6 Best Things to Do in Muscat (2024 Edition!)
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a city where contrasts, modernity, and ancient traditions harmoniously blend. The unique architectural heritage that has been preserved is a source of admiration, but the subtle “spice” of modernity is equally impressive.
Things To Do In Muscat
If you are planning a trip to Muscat, rest assured that this city on the Gulf of Oman will be a welcoming destination, offering a wide range of activities. From exploring deep historical sites and Islamic architectural masterpieces to visiting the bustling old town, idyllic beaches, and a unique natural environment, where the combination of the gulf and the mountains creates a breathtaking spectacle. Here are all the best things to do in Muscat, Oman.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
If you have a list of must-see places, this mosque should be at the top. As the world’s third-largest mosque, it’s an astonishingly grand and modern structure. Named after the revered Sultan Qaboos, who gifted it to the city, it stands as an architectural marvel.
In 1992, when the Sultan decided the city needed its own Grand Mosque, a competition was held to select both the designer and contractor. Two years later, construction began on this impressive building, which took just over six years to complete. The main minaret rises to a height of 90 meters, inviting people from afar to explore this masterpiece. The mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers at a time.
I highly recommend that when you visit, you not only admire the exterior but also take time to explore inside. In addition to the breathtaking decorations, the mosque boasts a 21-ton handmade carpet (the second largest in the world) and a massive chandelier, 14 meters high and weighing over 8 tons.
Tip: When planning your visit, please take into account the mosque’s visiting hours for tourists. While Muslims can visit the mosque at any time, tourists are admitted from Thursday to Saturday, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Also read: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Muscat Guide
Al Alam Palace
If I had to name one of the most beautiful buildings in Muscat, I would mention this palace, which I can confidently call a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Formerly the palace of the Sultan of Kabul, it is now used for official meetings, such as the reception of dignitaries from other countries. Although the palace is not open to the public, it is worth admiring from the outside – the duo of blue and gold looks luxurious and exclusive, blending perfectly with the palace’s ornate surroundings.
The history of the palace dates back more than two centuries. It was restored in 1972 and has since become the official residence of the Sultan. The palace is particularly impressive at night when illuminated, so spending an evening is worth here. Around the palace grounds are a great place for a stroll, with beautifully landscaped green spaces, fountains, and idyllic walkways.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in Muscat.
Bait Al Zubair Museum
A private museum, founded by a family and opened in 1998, showcases the country’s cultural heritage. This is done through displays of weaponry, various household items, clothing details, coins, and more. The museum hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, so don’t miss the opportunity to take a look at Oman’s history, art and traditions.
You can visit the museum on Saturdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Inside, you’ll find many swords, spears, and other Omani weapons and armor; traditional costumes from different periods; silver and goldware; crockery, kitchen utensils, pottery, and other everyday objects; as well as paintings, sculptures, weaving, woodcarving, and other Omani crafts. The museum also exhibits old photographs, historical documents, and many other artifacts.
Oman National Museum
The National Museum of Oman is a prominent landmark in Muscat, which opened relatively recently in 2016. Divided into several galleries, the museum’s exhibits tell the story of the country’s history and culture. The exhibits are categorized into different groups, including prehistory and ancient Oman, Islamic Oman, maritime heritage, defense, and more. In total, there are over 7,000 exhibits.
The museum is impressive and will appeal even to those who do not consider themselves museum lovers. It perfectly combines authentic exhibits with interactive experiences for visitors. Not only are the exhibits and educational displays captivating, but the spaces themselves create an impression of grandeur, meticulous cleanliness, and aesthetics.
Practical information: The museum is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the museum’s closing time.
Also read: Best Things To Do in Oman
Royal Opera House
The Opera House is the premier arts and culture venue in Oman. The building is a fine example of Oman’s modern and distinctive architecture, and yet another testament to Sultan Qaboos’s desire to promote art and culture in the country by uniting modern and traditional architectural elements. Visitors will find a spectacular concert hall, art galleries, magnificent gardens surrounding the palace, luxury restaurants and cafés, and souvenir shops.
The Royal Opera House is a relatively new addition to Muscat, having opened in 2011 after several years of construction. The building is distinguished by arched windows, a marble and wood combination, and a subtle color palette. The landscaped gardens surrounding the palace extend the aesthetic found inside.
The main hall can seat just over 1,000 people. Its unique transformable stage enhances the experience, allowing for adaptation to various types of events, such as opera, symphony concerts, theatre performances, and more. The event season begins at the end of September or October and lasts until April or May. Make sure to see a concert here as one of the more unusual things to do in Muscat!
Tip: If you’d like to learn more about the Opera House, its history, architectural design, and technical features, and see it with your own eyes, you can take a tour of the Royal Opera House. Tours are available from Saturday to Thursday.
Mutrah Souq
Don’t like going to markets, you say? Even so, the Mutrah Souk in Muscat is well worth a visit. Every time you go, you’ll find a vast selection of traditional Omani goods that will help you discover the country’s culture, cuisine, and traditions. The market is also an excellent place to buy authentic souvenirs. This place, which has retained its old-world charm, attracts visitors with its vibrant array of textiles, gold and silver jewelry, traditional clothing, spices, fragrances, and a wealth of souvenirs. The market usually stays open until late in the evening. Visiting this bustling local market is one of the best things to do in Muscat.
