Sandwiched between the blue Gulf of Oman and the stark Al-Hajar Mountains, Muscat is one of Arabia’s most alluring and picturesque cities. Oman’s ancient capital has embraced modernity only sporadically, so its districts reflect a sliding scale between bygone and modern Arabia. Things to do in Muscat include exploring its bayside Muttrah and Old Muscat neighborhoods to see blue-tiled mosques, souks, museums, and 16th-century forts; enjoying dhow cruises along the scenic coast; and absorbing the city’s contemporary areas, where glossy malls, restaurants, and showpieces like the gleaming Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque personify the new Oman.
After Oman’s scorching summers, travelers understandably fix on November–March to visit Muscat. This is when the city revels in milder temperatures that only occasionally exceed 85°F (30°C), as well as bright, sunny days ideal for sightseeing, beach sessions, and boat trips. While public celebrations in the city are few and far between, January and February herald the annual Muscat Nights festival, when shows, carnivals, cultural events, and food pavilions fill the city’s main public spaces like Qurum Natural Park and Naseem Park.
Muscat is sprawling, so walking around the sights isn’t feasible, especially in the heat. For sightseeing, it’s best to book a private guided tour or rent a car, the latter of which is relatively inexpensive. Alternatively, Muscat’s Mwasalat public buses connect the city’s primary districts (running from Ruwi Bus Station to Old Muscat, for instance), but it can be difficult to decipher routes and timings. Muscat’s orange and white cabs are easiest for short runs. You can hail them at hotels or on the roadside, but you should agree on a fare before setting off as they’re unmetered.
Muscat’s Muttrah Souq, tucked behind an easy-to-miss archway along Muttrah Corniche, is the go-to for antique Omani silverware, one of the country’s best treasures. Head deep inside the souk and you’ll find stalls piled with vintage jewelry and accessories, including heavy silver rings, chunky bracelets, neckpieces, and intricately carved silver daggers (khanjars). This old silver is a great buy, but only if you haggle hard over prices: Don’t settle for anything less than 30 percent off what’s first quoted.
Attractions 20 | Tours 738 | Reviews 7,130 |
Yes, Muscat is worth visiting. Oman’s capital is one of Arabia’s most charming destinations, with its scenic mountain-and-sea setting, rich heritage, and welcoming atmosphere. The traditional quarters of Old Muscat and Muttrah exemplify a lost Arabia with their souks, mosques, and forts. Elsewhere, dhow cruises, shiny malls, and top-notch restaurants beckon.
...MoreIf you’re on a wider Oman tour, a day in Muscat lets you view highlights like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Old Muscat, and Muttrah Corniche. If you’re staying in Muscat, however, one to two weeks is ideal, with plenty of beaches, shopping, great cuisine, and dolphin-watching cruises around to keep you happy after your main sightseeing.
...MoreMust-sees include Old Muscat, home to the blue-and-gold Al Alam Palace (Sultan’s Palace), the 16th-century Al Jalali and Al Mirani coastal forts, and the Bait Al Zubair Museum and National Museum, which trace Oman’s history. Star attractions elsewhere include the glittering Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House Muscat, and Muttrah Corniche’s merchants’ houses and souk.
...MoreYes, Muscat is considered safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, although women travelers should be cautious if walking alone at night. While Oman is one of the region’s politically safe countries, it’s also best to avoid street demonstrations should they happen. Take extra care on Muscat’s roads, too—accident rates are fairly high.
...MoreYes, Muscat is expensive to visit. Prices are high, particularly for accommodation, transport, and tours. It’s also easy to splurge at the swanky restaurants, bars, and shops inside Muscat’s international hotels. Consider cutting costs by eating at Muscat’s many small, family-run Asian restaurants and staying in B&Bs or self-catering apartments.
...MoreYes, tourists can drink alcohol in Muscat provided they’re 21 or over. You can purchase alcohol at the airport, licensed hotels, restaurants, bars, and liquor stores. Most licensed venues are inside hotels, so don’t rely on finding many while out and about. Bear in mind that it’s illegal to be intoxicated in public.
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