travel to muscat oman

Update April 12, 2024

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Oman Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 13, 2023, oman - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution due to  terrorism  and  armed conflict . Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• The Yemen border area due to  terrorism  and  armed conflict .

Country Summary : Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Oman, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Oman.

If you decide to travel to Oman:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Oman.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border Area

Terrorist attacks and violence continue in Yemen. Crossing the border into Yemen can be dangerous, and U.S. citizens who attempt to cross the Oman-Yemen border, from either Oman or Yemen, may be detained by Omani authorities.

Visit our website for  High-Risk Travelers .

Travel Advisory Levels

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The Top 15 Things to Do in Muscat, Oman

The historic city of Muscat is diverse, with loads of ancient edifices and modern buildings. It is a perfect blend of old and new. From the masterful contemporary Opera House to the 400-year-old Mutrah Fort, the city offers a mixed array of architecture for history buffs and the like to devour. It offers pristine beaches, decadent dining offerings, and a host of activities to learn about Omani culture. An eclectic mix of Arabian adventures and stunning treasures awaits travelers during a visit to Muscat.

Stopover at Mutrah Fort

Mutrah Fort sits on top of a rocky, narrow hill overlooking the Sultan Qaboos Tourism Port. Visiting the fort is a rite of passage for any tourist visiting Muscat. Its comprised of three circular towers, which still hold old cannons that were used for protection in the past. Visitors can also enter the castle located at the fort during the week. It can be reached via Mutrah Souq towards the office of Wali Mutrah, and then turning right towards the fort.

See a Show at the Royal Opera House Muscat

The contemporary Royal Oman Opera House Muscat was the brainchild of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The Opera House serves as the main focal point of cultural exchange to Oman. It hosts diverse artistic performances and educational programs. From the iconic American jazz artist Chick Korea to the annual military music concert that takes place in celebration of Oman’s National Day, the Royal Opera House is a fantastic architectural marvel to enjoy.

Find Treasures at Mutrah Souk

Once the local trading place for merchants before they set sail to the China and India trade routes, Mutrah Souk is now one of Muscat’s top market places. Visitors can barter for Arabian gems, including dazzling antiques, traditional Omani clothes like dishdashas, and its famed silver jewelry. Don’t leave the market without purchasing or eyeing a traditional Omani Khanjar dagger, which is still worn by men for ceremonial occasions. It is located near the Mutrah Fort.

Dine at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is set near a rural mountainside and the glistening Gulf of Oman. It has several romantic and family-friendly settings for not only relaxing but dining. Bait Al Bahr offers fresh seafood by the Gulf of Oman. Decadent choices include a mixed seafood platter of grilled lobster, prawns, and kingfish. If you’re interested in a more traditional Omani setting, then Al Tanoor, located at the Al Bandar Hotel on the Shangri-La complex, is the choice for you. It offers live cooking stations and an Arabian tent backdrop.

Visit Al Alam Palace

Coined the “Flag Palace,” Al Alam Palace is located in the center of Old Muscat. It is one of the six royal residences and the ceremonial palace of His Majesty the Sultan. While the palace is not open to tourists, the sparkling blue and gold structure is worth visiting to take a stroll on the palace grounds and snap a few pictures.  Neighboring government buildings include the Ministry of Finance and the National Museum, which is located across the road.

Stroll Through the Oman National Museum

Ekrem Canli / CC BY-SA / Wikimedia Commons

As the flagship cultural center of Oman, the Oman National Museum is the foremost place to visit to take a peek into Omani heritage. Opened in 2016, the museum faces the Al Alam Palace, and in its own right, has a grand design that fits its surroundings. It offers state-of-the-art conservation facilities, a UHD cinema, more than 7,000 objects, 33 immersive digital experiences, and discovery areas for children. 

Drop by the Beach

Muscat is home to stunning beaches for you to lounge by or take a walk along. Located on the northern coast, Shatti Al Qurum is the most famous beach in the region. It is near the upscale Diplomatic District, which you can’t miss with the glistening white buildings and country flags from around the globe flowing in the wind. Smoke shisha overlooking the beach at one of the cafes along the path or dine at the Crown Plaza. The white sandy Sifah Beach, located on the eastern coast of Muscat, is another favorite of locals and ex-pats alike. It’s great for camping or a day visit.

Toast to the Good Life

Muscat offers a range of bars for the party-goers to indulge in masterful cocktails. The world-famous Polynesian lounge  Trader Vic’s sits adjacent to the Intercontinental Hotel. Who doesn’t enjoy a drink that comes in a coconut? Another stand-out is Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, located in the W Hotel . The pool lifestyle concept offers an outstanding backdrop of a sunken bar and infinity pool for relishing a finely mixed cocktail.

Observe Culture at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The most iconic landmark in all of Muscat is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque . The Mosque holds up to 20,000 worshippers and covers around 416,000 square meters. It also houses a library that contains 20,000 reference volumes in science, Islamic culture, and a mesmerizing chandelier, which is one of the largest in the world.  Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the mosque every day, except on Fridays, from 8:30 until 11 a.m. It’s imperative to dress modestly as well; women should cover their heads.

Enjoy Fine Dining

Courtesy of The Chedi

The dining scene in Muscat is made up of a mix of Omani traditional cuisine and delicacies from around the world. Ubhar restaurant prides itself on providing the highest level of Omani hospitality and culture. With its modern design and fusion of Omani dishes, Ubhar delivers a great option from more conventional restaurants. Next, with a name like The Restaurant, located in The Chedi hotel, it undoubtedly stands on its own merit. The Restaurant provides the most elegant setting, with its crystal chandelier-lit dining room and commanding bay windows—delight upon your choice of Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian, or western cuisine.

Cruise on an Omani Dhow

A dhow is a traditional Arabian wooden boat, which dates back to being used through the generations in Oman. The spectacular vessels are available for sunset cruises, dinner cruises, or even private charters for tourists. Dhows generally pass top tourist locations like the Sultan Palace, Al Bustan Palace , a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and Qantab. Several tour operators are available from Muscat Yacht Club, located at Marina Bander Al Rouda.

Eat Traditional Food at Bait Al Luban

Anthony Bourdain put the famed  Bait Al Luban  restaurant on the map after he visited Oman. ‘Al Luban’ translates to frankincense, which is a source of kindness and soothing atmosphere in Omani culture. Bait Al Luban offers an assortment of traditional Omani foods, including shuwa, a unique Omani specialty of meat slathered in a copious blend of oil and spices, wrapped in palm leaves, and cooked over hot flames underground for hours.

Snorkel in the Arabian Sea

With a host of pristine beaches to choose from, Muscat is a prime snorkeling destination for water enthusiasts. Coral Ocean Tours offers half-day trips where you can experience not only snorkeling with sea creatures but also a bit of dolphin watching! Oman is an emerging snorkeling destination, becoming one of the top choices in the world.

Shop 'til You Drop

One thing Muscat does not fall short of is shopping mall options. Oman Avenues Mall is one of the largest malls in Oman, composed of more than 72,000 square miles. It is made up of 150 international and regional brand shops, as well as having a gym, cinema, children’s entertainment center, and a bowling alley. If you don’t get enough of your shopping fix at Oman Avenues Mall, then head to one of the oldest malls in Muscat, City Centre Muscat . It is home to more than 220 international lifestyle brands, 24 international dining outlets such as Nando’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, as well as 10-screen VOX Cinemas, the largest in Oman.

Behold Bait Al Zubair Museum

Opened in 1998, Bait Al Zubair is one of the first heritage and cultural centers in Muscat. It houses one of the largest permanent art collections and artifacts in the country. The immaculate building is a sight to see, as it was one of the first recipients of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ Award for Architectural Excellence. It is made up of six separate buildings, a garden with a miniature Omani village, and an aflaj irrigation system (an ancient Omani water channel). 

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Oman Travel Guide: Ultimate 10-day Travel Itinerary

Oman is a country at the border of the United Arab Emirates. It’s a 1-hour flight from Dubai or a 9-hour flight from Amsterdam and brings you a real Arab experience. Oman has countless sand dunes, green ravines filled with palm trees, huge mountain ranges, emerald green natural pools, and a massive part of the country is located on the seaside. Read this complete Oman travel guide.

Oman is really well developed; the majority of the people speak English and are modern in their way of thinking. Infrastructure is one of the best out there, but they don’t want to be the next Dubai. The buildings that are built have the original Arab look with a modern touch. If that wasn’t convincing enough, the country is voted as one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world. This 10-day route will take you around the best highlights of Oman.

Oman Route Guide

Oman is a huge country, and to see the entire country, you will probably need 2-3 weeks. We narrowed it down to a 10-day self-driving route. This is one of the best countries to drive around yourself. The infrastructure is perfect, the people are super friendly, and petrol is affordable.

We recommend to rent a car in Oman through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Day 1 – 2: Explore Muscat

Muscat is Oman’s capital city and home to many expats. It hosts the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Muttrah Souq, and the Royal Opera House.

Sultan Qaboos Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is Oman’s most important spiritual site. This architectural masterpiece opened in 2001. It’s required for both men and women to wear long sleeve tops and long pants to the ankle. For women, bring a scarf to cover your hair.

The mosque’s entrance is free. It is open to non-muslims every day from 8 AM to 11 AM except Friday. Friday is prayers day.

Book a Muscat City Tour .

Muttrah Souq

Oman citizens are a big mix of Omani, Indian and African people. You can notice this at Muttrah souq where many shops are selling Omani and Indian items. But also everyday items you use in your kitchen.

Tip: Fridays and Saturdays are weekend days and some parts of the souq will be closed.

Read more: Best things to do in Oman

Lunch at Kargeen

The restaurant Kargeen is a small great hideout in the middle of the city. Escape from the heat of the sun and have a great lunch at this well-decorated place.

In Muscat, we stayed at the beautiful Kempinski Hotel Muscat .

Hotels in Muscat 😴

Go on a dolphin-spotting trip

Spend the morning on a boat spotting dolphins just out of Muscat. It is almost guaranteed that you will see dolphins. A morning tour should cost OMR 17 (45 USD).

Here are all your hotel options in Muscat.

Day 3 – 4: Muscat to Sur

After those first two days, drive down the perfect route towards the coastline. This is an easy 90-minute drive, all highway.

Tip: Wear or take swim clothing on this day.

Bimmah Sinkhole

After a good 90 minutes of driving, you will reach Bimmah Sinkhole. This is probably one of the most incredible natural swimming pools you will ever see. The water is a beautiful turquoise color and one of the best cooldowns during the heat of the day. The story lives that a meteor created the hole.

Find day trips to Bimmah Sinkhole

Wadi Shab meaning gorge between the cliff is a must-visit! From Bimmah Sinkhole, drive about 20 minutes to reach the parking spot.

Make sure to buy some extra water and head to the river. Pay 1 OMR to cross the river, from there it’s a 45 min walk to the swimming point. You will need about 3 – 4 hours here. Book a day trip here or find more information in the link down below.

Read more: 7 best things to do in Oman

Sur is formerly known as a trading point where the harbor did a lot of business with East Africa. Because of this, you will see a larger population of people of African ethnicity in this area.

Sur is a beautiful town surrounded by old architecture, visit the lighthouse, fort and see some of the real local life. Sur is also a good place to spend the night.

Tip: Have a good lunch at Zaki Restaurant .

Turtles nesting ground

At Ras Al Jinz, which is about 35 minutes from Sur, there is a protected turtle nesting area. You can visit the museum and join the turtle spotting tour during sunrise or after sunset. If you don’t want to drive back and forward to Sur, you can also spend the night here .

Hotels in Sur 😴

Day 5 – 6: Desert days

From Sur, follow your way to the desert and stop in between at Wadi Bani Khalid. Take a refreshing dip and drive to your desert camp in the Wahiba Sands. Most of the camps can be reached by driving a 4×4 yourself but do ask your host, they might arrange a pick-up. If you are planning to drive yourself, deflate your tires a bit at one of the local shops.

Plan to stay two nights in the desert, explore the area by car or by foot, go stargazing, and experience living between the dunes

Find all:   Desert Camps to stay

Hotels in Oman Desert 😴

Day 7 – 8: Nizwa

On day 7 you will drive the longest distance. Follow your journey to Birkat Al Mouz, one of the old villages surrounded by green banana plantations. Use around 1 hour to explore the ruins here. The drive from the desert takes about 2 hours.

From Birkat Al Mouz, drive to the historical town called Nizwa. See one of Oman’s oldest forts, Nizwa Fort, and wander around at Nizwa Souq. Read more about the fort in the link down below.

Book a Nizwa City Tour

The next morning, hop back in your car and drive to the Al Hamra region. Set course to Misfat Al Abriyeen, where you can spend the night at a homestay in a beautiful area. Make sure to be early, to fully experience the magical sunset.

Day 9 – 10: Cool down in the Mountains

One your last days, drive up to Jabal Akhdar and spend the night at 2000 meters above sea level. To drive up here you are required to have a 4×4 car. Same as Al Hamra, make sure to be there early to fully experience the sunset.

The next morning, enjoy a lovely breakfast before driving back to Muscat to catch your flight.

Getting around in Oman

Oman is probably one of the best countries to get around by yourself. Infrastructure is very, very good and fuel is cheap. To follow this 10-day Oman route guide you will need a 4×4 in the desert and up in the mountains. Renting a 4×4 costs around $950 for 10 days.

Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation doesn’t work in Oman, but on iOS, there’s another app called ‘Here we go’ which works perfectly.

Best time to visit Oman

Oman is best to visit during their winter, which runs from October until March. The temperature will be between 20 and 30 degrees. Summer temperatures go anywhere from 35 to 50 degrees.

If you’re planning to visit the mountains like Jabal Akhdar, you should plan a visit in summer when temperatures rise from 0 in winter to 30 in summer.

Food in Oman

The food in Oman is a mix of Arabian and Indian kitchens. You will mostly find delicious bread, curries, dates, and kebabs.

Oman Route Guide: Oman Visa

Getting a visa in Oman is super easy. E-visa can be requested online . It will cost you around $45 per visa, depending on the country you are from. It takes anywhere from 2 days to 1 week to receive your visa via email.

Order your Visa online here

What to wear in Oman

Oman is very modern and open in what you wear. They don’t give you a set of clothing rules once you enter the country. It is respectful to always cover up your upper body, shoulders, and wear shorts or skirts over your knees.

Again, Omani people are very modern and they will only really ask you to cover up when you are on a religious site.

Costs of traveling in Oman

Oman is not a budget travel country. Prices change depending on the kind of comfort you would like.

Costs of Traveling in Oman

Travel on a budget in Oman, from $230 − $140 USD weekly per person, mid-range $830 − $1950 USD, and high-end from $1860 − $2580 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $50 − $120 USD Check available hotels
• Car Rental: $65 − $140 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $20 − $60 USD
• Activities: $10 − $40 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Be advised: Drones in Oman are not allowed without a license.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Cheap Flights via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

7 Best Things To Do in Oman

Renting a car in oman in 2024: all you need to know.

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ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

21 best things to do in Muscat (Oman) + Map

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Discover the 21+ best things to do in Muscat,  Oman to help you plan your itinerary!  All the amazing  places to visit in Muscat to choose from, depending on what you like: architecture, history, water, nature… A complete guide to plan your visit to Muscat with map, tips, photos and day trips. 

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Oman:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Oman: DiscoverCars

My favorite adventure from Muscat: Dolphin and Snorkeling

My favorite excursion from Muscat: Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole

My favorite places to stay:

• Muscat , the capital – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: The Chedi
• Sur , for the turtles – see the best rated hotels
• Khasab , Musandam peninsula – see the best rated hotels
• Wahiba Sands , in the desert – see the best rated hotels or my favorite camp: Desert Nights Resort

Best things to do in Muscat – Short answer

In the article below, I am describing all my favorite things to do in Muscat in terms of Architecture, Nature, culture…

But if you want a short answer, I think the top 3 Must-do in Muscat Oman are:

• Touring the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
• Exploring the old town in the Muttrah area with the Souq and fish market
• Hiking in the hills to see the unique city from a higher viewpoint

VIDEO: one day in Muscat

And before I develop, you can watch this short video to give you a feel of what you could see in Muscat in just one day:

Some of those places to see in Muscat even made my list of top things to do in Oman !

More ideas and photos after the planning tips.

Where to stay in Muscat & Where to go – Map & Tips

Tourism map of muscat, oman.

It is not so easy to get oriented in the Capital City and find all the places to see in Muscat. The city is spread and separated by hills. To help you, I have drawn a map and collected information about transport options.

Below is a map I draw with the various touristic areas of Muscat and the main things to do in each.

Find all my favorite places (with GPS coordinates, tips and maps) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Oman road trip :

Plan your dream trip in Oman thanks to my guide

• 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 190+ pre-selected locations
• Tips to make the most of your time
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• 100+ original photos to help you choose

How long to visit Muscat

Here are a few points to keep in mind when planning your trip to Muscat Oman.

• Several attractions in Muscat are only open in the morning
• The city is scattered
• I recommend staying at least 2 days to explore the city (hotel recommendation later in the article)

Best areas to stay in Muscat

You can stay near:

• Al Qurum beach to enjoy evening walks on the sands,
• or in Muttrah for more traditional restaurant and experience 
• The cheaper options are in the Ruwi area.

Muscat Hotel suggestions

• PRACTICAL  – The  Coral Muscat Hotel and Apartments  is a great location for a base with spacious facilities and with an apartment you can have more freedom –  Check out photos and book
• MODERN & GOOD VALUE  – The  Centara MuscatHotel is not near the beach so has good value deals with really good accommodations –  Check out photos and prices
• LUXURY  and CHARM – Located by the beach,  The Chedi Muscat  is displays Sumptuous decor and a unique atmosphere – it brings the local architecture styles with modern concept –  Check out photos and prices
• The WELL KNOWN BRAND  – The  Grand Hyatt Muscat  has a great location by the beach and all the facilities you could need –  Check out photos and prices
• CHEAPER OPTION BY THE BEACH  – The  Al Ferdous apartments  offer a great price alternative for those you still want to stay very close to the beach –  Check out photos and prices
• or  Check out the best rated accommodations in Muscat

Where to stay in Oman?

My favorites on a road trip:

• Muscat –  capital city –   see best rated accommodations
• Nizwa  – to explore the forts and hinterlands –  see best rated accommodations
• Sur –  for the turtles, beaches, wadis… –  see best rated accommodations
• Wahiba Sands  – for the experience of sleeping in the desert –  see best rated accommodations
• Salalah  – to explore the Southern lands –  see best rated accommodations
• Khasab  – to explore the Musandam Peninsula –  see best rated accommodations

ARCHITECTURAL TOP 3 – What to see in Muscat

#1 – sultan qaboos grand mosque.

If there is one place to visit in Muscat, it is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It is an architectural masterpiece both from the outside and from the inside. It is the absolute top thing to do in Muscat.

Discover many more photos and Information to plan your visit in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque  article.

#2 – Royal Opera House Muscat

Another recent building in Muscat is the Royal Opera House. With handcrafted decors all around, you might not even notice how technical the building is, but is it also a masterpiece in that sense. This is why the Opera is one of the main places to visit in Muscat either as a tourist or for a performance.

Discover many more photos and Information to plan your visit in the Royal Opera House article .

