Muscat Travel Guide (Northern Oman/Oman/Middle East/Asia)

Introduction to Muscat

Muscat is the capital city of Oman and is located in the northern part of the country. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Muscat is a popular tourist destination due to its traditional Arabian charm, friendly locals, and world-class attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Muscat

There are plenty of things to see and do in Muscat. Below is a list of top attractions you should not miss during your visit to the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: One of Oman’s most significant landmarks, this mosque is a stunning piece of architecture with a capacity for 20,000 worshippers.
Al Alam Palace: This palace is the official residence of the Sultan of Oman, situated in the heart of Muscat’s old town.
Bait Al Zubair Museum: This museum tells the story of Oman’s cultural heritage through exhibitions of art, textiles, and traditional jewelry.

Natural Attractions of Muscat: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Muttrah Corniche: Take a stroll along the Corniche to see the stunning harbor views, and to experience the traditional souks (markets) and local eateries.
Riyam Park: Enjoy a picnic in this scenic park and don’t miss the opportunity to hike up the adjacent hills for breathtaking views of the city’s coastline.
Al Jalali Fort: This stunning fort, built in the 16th century, offers sweeping views of the harbor and serves as a museum showcasing Oman’s military history.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Muscat

Muscat offers plenty of opportunities to explore Oman’s natural beauty on foot or bike. Below are some of the hiking and biking routes you can explore:

Jebel Sifah: This scenic trail out of the city leads to the nearby mountains and offers stunning views of the coastline and local wildlife.
Wadi Shab: A popular destination for hikers, the Shab Wadi offers plenty of scenic viewpoints and natural pools for swimming.

Best Things to Do in Muscat: Activities and Tours

Dhow Cruise at Muscat: Take a traditional Arabian boat (“Dhow”) cruise along the coast and feast on a romantic dinner while watching the sunset.
Dolphin Watching at Muscat: You can take a boat tour from Muscat and glimpse the friendly dolphins frolicking in the Arabian sea.
Traditional Omani Souq: Stroll around Muttrah Souq and haggle for bargains with the local vendors.

Week-Long Itinerary for Muscat

If you have a week to spend in Muscat, here’s what we suggest:

DAY	Plan
1	Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and then explore Muscat’s old town to see Al Alam Palace and other historical landmarks.
2	Go hiking in the nearby mountains, the Jebel Sifah, and then take a boat cruise along the coastline.
3	Visit the Bait Al Zubair museum and explore the Muttrah Souq, a traditional Omani market.
4	Take a trip to the nearby city of Nizwa to explore its traditional markets and historical forts.
5	Go for a swim at Wadi Shab, a stunning natural pool, and then head back to Muscat to enjoy the food scene in the evening.
6	Visit the Oman National Museum and the Al Jalali Fort.
7	Visit the Riyam Park, spend some time in the urban parks, and enjoy the city’s shopping scene on your last day.

Food and Drink Scene of Muscat

Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Omani Shuwa: This slow-cooked lamb is a traditional Omani dish, rich with spices and flavors.
Machboos: Similar to biryani, this is a flavorful rice dish that’s often served with grilled meat.
Halwa: A dessert made of sesame oil, sugar and cornstarch, it’s a must-try for your sweet tooth.

Local Beverages

Kahwa: A popular traditional Omani coffee, it is served with dates, a symbol of the country’s hospitality.
Laban: An Omani probiotic yogurt drink, it provides a refreshing break from the heat.

Where to Stay in Muscat: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodations available to suit every traveler’s needs and budgets. Here are some of our recommendations:

Al Bustan Palace, Ritz-Carlton: This 5-star luxury hotel offers unparalleled hospitality, stunning views of the mountains, and a private beach
Muscat Hills Resort: A family-friendly resort, with the famous green golf course, overlooking the Oman Seas East of Muscat.
Majan Guest House: A budget guesthouse offering comfortable rooms at affordable prices.

What to Buy in Muscat: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Oman is known for its exquisite handicrafts, so here are some of the most popular souvenirs to take home with you:

Frankincense: Oman is famous for its fragrant frankincense, which has been used in perfumes and cosmetics for centuries.
Traditional Omani clothes and textiles.
Silver and Gold jewellery.

Local Culture and Customs of Muscat

Omanis are hospitable and friendly people, and they place great value on their Islamic religion and Arab customs. They also follow a dress code that is quite conservative with long, modest clothing, especially for women. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in public places, though it is allowed in hotels and restaurants that serve alcohol.

Best Time to Visit Muscat

The best time to visit Muscat is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant, and the temperature is around 25-30 degrees Celsius. It can get quite hot during the summer, with temperatures reaching over 40°C.

Do’s and Don’ts of Muscat

Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do when visiting Muscat:

Do:

Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and public places.
Ask permission if you want to take photos of locals.
Bargain at souks and markets.

Don’t:

Drink alcohol in public areas.
Eat during Ramadan in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Muscat

Oman is a safe country with low crime rates, and the political situation in Muscat is stable. However, like any other city, it’s important to take basic safety measures like keeping your belongings secure and avoiding isolated areas after sunset.

Health in Muscat

Visitors to Muscat should ensure that they are up-to-date on common vaccinations and should take precautions against sunburn, dehydration, and heat exhaustion due to high temperatures.

Getting to Muscat: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can fly into Muscat International Airport, situated in close proximity to the city center. It is also possible to reach Muscat by bus, taxi or car.

Airports Near Muscat

Muscat International Airport

Bus Stations Near Muscat

Ghala Bus Station
Ruwi Bus Station

Other Options

Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport.

How to Get Around in Muscat

There are several transportation options available to explore Muscat:

Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout Muscat, but make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in.
Buses: There are public buses in Muscat that are affordable and easy to navigate.

Where to Go Next from Muscat: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oman has much to offer, and there are some nearby destinations that are worth exploring. Here are our top picks:

Nizwa: An hour’s drive from Muscat, this city is home to the famous Nizwa Fort, traditional markets, and scenic mountains.
Sur: Located on the east coast of Oman, Sur is famous for its bustling fishing harbor and for making traditional Omani dhow boats.
Wahiba Sands: This vast desert is home to some of the country’s most beautiful sand dunes - a perfect destination for a desert safari adventure.

Conclusion

Muscat is a city that has something to offer for everyone, be it history buffs, adventure enthusiasts, or shopaholics. From stunning architecture to a vibrant food scene and pristine beaches, it’s a destination worthy of every traveler’s bucket list.