Nizwa, Oman: A Stunning Ancient City for Café Lovers!

Nizwa, the ancient city of Oman, is absolutely stunning! Highly recommended for café lovers!

Oman might not be very familiar to Japanese travelers, but it’s actually a Japan-friendly country blessed with abundant tourist attractions. Don’t limit yourself to just the capital, Muscat!

The best time to visit is between October and March. Even in September or April, if the temperature and humidity are low, it can be quite comfortable. However, the midday heat during the peak summer season can be overwhelming 🥵.

While Nizwa can be visited as a day trip from Muscat, staying for at least one night is highly recommended. The atmosphere inside the castle from evening to night is incredibly charming. The moderately touristy Arabian vibe feels romantic💕✨ (though it might not be deep enough for those seeking a more immersive Islamic experience).

There are plenty of stylish cafés ☕️💕, with LeCafe being particularly recommended for its ambiance, taste, and excellent service. The castle itself is very compact, but Nizwa as a whole is quite expansive.

Additionally, Omanis are kind and friendly. If you get lost, they’ll likely assist you warmly. The family-friendly atmosphere also makes it a great destination for family trips. Local women wear abayas, but female travelers don’t seem to be required to wear them (though wearing bikinis at the beach is best avoided).

**Main Attractions:**
- Nizwa Fort (recommended in the evening, entrance fee required)
- Nizwa Souq (free entry)
- Al Aqur Castle Walls (best from late evening to night, entrance fee required)
- Mountains in the outskirts.

**Costs (as of April 2024):**
Prices felt similar to Japan. Hotels in the central area (≈inside the castle walls) start at around 10,000 yen. Meals at restaurants can be as cheap as 500 yen, but budgeting around 1,000 yen is safer. Cafés start at around 400 yen. Most places accept credit cards. There’s a money exchange shop near the castle walls, which closes at noon and reopens at 4 PM.

**Access (as of April 2024):**
To Muscat: By air or by bus from Dubai (operated by one company). There are no railways.
From Muscat: By car or bus (2 buses per day, taking 2–3 hours). In Muscat, buses depart from the bus company’s station, and you can board them at the airport or the bus terminal. While it’s better to purchase tickets in advance, you can pay in cash if there are available seats. As of April 2024, tickets cannot be purchased online. The timetable displayed online is accurate, and buses are generally punctual, though the seats are quite cramped.

There are also buses from other regional cities in Oman to Nizwa.