#3 – Forts and Palace

The heart of Muscat is around the Sultan’s Qasr Al Alam palace and the two 16th century Portuguese forts of Al Jilali and Al Mirani. They are not open to the public, but you can admire them from outside.

Discover many more photos and information to plan your visit in the Forts and Palace article.

Other Mosques

There are many more mosques in Muscat. Most of them are not opened to the non-muslims. However, you can go to Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque, well rated in trip advisor. 

BEACHES – 3 Muscat Beaches and water attractions

#4 – qurum beach.

Qurum beach (or by its full name Shatti al-Qurum) is the main beach in Muscat. It is a long stretch of Golden sand where locals come relax during the weekend. 

Inside Muscat, you can also find a small beach at Kalbuh, East of the old town corniche.

To find other Muscat beaches, you have to go a little out of town. You can enjoy: Qantab beach, Sifah beach, Bandar Jissah, Yiti beach…

#5 – Boat excursion to the Bandar Khayran Reserve or the coast

Another great thing to do in Muscat is to discover the shores of the South by boat. From the Al Rowdha Marina, you can take 2 or 3-hour tours including dolphin watch, snorkeling, or just enjoying the work of erosion during daytime or at sunset.

Discover many more photos and information to plan your visit in the Muscat Boat tours  article.

Or you can already book – see all boat tour options

#6 – Boat excursion to the Daymaniyat islands

And if you love snorkeling or diving, book a boat tour to the Daymaniyat islands. The rocky islets have turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Learn more in my article .

Or see Daymaniyat island tour options

Need to rent a car in Oman?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
• Consider their full coverage option – for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

CULTURAL – 2 Muscat Attractions

There are many other attractions in Muscat you should consider. Some are touristic, others are less, but here there are:

#7 – Fish Market

If you want to glimpse at the life of Omani people, the Fish market is a must place to visit. Active early morning, you can see the boats arriving, the fish being sold and then prepared. It is one of my favorite activities in Muscat but wearing closed shoes!!!

Discover many more photos and information to plan your visit in the Muscat Fish Market article.

#8 – Muscat old city and Souq

Not far from the Fish Market, you can walk through the old city and the Souq, especially the gold section.

Discover many more photos and information to plan your visit in the Muscat Corniche and Souq article .

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

NATURE – 4 highlights of Muscat Tourism

#9 – corniche.

Not far from the fish market, you can walk through the old town and the souk, especially the gold section. Next to the souk there is a long walking path along the water called The Corniche.

#10 – Muttrah – Riyam Hike – Unique thing to do in Muscat

If you want to move a little and capture some great views of the city, you can hike above Riyam. It is an original activity in Muscat to get away from the crowds. Discover many more photos and information to plan your hike in Muscat .

I think it is one of the most unique things to do in Muscat with the most scenic places.

#11 – Riyam Park

The Riyam park is great for a stroll. It includes 2 hills giving scenic views of mountains and the corniche. There are also a great playground for children.

In the photo, it is the green area under the Incense Burner Tower.

#12 – Qurum natural park & beach

Another classic is the Qurum Natural Park located in the Qurum residential area. A well-maintained park in the heart of the city. You can also drive in the hills behind the park for more views of Muscat.

MUSEUMS – 11 Places to visit in Muscat

When in Muscat and was not in the mood for museums, having just lost my brother . However, I have researched them intensively and collected a list of you. First some notes:

• Raters on Tripadvisor have placed Bait Az-Zubair and the Armed Forces Museums in the list of top things to see in Muscat.
• The National museum has now opened in its new building (since december 2015). Apparently it is really modern so it might make soon the top list.
• As those museums do not have official websites, it is difficult to make sure you have the proper opening hours. I did my best, but cannot ensure those are correct.

And here is the list.

#13 – Armed Forces Museum

• In Ruwi – Al Mujamma St
• Weapons, clothing, instruments and defence systems
• 8AM-1PM / 3PM-6PM

#14 – Bait Al Barandah Museum

• In Mutrah – Al-Mina St
• History of Muscat since its geological formation to the present
• Sat-Thur: 9AM-1PM / 4PM-6PM

#15 – Bait Az-Zubair Museum

• In Mutrah – Al Saidiya Street
• Omani artefacts and collectables: weapons, jewellery, clothing, household item…
• Sat-Thur: 9:30AM-6PM

#16 – Muscat Gate

• In Mutrah – On Al Bahri Road
• Oman’s history from the Neolithic times to the present + view of the Corniche
• Sat-Thur: 9:30AM-11:30AM / 4:30PM-7PM

#17 – Natural History Museum

• In Al Khuwayr
• In the Ministry of Heritage and Culture building – Oman’s geography and geology, flora and fauna
• Sat-Thur: 8AM-1PM

#18 – National Museum

• In the Center – Al Saidiya St
• Oman culture – jewellery, crafts and Omani ships

#19 – Oil & Gas Exhibition Centre

• In Al Qurum – Sayh Al Malih St
• Processes of formation, exploitation and processing of how crude oil and natural gas
• 7AM-12PM / 1PM – 4PM / Thur: 7AM-12PM

#20 – Omani Heritage Museum

• In Al Alam Street
• Relics of ancient civilizations: stone tombs, rock carvings, agricultural tools, stone necklaces…
• 9:30AM-1:30PM / 5PM-7PM

#21 – Omani-French Museum

• In Center – Qasr al-Alam St
• History and documents related to the relationship between France and Oman 
• 9AM-1PM most of the year + 4-7PM Oct to Mar

#22 – Planetarium

• Planetarium
• Sun – Thu: 8AM – 3PM

#23 – Currency Museum

• In Ruwi – In the Central Bank of Oman
• Succession of currencies circulated in the Sultanate of Oman, both paper and metal
• Sat- Wed: 8:30AM -12:30PM

Muscat sightseeing – how to get around (transport options)

My experience of taxis in Oman was not really good. Mostly because they only knew the major sights, but not the streets. Apparently, they do that part time, so their knowledge of the city is limited. But if you drive only between major sights, airports and main hotels it should be ok.

You have to agree on the price beforehand. There is a plan to introduce meters, but it is not yet implemented… Between the various areas of the city it should not be more than 5 to 10 OR.

Not really buses, the baisa buses are minivans not clearly marked. If you want to attempt it I recommend asking locals.

Tourist bus

Hop on Hop off Bus by BigBus – considering the spread of the city, it is quite practical. The first bus departs Mutrah Souq at 9am and buses depart every 30 minutes until 5pm (last return at Mutrah Souq at 6:45pm). Timings are subject to change, especially during Ramadan (and with Covid)

Driving in Muscat

I was really surprised how easy it is to drive in Muscat. The roads are in excellent conditions, people are courteous and calm. The old town is where sometimes there are traffic jams, but otherwise, I think it is a good solution. For more information, check out my article dedicating to Driving in Oman .

Organized tours / private guide

You can also join organized half day or day tours or book with a private guide . In that case, you just have to sit back, relax and follow the guide. For a full day private tour of the city, count 200 to 300 USD.

5 Day trips from Muscat

If you have some more days in Muscat but don’t want to go on a round trip one of the things to do in join a day trip. Many are possible and below is a selection of the best ones.

For guided day trips from Muscat, I wrote a dedicated article to help chose with my selection of the best destinations.

Sink Hole and Wadi Shab

Wadi Shab is one of my favorite locations in Oman. You can hike one hour through the canyon and finish by swimming. Absolutely stunning! If you have time this is a must do!

On the way back you can stop at the Sink hole; which is very easily accessed from the main road down to Sur. It is a hole in the ground filled with beautiful water and bordered by the sea on one side and mountains on the other.

Discover many more photos and information to plan your trip with dedicated articles to the Bimmah Sink Hole and Wadi Shab

See options & book

Jebel Shams

A classic among tourists stopping one day in Muscat on their cruise, is to get up to Jebel Shams, also known as the grand canyon of Oman.Discover many more photos and info to plan your trip in the Jebel Shams article.

See options and book

Nizwa is another large city in Oman. The drive will be 1h30min. In the center of the city, you can discover a beautiful Souq, the castle with many cultural displays and climb to the top of the fort for breathtaking views of the oasis. Discover many more photos and information to plan your trip in the Nizwa fort and Nizwa Souq articles

See options

Wadi Bani Khalid and Wahiba sands

If you don’t mind a longer day tour with a lot of driving, you can reach Wadi Bani Khalid and the sand dunes of Wahiba Sands. Plan 2h30 drive in each direction. Long, but it gives you 3 unique landscapes of Oman in one day: city, wadi and desert!

Discover many more photos and information to plan your trip in the Wahiba Sands  and Wadi Bani Khalid articles

Book a day trip from Muscat or an overnight stay – see options

Rustaq Loop

For those who love forts and castles, it is a 1h30 min drive to reach Rustaq from Muscat. Do some better planning than me and don’t go on a Friday. I was there at prayer time, all the local men were going inside but I could not…

You can also do many day trips to the surrounding beaches along the North and South coast of the many but less known wadis everywhere. The list would be too long.

Off road / Off the beaten path

And if you are adventurous, there are also other places to discover in a 4WD: the plateau of Salmah and its tombs, the village of Wakan…

Holidays in Muscat – Itinerary (2, 4 days or more)

2 days in muscat.

If you have only 2 days in Muscat, I recommend staying in the city rather and going on day trips. There is much to experience:

• Morning 1 –  explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
• Afternoon 1 – Hike between Riyam and Mutrah – if you can’t head by car to the forts and palace and visit a museum
• Morning 2 – explore the Mutrah Souq & Fish market
• Afternoon 2 – enjoy a boat tour to see the town from the distance of relax at the beach

Oman itinerary 4 days – based in Muscat

If you are lucky enough to have a little more time, I recommend alternating days in the city and day trips

• Day 1 – Grand Mosque and Hike
• Day 2 – day trip to Wadi Shab
• Day 3 – Mutrah Souq and boat tour
• Day 4  day trip Wahiba Sands or to some forts depending on your interests

Oman itinerary – road trip

However, I think the best way to experience Oman is to go on a road trip and stay in different cities. If you are looking for a practical travel guide to help you plan your trip in Oman, check out my Travel Guide eBook:

Muscat FAQs

Is muscat worth visiting.

Absolutely. It is nothing like other capital cities. The white houses between the bare hilly landscapes are mesmerizing.

What is famous in Muscat?

The most famous buildings are the Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Royal Opera.

Is it safe to travel to Muscat?

Muscat is overall, a safe city. It is a capital city, so always use common sense and typical protection behavior. Omani people are welcoming and open. As long as you are respectful, there is no issue.

What to wear in Muscat

Like everywhere in Oman, you should cover at least your shoulders and knees (women and men). Muscat is more relaxed, but I think it is always better to show respect for customs.

Is Muscat better than Dubai?

Both cities are so different, there is no way to compare. I prefer Muscat, but it is because I prefer Nature to shopping, and quiet places.

Want to see more of Oman?

• Best Things to do in Oman – read article
• Best of photos from Oman – Landscapes – read article
• Where to stay in Oman –  read article
• Best days trips from Muscat – read article
• Planning a road trip in Oman – read article
• Driving in Oman – read article
• The impressive Wadi Shab – read article
• The Bimmah Sinkhole – read article
• The Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve – read article

Planning a trip to Oman?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

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Reader Interactions

January 14, 2016 at 4:25 AM

This is amazing! My friend is on her honeymoon at the moment in Oman and I was curious as to why – after reading this now I know!

January 14, 2016 at 12:59 PM

Ahah. When I was telling people where I was going, I had those who said ‘this is a country?’ and the others who were ‘what is there to see, desert?’. Yes Oman is beautiful and has a lot of variety. I hope your friend is having a great time. Thanks for your comment Laura.

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Discover the Enchanting Allure of Muscat, Oman

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Practical tips and advice for travelers visiting Muscat, covering topics such as visa requirements, local customs, transportation options, safety tips, and more.

Dive into the rich history, cultural heritage, and modern charm of Muscat, offering an overview of the city's landmarks, attractions, and unique features that make it a must-visit destination.

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Delve into the culinary scene of Muscat, offering recommendations for top restaurants, local eateries, and must-try dishes, allowing visitors to indulge in the vibrant flavors of Omani cuisine.

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From spectacular mountains, wind-blown deserts and a pristine coastline, Oman is the obvious choice for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still sensing its ancient soul.

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What To Do In Muscat Oman: A 3-Day Muscat Itinerary

12 feb 2024 06 nov 2018 | dan.

Whether you’re on a city break, a stopover, or setting out on a longer adventure, find out what to do in Oman’s capital with our 3-Day Muscat itinerary.

Muscat, the sweeping, mountain-backed capital of Oman, is the unassuming gateway to one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the Middle East.

Wedged along a 50-kilometre strip of coast between the sparkling Gulf of Oman and the stark brown rises of the Al Hajar mountain range, Muscat is a striking blend of ancient and modern, with a low-key vibe and an authenticity all its own.

In this post, we explore some of the top places to go in Muscat, with a suggested 3-Day Muscat itinerary that takes in the historic old city, the bustling port town of Mutrah, the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and sunset aboard a traditional dhow boat.

Understated though it might be, Muscat is a great place to ‘meet’ Oman, and get a feel for the country’s past, its culture and its people, whether you’re touching down for a brief visit, or setting out on a longer Oman adventure.

Day 1 – Explore Historic Old Muscat

Old Muscat is the city’s historic heartland: the original Muscat. Fortified by mountains, sea and 400-year-old walls and watchtowers, Old Muscat’s low-rise white buildings offset the jagged, mustard-coloured hills surrounding it.

There’s accommodation right across Muscat, but we opted to stay in the buzzing port town of Mutrah, which is centrally located between the major destinations on our travel playlist.

It’s around 3-kilometres from Mutrah to the starting point of our first day’s itinerary: the  Muscat Gate Museum . Our plan involves walking back to Mutrah this afternoon, so grab a cab (we negotiated a OMR2 ride) to the museum.

Muscat Gate Museum is a tiny gallery exploring Oman’s history. As Muscat attractions go, this one won’t rock your world, although there are some interesting exhibits on the country’s clever systems for managing water in a parched environment.

But the unusual building straddling Al Bahri Road marks the original, 17th-century city gateway and walls, so it’s a fitting spot to start our tour of Old Muscat.

From the museum, wander down to  Bait Al Zubair Museum . This oasis is one of the best things to do in Muscat: a beautiful traditional Omani home, restored and reopened as a private collection of Omani culture and artefacts, from weaponry to furnishings and costumes.

There’s also a contemporary art gallery and a café on site. It’s easy to while away the time here. When we finally sat down to a steaming cup of Omani coffee and dates, we realised we’d lingered much longer than anticipated.

Top Tip:  Look out for the wind tower in the café space, a traditional means of cooling homes in this scorching landscape. If you’re road tripping Oman, you’ll notice these rectangular wind towers on top of homes right around the country.

As a result, we decided to leave our next planned stop, the  National Museum , for another visit. Depending on how you’re travelling though, this sweeping, modern gallery is by all accounts an excellent and engaging introduction to Oman’s long and epic history and culture.

Alternatively, you could check out the nearby  Omani-French Museum , a niche option that explores the historical relationship between Oman and France.

A 10-minute stroll from Bait Al Zubair brings you to the gates of  Al Alam , the ceremonial palace of Oman’s king, Sultan Qaboos.

While the Sultan’s palace isn’t open to the public, you can take pics of the elegant blue and gold facade from the front gate. If you have time, head back here at night to see the palace lit up.

To the left of the front gate, a side street goes to the harbour, passing between the palace and the 16th-century Portuguese  Al Mirani Fort .

Make your way down here and spend some time taking in the columned palace from this angle, as well as  Al Jalali   Fort  across the water (neither Al Mirani nor Al Jalali forts are generally accessible to the public, although with some planning, you can apply for a permit to visit Al Jalali).

As the afternoon rolls on, it’s time to start making the slow walk back to Mutrah, along the famous  Mutrah   Corniche .

More and more locals will start emerging as the temps cool, making the Corniche a lively place to wander in the late afternoon and early evening.

En route, you’ll come to  Kalbuh Park , a pretty waterside spot that’s popular with young families and couples. We hung out here until the lights of the Corniche came on and the sky over the mountains behind Muscat turned orange.

You can continue your Corniche amble all the way back to Mutrah as we did, or flag a cab for the final leg.

There are lots of options for dinner in Mutrah. We were keen for some authentic Omani fare, so we made our way to popular  Bait Al Luban .

There, we feasted on barbecued skewers called Mishkaks, a flavour-filled firepit-cooked meat dish called Shuwa, and a delicious Omani chicken curry called Saloonat Dijaj.

Day 2 – Wander Through Buzzing Mutrah

For our second day in Muscat, we’re staying local and exploring the traditional trading hub of  Mutrah .

The busy town is famous for its market, as well as twilight wanders along the Corniche. But there are also a handful of other attractions worth checking out among the traditional merchant homes.

Start your day at the  Mutrah Fish Market , at the western end of the Corniche. If you’re early enough, you’ll find Muscat’s fisherman offloading the day’s catch from their colourful dhows.

Inside the spanking new fish market building, locals haggle over rows of ice-packed stainless steel trays piled high with fresh seafood, as wiley cats watch on hopefully.

We’re told all that gleaming new chrome doesn’t have quite the same character as the fishy old market, but it’s still interesting to watch the action.

Just down the road, the vendors of  Mutrah Souq  are rolling up their shutters for the morning market.

We visited the souq both in the morning and in the evening, and found it to be much livelier at night, so we’d recommend leaving the labyrinthine passageways until tonight.

Take the opportunity though, to have a gander at the glittering treasures of the  Gold Souq  while it’s still relatively quiet, before continuing on along the Corniche and past the imposing 16th-century  Mutrah Fort  (it’s not open to the public unfortunately).

Just past the fort, you’ll come across the  Ghalya Museum of Modern Art . This charming and quirky little traditional home weaves a maze through the rooms and memorabilia of one family’s personal story. The wander winds up in a small gallery of contemporary artworks.

By now the heat will have well and truly settled, so take the opportunity to lunch indoors or head to one of Mutrah’s museums, like the impressive  Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum  or the folksy  Bait Al Baranda .

When the temps start to cool, it’s time to get back out on the Corniche and wander down to  Reyani Park  with the locals.

Climb up the  Riyam Park Monument , affectionately known as the ‘incense burner’, for sunset views over Mutrah, the mountains and the seafront.

Grab dinner at one of the open air restaurants on Mutrah Corniche tonight. We opted for simple but tasty plates of shwarma and glasses of spicy lime juice.

Juice Nation:  While a cold beer might feel like just the ticket at the end of a hot day exploring Muscat, you won’t find booze on most menus: it’s against the law to drink or be drunk in public in Oman (check your country’s travel advice for more detail on this). The silver lining is that, in addition to amazing Omani coffee and delicious tea, fresh fruit juices are king here. Our absolute favourite bevvie in Muscat was a fresh lime juice spiced with blended jalapeños. We stopped to sip it and people watch pretty much every day at the Fast Food N’ Juice Centre next to Mutrah Souq.

Day 3 – Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Enjoy A Sunset Dhow Cruise

An absolute must-see on any Muscat itinerary is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Located around 25-kilometres to the west of Mutrah, this is Oman’s principal mosque: a vast and exquisitely decorated sandstone building set within lush gardens and surrounded by tiled arcades.