How To Get To Muscat
Although Muscat International Airport is not one of the busiest airports in the Gulf, you shouldn’t have any problems getting to Oman. The country’s national carrier, Oman Air, offers a wide range of international routes to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Oman is also home to the low-cost airline Salam Air, which flies travelers to more than 30 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Many other major international airlines, such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and IndiGo, also flying to Muscat Airport.
Best Time To Visit Muscat
The best time to visit Muscat is between November and April when temperatures are moderate. During this period, the city’s daytime temperatures range from 17°C to 33°C.
Muscat’s summer months, from April to October, can be extremely hot, with June being the hottest month, averaging temperatures as high as 40°C. For this reason, I do not recommend traveling to Oman’s capital during the summer months.
Average Temperature
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Where To Stay In Muscat
Muscat offers a wide range of hotels and resorts. Below, I’ve listed a few options to suit different budgets, so hopefully, you’ll find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
Budget Hotels
- Muscat Inn Hotel is a simple 2* hotel located near the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies, TVs and free Wi-Fi.
- Muscat Express Hotel is a well-regarded hotel located close to one of Muscat’s largest shopping malls, Oman Avenues. The on-site restaurant serves Chinese, Indian and Italian cuisine.
Mid-Range Hotels
- IntercityHotel Muscat features an outdoor pool, free parking, a gym and a shared lounge area. The spacious rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, soundproofed walls, minibars and private bathrooms.
- I stayed at the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Muscat Al-Ghubra for a few nights, so I can recommend it to you. The room was bright, and spacious with a large and comfortable bed, and the food in the restaurant was amazing. Although the hotel is located further away from Mutra market and other attractions, I chose it for its convenient location. The hotel was a quick exit from the city and the airport is a 15-minute drive away.
Luxury Hotels
- The Chedi Muscat offers 162 rooms, all of which are equipped with various amenities. The resort also has lounges, a gym, several restaurants, a luxury spa and indoor and outdoor pools. Those who love extravagance and exclusive holidays will love this accommodation.
- The St Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is located next to the beach, on the outskirts of Oman’s capital city. The resort welcomes visitors with first-class rooms and a wide range of services and warm hospitality. It also features outdoor swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre, a gym and an exclusive restaurant serving a wide range of international dishes.
How To Travel Around Muscat
Muscat’s public transport system consists of buses and taxis. Although the bus network is extensive, some destinations may require transfers, which can be time-consuming. The bus system in Muscat is operated by Mwasalat, a company that also provides connections to other cities in Oman. Bus fares depend on the distance traveled and are paid directly to the driver. For detailed information on bus routes and timetables, visit the Mwasalat website.
In Muscat, some attractions are far apart, so traveling by taxi is often the most convenient option, and it’s relatively inexpensive. Taxis are plentiful in the city, especially in busier areas. Most taxis do not use meters, so be sure to agree on a price before getting into the car to avoid complications later. When I travel around the city, I mostly use the OTaxi app. From my experience, the prices on the app are usually cheaper than hailing a taxi from the street.
Muscat Tours & Excursions
Trips to Muscat are popular not only for the friendly locals and fascinating sights but also for the variety of activities. There is something for everyone in this city. In particular, I recommend taking a guided sightseeing tour of the famous landmarks of the Omani capital, where your guide will show you the city’s most interesting sights.
If you decide to stay longer in Muscat, take advantage of the unique opportunity to go scuba diving in the Daymaniyat Islands. You will not only see colorful corals but also encounter giant sea turtles. This is one of the most memorable things to do when visiting Muscat.
FAQs About Things To Do In Muscat
What is the distance from Muscat Airport to the city centre?
The distance from Muscat Airport to the city center is about 12 km. The city center can be reached in about 10 minutes by airport taxi or around 30 minutes by bus.
How many days do you need to visit Muscat?
You will need between 1 and 2 days to see Muscat’s main attractions. If you are planning a day trip from Oman’s capital to the Daymaniyat Islands, consider staying in the city for 2 to 3 nights.
Is Muscat safe for tourists?
Muscat is one of the safest cities in the world. It has a very low crime rate, and theft or armed robbery is extremely rare. I have always felt safe traveling around the city both day and night.
Is Muscat worth visiting?
Absolutely, Muscat is worth a visit! It is one of the most charming cities in the Gulf, with a rich history, fascinating culture, and incredibly friendly people.
Do people speak English in Muscat?
Many Omanis speak English fluently, both in Muscat and other major cities. Although Arabic is the official language, all Omanis start learning English in school.
What is the dress code in Muscat?
When traveling in Muscat, you don’t need to dress like the locals, but it’s important to dress modestly. For women, I recommend wearing casual, modest clothing, and covering your head with a scarf when visiting mosques.
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I hope you have enjoyed my comprehensive list of things to do in Muscat!
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Evelina
Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
