Best Places to Visit in Sohar: Peaceful City on the Gulf of Oman

Sohar is one of the most developed cities in the Sultanate of Oman outside the capital around 200km north of Muscat. Sohar was an ancient capital of Oman and a fishing town but now is developed as an industrial hub due to massive development. Sohar, a former Islamic port town and the nation's old capital, has also been identified as the mythological birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. If you get curious about the geography of the city, you would be surprised as it varies. One can see the coastal area, desert, small mountains, and agricultural areas. Most of the villages are located in mountain regions. Many tourists along with their families come to the places to visit in Sohar.

Top 8 Places to Visit in Sohar: Birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor

Sohar has many tourist spots of outstanding beauty decorated with lush green mountains, turquoise water, golden desert, and ancient forts and museums. The government of the Sultanate of Oman puts great attention to tourism and for that, they have developed many public parks, and given restoration to the Sohar Fort. Entertainment Centre in Sohar, which witnesses a high visitor turnout from all the neighboring wilayats, especially on important national occasions and weekends is also a tourist attraction here. One can come to Oman to explore the below places to visit in Sohar.

• Sohar Fort
• Silver Jubilee Garden
• Sultan Qaboos Mosque
• Sohar Beach Corniche
• Sohar Handicraft Souq
• Museum of Sohar Fort
• Camel Racing Track
• Al Sanger Park

1. Sohar Fort

Due to its exceptional location and tremendous historical significance, Sohar Fort is regarded as one of the most prominent castles and forts in the North Batinah Governorate. This fort was built at the end of the thirteenth and the start of the fourteenth centuries. The fort's completion in the fourteenth century was verified by archaeological investigations that were conducted there.

The walls and crenellations of Sohar Fort are entirely white, in contrast to many of the other forts in the area, which are often the color of the mud bricks from which they are produced, a color that resembles that of the desert sands. It is a stunning fort with five towers that is perched atop a hill. This fort premises has 2 parks that are the perfect places to go for folks who wish to escape the bustling city. The most visited landmark in Sohar is this fort!

Location: Sohar, Oman

Timings:

• Sunday to Thursday- 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Friday to Saturday- Closed

2. Silver Jubilee Garden

The Silver Jubilee Garden in Sohar is a significant entertainment venue accessible to residents and guests of the city. The park is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Sohar and offers a variety of amusements, amenities, and services that pleasure its guests.

The park has huge, open green spaces ideal for a variety of activities, like strolling, running, reading literature, etc. These areas are excellent for getting away from the bustle and commotion of the city, and they are also perfect for anyone who enjoys various kinds of plants and flowers.

In order to remember your visit to this magnificent place, you can enjoy shooting commemorative photos near the park's large water pools and artificial lakes while you are with family and friends. Away from the bustling metropolis and its commotion, you may unwind and take in a little peace. One of the top restaurants in Oman is operating in the Silver Jubilee Park, so if you become hungry, you can take a delectable lunch or buy whatever you like from inside the garden.

Location: Al Batinah North Governorate, Sohar

Timings: N/A

3. Sultan Qaboos Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Sohar is open to non-Muslim visitors free of charge from 8 am to 11 am, Saturday through Thursday, just like other new royal mosques. This is the most spectacular architectural attraction to view if you're in Sohar. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Sohar stands out from other royal mosques since it was designed in a way that combines elements of Omani and Persian Islamic architecture. The enormous mosque features four minarets, a vast blue main dome, three main entrances, and a large lawn. The mosque also incorporates wood in a distinctive fashion that is uncommon among royal mosques in the Sultanate of Oman. The center chandelier looks beautiful, especially when illuminated. Up to 4600 worshipers can fit in the main prayer hall. There is also a women's prayer room, which can hold up to 470 worshipers. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Sohar, which also serves as a cultural and social center, features a public library, a few classrooms for Islamic studies, a multipurpose hall for holding official and cultural events, and a majlis for holding social gatherings.

Location: As Suwaihra, Sohar

Timings: N/A

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4. Sohar Beach Corniche

Take a stroll around the Corniche if you want to spend some time in the sunshine and discover the city. This street extends from Sallan Park past the Fish Harbor, the Sohar Fort, and the Mosque. You should start your tour of the city at the Corniche. If you are here on your honeymoon in Oman, you must spend some time strolling along the lovely sandy beaches or just stay on the road as you travel. If you head south, you'll come upon a walkway that leads to the famed Sohar Fort. You can enter to look around the whitewashed building's construction or tour the museum inside. You can travel to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque and admire its magnificent grounds and gold dome. Take a leisurely stroll down the seashore road in the center of the corniche if you don't want to complete the entire distance. You might alternatively start your journey at the Sohar Fish Harbor on the opposite end and travel back while taking in all the breathtaking sights.