Commissioned by Sultan Qaboos in the 1990s, the mosque’s various spaces can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers at a time (you’ll notice hundreds and hundreds of shelves in the arcades all over the grounds, where shoes are deposited before entering the mosque).

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque  is an active house of worship, so it’s only open for visitors between 8am and 11am each morning, and it’s closed on Fridays.

Take a cab from Mutrah to the mosque in time for opening, and aim to spend a couple of hours here.

Culture Spotting:  As you travel to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque from Mutrah or Old Muscat, keep an eye out for the beautiful Islamic-Italianate-style  Royal Opera House  on your right. The Opera House has a  calendar of events  year-round, so if you have an evening free while you’re visiting Muscat, maybe check out what’s on.

The highlight of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is hands down the ornate interior of the main musalla (prayer hall), and its delicately tiled mihrab (a wall niche indicating the direction of Mecca).

The magnificent Persian carpet here was once the world’s largest. Likewise, the 8.5-tonne crystal chandelier suspended from the beautiful dome above.

Both titles were recently conceded to the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi; a fact that takes nothing away from these extraordinary handcrafted creations.

Back outside, take the opportunity to wander the beautiful courtyards of the mosque.

The arcades surrounding the main building are decorated with tiled niches showcasing the evolution and diversity of zellij – mosaic tilework – from across the Middle East (there are small plaques in English explaining the origins and history of the tilework in each arcade).

Dressing for the mosque: Oman is a conservative country and while tourists are given a bit of leeway when it comes to what we wear, it’s respectful to take a cue from the locals and dress appropriately. For women, this means not wearing tight or revealing clothing generally, but especially when it comes to visiting mosques. Wear loose, airy clothing (it’s better in the heat anyway), and bring a scarf, as you will also be required to cover your hair. Guys should cover their knees and shoulders. Everyone must remove their shoes before entering the mosque. We’ve written in more detail about what to wear in our  post on planning a trip to Oman .

With the sun approaching its zenith, it’s time to head indoors for a couple of hours. If you’d like to stay local, the  Natural History Museum  is a short cab ride away. Or maybe find a good spot for lunch.

We had already organised through our hotel to join a  sunset dhow cruise  in the late afternoon on Day 3, including transfers from our hotel. So we made our way back to Mutrah to chill out until the sun started to drop.

History spotting:  If your sunset dhow cruise departs from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha south-east of Old Muscat, you may pass the historic dhow boat – the  Sohar  – en route. The Sohar is a replica of a dhow that was built and sailed 6,000 nautical miles from Oman to China, by a sailor named Abdullah Bin Gasm, more than 1,200 years ago! This version, which is permanently dry-docked in the middle of the Al Bustan Palace roundabout, was commissioned for a reenactment of the epic sea voyage in 1980.

It was still scorching hot when our beautiful dhow boat set off in the late afternoon from Marina Banda Al Rowdha, to cruise along the coastline along Old Muscat and Mutrah.

But with the sun dropping behind the Al Hajar mountains, and the sky turning molten gold, we reckon this is the perfect way to wind up an awesome 3-day Muscat itinerary.

Finish up your Muscat sightseeing tonight with a final Omani meal. We cheated and returned to Bait Al Luban, but for alternatives, check out this post over at Migrationology on  recommended eats in Muscat  for food lovers.

Got More Time To Explore Muscat & Surrounds?

With an extra day or two in Muscat, we recommend getting out on the water again for some scuba diving and/or dolphin watching (whale watching is also possible in season).

Oman is home to a handful of outstanding dive locations, including the World Heritage Daminiyat Islands, and the reefs and wrecks of Bandar Kharyan just south of Old Muscat, where we spent a day beneath the waves with  Extra Divers Qantab .

Want to know what its like to go scuba diving in Oman?  Read about our experience here .

With even more time, you could hire a car and explore some of the nearby highlights of Oman’s northeast on day trips from Muscat, like stunning Wadi Shab or historic Nizwa.

Check out our  2-week self-guided road trip itinerary for Oman  for our suggestions on where to visit and what to do with a fortnight in this amazing country.

Good To Know

Getting there and away:  Muscat International Airport (which used to be called Seeb International Airport) is located around 30km from the Old City. We arranged a transfer from the airport to our hotel in Mutrah for around OMR12.

It’s also a fairly straightforward journey to get to Muscat overland from Dubai in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, but this will take the better part of a day and bus tickets can only be bought on the ground.

Getting around:  Muscat edges the Gulf of Oman for some 50km. With limited public transport, that means the easiest way to get around is to hire a car, or hire a car and driver, or flag cabs for rides around the city.

If you’re keen on doing day trips from Muscat, you can also arrange for a car and driver in most hotels, and taxi drivers will also offer private trips and tours just about anywhere.

Where to stay in Muscat:  There are plenty of accommodation options across Muscat, from simple hotels in Mutrah to high-end beach resorts in the city’s west. We tried both, with our costs ranging from around US$50 to US$150 for double rooms with ensuite. Accommodation in Muscat is easily booked online through the mainstream booking engines.

For tips and advice on prepping for and travelling in Oman, including more detail on getting around and accommodation, check out our  planning post .

We hope you found our Muscat itinerary helpful! If you want to know more about visiting this beautiful corner of the Middle East, head over to our Oman page for all of our  Oman travel blog posts .

And if you’ve got any questions or comments about this post, we’d love to hear from you, just pop your thoughts in the comments box below!

2 thoughts on “What To Do In Muscat Oman: A 3-Day Muscat Itinerary”

I’m looking forward to visit Muscat soon , one of the smost beautiful cities in the Middle East, I’m told !

Hi han mu kang, it most definitely is a beautiful place to visit – we hope you have a wonderful time! Thanks for checking out our post!

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How to Spend Three Days in Muscat: An In-Depth Itinerary

Muscat is a city with a very long history. In fact, archeologists have discovered evidence that people have been living in the area since 6000 BC, though it wasn’t till later that the area grew in prominence, in large part thanks to its coastal location. 

It was its maritime promise that first attracted the attention of the Portuguese, who held sway over the city for two centuries, building a couple of notable forts that can still be seen today, perched atop cliffs, guarding the old harbor. 

In contrast to these very noticeable symbols of Oman’s past are the modern monuments built to emphasize its future. These draw on traditional Muslim design but utilize the most up-to-date structural innovations. 

Largely, these bold steps are the work of the late sultan, Qaboos bin Said, who was a beacon of forward-thinking light in an often depressingly conservative part of the world. Indeed, Muscat’s foremost architectural marvels, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House, were both commissioned by him and given as a gift from this benevolent leader to the nation.

Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, most locals and expats living in Oman will tell you, quite rightly, that the sultanate is one of the more progressive places you can visit. 

Certainly, there are still restrictions regarding consumption of alcohol and proper attire (more on that at the bottom of the page), but on the whole, women are afforded a great deal more freedom. The country has a lax view of Islamic prohibitions on things like the cohabitation of unmarried men and women.

Oman is also unlike neighbors, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, in that it has consciously attempted to curb the unfettered growth of skyscrapers to preserve the country’s native aesthetic. In fact, there is a law banning buildings over a certain height, which is why Muscat’s tallest structure is the modestly tall 90-meter-high minaret of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. 

For visitors, this creates the strange impression of a city that has at once modernized and yet seems not to have grown up, literally. Of course, there are flashy malls with all the most desirable fashion brands – no one could deny that Muscat has its haute couture and mod cons – but these are held in check by a desire to preserve a certain respect for the nation’s heritage.

Perhaps this is why we can’t recommend Oman enough as a place to visit. The truth is it is woefully underexplored, but hopefully this Muscat itinerary will help open your eyes to the wonderful mixture of history, modernity and natural splendor that awaits.

How Many Days to Spend in Muscat

Muscat can probably be explored in a day, possibly a day and a half – though of course, if you want to spend some downtime relaxing on the beach, three days could fly by in an instant! However, the Omani capital is a great base to make day trips into the less-developed interior of the country, where some of the most interesting historical sights lie.

Bearing that in mind, we would suggest spending three days in Muscat, with the first day devoted to exploring the city itself; ranging from the old town center in the east to the modern hub in the west.

The second day can be used to travel inland, towards the impressive forts of Nizwa, which will give you a glimpse into the conflicts and culture that have defined Oman. As part of this excursion, you can also check out some of the country’s most impressive natural monuments, such as the mountain of Jebel Shams and Oman’s answer to the Grand Canyon.

Finally, finish up your trip with a day devoted purely to getting a taste of the wild beauty of the country with some hiking and swimming in the nearby Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole. 

Day One: From Mosque to Mutrah

Rather than delay pleasure like a child hoarding sweets, we often prefer to start city visits with a trip to the most impressive attraction. In the case of Muscat, this is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which rises out of the landscape like a frosting-covered cake. 

Approximately 300,000 tons of sandstone were used to construct this beauty, which is not only the largest mosque in the country, but also has the tallest structure in Oman. The 90-meter-high central minaret is flanked by four further minarets at each corner of the building. This quintet is meant to represent the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting (particularly during Ramadan) and pilgrimage (notably to Mecca).

This is not a centuries-old mosque of historical importance like you can find elsewhere in the world, but it is an apt symbol for today’s Oman. The building was opened in 2001 to coincide with the 30th year of Qaboos bin Said’s reign and was given as a gift to the people from the sultan. Its design draws on traditional Islamic concepts, nodding to the nation’s age-old culture, while at the same time showing off all the grandeur and modernity that the architects could muster.

Entrance is completely free, as is normal for most mosques. Make sure you dress appropriately before leaving your hotel, as visitors are expected to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover the arms and legs, while women must cover their hair.

Surrounding the mosque are some well-kept, if rather staid gardens. You can wander through these for a quiet moment of contemplation or hurry on towards the giant latticed dome. As you stroll about the exterior, keep an eye out for the numerous examples of Arabic script carved into the geometric patterns that adorn the walls and elegant arches. 

There are also many nods to the different Islamic aesthetic traditions that have flourished throughout history, from Egypt to Persia. Realistically, these are going to be hard for you to spot on your own, but we found the volunteers on-site very friendly, helpful and happy to answer a whole heap of questions while also highlighting some of the subtleties that we would definitely have missed on our own.

We have to confess to only sparing a brief moment for the women and children’s prayer hall, preferring instead to focus our attention on the piece de resistance: the main prayer hall, which can accommodate 6,500 worshippers. 

You’ll have to remove your shoes and store them on one of the shoe racks before entering – which only seems respectful, not just because the building is a mosque, but because you’ll be stepping across a carpet that allegedly took 600 Khorasan weavers four years to complete. That incredible amount of time is perhaps not surprising considering the carpet is composed of 1.7 billion knots and weighs a total of 21 tons. 

Those are some impressive figures, but the truth is you probably won’t be looking down but up, at what is the world’s second-largest chandelier. This dazzling light fixture, masterminded by Italian company Faustig, is made up of 600,000 gold-trimmed Swarovski crystals. 

These glitter off the turquoise geometric designs and stained-glass windows that line the dome. Worthy of the ballroom from Beauty and the Beast, this fairytale chandelier is mirrored by 34 miniature versions that are dotted throughout the hall.

Immediately facing the main doors to the prayer hall is an elaborate mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca), featuring honeycomb vaulting and brilliant blue ceramic tiles.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is located in the modern part of Muscat where some of the city’s trendiest shopping malls have their addresses. Also situated in the new area, slightly further east, is the Royal Opera House. 

Even if you’re not a fan of this form of musical drama, the building itself is a grandiose stunner. Like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, it’s a vision in white on the outside, while the inside features gleaming creamy marble accented with elaborately carved wood – we were particularly impressed by the fabulous high ceiling.

You can explore the opera house on one of the daily tours, but if you are an opera fan, book a ticket for an evening performance. The dress code is strictly business suits, dinner jackets or dishdashas for men, while women are expected to wear evening dress, lending a wonderful sense of occasion to the visit.

Now you’ve seen some of the highlights of modern Muscat, it’s time to head over to the older parts of town. Oman was famous in the olden days for its frankincense. Today, this can still be purchased in Muttrah’s souk, a market filled with tourist souvenirs as well as numerous herbs and spices. 

Even if you have no intention of buying a thing, it’s still worth venturing through the maze of stalls to experience the Middle Eastern tradition of the bazaar.

Much more relaxing, however, is a stroll along the Mutrah Corniche. This promenade provides pleasant walks beside the sea – somewhat disrupted by the busy main road that lies beside it. 

If you head to the western end of the corniche in the mornings, you can watch locals haggle over freshly caught seafood at the Muttrah Fish Market. Though there’s been a fish market here for many years, it has recently been relocated into a thoroughly modern structure, designed by a Norwegian architectural firm.

Keep traveling east and you’ll come to the area that’s known as Old Muscat. This is where the city first began to germinate, but today it feels much sleepier than the more modern Muscat where the grand mosque and opera house are located.

This area contains some of the country’s best museums, a couple of 16th-century forts from the Portuguese occupation (Al Mirani and Al Jalali) and the quirky Al Alam Palace. Take a quick pic of the bizarre yellow-and-blue royal structure with its pavilion-esque façade through the railings (it’s closed to the public), before heading to Bait Al Zubair. 

This privately owned museum offers glimpses of Omani culture, with displays of traditional handicrafts, household items, clothing, jewelry and other assorted pieces of history, as well as an exhibit that illustrates a traditional Omani dwelling.

For almost two decades, the Bait Al Zubair was Muscat’s best window into the past. It is admittedly a bit of a hodgepodge, which we found charming, but others might describe it as chaotic. 

In 2016, however, the government unveiled a new, shiny white building to act as the official storyteller of the nation. The National Museum is a much grander, arguably more sterile affair, which has been very carefully curated along different themes, such as Omani seafaring and weaponry through the ages.

Don’t forget to eat! Many Omani dishes center on rice and meat or fish, such as makbous (mixed rice with your choice of meat/chicken/fish) and shuwa (meat marinated in local spices). 

We enjoyed munching on some great examples of these dishes at Ubhar, a slightly ugly but undeniably delicious restaurant. You won’t want to miss out on the excellent date cake, especially as dates are something of a national treasure in Oman.

Day Two: Heading Inland

Now you’ve seen some of the highlights of the capital, it’s time to explore other parts of the country. Not so long ago, the city of Nizwa was seen as a kind of counterweight to Muscat. Where one was on the coast and more liberal, the other was inland and staunchly conservative. While some remnants of that dichotomy still exist, Nizwa today has thrown open its arms to international tourists, letting the outside world see more of a traditional way of Omani life.

Nizwa was at one time the capital of Oman. It has always been an important place because of its location between the country’s coast and its interior. Coming upon the city, we were enchanted by views of its sandy-colored structures, which seem to whisper of a different age – though on closer inspection, you’ll see plenty of newer buildings mixed in, too.

The city is presided over by a 17th-century fort, built by Sultan bin Saif, the man who drove out the Portuguese invaders from Oman. The castle’s battlements provide panoramic views of the surrounding area, though its most impressive feature is the huge round tower, which was (and still is) amply furnished with cannons for defense. 

Nizwa Fort is one of several military constructions that dot this region, a testament to how important former rulers thought it was to keep a tight grip on the gateway between the different parts of Oman. 

Half an hour’s drive from Nizwa, you can also find the forts of Bahla and Jabreen, each with their own points of interest. In fact, some tours will combine all three into a single day trip for you, if you don’t want to drive yourself.

Bahla is the only one of the region’s castles that has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, perhaps because it is the oldest. Frankly, it’s pretty incredible that its mud-brick walls, easily damaged by rainfall, have survived this long. 

Over the centuries, the various people in possession of the building have had to rebuild sections as they collapsed, leading to a mishmash of styles from different eras, spread across different levels.

Jabreen is another beast yet again. Dating from the late 17th century, it has been carefully restored to provide a pretty good idea of how livable these types of fortifications must have been in the past. The rooms have been furnished with cushions and carpets, while the windows display intricate geometric patterns. From the battlements, appreciate the commanding position the castle commands, ruling over the surrounding plans.

As an add-on to your day, you can also visit Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, which looks out on the nation’s answer to the Grand Canyon. It’s hard to capture how impressive this enormous chasm is – though we did see a fair few people trying to do so by getting precariously close to the cliff edge. 

It’s possible to walk along the top or descend into the canyon and hike along the wadi (valley) floor. Just bear in mind this is a fair few hours’ drive from Nizwa and Muscat along winding roads, so should probably only be attempted if you have ample time and aren’t prone to car sickness.

Day Three: Swimming the Wadis

Day three is all about communing with nature while doing a little physical activity. Just over an hour and a half from Muscat, further along the coast, is the famous Wadi Shab, a natural gorge filled with crystalline water. Oman has many wadis, but this is one of the most popular due to its particular beauty and easy-to-reach location. 

It’s perfectly possible to drive out here yourself, and there’s on-site parking to make your journey as easy as pie. However, there are also tour companies that will combine a trip to Wadi Shab with a visit to Bimmah Sinkhole into a full-day tour for you, if you don’t fancy making the excursion yourself.

After you arrive at the parking lot, you will need to take a short, quaint boat ride on a little skiff to get to the start of the hike to Wadi Shab. Make sure you have a couple of rials to give to the boatmen to pay for your passage. These guys are here for most of the day to ferry visitors back and forth, but make sure you check when they clock off so you don’t get stranded!

Once you’ve made it to the other side of the lake, you’ll then set off on a hike through palm groves, sandy plains and boulder-strewn streams. If you have a backpack you don’t mind carting about, it’s a good idea to bring along a couple of different kinds of shoes: some sturdier footwear for the more challenging parts of the hike and a pair of flip flops or water shoes for when you have to traverse the streams. 

Don’t worry about getting lost, as there are red and black arrows painted onto the rocks that indicate the way to go. In any case, it’s all fairly straightforward and you probably won’t be the only one making the trek.

The wadi consists of several different pools, but you are only allowed to swim in three. They aren’t connected, so you’ll have to stroll over scree to get between them. Once you get to the last pool, make sure you look out for a small crack at its end. You can swim through this to reach a little cave with a modest waterfall, which is definitely worth doing if you want some proper Indiana Jones cred.

If you’re like us and find yourself bewitched by the beautiful setting, you can easily spend a few hours just floating for hours, taking a well-earned break after the past two days of tramping through city streets and desert forts. You can even pack a picnic so you don’t have to worry about leaving to grab some grub. Just make sure you set aside enough time for one final stop.

Between Wadi Shab and Muscat is the Bimmah Sinkhole. This geological quirk is a turquoise pool of water that was created after the earth suddenly collapsed. A staircase has been built into the rock so that you can now more easily walk into the crater for a swim.

If you haven’t already eaten, the area around the pool has been set up with picnic tables, shaded by palm trees. While not as impressive as Wadi Shab, it’s worthwhile making a small detour for a quick peek.

Speaking of swimming, we haven’t managed to squeeze any beach time into this Muscat itinerary. However, if you do want to catch some rays, Oman’s capital has kilometers and kilometers of long sandy stretches. Qurum Beach is particularly popular with locals and tourists. While it certainly isn’t as beautiful as some beaches you’ll find around the world, it also doesn’t feel as heavily commercialized – though you can still find plenty of cafes along the coast if you want to grab a bite.

