, extending up to 10 kilometers, and from this area, plains stretch toward the towering mountains where the Al Hajar mountain range begins, giving Sohar a unique geographic character. This makes it an ideal tourist destination for different tastes.
Discover with us the top 10 tourist spots in this beautiful city, where charming nature blends with deep history for an experience worth visiting. For a luxurious and comfortable stay in Oman, we recommend enjoying the relaxed atmosphere in luxury rental apartments in Muscat or high-end villas for rent throughout Oman, where peace and comfort await at every corner for an exceptional experience.
Discover the Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Sohar 2024 and browse properties near them on OpenSooq!
Best Tourist Spots in Sohar Worth Visiting
1. Sohar Castle: A Historic Masterpiece and Omani Legend
Sohar Castle is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the city. It is renowned for its varied tourism appeal, making it one of the best places for families and tourists to explore.
The discovery journey begins at Sohar Castle, one of Oman’s most important historical fortresses. Archaeological excavations at the site in 1980 revealed that the castle dates back to the early 14th century during the reign of the Bani Nabhani kings. The design and construction of the castle were overseen by the Hormuz rulers, who envisioned it as a strong defensive fortress against potential sea attacks.
The castle was built on top of a high hill, giving it a strategic location. Its high stone walls and five towering watchtowers, designed for surveillance and firing, give it a stunning military appearance. Inside the castle, there are several halls, corridors, and underground tunnels that reflect the genius behind the construction of this historic structure.
2. Silver Jubilee Park: A Natural Oasis for Families in Sohar
Located near Sohar Castle and its museum, Silver Jubilee Park is one of the most beautiful natural parks in the city, and a favorite spot for families seeking entertainment and nature. The park spans a vast area of green lawns, beautifully coordinated with vibrant colors, offering a relaxing and cheerful atmosphere for visitors.
The park offers various fun activities suitable for all ages, making it an ideal destination for a memorable family outing. It has shaded seating areas for relaxation, walking and biking paths, horse-riding trails, a children’s play area, and kiosks offering sweets, drinks, and snacks. It also features essential facilities to ensure the comfort of visitors.
3. Sohar Fort Museum: A Window into the City’s Rich History
The Sohar Fort Museum is one of the city’s most important archaeological tourist landmarks. It was opened to the public in 1993 to introduce visitors to the significance of Sohar in Omani and Arab history.
The museum houses a collection of rare artifacts discovered during archaeological missions that began in the early 1980s. These items highlight the deep trade relations between Sohar and other global cities, such as its trade relations with China through copper exchange. This underscores the vital role of traditional industries, like marine crafts and fishing, in the city’s past. The exhibits also provide insight into the lifestyle of that period, daily living, and customs.
The museum showcases Islamic-era artifacts, demonstrating the city’s prosperity and its influence by the civilizational developments of that time. It consists of three main halls with hundreds of items made of stone, metal, wood, fabrics, clothing, tools, weapons, and coins.
4. Al-Minyal Park: A Natural and Recreational Retreat Outside Sohar
Al-Minyal Park is considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations near Sohar, located specifically in the Al-Awainat area along the coastal road between Majaz and Al-Sabara. It is known for its tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty, featuring wide expanses of fertile plains and green hills that create a wonderful scene of relaxation.
The park is equipped with comprehensive recreational services and facilities, making it a favorite family destination. It includes various swimming pools, water games suitable for all ages, children’s play areas, an amusement park, and a range of restaurants and cafes. Additionally, there are souvenir shops, making it a one-stop destination to meet different visitor needs for a fun-filled family day.
5. Sohar Park: A Quiet Oasis Amid Nature for Families and Couples
Located near the city, Sohar Park is one of the largest natural parks, with vast expanses of green lawns and a diverse range of plants, trees, and flowering shrubs. This provides a picturesque view that evokes peace and relaxation.
The park’s tranquil atmosphere, away from the city noise, makes it an ideal place for romantic outings or walks in scenic nature. The park also features modern amenities that cater to visitors’ needs, such as shaded family seating areas, fully equipped barbecue areas, food and drink stalls, and child-friendly play areas.
6. Falaj Al Qabail Public Park: A Sports and Recreational Destination for Physical Activity
Falaj Al Qabail Public Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sohar, designed to encourage physical activity and the development of sporting skills for all age groups. The park is known for its wide lawns, dense trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, as well as aesthetic additions like artificial lakes and ponds that add a scenic, natural atmosphere.
The park offers various sports fields, including football, basketball, and volleyball courts, making it an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts. It also features cycling paths stretching 1000 meters, walking trails, and children’s play areas, making it a comprehensive destination for families and individuals seeking outdoor activities in a beautiful natural setting.
7. Sohar Corniche: A Family-Friendly Seaside Promenade
The Sohar Corniche is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, stretching along the waterfront and renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The corniche offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to family needs and provide fun for everyone. It features pristine sandy beaches equipped with modern facilities for swimming and exciting water sports.
The corniche is dotted with vast gardens, grassy lawns, and beautiful water features. It also offers shaded family seating areas, cafes, and kiosks selling food, ice cream, and snacks, along with secure play areas for children. On the opposite side of the corniche, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, hotels, amusement parks, shopping malls, and retail stores, making Sohar Corniche an ideal spot for family outings and relaxation.
8. The Old Market: A Window into Sohar’s Rich Heritage
The Old Market in Sohar is one of the most significant tourist landmarks that reflect the city’s ancient history and heritage. It is a hub for traditional products that mirror Oman’s ancient customs and traditions, offering a wide range of items that maintain authenticity and reflect the area’s history.
The market features a variety of marine life, both fresh and dried, as well as traditional Omani foods and sweets, which form an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage. It also offers handmade metalwork, especially items crafted from copper and silver. Additionally, the market showcases local craftsmanship, including traditional clothing, luxury Omani rugs, home decor accessories, and pottery utensils, making a visit to the Old Market a rich cultural experience.
9. Safeer Mall: A Shopping and Entertainment Destination in Sohar
Safeer Mall is one of the most prominent tourist spots in Sohar and one of the city’s largest and oldest shopping centers. It offers a complete shopping and entertainment experience, housing about 76 stores of well-known international and local brands in fashion, along with jewelry, gold, silver, shoes, bags, accessories, eyewear, and watches.
The mall also has sections dedicated to cosmetics, perfumes, hair and skin care, as well as electronics. Additionally, it offers a variety of classic and local restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, and includes an amusement park and video game arcades, making it an ideal destination for family fun.
10. Sohar Handicrafts Souq: A Heritage Shopping Experience in Sohar
The Sohar Handicrafts Souq is one of the most popular tourist destinations that combines shopping with cultural immersion. It was opened in 1999 and spans 7,000 square meters in the Al-Hajra area, near the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Sohar. Featuring stunning Islamic architectural design, the market quickly became one of the most sought-after places for tourists and families.
Only traditional handicrafts reflecting the city’s history and culture are displayed in the souq. These include leather goods, pottery, ceramics, palm fronds, various fabrics like cotton and wool, and metal works crafted from gold, silver, and copper, particularly traditional weapons and daggers. The market also offers Arabic perfumes, natural herbs, honey, and spices, making it a perfect spot to experience local culture and traditional Omani flavors.
