Muscat, Oman’s port capital, sits on the Gulf of Oman surrounded by mountains and desert. With history dating back to antiquity, it mixes high-rises and upscale shopping malls with clifftop landmarks such as the 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, looming over Muscat Harbor. Its modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with 50m dome and prodigious Persian carpet, can accommodate 20,000 people.
Winter (November – March): The best time to visit Muscat, with cooler temperatures (20–30°C) and perfect for outdoor activities.
Spring (April – May): Warm but still comfortable for sightseeing.
Autumn (September – October): Pleasant weather, although temperatures are still high.
Summer (June – August): Very hot (above 40°C), but it’s a less crowded time to visit if you can handle the heat.
By Air:
Muscat International Airport (MCT) is the main international gateway, with direct flights from many cities around the world.
By Sea:
Muscat has a cruise port, so you can arrive by sea if you're taking a cruise around the Arabian Peninsula.
By Car:
If you're traveling from within Oman, the city is well-connected by highways. It's about a 4-hour drive from the UAE border.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – A stunning mosque and one of the largest in Oman, open to non-Muslim visitors.
Royal Opera House Muscat – A beautiful venue for world-class performances.
Mutrah Corniche – A picturesque waterfront promenade, great for evening strolls with views of the harbor.
Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts – Historic forts that guard the entrance to Muscat's harbor, with great views.
Qurum Beach – A relaxing spot to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
Muscat’s Souks (Mutrah Souq & Al Zawawi Souq) – Traditional markets for Omani handicrafts, frankincense, and spices.
Bait Al Zubair Museum – A museum showcasing Omani heritage, culture, and artifacts.
Al Bustan Palace – A luxury hotel and former royal palace with stunning grounds and views.
Wadi Shab – A beautiful gorge with pools for swimming and a scenic hike.
Riyam Park & Viewpoint – Offers fantastic panoramic views of the city, port, and mountains.
Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – A peaceful and magnificent architectural site.
Explore Mutrah Souq – Shop for traditional goods like silver, textiles, and perfumes.
Take a Dhow Cruise – Enjoy a traditional Omani boat cruise along the coast.
Hike at Wadi Shab – A challenging but rewarding hike with swimming in natural pools.
Visit Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts – Get a sense of Omani history and breathtaking views.
Relax at Qurum Beach – Swim or just enjoy the beach with scenic views.
Explore the Royal Opera House – Attend a performance or just tour the incredible building.
Take a Day Trip to the Desert – Head to the Wahiba Sands for an unforgettable desert experience.
Explore the Coastal Villages of Muscat – Take a drive and visit small coastal towns like Quriyat or Sidab.
Discover the Al Hoota Cave – A limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Luxury:
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel – A luxurious former royal palace with exquisite grounds and beach access.
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa – A stunning resort with beautiful beaches, pools, and a variety of dining options.
The Chedi Muscat – A stylish and tranquil hotel with an excellent spa and beachfront views.
Mid-Range:
Grand Millennium Muscat – A contemporary hotel with good amenities and a great location.
Muscadom Suites – A comfortable and affordable option with easy access to the city.
Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat – A solid mid-range option with modern amenities.
Budget:
Al Falaj Hotel – Affordable and centrally located with good service.
City Seasons Hotel Muscat – A budget-friendly option with great comfort and location.
Hostels and Guesthouses – Several low-cost options for budget travelers.
Traditional Omani Cuisine:
Kargeen Caffe – A popular spot for traditional Omani dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Bait Al Luban – Known for authentic Omani cuisine, including kebabs and grilled meats.
Casual Dining & Café Culture:
Café Muscat – A relaxed, cozy place for coffee and light snacks.
The Turkish House Restaurant – A must-visit for those wanting to try Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes.
Fine Dining & International Cuisine:
The Beach Restaurant – Located in the Shangri-La resort, it offers seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
The Cellar – An upscale wine and dine experience with contemporary international flavors.
Local Delicacies to Try:
Shuwa – Traditional slow-cooked lamb, marinated in spices.
Mashuai – A famous Omani dish made from rice, fish, and dried shrimp.
Dates and Omani Halwa – A sweet treat often served as dessert.
Warm Hospitality: Omanis are known for their hospitality, and visitors are often greeted with tea or coffee.
Respect for Traditions: Dress modestly and respect Islamic customs, especially when visiting religious sites.
Frankincense & Perfumes: Oman is famous for its frankincense, which is often used in incense burners.
Traditional Music & Dance: Music plays an important role in Omani culture, with traditional dances like the Razzha performed at events.
Arabic Influence: Arabic is the official language, and many signs are written in both Arabic and English.
Friday as a Holy Day: Friday is a day of prayer and rest for Muslims, so some businesses may close in the afternoon.