What to Know Before You Go

Local Laws in Oman

We’ve already sung the praises of how progressive Oman is relative to the rest of the Middle East. However, ‘relative’ is the key word here. Oman is still a Muslim country and does have strict laws regarding behavior, though many of these are relaxed for visitors. Generally, the attitude of the locals is one of ‘live and let live’. 

For instance, alcohol is largely prohibited, though it can be purchased and consumed within certain licensed hotels and restaurants. You are expected to dress modestly, covering your arms and legs, but wearing a swimsuit on a public beach (providing it isn’t overly skimpy) would be fine. 

The law states unmarried couples cannot cohabit in a hotel room, but everybody turns a blind eye when people actually do it, to the extent that many Omanis don’t even realize it’s actually illegal and not just socially frowned upon.

Having said all this, it’s always best to play it safe when visiting a foreign country, even if – as in the case of Oman – some of the overtly Islamic laws are almost never enforced. It is also advisable not to overdo the public displays of affection, as a courtesy to local customs.

Where to Stay

Most of the available accommodation for short-term stays is located in the new town, though you can find a couple of rustic places in Mutrah and Old Muscat, as well as some four-star and five-star hotels beside the beaches.

For modern comfort at a reasonable price, the Citadines Al Ghubrah is an excellent option. Each room comes equipped with a little kitchenette if you want to do your own cooking, but we just relied on the morning buffet for most of our in-hotel eating. 

One of the highlights is the outdoor rooftop pool, which is great for cooling off in the summer. Plus, the location is right next to tons of downtown restaurants, as well as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and all the modern malls.

If you want something with a little more ambiance to it, we can also heartily recommend the Fort Guesthouse in the Mutrah district. The rooms are perhaps a little on the cozy side, but the decoration is much more unique and emblematic of Oman than some of the more mod-con options in town. 

The staff are super engaging, which adds to the whole ‘staying with locals’ kind of vibe. Essentially, it’s what the name suggests: a friendly guesthouse rather than a more formal kind of hotel.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Muscat

Try to avoid traveling to Muscat (and Oman generally) during the month of Ramadan. Not only are local laws more strictly observed and policed during this time, but it can also be a massive inconvenience going anywhere, since normal opening hours go out the window and everything is less reliable. Bear in mind that the dates of Ramadan change every year, so make sure you check before you book your holiday.

Even in the winter, temperatures in Oman are usually over 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). There are also very few rainy days, even during the wettest season. In the summer, however, it can get a little too swelteringly hot for comfort. 

This makes mid-autumn through to early spring the best time to drop in on Muscat. From October to March, you’ll still get plenty of sun and time to bathe on the beach, but without any of the discomfort associated with doing tourist activities in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

How to Get Around Muscat

Muscat stretches out along the coast, clinging to the sea. Imagine that instead of a circular donut of a city, you have one that’s pulled out like a spaghetti noodle. In essence, this means it’s hugely impracticable to walk between areas because the distance is pretty far – and the city is not designed for pedestrians. 

At the same time, public transport is a bit of a headache for tourists, not because it’s especially hard to navigate, but because the bus routes between the main places you’ll want to visit can take up to four times as long to travel as if you were in a taxi – and if you only have three days, you don’t want to waste a significant chunk of them on a bus. 

OK, you might be thinking, I’ll splurge for a taxi – and indeed, these aren’t super expensive in the grand scheme of things. However, they are not metered, so you kind of just have to negotiate your fare beforehand and hope you’re getting a reasonable deal. 

The government has talked about introducing metered taxis, but so far, no concrete action has been taken. However, if you’re staying at a hotel, you can always inquire at the front desk about what’s reasonable, or even ask them to order a taxi for you with a pre-agreed price.

Really, though, the easiest thing to do is rent a car! Preferably, you’ll want a 4×4, as you’ll need a reasonably heavy-duty vehicle once you head out of the city on your day trips. This option comes with its own problems, because from our experience, Omani drivers are pretty aggressive when it comes to getting where they want to go as fast as possible. 

That’s not to say you’re taking your life in your hands by taking to the road, just be aware that people aren’t so much interested in observing social niceties as they are interested in being time efficient.

If you want to hop between the forts around Nizwa or stop off at Bimmah Sinkhole on the way back from Wadi Shab, a rental just makes everything so much easier. And anyway, isn’t there something romantic about driving out into the dune? 

Plus, if you need to stop at any point, every side of the road is essentially a pull-off, since everyone seems to just take off into the desert whenever they want a break.

Safety Advice

Oman is renowned as one of the safest places to visit in the Middle East. It’s also one of the most progressive when it comes to women’s rights, though female visitors should still be cautious during the evening and ensure they dress appropriately. Petty crime is not unheard of, but certainly rare.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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First Timer’s Travel Guide To Visiting Oman

Planning to visit Oman for the first time? Find out all the information you could need to make the most of your trip in this Oman travel guide.

I’ve just got back from the most incredible trip to Oman. It was my first time visiting the country, and excitement levels were high! Before leaving I found myself clicking on endless pretty photos of the country, saving locations, and wondering whether it would really look as pretty as the pictures.

With expectations flying high, was I setting myself up to be disappointed? I arrived in Muscat with six days ahead of me and a mission to see and do as much as possible.

I decided to pop together a huge travel guide to Oman, with lots of tips and advice for anyone visiting for the first time. So along with a few must-sees, you’ll find info below on safety, sim cards, wild camping, drone laws and more. It’s everything I wanted to know before I visited, and more! 

If there’s something in particular you’re looking for, click on the contents below, otherwise strap yourself in for a whistle-stop tour of my new favourite country in the Middle East! 

Is It Worth Visiting Oman?

Yes, 100%. That was easy. Next question?

Oman has a lot to shout about, but I feel its biggest selling point is the fact you can see such diverse landscapes in just a few days. One day I was on the beach, the next in the sand dunes in the desert, the next at altitudes of 2000m in the mountains. Culturally and historically there’s a lot to take in too, from ancient forts and stunning mosques, to bustling souks.

If you’ve never visited the Middle East before, I think Oman offers one of the best introductions to the culture, climate and landscapes. The people are really friendly too, and a lot of people speak some English, making it a lot easier to travel around than some of its neighbours.

How To Get To Oman

I flew direct from London to Muscat with Oman Air . The airline flies direct from London Heathrow to Muscat twice a day (and once a day from Manchester).  The flight takes just over 7 hours. If you book well in advance, you can find return flights from as little as £320 return.

From Muscat airport I’d recommend hiring a car (more on that coming up) or booking a guide for your trip. It depends on what you want to see and do, but there are some treacherous, off-road drives like Wadi Bani Awf, where I was relieved we were in the care of Ahmed from Desert Camels Adventure Tours .

Best Time To Visit Oman

Oman has a warm climate all year round. It gets seriously hot in the summer months, so unless you’re a fan of 40+ degrees, I’d avoid June, July and August.

The best time to visit Oman is between October and April. It’s still lovely and warm, but temperatures are a lot more bearable, peaking around 30 degrees. I visited in November and thought it was perfect. It was warm and sunny during the day. Temperatures in Muscat were around 28 degrees, while up in the mountains (at altitudes of 2000m) it dropped as low as 8 degrees at night.

One of the biggest surprises during my trip was that it rained. In Oman! WOW – I was not expecting that at all. It was only fleeting, but pretty torrential! We were based in northern Oman, but I read that the south of the country has a monsoon season which runs from June to September. It’s great for the area though, as it helps the region’s fruit trees and vegetables flourish.

Is Oman Safe?

I travelled with my fiancé and a local tour guide, and felt very safe in Oman. If I’d been travelling solo, I also think I would have felt pretty safe, but it’s hard for me to judge. Oman is rated as one of the safest countries to visit in the world right now. Major crimes carry strict penalties, but as with any country there are occasional petty crimes. Just be alert, don’t put yourself in obvious dangers and stick to areas you where you feel safe.

Top Things To Do In Oman  

Oman is the perfect destination for adventure lovers and culture seekers. Coming up are my must-dos… from deserts and beaches, to wadis and epic mountains, you’ll want to pack a lot in! 

Visit A Wadi In Oman

A wadi is a valley or canyon, often created through epic mountains by a dried-up river. Some are fed by natural springs, which lead to incredible emerald green rock pools, surrounded by palm trees. There are also a few stunning wadis on Oman with waterfalls cascading through the landscape. As the country is so dry, they’re always a surprising sight – a bit of a desert oasis!

Wadis are great for hiking, canyoning, swimming or driving through on a road trip. The most famous wadis in Oman are Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Al Arbeieen, Wadi Al Hawqayn and Wadi Tiwi.

I headed to Wadi Bani Awf in the north of the country, a few hours’ drive from Muscat. The most famous spot within this wadi is Snake Canyon, a huge gorge which divides the impressive rocks. Adventure lovers can hike, climb and abseil their way through. I, however enjoyed a bumpy 4×4 ride through the landscapes, hopping out every now and then to take photos.

This is 4×4 off-road territory, and with extremely windy, cliff-edge roads with sheer drops below. Unless you’re really experienced at this sort of driving, I’d recommend hiring a guide to drive the route for you.

The views were utterly spectacular, with huge mountain backdrops and beautiful valleys below. There was barely any water in the wadi when we visited, but this isn’t always the case and we spotted one pool where a few people had stopped for a swim. 

Head Up To Oman’s Mountains

I was awestruck by the epic mountain views as we drove through Wadi Bani Awf . They included Oman’s most impressive mountain range, the Al Hajar Mountains. They’re the highest mountains in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, with Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain) being the highest peak at just over 3,000m.

I’d recommend visiting Jebel Akhdar, known as the Green Mountain, as it receives more rain and enjoys cooler temperatures – perfect for growing crops. One of the best spots to see the panoramic views of the mountains and canyon is  Diana’s Point within Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort . Sunsets are particularly spectacular from there too!

If you’re visiting other areas of Oman, and craving some mountain time, check out Samhan Mountain, Lion’s Jaws Gate and Jabal Al Qamar (Moon Mountain).

Explore An Ancient Omani Fort

You won’t drive far in Oman before spotting a fort or watchtower. I read there are over 1,000 in the country, and while some have been left in ruins, others have been beautifully restored to their former glory.

Spend a few hours at Rustaq Fort , one of the largest and most important forts in Oman’s history. Originally constructed in the 12 th Century, it was restored and added to in the 16 th Century when Rustaq was the capital of Oman.

It costs just £1 (500 baisas) to enter, and there’s lots to see. Climb up one of the four towers, venture inside armouries and libraries, peer over the turrets and take in the landscape below. It’s somewhere you’ll find yourself reaching for your camera over and over!

Others to add to your list are Nizwa Fort, which dates back to the 12 th Century and Bahla Fort, which underwent a big restoration a few years ago.

Sample Some Local Omani Food  

It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what Omani food is as the cuisine features influences from the Mediterranean, India and parts of Africa. However, I thought the food was delicious, blending a variety of tasty spices and a nice bit of chilli. If I had to compare to foods I’d eaten before I’d say most of the dishes were reminiscent of Indian or Turkish dishes.

Expect to eat lots of rice (usually seasoned with saffron, cumin, cloves, cardamom and onion), accompanied by grilled meat (lamb, chicken, goat). Towards the coast you’ll be able to find great fish and seafood too.

One of the most traditional Omani dishes is shuwa. It’s made by covering meat in a marinade of spices, then wrapping in banana leaves and baking in an underground oven. I tried it with lamb, and the meat just fell away; it was so tender. I also had lots of tasty curries throughout my trip. If you’re not keen on spicy food, I’d suggest you ask for it mild as some of the Omani food I ate had a serious chilli kick.

One of the most popular fish eaten in Oman is hamour. It’s a type of grouper, and when cooked correctly, the white fish flakes away delicately. 

Dates are a popular snack or sweet in Oman, often served alongside a cup of coffee. If you want to try coffee with a twist, order kahwa. It’s the Omani style of coffee, usually spiced with cardamom and cloves. Yummy!

It’s worth noting that food is extremely affordable in local restaurants, but pricey in hotels. I loved the local food experiences I had, and would definitely recommend getting out of tourist restaurants and resorts and trying some traditional dishes. Omanis tend to eat with their right hand rather than use cutlery, but it’s not frowned upon to ask for a spoon or fork if you’d find it easier. I did! 

Stay In Some Unique Accommodation

There are plenty of incredible places to stay in Oman, with views that will seriously amaze you.

For something extra special, spend a night or two at the luxurious Dunes by Al Nadha , right in the sand dunes and only a one hour drive from Muscat. Accommodation is in large tent-style houses, with chic bathrooms, colourful fabrics and hanging lanterns. Think of high-end glamping, and then raise it up a few levels.

Start your day watching the sunrise over the sand, splash around in the infinity pool, hire quad bikes to reach the summit of the dunes, and enjoy a sand spa – a bizarre spa treatment that’s great for relieving aches and pains. This special resort definitely ticks the unique box.

Explore Muscat

Muscat isn’t like most capital cities. You won’t find skyscrapers or glitzy commercial buildings. In the centre you’ll find a few busy roads, but nothing on the level of Dubai. It feels like it has a clear identity, and flies the flag for Omani culture.

Start with a wander along the Corniche, enjoying views of minarets, ancient forts, super yachts and bright turquoise water.

Pay a visit to the Sultan’s Palace to see the pretty gardens and grandeur for yourself. Then head inside Oman’s National Museum to learn more about the country’s past.

My favourite spots? Along with the pretty corniche with that bright turquoise water, I enjoyed ambling through Mutrah Souq, where you can buy everything from pashminas and silver teapots to spices and incense. Don’t miss Mutrah Fish Market for a real flavour of daily life in Muscat. You can watch the fishermen arriving with their latest catch, locals haggling for their dinner and weird and wonderful creatures from the abyss.

Take In Oman’s Spectacular Beach Views

Before visiting Oman I’d seen photos of stunning beaches, but as our trip was coming to an end, I felt like we were going to go home a little disappointed. That was until we took a drive south from Muscat and followed the coast. These views were close to the entrance of the Shangri-La Hotel – just WOW! Look at that view!

If you’re not spending much time in Muscat, you’ll find great beaches all over Oman. Check out the beaches at Al Mughsayl, Bandar Jissah, Khassab and Tiwi, along with those on the stunning island of Masirah. That’s somewhere I’d love to visit on a return trip.

Visit A Mosque In Oman

Oman is a Muslim country, so you’ll see mosques everywhere you go, even in the most remote areas. I’d recommend visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. It’s free to enter, and is open to visitors from 8 – 11am each day.

It’s absolutely stunning, and an incredible feat of architecture, with its 50m tall tower and five minarets to represent the five pillars of Islam.

The inside is just as impressive as the outside, with one of the biggest chandeliers and handwoven carpets in the world. The extravagant chandelier in the men’s prayer hall contains 600,000 Swarovski crystals and weighs over 8 tonnes!

N.B. You’ll need to adhere to a strict dress code in order to enter the mosque, which you can find out all about in my guide to what to wear in Oman .

Try An Adrenaline Activity In Oman

Oman is a great destination for adventure lovers and adrenaline addicts. From quad biking, sand boarding and dune bashing in the desert, to climbing, abseiling, cliff jumping and canyoning in the mountains and wadis, and scuba diving and water sports on the coast, there’s something to suit everyone. 

I tried quad biking for the first time while staying at Dunes by Al Nadha . It was the perfect way to get to the top of the sand dunes and see our amazing desert resort from a different perspective.

If you’re looking for a real thrill, head to Jabal Akhdar and enjoy Oman’s highest via ferrata , which includes abseiling, zip-lining and manoeuvring along some sheer drops.      

Relax With Some Luxury  

The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most glamorous hotels. In Oman, resorts like the Kempinski Hotel Muscat offer 5-star luxury right on the beach. Enjoy dining at one of four restaurants (which includes excellent Thai restaurant Soi Soi), or enjoy cocktails and light bites at Zale Beach Club, right on the sand. You can read my guide to the best luxury hotels in Oman here. 

Meanwhile, 2000m up at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort , you can wake up to impressive canyon views, enjoy premium middle eastern cuisine at Al Qalaa, and relax in the spa.

Get To Know Oman’s Wildlife

I’ll admit right now, that I didn’t see a lot of wildlife on this trip, but I do think it’s a big reason to visit. During my trip we spotted lots of mountain goats, donkeys, a camel, a mountain fox, a small gecko and lots of birds.

However, there’s plenty more wildlife in Oman, particularly if you’re heading to these specific regions…

You can spot dolphins along Oman’s coast, with large pods of humpback dolphins often seen in the Musandam Peninsula. 

Oman is famous for its green turtles which nest along the shore each year. Head to Ras Al Jinz or the Dimaniyat Islands to see the babies racing towards the sea between May and September.

In the south, head to the Jabal Samhan Reserve near Salalah and you could spot one of the country’s endangered Arabian leopards.

Meanwhile, bird lovers should head to Masirah Island, where more than 328 species have been spotted.

Go Wild Camping In Oman

I’ve mentioned a few of the most luxurious places to stay in Oman, and now it’s time to tell you about the other end of the scale. Did you know you can camp ANYWHERE in Oman? Well, pretty much anyway. Wild camping is legal in Oman, so you really can find a bit of public land you like and pitch your tent for the night.

That means you can venture to the most beautiful spots in Oman’s mountains, kayak to a secret beach or even fall asleep under the stars in the desert at Wahiba Sands. I enjoyed reading this account of wild camping in Oman, as it really paints a picture of what it’s like, especially for a family!

Not only is it the most affordable way to explore Oman, you’ll have access to some of the country’s most stunning morning views. If you don’t fancy lugging tents and equipment from home, there are plenty of local companies offering camping rental, or tours that take care of everything for you.

Enjoy A Road Trip Across Oman

Honestly, just hop in the car and DRIVE! As you’ve heard, I just loved the variety of landscapes we saw during our week in Oman. Sometimes we were driving along a road and I’d shout STOPPPPP! Then I’d hop out of the car, take a few photos, then we’d continue onwards.

One of my favourite spots was Birkat Al Mouz, where if you look beyond the beautiful rows of palm trees you can spot ancient villages built into the rugged mountains.

From the rugged terrain in the wadis and mountains, to the stunning beaches, it’s such a beautiful country to drive around. Make a playlist, stock up on some tasty snacks and enjoy the views. 

What To Pack For Oman

With a range of temperatures and activities to think about, packing for Oman isn’t the simplest process. It’s especially important for women to consider the Arabic culture before visiting, as on the whole, it’s recommended to cover up shoulders, chests and wear something that covers below the knee.

Before my visit, I searched for information on what to wear in Oman as a woman, and didn’t find much that was useful… so I’ve popped together a handy guide to what to wear in Oman . It includes a packing list, and includes a few helpful tips for men too.

Useful Travel Tips And Information For Visiting Oman  

From whether to buy a sim card, to how to apply for a tourist visa, here are a few extra tips for first time visitors to Oman.

Sim Cards In Oman

My phone network charged high prices for data usage in Oman, so I decided it was best to buy a sim card on arrival. That way I’d be able to do research on the go, plan routes and update my social media channels.

