Bab Al Hara

Sur


This simple open-air coffeeshop offers the typical local brand of nightlife: plastic seats, a tree or awning of some description, chai libton (a disposable cup of teabag black tea), a mushkak (kebab) or shawarma, freshly made mint-and-lemon juice, a TV grumbling in the background, a gurgle of scented shisha, and of course the company of friends.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sur attractions

1. Fatah Al Khair

0.3 MILES

Built in Sur 70 years ago and brought back from its retirement in Yemen, this historic wooden fishing vessel has been meticulously restored and now sits…

2. Corniche & Dhow Yards

0.3 MILES

The corniche affords a picturesque view across to the village of Ayjah. Dhows used to be led to safety by Ayjah’s three watchtowers, which mark the route…

3. Khor Al Batah Bridge

0.48 MILES

Oman's only suspension bridge, the 240m-long Khor Al Batah Bridge opened in 2009 and cut down the journey from Sur to Ayjah from 20 to just three minutes…

4. Ayjah Watchtowers

0.57 MILES

An integral part of the landscape of Ayjah, and visible from the corniche in Sur, these three small round towers made of sandstone once guided dhows to…

5. Lighthouse

0.73 MILES

This aged lighthouse is a prominent landmark in Ayjah, including for the goats who for some reason like to congregate under the three-storey stone tower…

6. Al Ayjah Fort

0.77 MILES

This renovated fort, which is open somewhat erratically, if at all, seems to have been built as part and parcel of the surrounding merchant houses, with…

7. Sunaysilah Castle

2.18 MILES

Crowning a rocky eminence in the centre of town, this 300-year-old castle is built on a classic square plan with four round watchtowers. It was the most…

8. Bilad Sur Castle

2.81 MILES

Built to defend the town against marauding tribes from the interior, 200-year-old Bilad Sur Castle boasts unusually shaped towers. It has been closed for…