Salalah

Salalah is the capital city of Oman's southern Dhofar region. It is the second largest city in the Sultanate, and has the distinction of being the Sultan Qaboos' birthplace. For most visitors, Salalah is the gateway to Oman’s most southerly governate of Dhofar – a historically independent, and culturally and ecologically unique region.

See: 12
Do: 5
Eat: 14
Buy: 9

40 places

See

Al Baleed Archeological Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these extensive ruins were once the 12th-century trading port of Zafar, visited by Marco Polo in 1285.

Sat-Wed 9AM-2PM, 4PM-8PM; Thu-Fri 4PM-8PMRO 2 (only accepts credit card, includes admission to the Frankincense Museum)

Buy

Al Isteqrar Hypermarket

Groceries are on the ground floor, and a food court upstairs.

Eat

Annapoorna Restaurant

Al-Saf Saf

A traditional South Indian Restaurant serving only vegetarian food.

See

Ayn Razat

Ain Razat

Freshwater springs surrounded by gated rose gardens, with several pools and caves nearby. Swimming is not permitted because of the presence of schistosomiasis (bilharzia); toilets available.

Thu-Fri, daily during the khareef

Eat

Baalbeck Lebanese Restaurant

A small family restaurant serving very good Lebanese food. Has excellent hummus, tum and shwarmas.

Eat

Bin Ateeq

Part of a small chain of Omani restaurants, and a good place for Omani food.

Daily 9AM-1AM

See

Burj an-Nadha

Burj al-Nadha, Clocktower

The clocktower may not be a sky-scraper but it is indeed the icon of Salalah, featured in the coat of arms of Dhofar Governate. The tower looks stunning during nights due to the colorful light display.

Eat

Cascade Tandoori Restaurant

Offers a large range of Indian dishes, particularly well-known for their vindaloo.

Daily 11AM-3:30PM, 6:30PM-12:30AM

Buy

Family Book Shop

Has books in English and Arabic, and a good selection of maps.

See

Footprint of Prophet Saleh's Camel

A shrine housing the footprint of an enormous camel in the bedrock. According to the Quran, the camel was said to have appeared from nearby mountains as a miracle, yet was killed three days later by unbelievers who refused to recognize the Prophet Saleh. In punishment a severe earthquake was said to have destroyed the entire city and its inhabitants. As in other religious sites, visitors are requested to remove their shoes and women should cover their hair.

Free

See

Gun Souq

A small informal open-air market for vendors selling all types of weapons, from antique rifles to traditional knives and daggers. Best in the early morning.

See

Job's Tomb

An-Nabi Ayyub

Believed by many to be the tomb of the biblical figure Job, on a hilltop overlooking Salalah. There is a small restaurant nearby with wonderful views.

500 bzs

Eat

KFC

American fried chicken, sit-down restaurant and drive-through.

Eat

Khareef Salalah Restaurant

A unit of Hassan Bin Thabit Kitchens, with a varied international menu.

Daily 11AM-1AM

Khawr Salalah

Avid birdwatchers can find many species of birds within the city itself, as this lagoon is noted for attracting flamingos, ospreys, and many migratory birds. Bring your binoculars.

Nov-AprFree

Eat

Lebanese House Restaurant

This restaurant offers good Lebanese food at a reasonable price (RO 10 for 3 people - starter & main incl. 1 drink each). Delivery available.

Buy

Lulu Hypermarket

A branch of the UAE chain. Good for picnic supplies or camping gear.

Sat-Thu 9AM-11PM; Fri 9AM-11PM, 4:30PM-11PM

Buy

Lulu Supermarket

More centrally located than Lulu Hypermarket (see listing above), but with a much smaller deli and no camping gear.

Sat-Thu 8AM-11:45PM; Fri 8AM-11AM, 4:30PM-11:45PM

See

Museum of Frankincense Land

This excellent museum has displays on the history of the port and of the region.

Sat-Wed 8AM-2PM, 4PM-8PM; Thu-Fri 4PM-8PMAdmission included with Al Baleed entrance fee

Eat

Oasis Club

Offers a wide selection of international cuisine at a very reasonable price (a fraction of the cost of the hotel restaurants and better quality). This restaurant is also fully licensed. Take away and delivery available.

Sat-Wed noon-3PM, 6PM-11PM; Thu-Fri noon-12:30AM

Eat

Pizza Hut

Always an option for any Americans wanting a taste of home, delivery available.

See

Salalah Museum

This museum houses an eclectic collection, with sections devoted to regional geology and history. There is also a permanent display of Wilfred Thesiger's photographs.

Sat-Wed 8AM-2PMFree

Buy

Souq Al Hafa

سوق الحافة

Souq Al Hafa (marketplace) is the best place for frankincense and incense burners, and a wide range of other collectibles including handicrafts and souvenirs. Haggling is necessary, or alternatively have a local so you know you are buying genuine goods. Payment can be made in Omani rials, euros, or dollars.

Open now · closes midnight tomorrowOMR

See

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Completed in 2009, this mosque can accommodate 14,000 people. Conservative dress required; women must have their ankles, wrists and hair covered.

Sat-Thu 8AM-11AM (for non-Muslims)

See

Sultan Qaboos Palace

Sultan Qaboos was born in a fortress at this location, which is now the grounds for a modern palace. It is not open to the public, but tourists may photograph it from the outside.

See

Tomb of Nabi Umran

Tomb of Nabi Imran

Umran (Imran) was a local Arab prophet, believed by some to have been the father of the Virgin Mary, and believed by others to have been the father of Moses. The sarcophagus is 33 m long. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering, and women should cover their heads with a scarf.

Free, tips gratefully accepted

See