As you come out of departures at Muscat Airport you’ll see several phone stores, including Omantel, Ooredoo and Renna. Our guide recommended we use Omantel, so we popped to the store, gave our passports (to register the sim) and paid on credit card. We went for a sim with 2GB of data, which cost 3 Rial (£6). It was more than enough data for a short trip, especially as most hotels had good WiFi. 

What To Wear In Oman

Oman is a lot less conservative than other places in the Middle East, but you should still dress appropriately and adhere to some basic etiquette. I’d recommend reading my post on What To Wear In Oman , which has lots of detailed info on what clothing to pack for different regions and experiences.

WiFi In Oman

All the hotels we stayed at had WiFi. It was a little slow in the desert areas, but worked well in Muscat and the mountains. As I had data via my sim card I didn’t try to connect to public WiFi in Oman, however I did see that some required an Omani phone number or address in order to register. 

It’s also worth noting that at Muscat Airport you’ll need a local phone number or a wifi code from customer services in order to connect to the public WiFi. This could make things a little complicated when you land, so I’d recommend downloading or printing all the info you need to get to your first hotel, before boarding your flight to Oman.  

Tourist Visas For Oman

To visit Oman, you’ll need to apply for a visa via the Royal Oman Police website. I applied for a 10-day tourist e-visa online, which was a reasonably simple process. I had to upload a copy of my passport and a recent photo, along with typing in my basic information. It was granted within 48-hours and cost 5 Rials (£10). If you’re staying a bit longer there’s also a 30-day visa available.

Car Rental In Oman

Renting a car in Oman is pretty straightforward, and we found the roads to be excellent. Thankfully there weren’t too many crazy drivers around either! To rent a car in Oman, you need to be over 25, possess an international driving license and have had your license for a minimum of one year. If you’re under 25, it may be possible, but check with the company first.

Due to the rugged terrain in some areas, I’d recommend renting a 4×4. There are some beautiful off-road areas in the wadis, mountains and deserts, so that extra control is really important.

I read that some car rental agencies don’t allow you to pass between Oman and the United Arab Emirates, so if you’re planning a day trip to Dubai or a visit to Abu Dhabi, definitely check out the rules before you book your vehicle. 

Drone Laws In Oman

Thinking of flying your drone in Oman? Think again! You can only fly a drone in Oman if it’s for a commercial shoot, for which you need to obtain a permit before arriving in the country. If you arrive in Oman without a permit for your drone, then sadly it may be confiscated by airport security. For me, that was too much of a risk so I left mine at home.

Laws like this are reviewed regularly, so it’s worth double checking the latest news before you travel. If in doubt though, leave it at home. Nobody wants to get held up at customs at the start of a holiday!

I hope this first timer’s travel guide to Oman is helpful in planning your holiday. Let me know if you have any questions below! Don’t forget to read my guide to What To Wear In Oman and my pick of the best luxury hotels in Muscat too.

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

3 thoughts on “First Timer’s Travel Guide To Visiting Oman”

Great guide Chloe, it answered a fair few of my Qs before i head to Oman.. in 2 days! Excited 😀

It looked like you had an amazing time too Scott!

Nizwa is a fort city surrounded by a palm oasis near the foot of the Western Hajar Mountains. One of Oman’s oldest cities, it was once the country’s capital and a vital hub of Islamic learning for centuries. The city is still somewhat conservative, you just have to dress correctly so you stay out in trouble. But I found it very welcoming. Missing my travel there way back in 2004. Thank you for sharing your memories!

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Muscat Travel Guide

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One of the most enjoyable weekends I have spent and it was not just because of the beauty of Oman´s beaches, dunes and wadi but also because of perfect job...

Oman’s capital, and far and away its largest city, Muscat offers an absorbing snapshot of the country’s past and present. Physically, much of the city is unequivocally modern: a formless straggle of low-rise, white-washed suburbs which sprawl along the coast for the best part of 25km, now home to a population nudging up towards the million mark – a quarter of the country’s total. It’s here that you’ll find Oman at its most contemporary and consumerist, exemplified by the string of opulent hotels which line the city’s sand-fringed coastline, backed up by swanky restaurants and modern malls, and honeycombed with a network of roaring, multi-lane highways. It’s also unquestionably the commercial and administrative powerhouse of modern Oman, from the stately government buildings which line the main highway into town through to the high-rise office blocks of Ruwi’s Central Business District.

Diving, snorkelling and boat trips in Muscat

Drinking, nightlife and entertainment.

Significant reminders of the city’s past remain, however. These include, most notably, the engaging port district of Muttrah and the nearby quarter of Old Muscat , spread out along a salty seafront lined with old Portuguese forts, colourful mosques and assorted traditional Arabian buildings (many now converted to smale-scale museums). These are the places where you’ll get the strongest sense of Muscat’s sometimes elusive appeal, with its beguiling atmosphere of old-time, small-town Arabian somnolence, quite different from the somewhat faceless modern suburbs to the west. Muttrah and neighbouring Ruwi also offer the city’s most interesting streetlife, and the best view of the patchwork of cultures which make up the city: Omani, Indian and Pakistani, with an occasional hint of Zanzibari, Baluchi and Iranian thrown in for good measure – a living memory of the city’s surprisingly cosmopolitan past.

Brief history

Evidence of human settlement in the Muscat area dates back to at least 6000 BC, although the city’s rise to national pre-eminence is a much more recent affair. Muscat’s port was sufficiently important to merit passing references in the works of Greek geographers, including Ptolemy and Pliny the Elder during the first century AD. For much of early Omani history though, it was overshadowed first by Sohar, to the north, and then Qalhat, to the south; one of the first European visitors to Muscat, Thomas Kerridge, writing in 1624 to the East India Company, described it as a “beggarly poor town”.

Muscat suffered particularly at the hands of the Portuguese , who captured the town in 1508 and held onto it until 1650 – although ironically it was the Portuguese destruction of the nearby ports of Qalhat and Quriyat which cleared the way for Muscat’s subsequent economic rise. The town began to flourish during the early Al Bu Said era in the second half of the eighteenth century when it established itself as the country’s leading port and entrepot, while it also assumed increasing political significance during the reign of Hamad bin Said (1784–92), who moved the court to Muscat, where it has generally remained ever since. The city’s economic position was confirmed during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, thriving as a major centre for a range of economic activities including fishing, boat-building, slaving, arms-smuggling and general trade.

The sprawling metropolis you see today is a largely modern creation. Until the accession of Sultan Qaboos in 1970 the town comprised simply the old walled town of Muscat proper (or “Old Muscat”, as it’s now known), home to the residence of the sultan and other notables, and the separate port of Muttrah, the centre of the town’s commercial activity.

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Omani Road Trip

Take a road trip through the Mars-like terrain of the Arabian Peninsula, marvel at Muscat's Grand Mosque, get hands on Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, experience imposing desert forts, all on this unique trip! Experience the magic of Oman with a self-drive trip through this stunning and varied country.

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The Great Outdoors of Oman

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Oman’s great outdoors: sleep under starry skies in the middle of the desert just as the native Bedouins do, hike around the crater of the Grand Canyon, watching as the light changes on the Jebel Shams Mountains, and swim in the Wadi Oasis.

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Classic Oman

Few countries in the world can match Oman's geographical diversity, which boasts palm-fringed white sand beaches, verdant mountains, rolling golden sand dunes and turquoise-watered wadis (water-filled ravines). Experience them all with this unique trip.

There are a surprising number of diving operators in Muscat offering a range of trips and PADI courses. The closest dive sites are just south of the city along the coast at Bandar Jissah and Bandar Khayran (which is also where you’ll find the popular Al Munassir wreck) and, slightly further afield, at Fahal Island (40min–1hr by boat). Euro Divers, Omanta Scuba and the Oman Dive Centre also do trips out to the Daminayat Islands , about a two- to three-hour trip by boat each way (or about half that in Omanta’s high-speed catamaran). As throughout Oman, nutrient-rich waters attract a fine array of marine life, ranging from tiny nudibranchs to whale sharks. You stand a better chance of seeing larger sea life at the Daminiyats and Fahal, since they’re further offshore. Daminiyat Diving , upstairs in the Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex in Shatti al Qurum, stocks a reasonable range of diving gear; alternatively, try the shop at Bluzone Diving.

All diving operators also run snorkelling trips to explore the coral gardens at Bandar Jissah, Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island, and most (plus a couple of other operators) also run boat trips around the coast. These include dolphin-spotting boat trips – you should have a better than ninety percent chance of seeing dolphins (mainly spinner, sometimes bottlenose); whale sharks and humpback whales are also very occasionally sighted. Some operators also offer sunset cruises , leaving at around 4.30pm and lasting a couple of hours.

Muscat has far more licensed pubs, bars and restaurants than anywhere else in Oman, mainly (but not exclusively) found in hotels. There are three main options: the swanky bars found in the city’s upmarket hotels; the somewhat more downmarket English-style pubs , also found in most mid- and upper-range hotels; and the raucous live-music bars with live Arabian or Indian stage shows. Nowhere is drinking cheap, however, and the city’s fancier bars, although undoubtedly alluring, can empty your wallet very quickly.

Hanging out over a freshly pressed juice or a cup of coffee in one of the city’s local cafés offers a far cheaper and more typically Omani experience – the coffee shops in and around Muttrah Souk and along the nearby corniche are particularly attractive places to shoot the breeze and watch the world go by. It’s also worth heading to somewhere like Al Candle Café or Kargeen after dark and chilling out over a shisha and a cup of Turkish coffee. For a more upmarket variation on the same theme, afternoon tea in either the Grand Hyatt or Al Bustan are both enjoyable.

Nightlife in Muscat is a pretty low-key affair – it can often seem like the city’s two most popular after-dark activities are driving at maniac speeds up and down Sultan Qaboos Street or piling into the nearest Lulu hypermarket for late-night shopping. Western expat and tourist nightlife tends to focus around drinking in one of the city’s bars or pubs. Listings of forthcoming events are also hard to come by – have a look at the “Oman Nightlife” group on Facebook or check out w www.muscatmutterings.com .

Quite a few of the city’s pubs have live music most nights, ranging from the accomplished international cover bands (or occasional jazz acts) which play the city’s five-star drinking joints through to the gyrating Filipina chanteuses who can be heard murdering classic tunes in the city’s more downmarket pubs. For a quintessential slice of Omani nightlife, head to one of the live-music bars found in some of the city’s mid-range hotels (such as the Marina in Muttrah, or the Mutrah and Ruwi hotels in Ruwi). The nearest you’ll get to a genuine club is either the Copacabana at the Grand Hyatt or the Rock Bottom Café – the only two places in the city which currently have a “dancing permit”, without which the Omani authorities forbid any form of disco activity.

Entertainment

Big-name international music acts (although think Tom Jones and Bryan Adams rather than Shakira and Dizzee Rascal) occasionally pass through the city, during which the gardens at the InterContinental hotel are pressed into service as an impromptu concert arena.

More upmarket forms of cultural entertainment are virtually nonexistent at present, although this may change following the opening of the city’s new Royal Opera House ( w www.rohmuscat.org ), next to Sultan Qaboos Street in Qurum (currently scheduled to open in mid-2011). This will provide the city with a much-needed large-scale performance space – expect a mix of classical music, jazz, dance and Arabian cultural events, plus visiting opera productions.

Muscat has far and away the best selection of places to eat in the country, albeit relatively modest compared to other capital cities in the region. There’s a good spread of upmarket restaurants, mostly based within the various hotels in the city’s more modern districts around Qurum . More down-at-heel options can be found in the older parts of the city: Ruwi has the best range of cheap curry houses alongside slightly fancier restaurants, while Muttrah has the most enjoyable traditional Arabian shwarma cafés.

Muscat offers a rare chance to sample traditional Omani food at places like Kargeen , Ubhar or Bin Ateeq ; you’ll also do well for seafood , most of which comes fresh out of the local market at Muttrah. There’s also a glut of good Indian restaurants thanks to the city’s sizeable subcontinental population, along with a passable assortment of Italian , Chinese and Thai establishments, plus a couple of Iranian and Moroccan joints. Most restaurants close from 3–7pm. All the venues listed below are open daily for lunch and dinner unless otherwise stated; phone numbers are listed for establishments where it’s a good idea to book ahead.

For restaurant reviews www.muscatdeli.blogspot.com has some excellent in-depth critiques of various places around the city, plus details of forthcoming culinary events.

The majority of visitors to the city do all their shopping in Muttrah Souk , although there are a few other places worth checking out. The most interesting area is the commercial district in central Qurum , around Qurum roundabout, where a cluster of old-fashioned malls harbour an interesting range of shops selling traditional arts and crafts, gold, jewellery and perfumes. Standard opening times for most shops and malls are roughly Saturday to Thursday, from 10am–1pm & 5–10pm, and Friday from 5–10pm (some places open and close half an hour earlier than this).

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Things to Do in Muscat, Oman: Epic 1-3 Days Muscat Itinerary

Wondering what to do in Muscat , Oman’s capital? Whether you are planning on visiting Muscat in one day or staying a little longer before starting the Oman road trip , here is my perfect 1 to 3 days in Muscat itinerary. It will show you both the best places to visit in Muscat and unmissable things to do in Muscat . 

A humble capital of the Sultanate of Oman , Muscat is strategically positioned on the shores of the Gulf of Oman on an ancient trade route dating back to the days of Mesopotamia. Scenically wedged between the craggy Hajar mountains, shimmering sea, and dreamy desert, the capital Muscat has always played a significant role in the Middle Eastern world and attracted the interest of many powerful empires like Ottomans, Portuguese, and Persians. As a result, influences of which are still present in Omani culture and cuisine. 

Today’s Muscat, Oman is just as wealthy as its neighbor’s UAE cities Abu Dhabi and Dubai, or Doha, Qatar. Yet in Oman’s capital, you won’t find glittering skyscrapers rising above the clouds as in Dubai. In fact, there is a rule that limits high-rise buildings and defines landscaping, color code, and architectural style retaining uniformity of long-lived traditional Middle Eastern style. Domes, arabesque windows, and balconies still decorate even functional buildings and new villas.

The ancient forts and watchtowers, low-rise white-washed houses, and mosques characterize the skyline of Muscat, the city with ages-old traditions deeply rooted in daily life. One of the easiest to notice is the local dress code-Omanis still wear white dishdashas and embroidered kummas (traditional embroidered skull-caps) as daily attire. 

Muscat’s authenticity, simplicity, and kindness of local people are what keep me coming back to Oman’s capital (it is only 5 hour’s drive from Dubai , in case you are also based in the UAE). 

In this in-depth Muscat travel guide , you will get acquainted not only with the top places to see in Muscat but also with its hidden corners and fantastic viewpoints over the city. 

From Muttrah corniche, and lively souks to stunning Sultan Qaboos Mosque and Portuguese Forts, immensely beautiful beaches, and even city hikes, there is plenty of great things to do in Muscat. 

Apart from points of interest in Muscat, I also share tips on how to get around Muscat, the best time to visit Muscat, the best places to stay in Muscat for any budget, where to eat , and some miscellaneous interesting facts and handy tips. Last but not least, plenty of my travel photos of Muscat, Oman.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

1 to 3 days in Muscat itinerary: what to do in Muscat, Oman

Muscat quick links.

These are useful links to the best accommodation, cheap car rental in Oman, and top guided experiences and interesting day tours from Muscat, sim card tips.

• Where to stay in Muscat: Haffa House Hotel (budget); Fort Guesthouse (mid-range); Intercontinental Muscat (high-end); Chedi Muscat (luxury resort).
• Rent a car: The best way to move around Muscat is by car. Hire a car at the best rates using Discover Cars .
• Flights: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Oman from your location.
• Before You Go: Apply for an Oman visa easily at iVisa .
• Local SIM Card: Get a tourist pack of local data and calls at Muscat airport. Omantel provides the best coverage. Arriving by road from UAE ? You can buy Vodafone visitors pack in any hypermarket.

Top-rated guided Muscat experiences

• Best Dimaniyat Islands (5/5 GetYourGuide)
• Best Muscat City Tour (5/5 Viator)
• Best Desert Tour (5/5 Viator)
• Best Wadi Shab Tour (5/5 GetYourGuide)
• Best Nizwa & Mountain Tour (4.5/5 GetYourGuide)

How many days in Muscat? 

Most of the main attractions in Muscat can be visited in a day or two.  However, if you want to explore at a slower pace and also visit the outskirts of Muscat, or go on a day trip to visit Daminiyat islands or spectacular old forts, choose to stay for 3 or 4 days.

Best time to visit Muscat, Oman

Winter is a perfect time to visit Muscat, Oman. The temperatures in Muscat are pleasant during the months of December, January, and February staying between 25-30 degrees Celsius during the daytime. You can even encounter some clouds and rain.

Late autumn and early spring are shoulder seasons in most of Oman and also Muscat. Temperatures are still quite high but bearable in mid-October to November and March to mid-April ranging between 30-35 degrees Celsius during the day.

Summer months and early autumn as well as late spring should be avoided due to the heat. Temperatures can go up as high as 40-50 degrees Celsius making it physically very difficult to do any sightseeing in Muscat during the day and even in the mornings.

Also, traveling during the holy month of Ramadan is a bit trickier as restaurants shut down during the day when locals are fasting and only open after sunset. Everything is significantly slower, even some attractions might be closed during Ramadan. Moreover, Ramadan lasts 30 days, and its timing is not fixed but shifts every year. 

Related reads: planning a road trip to Oman? Check my one-week Oman itinerary (with options to extend to 10-14 days in Oman).

Where to stay in Muscat

Muscat is a very spread-out city. Thus, picking the right location is crucial. Here are my suggestions for the best accommodation in Muscat in the most popular areas.

The old part of Muscat is ideal if you want to stay within walking distance from the most interesting part of the capital (the famous old souk is located in Muttrah as well).

Fort Guesthouse $$–highly rated by visitors, superb location at the waterfront of Muttrah corniche and Fort, features a lovely terrace and humble Omani-style accommodation.

Located 10 minutes from Muttrah, the Ruwi area offers a lot of cheaper but decent accommodation options, with a good range of budget-friendly Indian and Pakistani restaurants all around.

• Haffa House Hotel – a decent four-star hotel for very reasonable prices. Although it is an old hotel and needs a bit of revamp, it is clean, has polite service and the location is convenient to drive to any direction for sightseeing. Make sure to request a non-smoking room (if that applies to you) when booking.

A polished area, popular among ex-pats, offers a range of more upscale accommodations, many of them with direct access to Qurum beach (known as the cleanest beach in town).

Intercontinental Muscat – located on the beach of Qurum this resort offers you a comfortable stay in rooms with sea or mountain views, access to the pool, gym, green gardens, saunas, in house restaurants. The popular waterfront-muscat area with trendy shops and nice restaurants is also close by.

Al Khuwair (near Sultan Qaboos Mosque)

• Grand Millenium Muscat  -a home away from home, located close to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

High-end accommodation in Muscat for a luxurious stay

• Al Bustan Palace  -located on the eastern side of the city, with a stunning coastline set against Hajar mountains, dreamy pools, and a stretch of private beach- is great for romantic getaways and the best beachfront views.
• Chedi Muscat – located closer to the airport side, one of the most beautiful hotels in Muscat featuring modern Arabic architecture, a beachfront, a 100-meter long pool, yoga, and pilates classes- a perfect place for relaxation.