Location: Al Bahri Rd, Sohar, Oman

Timings: 24*7

5. Sohar Handicraft Souq

This Souq, which is rich in culture and history, can be found in Wilayat Sohar's Al Hajra neighborhood, next to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Sohar Handicrafts Souq was established in 1999 with the goal of supporting craftsmen and preserving Oman's traditional handicrafts. It was built in the style of Arab-Islamic architecture. The Souq includes a variety of Omani traditional industries and handicrafts under one roof, and artisan shops cover an area of 7,000 square meters. Many traditional ornaments made of leather, ceramics, palm leaves, cotton textiles, wool, gold, and silver, as well as perfumes, herbs, natural medicines, honey, and Omani sweets (Halwa) are sold. One can find traditional weapons that are among the most exquisite and historically significant souvenirs available today. There are many shops that sell hookah (very popular in Oman and the Middle East). These souqs are among the best Sohar tourist places if someone wants to explore the local culture and history of Sohar.

Location: Al Hajra region, near Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Wilayt Sohar

Timings: Everyday- 8 AM -1.30 PM & 4.30 PM - 8 PM

6. Museum of Sohar Fort

To emphasize the history of the city of Sohar and its historic sites, the Sohar Fort Museum was inaugurated on November 17, 1993, the 23rd anniversary of the nation's National Day. The museum highlights the significance of Sohar in terms of trade, culture, Islamic history, and Omanis' contributions to navigation. The exhibit also emphasizes their contribution to the propagation of Islam throughout the world.

Along with many artifacts discovered during archaeological digs in the fort, the museum also covers the significant role the city had in the old copper trade and its connections to the Chinese city of Canton. The Sohar Fort Museum is loaded with historical artifacts that provide details about the illustrious past of the nation. For tourists and for scholars interested in learning about Sohar's history of the Sultanate's trade connections with neighboring civilizations, it is one of the most significant tourist destinations and for a person, this can be one of the best places to visit in Oman if on Sohar tour.

Location: Sohar, Oman

Timings:

• Sunday to Thursday- 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Friday to Saturday- Closed

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7. Camel Racing Track

Camels and their owners gather at racetracks around the nation for the thrilling sport of camel racing. Racing camels are valuable belongings that are bred for the racetrack. The camels, "ships of the desert", have been an important part of the community for thousands of years. Camels have changed every element of daily living in the desert as they are utilized for entertainment, celebration, and competition during festivals and other special occasions in addition to being used for transportation, food, and lodging.

A true Arab sport that is particularly well-known among Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula is camel racing. Although it isn't promoted, for a tourist, this is one of the best things to do in Oman while visiting Sohar ! The excursion to the desert to observe the camel races is worthwhile if you have the time. It is best to hire a guide so that you will be aware of when a race is scheduled and able to attend. Being surrounded by onlookers and watching racers riding camels while wearing traditional attire is an unforgettable sight!

Location: Sohar

Timings: Everyday 9:15 AM to 9:30 PM

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8. Al Sanger Park

A popular spot among the locals since they come here to take morning walks in the cool breeze. One can park their car here and enjoy swimming in the clear water while visiting this lovely beachfront park. Despite being a little outside of Sohar City, the authority takes care of this park and beautifies it with lovely flower plants, lush carpet grass, and play equipment for kids. You may play, barbecue, and spend time with your family. One point to keep in mind is that this garden does not have any restaurants or coffee shops, so bring some food and water with you. After swimming in the sea, one can take a bath and unwind at the park for as long as they like because there are restrooms and showers available. The park is extremely calm during the week and extremely packed on weekends and is on the list of the most beautiful places to see in Sohar.

Location: CMJM+7WH, Sohar, Oman

Timings: 24*7

There are many places to visit in Sohar, you should prioritize, regardless of whether you are a resident or just spending a few days in Sohar, Oman. Sohar has plenty to offer everyone, no matter what your travel goals may be. Sohar represents the history and culture of Oman Sultanate through the Sohar Fort so gloriously that you can find it in every corner. You will be surprised to see the beautiful scenery at Sohar Corniche. One must visit this city resides right next to the UAE border. Their rich culture and historical background are very evident in their daily lives and activities. If you want to make the most of your trip to Sohar, avail yourself of the best Oman tour package.

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