Getting to Muscat

Many travelers will enter Oman’s capital through Muscat International Airport. 

If there is no direct flight from your destination, you will definitely find one from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, UAE. Sometimes it will be even cheaper to fly through Dubai or Abu Dhabi. 

Check the best flight combination from your destination using Skyscanner. Airlines like FlyDubai, OmanAir, and Emirates are very good and trustworthy.

One of the most popular ways to travel to Muscat, Oman is driving from Dubai, UAE. It takes 4.5 hours to reach Muscat from Dubai by car. Account for 30 minutes to an hour at the UAE-Oman border.

Read more about Everything you need to know when traveling to Oman from Dubai (or anywhere elsewhere in UAE). 

You can get to Muscat from Musandam by boat. Musandam is an exclave Governorate of Oman, separated from the mainland of Oman by the UAE.

Read more about traveling to and from Musandam on my Musandam travel guide .

Getting around Muscat, Oman

Muscat stretches along the coast for over 50 kilometers. Thus, it is a very “long” city if I can say so. Thus, commuting from one side of the town to the other can take up to 30 to 50 minutes by car, and on average around 15-20 minutes in the central areas.

Muscat may appear chaotically planned. It is composed of several different districts, all spread out quite far from each other. While you can easily walk around one area, you cannot walk between different areas due to the long distances or/and mountains separating them.

You need transportation to get between districts. The main artery of the city is Sultan Qaboos Street, a highway connecting all the districts in Muscat.

In this Oman itinerary, you will be visiting the following main areas: Muttrah , old Muscat , Ruwi, and Qurum , and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which is situated in a different area next to the main highway. 

Thus, what is the best way to get around Muscat? Below are the options you have, thus pick according to your travel style/time you have.

The best, easiest, and most efficient way to move around Muscat is by car. Muscat is one of those capitals where driving actually makes sense and is advisable to be able to quickly reach different locations. Traffic, although exist at peak time, is not too bad as, for example, in Dubai. Google maps work just fine to help navigate, and parking is fairly easy. 

Thus, if you are landing at Muscat Airport, I recommend picking up your car there and being completely independent for the rest of the trip. And did I mention, petrol in Oman is one of the cheapest in the world?  

If you are still looking for a great deal to rent a car in Oman, I recommend checking Discovercars which offers some of the lowest rates in the market.

I also crosscheck with the most popular car rental search engine Rentalcars if I cannot find a car, I am looking for Discovercars.

Top tip for parking in Muscat: you can find many places to park your car in Muscat for free. Even in Muttrah which can be a little harder to park at (especially free of charge), I found a convenient free spot in one of the backyards and kept on coming back there to park my car (refer to the map for exact pin location). 

Taxis are also a popular option for tourists to move around Muscat. However, if you are planning to drive around and see more than just one place, renting a car will be cheaper. 

Note that street taxis in Oman are unmetered and you have to negotiate the rate beforehand. In Muttrah you will be approached by local taxi drivers offering to take you to the main points of interest like the Grand Mosque or Royal Opera House.

Tip: if you are planning to use a taxi, the best way is to download Mwsalat or OTaxi app (aka local Uber) so you know the correct fare.

City buses are available, and also very cheap (200-500 baisas per ride, depending on the distance). Their network is covering the main areas around Muscat, which include the most popular tourist attractions (Grand Mosque, Opera House, Alam Palace, Muttrah, Ruwi).

You can also catch a bus from the airport to the Ruwi area in Muscat.

However, commuting by bus is significantly slower than by car. The frequency might be around every 20-30 minutes, and you might have to also change a few buses to get to your desired destination. For this reason, you must also be familiar with areas of Muscat and stay within walking distance of the bus stop if this is the way you plan to visit the capital. This travel method would best suit those who either have more time and/or are on a budget.

The bus system in Muscat is operated by Mwsalat company. You can check city timetables and bus stops with bus numbers here .

Places to visit in Muscat: 1 Day in Muscat Itinerary

1. sultan qaboos grand mosque.

A fine example of incredible modern Islamic architecture, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-visit place in Muscat, Oman.

The Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman. The beauty of Sultan Qaboos mosque is simply unmatched. Defined by perfectly symmetric arrays of arches, elaborate latticework, intricate mosaics, and ornate carvings of flowers, the Sultan Qaboos mosque is one of the most impressive modern mosques I have ever visited.

If you love architecture, you will go crazy photographing its beautiful corners and intricate details, light and shadow game is also fantastic. 

Interesting facts about Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

It took 6 years to complete the mosque and it can host up to 20000 worshipers. The 24-karat gold-plated chandelier inside the men’s prayer hall holds 600,000 Swarovski crystals and is surrounded by 34 smaller versions found across the mosque.

Equally impressive is the hand-made prayer carpet weighing 21 tons. It took 600 Iranian artisans to complete in 4 years. The only prayer carpet that is even larger belongs to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Moreover, one of Gran Mosque’s 5 minarets (together they represent the 5 pillars of Islam) is 90 meters tall, making Sultan Qaboos Mosque the country’s tallest structure. As mentioned before, Oman has strict architectural guidelines, especially when it comes to the height of the building.

• Top tip: Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque as early as 8 am and head directly to the main prayer hall. It is impossible to beat tour buses during the winter season, but at least you will be able to get a picture of the main prayer hall unobstructed by the crowds.
• Allocate 2-3 hours if you love photography. The territory is huge and there are so many beautiful areas and corners to take pictures of. However, there are also lots of visitors and it is tricky to get a shot without a tourist in it. Your best chance is to wait until 11 AM when people start leaving and then (quickly) photograph the mosque (almost) tourist-free (guards will start asking you to leave from 11 AM, but you can “buy” some time).
• Photography Tip:  Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandness of architecture. I used my  14-30 mm Nikkor Z  lens to capture the images shown above.

Things to know before visiting Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat

• Opening hours  for non-Muslim visitors and photography  are from 8 AM- 11 AM every day except Friday .
• Entrance fee:  FREE
• How long should I spend here?  1 hour is a minimum, but you can easily spend 2-3 hours.
• Dress Code:  ladies must cover head to toe (including wearing a head scarf), men are not required to wear head cover, but must also wear long pants and long sleeve shirts.
• Etiquette:  leave your shoes at the door when stepping into the prayer halls.

Have lunch or late breakfast at Dukanah restaurant

After visiting Grand Mosque, if you feel hungry, I recommend heading for lunch or late breakfast at Dukanah restaurant, located in the Qurum area where most of the ex-pats live. The restaurant serves Omani food, more like breakfast, or lunch type of options are available. It is situated in a nice traditional mud house, making a visit a pleasant experience.

Dukanah is located next to Qurum beach. Thus take an opportunity to walk and see one of the best beaches in Muscat, lined with tall palm trees it is reminiscing of Salalah vibes. 

Planning on visiting the south of Oman, Dhofar region, and Salalah? Check my Salalah travel guide.

  2. Explore beautiful Muttrah- the heart of Muscat

If you only have one day in Muscat, visiting Muttrah is a must. Muttrah is where you will find a very old part of today’s Muscat. It is often called the heart of Muscat, although used to be an independent seaport town centuries ago before Muscat was formed of several villages.

Muttrah is an important ages-old port and a center of commerce until today. It is characterized by a beautiful Muttrah corniche lined up with white-washed tightly packed traditional houses, minarets of petite mosques, and 17th-century Portuguese watchtowers perched on top of the dark brown craggy hills of the surrounding area.

Muttrah is my absolute favorite part of Muscat. The unpolished district of Muscat, home to one of the oldest markets in Oman, Muttrah is where you can see poor Omani, Bengali, Indian and Pakistani residents running their daily errands.

I recommend dedicating at least half a day to exploring this unique quarter of Muscat. 

Things to do in Muttrah, Muscat

• See the real face of Muttrah by losing your way in its tangled alleyways

Although Muttrah has its pretty corniche, to me as a photographer, more interesting are the hidden corners of the tangled Muttrah’s alleyways. At a first glance, Muttrah appears as a tiny quarter of Muscat. Don’t be deceived though, once you wander behind the front houses of Muttrah corniche, it is easy to get lost.

Yet, this is a fun part of exploring and discovering the most interesting parts of any old town of this sort. What surprised me though is how worn-out and dirty is Muscat’s old town.

One can immediately understand that this is a poor part of the capital. A large number of houses are now either crumbling down or have fallen in disrepair. Yet arabesques seen on the balconies and windows, and ornate details on some of the front doors show that this part of Muscat saw the days of glory. 

Nonetheless, many of those worn-out homes are still inhabited by local families. Moreover, you cannot pass a single street without noticing dozens of stray cats living in survival mode.

While wandering around the maze of tiny streets you will get to see simple local people, kids playing football in the small courtyards, cozy mosques, many small shops ranging from groceries to mini gold factories, as well as hundreds of local ladies tailoring “boutiques” selling essentially exact same dresses made of sparkling colorful fabric. 

Meanwhile, the most random detail yet fascinating at the same time are the watchtowers which are not on the hill but rather on the street, hidden between the buildings. I come across at least two of them.

• The forbidden Shia quarter (Sur Al Lawatia) 

A part of the front row of well-preserved buildings on Muttrah corniche belongs to the secretive quarter of Sur Al Lawatia. This gated corner of Muttrah is inhabited by a closed community of Omani Shias. They are not keen on visitors wandering around their residential area the entrance to which is an arched open gate, yet guarded. 

The reason why this closed community doesn’t welcome visitors is not completely clear but some say because they want their women to be free walking around unveiled. 

I tried to take a peek inside and the guard allowed me to have a brief glimpse. No photos though. To be honest there is nothing that special about the place in terms of looks, it is more about it being forbidden that fascinates outsiders.

• Haggle and then find your way out of Muttrah Souk

The number one attraction for all the tourists visiting Muttrah is its over 200 years old market (Muttrah Souk). Muttrah Souk sells everything from traditional garments, souvenirs you don’t really need, Arabic perfume, frankincense incense, magic lamps, colorful lanterns, fabrics, local outfits, traditional Omani knives, and  kummas (Omani skull hats you see all the local men wear), lots of silver and gold jewelry, some of the really horrendous size and design but apparently very popular between wealthier locals. 

Muttrah Souk is a maze made of hundreds of very tiny alleyways, occupying a significant area of the old town. Naturally, the market is confusing for the first-timer. Ironically, the souk is practically unavoidable even when you try to skip walking through it while finding your way to other parts of Muttrah. 

To me, Muttrah Souq wasn’t the most interesting part of the old town. I much prefer Nizwa Souq in Nizwa town, north of Oman. The sellers in Muttrah can be irritating trying to talk you into buying scarves and perfumes. It reminded me of those seen in the Dubai textile market except they don’t apply funny and at the same time annoying methods of calling you Maria Shakira. 

For that particular reason, I was trying to avoid walking through Muttrah Souq when exploring parts of the town. However, it was virtually impossible as the market hugs the rest of the Muttrah old town from all directions. 

Yet if this is your first time in Muscat, you should still check Muttrah Souk out. It is a good place to get some gifts, but make sure to negotiate the price. 

Muttrah Souk Opening times: 9 AM-1 PM, 4 PM-10 PM daily.

• Watch the sunset from Muttrah Fort

Taking up the dominating position on the hills, Muttrah Fort is a historical building founded during Portuguese occupation in the 16th century. The fort itself is small and today the main charm of this defense building is the viewpoints over Muttrah corniche and old town.

I recommend climbing up its 200 stairs before sunset to see the town glowing in golden light. 

There is a cozy specialty coffee shop upstairs. You can grab an iced mocha and have a seat outside with a wonderful view over the corniche.

• Muttrah Fort opening hours: 8 am-9 pm daily. 
• Entrance fee: once free Muttrah Fort now costs 2 OMR for non-Omani visitors. 
• P. S. I have negotiated for paying for 1 ticket only. Omanis will often surprise you with their hospitality. Once they even offered to pay for the entrance to one of the historic forts when none of my credit cards worked (cash was not accepted). 

3. Have dinner at a local fish restaurant

End your day with a heartful dinner at a local fish restaurant Aroos al Bahar. This is a low-key eatery serving fresh grilled fish and seafood. You have to pick up the fish over the counter and then take a seat inside the restaurant or on their humble terrace. The prices are really good for simple but quality food. Expect to pay around 3-5 OMR for a fresh grilled fish (can be shared between the two). 

A word about Bait Al Luban restaurant

Bait Al Luban is more of an upscale restaurant in Muttrah corniche (just next to the above-mentioned Aroos Al Bahar). It serves Omani food and different curries. This is a heavily advertised restaurant (if you have read more blogs, chances are it was mentioned in 90 percent of them).

However, to me, it was a disappointment. Tourist flock to this restaurant like sweets on a conveyer in a factory. First of all, you need to book at least a day in advance. The food is okay, but nothing extraordinary for the price charged. I ordered prawn curry for almost 8 OMR and was served 6 small prawns in a large bowl of curry sauce-pretty unfair deal. I was told that meat dishes were quite dry. 

The only nice thing is the beautiful interior and the terrace seating with a corniche view (if you reserve well in advance).

Where to have great coffee in Muttrah

If you are like me, picky with your coffee, then I recommend the below coffee shop:

Bella Vista Café – it is a cozy cafe serving great specialty coffee. It is located on the corner of the roundabout at Muttrah Corniche. It was our go-to coffee shop during our 3 days in Muscat. 

Things to do in Muscat: Day 2 itinerary

1. wake up early for a fish market in muttrah.

If you like local markets, then Muttrah fish market offers an interesting experience. Located in a new building on Muttrah corniche, this fish market is a place where locals go to buy fresh fish and fruits. The sellers are locals as well. Mainly old charismatic Omanis. If you love people photography, you will definitely find interesting characters to photograph.

Wake up early to visit the market which opens at 7 AM. By 9 AM stalls are almost empty. 

2. Visit the royal part of historical Muscat- a walled old town

Just a 5-minute scenic drive east along Muttrah corniche following Al Bahri road you will reach the other part of what is also known as an old Muscat which once used to be a separate walled town. It actually continues all way to Al Bustan beach where the beautiful Al Bustan Palace resort is located.

Leaving Muttrah, and entering through what is known as Muscat Gate, you will immediately notice that buildings here are more polished, streets are cleaner, and architecture is grander. It is expected as Al Alam, Sultan of Oman palace, and the ministry of Finances are based in this area. 

Here you will also find all the museums dedicated to history and culture, including the above-mentioned Gate of Muscat, and a few big forts which you can only see from outside.

Dedicate up to 1.5 hours to walk around the area, or up to 3-4 hours if you are planning to also visit a museum or two. 

The main things to see and do in old Muscat:

• Al Alam Palace

Sultan’s Palace is possibly the second most famous building in Muscat after Sultan Qaboos Mosque. It used to be a home for the late Sultan Qaboos, and I believe now is a home (or one of the homes) for a new ruler of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq. You can only admire outside its gates.

The area in front of the palace is an eerie ceremonial boulevard. The grand empty space feels very different from the tiny streets of Muttrah.

Tourist buses come directly to Al Alam palace after visiting the Grand Mosque in the morning. If you come before 11 AM chances are you will have the space for yourself.

Nonetheless, to me, Al Alam palace was not the most interesting point on this Muscat itinerary, yet still a memorable one more for the contrast to Muttrah old town. I spent no more than 5 minutes in front of Al Alam Palace and took one or two pictures just to tick off the box. 

• Al Mirani Fort and the waterfront harbor

The waterfront area on the left of Al Alam Palace used to be home to the old harbor. Here you will also find the impressive Al Mirani Castle, also built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Sadly, the fortification was undergoing renovation during my visit, so I could only see it from outside. I bet it will be interesting fort to visit when the renovations are done. 

Another notable Fort out of reach to the public (and it has always been so as far as I am aware) is Jalali Fort. It is visible in the distance when walking along the waterfront. 

The waterfront itself is relaxing and a pleasant place to go for a stroll. 

• The National Museum of Oman

National Museum is Oman’s flagship cultural institution which showcases the cultural heritage of Oman from the first evidence of humans around 5 million years ago until the present day. I have not visited it yet, but the exterior of the Museum situated on the opposite side of Al Alam palace looks impressive, no less than a palace I would say. 

• Entrance fee : 5 OMR. 
• Opening hours : 10 am to 5 pm Saturday to Thursday, and 2 pm to 6 pm on Fridays. 
• Muscat Gate Museum (Al Bab Al Kabir) 

Recently renovated, Al Bab al Kabir used to be a gate separating Muttrah corniche and the walled city of old Muscat. Today it has been turned into a museum that shows how Oman has evolved through the years. Although the exhibition is small, the views from the terrace are pretty. 

• Opening hours : 8 am-1:30 pm, closed on Fridays. 
• Entrance fee: 1 OMR (foreigners), 500 baisas (Omanis), free for kids below 10 years old.
• Bait al Zubair Museum

Bait Al Zubair museum opened its doors in 1998 by the Zubair family. It houses the largest private heritage collection of various Omani artifacts and walks the visitor through Oman’s rich cultural history. The museum is formed of 6 buildings which are just as interesting as the collections inside. Bait Al Zubair is said to be one of the best museums to visit in Muscat.

• Entrance fee: 2.5 OMR.
• Opening hours: 9:30 am – 6 pm, closed on Fridays.

3. Head to Ruwi viewpoint for sunset

Ruwi is a little India of Muscat. Formerly a separate village, it was later connected to Muscat. If you have ever been to Dubai, the closest equivalent is Deira, Bur Dubai, and Satwa quarters.

Most of the Indian, Bengali, and Pakistani population live in Ruwi. In terms of location, Ruwi is very central- just 10 minutes by car from Muttrah. Also, a bus station connecting to other towns in Oman and also Muscat airport is in Ruwi.

Travelers on a budget can find some simple but decent accommodations and also bargain places to eat as there are countless West Asian restaurants around. 

I loved rough and messy Ruwi, mainly for street photography opportunities. However, my favorite spot is Yiti street viewpoint above Ruwi. A short but steep and windy road brings you to the craggy rock from where you can see the best, to my opinion, elevated view of Muscat. It is a unique sight of numerous white houses spilling between the brown rocks. 

It is a perfect place to watch both sunset and sunrise. Refer to the mao at the end of this post for exact coordinates.

Places to see in Muscat on Day 3 itinerary

Since the first 2 days covered the most popular places to visit in Muscat, day 3 in the Muscat itinerary is a bit of freestyle. I have included several sightseeing options to pick from, depending on your liking. 

Muscat is stretched over the beautiful coastline. A trip east along the coast to the capital’s outskirts will bring you to some wonderful secluded beaches surrounded by dramatic fjord-like landscapes. Meanwhile going up north of Muscat, you can sail off to pristine islands located within an hour from Muscat. Thus, for the first part of day 3 in Muscat, I suggest picking one of the below nature escapes.

1. Swim and snorkel around Ad Daymaniyat islands

Ad Daymaniyat is a Nature Reserve formed of nine pristine islands located 20km off the shores of Barka- a coastal city up north of Muscat. Islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and as a great spot for snorkeling with their bright-colored fish and sea turtles.

From May to October visiting Daymaniyat islands is prohibited due to marine life protection.

Since a special permit is required to enter the islands, the easiest way to visit Daymaniyat is by joining a day tour. Tour operators will handle all the logistics, permits, and food on your behalf.

• Daymaniyat snorkeling cruise from Muscat  is rated 5/5 on Get Your Guide, and alternatively,  this day tour  offers snorkeling and dolphin watching.

2. Visit Fjords of Muscat- Bandar Khairan (Khayran)

If you prefer something more off-the-beaten-path, then head to Bandar Khairan, located 30 minutes drive from Muttrah. This natural wonder in the outskirts of Muscat is known for its Fjord-like landscapes (somewhat similar to Musandam ).

Although you can get to the area with any car, accessing the small secluded beaches requires either hiking, a boat, or a 4WD. There are several coves dotted around the Bandar Khairan peninsula.

One of the easiest to access is marked as Bandar Al Khairam Beach for Tourism on Google Maps. Although to get to the shores 4 WD is required, you can also hike down the steep windy dirt path. The distance must not be more than a kilometer. There you will find some water activities to take on. You can go snorkeling (might have to bring your gear), while kayaking and boat paddling are available for rent.

NOTE: The are no food stalls or drinking water at the beaches, thus bring your own supplies. 

Recommended stops on the way to Bandar Khairan

Haramil fishing village.

The road to Bandar Khayran is very scenic, winding through the mountains. On the way, you can stop at Haramil fishing village -a quaint tiny town. There is not much to see but the views with many fishing boats lining the shore are beautiful. It is a very small local community, and locals are pleasantly surprised to see visitors.

Qantab Beach

Following the scenic road, another worthy detour is Qantab beach where you can either chill or go on a short boat ride with a local fisherman. 

The beach at Qantab fishing village, 30 minutes away drive south of Muscat, was one of the unexpected discoveries during our Oman road trip. Once we reached it, we were pleasantly surprised by the quiet beach featuring beautiful rock formations. It was one of those wild-type beaches with just a few local fishermen hanging around. I would have easily spent half a day reading a book and chilling on the sand.

We were approached by an elder Omani sailor named Solomon. He offered us to go on a private boat ride. We agreed. And it was a pleasant 30 minutes ride in a traditional motorized boat. We had a chance to see a natural stone arch and admire the beautiful coastline.

The private 30 minutes boat ride costs 10 OMR.

Once you are back in Muscat, there are other attractions I would like to suggest (depending on the time you have left, you may have to pick one).

3. Sunset Hike above Muttrah

Love hiking? Then you should definitely try at least one of several city hikes in Muscat. There are a few trails around the capital of Oman. One of the easiest and most scenic ones is the Muttrah-Riyam Park hike. This easy to lightly moderate marked path winds through the craggy hills starting in the parking lot near Riyam Park and finishing on the corniche of Muttrah. You will be surprised that hiking in town actually allows for a brilliant escape from the town and opens up to some great views over the Muttrah town and its corniche. 

• Trail distance: 3.7 KM
• Hike duration: 1.5 hrs
• Difficulty level: easy to moderate
• The trail is well-marked with yellow white and red line flags
• Proper hiking boots are recommended as the rocks are very slippery
• Kids-friendly (we saw families with young kids doing it).

Trailhead coordinates:  type in Google  [C38 Mutrah to Riyam Park Hike]  to get to the start of the trail. The starting point is behind one of the houses. You will see a stone staircase on the left-hand side going uphill-follow it to begin the hike.

4. Sunset stroll on Qurum beach

Alternatively, to hiking, you can visit Qurum beach during the sunset. It is said to have a beautiful atmosphere and you can also watch locals hanging around. 

5. Visit or watch a performance in Royal Opera House Muscat

Royal Opera House of Muscat is another grand modern architecture example in Oman and a venue for musical arts and performances. The building itself is a popular tourist attraction. Tours to visit interiors are also available. But probably the best way to experience the Royal Opera House is to actually go and watch a performance.

If you are curious about the architecture, you can definitely pay a visit. Still, if you have limited time, I suggest skipping it.

More activities around Muscat

Have more time in Muscat? Then I would recommend going on a day trip to visit Oman’s finest forts located fairly close to the capital.

1. Rustaq Loop

Rustaq Loop is a nice one-day road trip from Muscat that covers stops at 3 beautiful historical forts of Oman dating back between the 13-18th centuries (each built and renovated during different eras). In general, Omani forts are brilliant. Although they all follow similar architectural styles and have identical beige-hue colors, I never get bored visiting Omani forts. Each fort is unique in its own way and offers something awe-inspiring to see.

In Rustaq Loop (drive literally in a loop starting and finishing in Muscat), you will see the following forts: Al-Hazm, Rustaq, and Nakhal (or vice versa, depending on which side you start your drive from).

I recommend starting your day early to slowly visit them all. The full loop drive will take up to 3 hours, plus you need a couple of hours or so to visit each fort, depending on how much exploration you are keen to do. Omani forts are known for their many rooms and labyrinth type of planning, and they are really interesting to wander around. Moreover, being inside the fort offers a perfect escape from the hot Middle Eastern midday sun.

Forts’ opening hours are usually from 8 AM till around 5 PM daily. Opening times might be shorter on Fridays. However, on my recent visit to Al-Hazm Fort, it was open all day on Friday. The entrance fee depends on the fort. We paid 1 OMR for entering Al-Hazm fort, for example.

Update: currently Rustaq and Nakhal Forts are under renovation. Nakhal fort will be open for visiting in 2023 spring, while Rustaq is supposed to be finished by the end of 2023.

Tip: if you are traveling from Muscat to Dubai by road , Al-Hazm fort is on the way and is worth stopping by for an hour or two.

2. Nizwa Fort and Souk

17th-century Nizwa Fort is located in Nizwa mountain town. It is one of the most famous if not the most famous fort in the country. Adjacent to the fort is Nizwa market which is cozier and less touristy than the one in Muttrah. Although you can visit Nizwa Fort and Souk as a day trip from Muscat, I strongly suggest staying at least one night in Nizwa or around to see a different side of the mountainous part of the Sultanate.

• Nizwa Fort opening hours:  Saturdays to Thursdays: 8 am – 8 pm / Fridays: 8 am – 11:30 am, 1:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
• Entrance fees:  5 OMR ($13 USD) for adults / 3 OMR ($8 USD) for children.

Final thoughts about visiting Muscat

Is Muscat worth visiting? And why visit Muscat? Is Muscat a safe city to visit?

Many people treat Muscat as a jump-off point before they start their road trip around the Sultanate, or just as a layover between flights to other destinations.

However, underrated Muscat is not only a great place to visit for a city break filled with interesting sights but also a perfect introduction to the Sultanate of Oman. Historically and culturally rich Muscat is a very different and unique capital. It is laid back and relatively slow-paced, something you wouldn’t expect from the largest city in the country. 

Muscat is a huge contrast to flashy Dubai in UAE (although Dubai also has an old part hidden under the shades of skyscrapers).

Oman’s capital is a real city where you will find worn out charismatic old houses, locals driving taxis and serving people at restaurants, or haggling in the ages-old markets. 

Muscat also serves as a base for day trips to nearby destinations in Oman, like Bimah Sinkhole and wadi Shab, Daymaniyat islands, or Nizwa, for example. 

The not-so-obvious luxurious side of Muscat can be experienced by treating yourself to a stay in one of the wonderful resorts located on the idyllic shores of the Gulf of Oman. 

Thus, there are so many things to do in Muscat and it is a must-visit place in Oman for longer than just a day. 

Safety in Muscat

Last but not least, Oman is one of the safest countries to visit not only in the Middle East but also in the whole world. Even if you are a single female traveler, visiting Muscat, or Oman on your own is easy. Men pay respect to women and never ever did I feel uncomfortable or in danger wandering even the most remote corners of Oman and Muscat.

Accommodation in Muscat

Haffa House Hotel $-a decent four-star hotel for very reasonable prices. Although it is an old hotel and needs a bit of revamp, it is clean, has polite service, and the location is convenient to drive to any direction for sightseeing. Make sure to request a non-smoking room (if that applies to you) when booking.

Intercontinental Muscat $$$- located on the beach of Qurum this resort offers you a comfortable stay in rooms with sea or mountain views, access to the pool, gym, green gardens, saunas, in house restaurants. The popular waterfront-muscat area with trendy shops and nice restaurants is also close by.

Muscat, Oman Map

Click  here  to open and save my Muscat itinerary map which shows the exact locations of the points of interest mentioned in this Muscat guide.

I hope you are enjoying my free travel guides & tips. If yes, please consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee so I can continue creating more useful content from my favorite coffee shop in town. Thanks!

Oman travel essentials & useful links

Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips.

• Rent a car : The best way to explore Oman is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• Best flight deals: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Oman from your location.
• Accommodation: book your ideal accommodation on Booking .
• Travel Insurance: buy affordable travel insurance at SafetyWing . Alternatively, get  5% off  your insurance by using my link on  Heymondo , a travel insurance provider.
• Guided tours: book the best-rated guided tours in Oman on Viator .
• Local SIM Card: Get a tourist pack of local data and calls at Muscat airport or hypermarket. Omantel provides the best coverage.
• eSIM CARD:  Stay connected before you land.  Airalo  offers eSIM card with data up to 5 GB (30 days) data package for Oman.

More Oman travel blog posts

• Plan your Oman road trip with my Ultimate Oman Road Trip Itinerary .
• Renting a car and driving in Oman: everything you need to know.
• Traveling from UAE to Oman by road or vice versa? Check useful information about UAE-Oman land border crossing using this guide .
• Driving to Salalah? Make sure to also read my  Dubai to Salalah road trip planner .
• Plan your Salalah route with my  Ultimate Salalah Itinerary: the best things to do in Dhofar region, Oman.
• Plan your visit to Wadi Shab-one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Oman .
• Plan your visit to Musandam with my detailed Musandam from Dubai road trip guide.

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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$391 Find cheap flights to Muscat

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to muscat departing on 6/3. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to muscat.

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Flights to muscat - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to muscat to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest day to fly to muscat, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to muscat is wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $1,350. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is tuesday, where prices are $1,478 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to muscat, the cheapest month for flights to muscat is march, where tickets cost $962 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are june and december, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $1,972 and $1,857 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is october with an average price of $1,059., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to muscat, the cheapest time of day to fly to muscat is generally in the afternoon, when flights cost $1,079 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to muscat is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,340., how far in advance should i book a flight to muscat, to get a below average price, you should book around 0 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 6 days before departure., how long is the flight to muscat, the duration of your flight to muscat depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to muscat on kayak are from new york , which takes 15h 50m, newark , which takes 18h 35m, san francisco , which takes 21h 05m, and los angeles , which takes 22h 20m., good to know, when to book flights to muscat, faqs - booking muscat flights, what family services does muscat international airport offer.

If traveling with kids, the airport has a Children’s Play Area in the Departures Hall just after the passport control point. Another play area is in the Oman Air Business Class Lounge. You can pick one for free at the Airside if you need strollers and drop it off at the airport’s gates.

Are there lounges at Muscat International Airport?

MCT airport has several lounges. For lounge pass lounges, you can visit the Primeclass Lounge on the 5th Floor, Airside. You can also use a lounge membership program to access the lounge. If you prefer paying at the door, you can go to Mejan Lounge on the 7th floor of the International Departures, which is open 24 hours daily. The airport also has airline lounges, the Oman Air First Class and Business Class Lounges, located at Airside.

Which hotels can I visit when I fly into Muscat International Airport?

There is one hotel located inside MCT airport, Aerotel Muscat Hotel. The hotel is situated at Airside on level 5. You can also go to the nearby hotels if you are looking for one. You can visit the Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb, Novotel Muscat Airport, or Radisson Collection Hotel, Hormuz Grand Muscat. The airport does not offer shuttle services.

What transport options do I have to the city center from Muscat International Airport?

The most pocket-friendly transit option from MCT airport is by bus. The bus stop is outside the terminal building on Sultan Qaboos Highway. You can also take a taxi. You can book the taxi by phone, prepay at the Muscat International Airport taxi counter outside the Arrivals area, or book the service online. You need to agree with the driver on the cab fare if you hire a private taxi. You can also use door-to-door Oman Air chauffeur service if you fly first or business class. You can also rent a vehicle from the on-site rental agencies at the Arrivals Hall. The car rentals allow for convenience and privacy in traveling from the airport to the city center or the rest of Muscat.

How far is Muscat from central Muscat?

You’ll need to travel 8 miles to reach the Muscat city center from Muscat.

What is the name of Muscat’s airport?

All flights to Muscat land at Muscat. The airport code is MCT,and it can also be referred to as Muscat Intl or Seeb.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Muscat?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Muscat.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Muscat?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Muscat is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Muscat?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Muscat with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Muscat?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Muscat up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Muscat?

Of the 2 airlines that fly to Muscat, Oman Air offers the most flights, with around 51 per week, followed by Salam Air with 27 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Muscat

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Muscat flight deals.
• Muscat International Airport, formerly known as the Seeb International Airport, is the leading international airport in Oman. The airport mainly serves the metropolitan area of Muscat.
• If you are flying into MCT after a long journey, you can treat yourself to a massage at the spa at the airport. The spa is located Airside close to gate A3 and is open 24 hours daily.
• After a long flight, you can shower in the Primeclass Lounge of Muscat Airport. You need a lounge pass to access the lounge and, ultimately, the showers.
• When visiting Muscat, you fly into many alternative airports, including Sohar International Airport OHS, Konarak Airport ZBR, and Chah Bahar Ab Airport QCN, all about 131.7 miles from MCT.
• At MCT, you can take advantage of the two-hour available free internet. To get to internet password, provide your local phone number, where the password will be sent via text. You can also scan your passport and boarding pass at the information desk to get the internet password.

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Nonstop departures

United States to Muscat Seeb

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Muscat Seeb to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to muscat.

Everything was great in the business class. Seats 1A and 1C wouldn't recline properly. If i stood up then it did recline, even when the crew checked it he made me stand up recline it all the way and then he said "ok now you can sit" i just laughed it off.

We missed our connection due to technical issues with the plane. We were stuck in Oman Airport for 5 hours, had to overnight there, got rerouted to London, were denied boarding on the plane, were then seated separately (as a family of 5), did not receive any notification of our luggage being in London, were denied boarding for the AA flight to Chicago, and then all seated separately again. Finally our luggage was lost. Worst experience ever. Will never fly on this airline again

The crew could have offered us seats together as the flight was half empty. But overall, the service quality was good as well as the food and entertainment options. Would love to fly Oman Air again.

Smooth until we get in the plane it was so small and uncomfortable the whole flight, apparently they have Changed the plane and I don’t know what was the problem this flight is from mct to phuket - on my way back everything was perfect

Although a short regional flight, Oman Air continues to provide excellent service, and personal attention. I always find the Oman Air leg of an international flight less stressful and more personable.

The whole trip was well organised, and pleasantly executed. As with most Qatar Airways flights the staff were particularly attentive and supportive. The Q Suite was the "icing on the cake".

Staff were attentive and professional, and managed to be personable and accomodating at the same time. Oman Air has become my airline of choice.

Reduced cost for children to lounge Children’s area in airport Non spicy snacks Option of children’s meals Good films More children’s games and 2 player games Ran out of vegetarian meals

Omar airways mishandled my baggage, it took me 2 weeks to get my baggage back. It's been delivered to someone else.

Flight got canceled without any prior information and it caused lot of trouble

Staff were friendly, and provided great service. The food was plentiful and delicious. Food could have been hotter.

I was traveling business purposes and I only had one carry on and a personal computer back pack . My carry on was 8.5 kg little more than allowable. At jfk airport check in they did not let me carry it . I was little disappointed.

More leg room and comfortable seats at least for long flights

The entertainment selections are amazing. But the live TV is sometimes spotty. If you’re going to have it, then have it. If you can’t make it consistent, then, perhaps it’s better not to have it. The crew are always cordial when approached, but they seem to do the minimum and sit around, talking to each other in the back of the plane during the flight. I realize that delays are not always predictable, but I missed my flight in Dubai because we left 90 minutes late from Washington. I will say that Emirates took very good care of me in Dubai. But I would rather not be delayed.

Probably the best flight I’ve ever been on. Emirates first class is leagues beyond British airways and Lufthansa’s.

Great flight. Comfortable seats, courteous service, and excellent selection for entertainment.

Serving food took so long . Almost time close to lend. Plus during landing air pressure in cabin cuss ear blocked took long time to unblock.

Emirates is usually on time, but not this trip. Also, during the flight the attendants disappear unless called upon. Very strange. I have watched the quality of Emirates service diminish over the last five years.

Food was not great. Crew members were created hassle with attitude at the gates and wasted my valuable time. I have been traveling in Emirates airlines many times. Over all not happy flying in Emirates airlines this time. Seats are very small and not comfortable. Seats looks like very very old and congested. It would be nice if they fix these kind of issues. I hope my next trip will be hassle free and comfortable journey in Emirates airlines. Thank you.

Operated by American Airlines. Very chaotic and the crew was bit rough responding any enquiries. Restricted leg space.. Qatar would have been better

Qatar airways from Doha to guangzhau was excellent big bird Boeing 777 more room and smoothly flight, I Love it

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

The made us waiting and held our passports and boarding pass making us miss our flights

Not impressed. Only allowed one carry on on such a long flight.

The flight was good but my neighbor had the vent open full power for the whole flight and because the air was blowing from the side instead of from the top and I got very cold and ended up with a sore throat.

Bad experience with the delay n long wait time for connecting flight after missing the connection flight from Doha.

Wore experience due to delay and took me 3 days to reach my destination.

All over with Qatar airlines my experience was really bad due to delays and then putting me on different airlines and after 8 hours of wait I had to listen to their is no plane to fly for another 24 hours. Wore experience ever.

Excellent will be flying again in May with Qatar. to Botswana.

Nothing really was great as such. Seen other no name airlines perform better.

Quality of service on board was very inconsistent. FA service primarily seemed robotic and they barely engaged with passengers

I’m unclear why I had to pay extra for assigned seats as Turkish airlines did not honor the seating. We were placed across the aisle from each other on TK 34, and were seated behind one another on TK 694. Because my name was misspelled on e-ticket (Klawiter, instead of Klawitter) I could not log onto website to get the connection gate number in Istanbul. The monitors in the airport were a jumbled mess 1/2 Arabic and 1/2 English.

On line check in needs a lot of improvement. I tried and gave up.

Food not good, flight attendants not the best, not accommodating very ruff

the female flight attendant was racist towards me. I could tell she treated the two other passengers next to me with more softness.

Oh my god! For an13 hour flight they serve you food just one time. Also don’t be thirsty they give you a little small cup of soda to drink. They seem like their goal is to feed you one so they don’t have to be bothered with you. It quite surprise for such a long flight there are several times to eat at least three and the food was well lackluster. The food and lack of offering drinks which were always hot no ice provided.

We were traveling first class. Checkin counter lady and her manager, both were in bad mood and did not treat us well about checking in the handbag. The gate agent took care of it right away. I travel Turkish twice a year in first class. No one has ever refused to check in the hand bag. Not sure, why this agent and her manager refused. Everything else was excellent.

The 787 economy was a disaster for long haul. The space was too little compared to 777 or 747. Also the extremely low tray table behind the seat made any dining effort a nightmare. However, the movies were up to date, and the food taste was good, despite of terrible serving process caused by small space.

A little bit more comfort. It’s tight space around the seats. But all else is great and a smooth flight!

Horrible experience. Nothing to give to kids to keep them entertained.

I think I have bruises on my kneecaps. Do the seats have to be so close together these days? And if they are so close they really shouldn’t recline. I think when the gentleman in front of me reclined, the back of his head was on my chin. That being said the crew were always caring and polite, and the flight was on time and very safe. So I’m grateful for that.

I always try to book flights that don’t charge for baggage. Yet I was charged $75 for this flight.

Trouble keeps changing the time and I was booked different flight without knowing it was bad experience

I dropped my wallet under my seat on this flight with all of my money and credit card. I requested to be able to go back and retrieve it but Lufthansa denied my request. I went to the Customer Services and they called Lost and Found but I was told nothing found would be turned in until around 12:00pm. My next flight was leaving so I was unable to check to see if my wallet was turned in. I will never fly with Lufthansa again.

My concern is with Flight: 441 IAH-FRA I was very cramped in my seat and the person in front of me was reclined. I pulled my wallet out of my purse and when finished I did my best to cram it back into my purse. Our flight was very delayed and we were rebooked twice and lots of airport time. As I got off the flight I noticed that I had dropped my wallet( containing all my credit & debit bank cards + 240 US dollars & 240 Euros. I spoke to customer service & Lost &Found. I was denied access to look on the plane. Therefore I have been without money and given no help. Paula Bjork 503.545.6698

Dinner was good by air travel standards but breakfast was too light and heavy on carbs/sugar.

Used to love Lufthansa, but Rowe are too close together in Economy and passengers are allowed to recline their seats so far back it is impossible for those behind them to even reach for carry-on essentials during flight - except for meal service when flight attendants ask for seat backs to be raised, we can’t sleep on planes so this flight was most uncomfortable ever! Rod Rose

So far so good. I missed my flight because of the Lufthansa diversion. United helped me to figure out how to get accommodations from Lufthansa for my long layover. They help me book appropriate onward flight.

Horrible crowding on the seats, headphones provided did not fit or work in the entertainment center, seriously the most uncomfortable flight I have taken in a LONG time. The people in front of me were literally 5 inches from my face the entire flight. Did they change their seats recently? I remember it being tight but wow this was a whole new level. Also I am a 5'3" small woman so I can't even imagine a larger person dealing with that for 11 hrs.

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First Time in Oman: Travel Guide

F ound on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a gem waiting to be discovered. Blessed with diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to pristine coastline, Oman offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

The capital city, Muscat, serves as the gateway to Oman’s wonders. Here, ancient traditions harmonize with modernity, evident in the striking architecture of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the bustling markets of Muttrah Souq.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll mention everything you need to know for your first-time visit to Oman.

Planning Your Trip

Before setting off on your adventure, it’s essential to plan your trip meticulously. Research Oman’s top attractions, such as the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, the ancient city of Nizwa , and the breathtaking Wahiba Sands desert. Consider the best time to visit, taking into account Oman’s climate and seasonal events. 

Additionally, ensure you have the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas or vaccinations. You can read the requirements for entry and apply in a simplified way with OMVIsas . 

Getting There

Traveling to Oman is convenient, with international flights connecting major cities worldwide to Muscat International Airport. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic cruise along Oman’s picturesque coastline or take a cross-border road trip from neighboring countries.

Accommodation

Oman offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious beach resorts overlooking the Arabian Sea to cozy boutique hotels in historic neighborhoods, you’ll find the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Exploring Muscat

Begin your Omani adventure in Muscat, the vibrant capital city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Visit the iconic Royal Opera House , stroll through the bustling Muttrah Souq, and marvel at the opulent Al Alam Palace.

Discovering Omani Culture

Get into Oman’s cultural diversity by experiencing traditional customs and rituals firsthand. Witness the performances of Omani music and dance, learn about the art of falconry, and explore the fascinating world of traditional handicrafts, including pottery and weaving.

Outdoor Adventures

For outdoor enthusiasts, Oman offers plenty of thrilling activities amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes. Go on exhilarating hikes in the towering Hajar Mountains, camp under the starlit sky in the Wahiba Sands desert, or indulge in water sports along the pristine coastline.

Exploring Historical Sites

Step back in time as you explore Oman’s rich heritage at its ancient forts, archaeological sites, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmarks. You can't miss the imposing walls of Nizwa Fort, wander through the historic ruins of Bahla Fort , and discover the ancient city of Bat, renowned for its prehistoric tombs.

Day Trips and Excursions

Take a day trip to the picturesque village of Misfat Al Abriyeen, explore the verdant wadis of Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid, or go on a dolphin-watching cruise along the coast.

Shopping in Oman

No trip to Oman is complete without indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Browse the vibrant souks and markets, where you’ll find an array of traditional Omani handicrafts, exquisite jewelry, and aromatic spices. Be sure to haggle with local vendors for the best deals and souvenirs to take home.

Cuisine and Dining

Omani cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Sample mouthwatering dishes such as shuwa (marinated meat slow-cooked in an underground oven), harees (a savory porridge made with wheat and meat), and halwa (a sweet confection flavored with rosewater and nuts).

Safety Tips

While Oman is generally a safe destination for travelers, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure a hassle-free journey. Respect local customs and traditions.

Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural areas, and avoid public displays of affection, and stay informed about any potential safety concerns or travel advisories.

In Conclusion

While Oman may not yet be as mainstream as some other travel destinations, its growing popularity reflects the increasing interest in exploring lesser-known gems and immersing oneself in authentic cultural experiences.

Oman offers a wealth of experiences for first-time visitors, from its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors or immersing yourself in the uniqueness of Omani culture, this enchanting destination is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The post First Time in Oman: Travel Guide appeared first on Malorie's Adventures .

Tips on traveling to Oman as a woman

By Joan Torres 5 Comments Last updated on April 5, 2024

Oman is, by far, the most charming and welcoming country in the Middle East, but we can’t forget that it is also one of the most conservative. This means that traveling to Oman as a woman will always be different than as a man and, for this reason, I decided to contact Katie Silcox, an expert female traveler who has traveled around Oman extensively. 

According to Katie, Oman is a safe place for a solo female traveler , but it won’t be always easy to navigate.

In today’s guest post, she will walk us through all her tips and advice on visiting Oman as a woman .

First things first – Oman is safe for solo female travelers .

I’ve visited a fair amount of countries and continents as a solo female, within the Middle East , as well as within Europe, Africa, and Asia.

I can honestly say that Oman is where I’ve felt safest.

The reason for this is a combination of things which we’ll explore throughout this article including the country’s attitude towards women, the friendly-nature of locals, and the safety of the country overall.

If you’re are considering traveling to Oman as a solo female traveler, you should absolutely go ahead.

It’s one of the safest places to do so.

After receiving so many emails from really kick-ass female travelers who want to wander around some of the most off the beaten track countries in the world, I decided to open a  Solo Female Traveling  section on my blog, to help women get to know the reality of traveling solo in these countries. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think you have a nice experience to tell!

Oman is a safe country overall, including for solo women travelers

If you’re  well-traveled in the Middle East , you’ll no doubt know that the reality of safety issues in many countries located there – or certainly specific regions of many countries – is not what’s portrayed in the western media.

If you’re new to travel in the Middle East and don’t yet know what’s what, that’s ok too. Indeed, if this is the case then Oman would be a great starting point as a solo female traveler in the Middle East.

In fact, in a 2018 report from the World Economic Forum, Oman is listed as the 4th safest country in the world . This safety rating is in part because of the country’s little-to-no crime rate, but also due to Oman’s overall stability as a county, thanks in part to the importance it places on cultural and religious tolerance, and on education.

For more information about safety, read this comprehensive analysis: Is Oman safe?

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Attitudes to women in Oman

The Omani people generally have a lot of respect for one another, and towards tourists.

No, it doesn’t matter if you’re female – please forget all misconceptions about attitudes towards women in a Muslim country. The Omani population respect each other, and this includes women.

With regards to tourism, Oman does however, see a relatively small amount so there may be some curiosity towards you – particularly in more remote areas. But unlike other countries I’ve been to, this curiosity didn’t equal hassle .

Standing out as a tourist didn’t mean I was seen as an easy target for scams, it didn’t mean I was regarded in a negative manner, and it certainly didn’t mean I was cat-called.

In fact, quite the opposite – for most of my time spend in Oman, across Muscat , Salalah , Jebal Akhdar and Wahiba Sands, I was treated just like any other local – often without any outward recognition of my being a tourist at all.

On the odd occasion when I was treated differently, it was with incredibly positive intentions.

For all the practical information, including all my personal tips, cultural facts and top experiences, don’t forget to check my ultimate guide to Oman

The people in Oman are friendly and will want to help you

Those positive intentions?

I’m talking about my interactions with locals and how they simply wanted to help me and make sure I was ok in their country.

On my first trip to Oman as a solo woman; I clearly remember keeping my head down as much as possible and trying not to engage in any interactions with males on the street.

Then one day, as I was parking up a car, I noticed a man outside the window trying to help by giving guidance. Naively I ran through my head what his possible intentions might be, and what he might want from me after I left the safety of my car.

Did he want money? Would he try to take my phone number? Ask me to go and see his shop? Try to take me for coffee?

I braced myself and stepped out of the car – he smiled kindly, nodded his head, and walked away. That was it; he just wanted to help.

It was at this point I both let my guard down , and started to see what the country really was rather than through the sometimes guarded lens of a solo female traveler.

What to wear in Oman as a woman

As with many Muslim countries, you should consider what you wear in Oman.

The country is tolerant, but abiding by local norms is both respectful and will help ensure you stay safe, avoiding any chance of unwanted attention from locals and/or authorities.

Situated in the Arabian Gulf, the weather in Oman can get very hot, which can make it difficult for a traveler who is not used to walking around in such climates.

In most areas, I’d advise wearing linen trousers and a loose-fitting top that covers your shoulders.

If you’re visiting mosques, you’ll also need to cover your hair.

All of this said, there are caveats – Oman boasts many luxury hotels and private beaches and if you’re visiting one of these the rules are entirely relaxed; swimsuits at the pool or beach are ok, and almost anything goes within the hotels themselves.

Best places to stay in Oman as a solo female

Speaking of hotels, let’s discuss where to stay when traveling to Oman as a woman.

This is where things get slightly trickier.

As a solo female traveler , there is no problem at all staying in a room alone, but Oman is not easy for the budget traveler . Oman doesn’t have the concept of hostels, and many of its hotels tend to be on the pricier side [read: 5 star].

If you’re willing to splash out for a 5 star hotel there are plenty of options. Otherwise, you’ll find some decent mid-range hotels in Oman’s capital city, Muscat , but will probably struggle outside of it.

Airbnb options are available and – remember we talked about how safe Oman is as a country – there is no need to worry about staying alone in a rented room or house. A few small and charming guesthouses are also scattered throughout the country.

Lastly, many visitors to Oman also opt to pack a tent into the boot of their vehicle and to camp up under the stars at night. While it’s legal to wild camp in Oman, it’s not something I have ever tried a solo female traveler. If you’re considering it, keep in mind that Oman is safe vs your comfort levels, for a balanced view.

Getting around Oman as a solo female traveler

In order to effectively move around Oman, you’re going to need to hire a car, and we suggest a 4×4.

Public transport is not effective in Oman, particularly outside of Muscat.

Women are absolutely OK to drive solo in Oman, and there are plenty of places to hire a car in Oman, including at the airport. In Oman, they drive on the right-hand side of the road, and many of the key connection roads across the country are very decently paved.

However, a 4×4 is your best car hire option as the off-road terrain can be more difficult to handle, particularly in the desert and the mountain areas. It should be obvious, but Oman has a zero tolerance on alcohol when driving – just don’t do it.

Exploring the culture

Oman has a rich and beautiful culture, and I guarantee that taking the time to get to know some of the locals will leave you with very fond memories.

As a solo female traveler in Oman, I appreciate that striking up conversations with locals is not always easy and can sometimes seem intimidating. I know I often ask myself the usual questions, particularly when starting a conversation with a man.

Will he get the wrong impression? What if he tries to get me alone? What if he follows me?

Of course, I cannot vouch for every person in Oman, but I have felt safer here than in most countries; it’s more than likely you’ll simply have an interesting conversation and learn some new things.

As with all solo travel, stay aware of your surrounding and read the signs you’re being given; if you feel like someone is getting the wrong impression, or if you’re not comfortable for any reason – walk away.

In rural areas, many locals don’t speak much English, so try learning a few words in Arabic before you travel. A simple hello, ( marhaba ), how are you ( kefak/ek ) and thank you ( shokran ) will most definitely be appreciated!

The advantage of being a solo female in Oman vs being a man

Traveling in Oman as a solo woman can actually come with advantages.

By the very nature of your gender, the chances are you’ll get to see a side of the country that male tourists can’t.

Omani’s are very welcoming, so if you’re lucky you’ll be invited to the home of an Omani family in order to dine with family or friends. If you’re male this will mean that you get to dine on some delicious cuisine and experience the culture of food and hospitality in Oman, but you’ll be expected to stay in the guest room.

If you’re female, the chances are you’ll get to experience much more – you may get a chance to explore more than just the guest room and gain an insight into the day-to-day life at an Omani’s home.

Outside of the guest room, females will take off the abaya as they prepare dishes for dinner or tend to their children. A female visitor is far more likely to be invited to experience all of this – and if you are, be sure to watch carefully and pick up some delicious Middle Eastern cooking tips too!

More information for solo female travel in Oman

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

More solo female travel guides

• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraq
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraqi Kurdistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Jordan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Pakistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Sudan

More guides to Oman

• Travel Guide to Oman
• Travel Guide to Musandam
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Muscat
• Best Activities, Tours and Excursion in Oman
• A City Guide to Salalah Dhofar
• Oman Budget Guide
• Is Oman Safe?

Thanks for your article. I noticed on your pictures you dressed less conservative: head is uncovered, part of chest, collar area and neck are showing, elbows to fire arms showing and leg area below knees are showing. Traditional advice for females (tourists or not) has always been to be modestly covered with only face showing. Could you perhaps offer a clarification? Thanks.

Hello there Kris! sorry for being four months late as i just saw this article. Well, its not necessary to only show your face nor to wear in full modest in fact most female tourists and expats here in Oman wear tank tops or T-shirts and nothing is wrong with that but the point is to stay simple and not too showy. By the way have you been to Oman? if not please give it a chance and thank you 😉

Good day, please can woman go to Omar country for work or business

Informative blog, is there any good hostel in Oman for girls?

Would you say it is safe for solo females to hitchhike in Oman?

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Kirti Kulhari Saw The Ocean And Went Dolphin Spotting On Muscat Vacation: 5 Things To Do On Holiday In Oman

From enjoying music on the yacht to snorkelling in the sea, kirti kulhari had the time of her life on her holiday in oman.

Kirti Kulhari Went Dolphin Spotting In Muscat

Kirti Kulhari is busy enjoying the tranquility of the ocean in Muscat. In her latest pictures on Instagram, the opening frame includes a selfie video of Kirti on a yacht, exhibiting the water behind her. The next slide includes a boomerang of Kirti along with her friends. From enjoying Bollywood songs on the yacht to trying her hand at snorkelling, Kirti had an amazing vacation in Muscat.  The actress wrote, “Ahhhh went into the ocean after soooo long and it reminded me of how much I have missed it…Saw dolphins for the first time (wish they came closer though ) and snorkelled with not the best visibility, but it was such a beautiful ride into the ocean and just being a part of the ocean once again my heart is full, mind calm and m ready to go back to work tomorrow.” If Kirti Kulhari's vacation left you yearning for a fun-filled holiday in Oman, you are definitely not alone. Luckily, there is a lot that you can do in the country.

(Also Read:  Jacqueliene Fernandez In Bangkok's Floating Market Finds "Love Light Happiness And Baby Goats" )

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Here are 5 activities that you can do on your trip to Oman.

1. Desert Camping 

Camping in Wahiba Sands is one of the most popular activities that tourists indulge in. The Oman desert is enormous and is also called The Empty Quarter. While you drive to the camp, you can enjoy a desert safari which is also an experience in itself. Just make sure you carry enough water for the ride.

2. Whale Shark Snorkelling  

A short boat ride away from Muscat, Damaniyat is a chain of nine uninhabited islands. The island is a top priority on the itinerary of tourists and adventure enthusiasts. Courtesy: snorkelling. Make sure you plan your trip between September and November, which is peak season to spot whale sharks.

3. Scuba Diving

Oman is heaven for adventure enthusiasts, who can also indulge in scuba diving. If you are lucky, you can spot sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs. In addition, the Damaniyat island is also a great spot to witness migratory birds.

4. Experience Turtle Hatching

If you are a wildlife lover, then you'll enjoy watching sea turtles nesting and hatchlings on Oman's remote beaches. It must be noted that Ras Al Jinz is the perfect location to also spot endangered green turtle nesting.

Love hiking? Then what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and jet off to Wadi Ghul, often described as Oman's Grand Canyon.

(Also Read:  Inside Barbara Palvin's Visit To Universal Studios Hollywood: 5 Of Its Theme Parks You Can't Miss )

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Muscat Airport sees steady growth in 2024

Muscat: The passenger traffic at Muscat International Airport increased by seven percent to 1,018,469 in March this year from 954,905 in March 2023.

The total number of passengers (international plus domestic and transit) using Muscat Airport in the first three months of this year increased by 17.7 percent to 3,482,325 from 2,959,829 during the same period in 2023.

The aircraft movement increased by 10 percent to 8,653 from 7,879 during the same period.

Muscat Airport handled 25,204 in the first three months of this year compared to 22, 145 in 2023, an increase of 13.8 percent.

The freight movement saw a drop of -2 percent during the same period.

Salalah Airport

The passenger traffic at Salalah International Airport decreased by -1 percent to 93,673 in March this year from 92,958 in March 2023.

However, the total number of passengers using Salalah International Airport in the first three months of this year increased by 6.7 percent to 325,035 from 394,538 during the same period in 2023.

The aircraft movement increased by -5 percent to 956 from 912 during the same period. The freight movement saw an increase of 26 percent during the same period.

Sohar Airport

The passenger traffic at Sohar International Airport increased by 438 percent to 6,052 in March this year from 1,124 in March 2023.

The aircraft movement increased by 18 percent to 156 from 132 during the same period.

The passenger traffic at Duqm Airport decreased by -11 percent to 6,759 in March this year from 6,041 in March 2023.

The aircraft movement increased by 18 percent to 100 from 85 during the same period.

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2 Malayali nurses killed in road accident in Oman

Two Malayali nurses were among three killed in a road accident at Nizwa in Oman. Thrissur native Majida Rajesh, Kollam native Shajeera Ilyas and a woman from Egypt were run over by a speeding vehicle. The vehicle rammed into five nurses who were waiting to cross the road. The other two have been admitted to a hospital with injuries. 

The accident took place around noon local time in the Dakhiliyah ‍Governorate about 15 km from Muscat. 

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