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Capital and largest city of Oman
Photo: Leon petrosyan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Muscat (Arabic: مسقط Masqaṭ) is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman and its most important and populous city (1.7 million in the metro area in 2021). It has been inhabited since at least 1000 BCE and for centuries was an important trading port on the Maritime Silk Road. It is home to a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, and receives the largest number of foreign visitors to the country.
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Built as a prison in the rocky mountains in the 1580s during the Portuguese occupation, now converted into a museum devoted to Omani heritage. Unfortunately the fort is only opened to visiting dignitaries and heads of state and not open to the general public, but it's still possible to climb the steep stairs up to the top and to enjoy the view.
Built at the same time as Al Jalali Fort which it faces across the harbour. This fort has also been converted to a museum which is closed to the general public, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside.
This is the office of Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. This beautiful palace stands on the head of a natural deep water harbour and is guarded on either side by the twin forts of Mirani and Jelali. Visitors are not allowed to visit the palace, but they are allowed to take photographs at the entrance of the palace.
The museum features displays on Omani social history, while tours are frequently run of the neighbouring reconstructed townhouse.
This small museum has displays detailing the relations between France and Oman, with many colonial objects from the 19th century.
This museum marks the location of the old city wall, and has the original city gates which were used until the 1970s. The location offers good views of Old Muscat and the palace.
A gallery representing primarily Omani artists, and a few Oman-based western artists.
This large museum tries to illustrate the history and customs of Oman from the Stone Age to the present day. Obviously huge effort is being put in the presentation, there are many 3D printed detailed models of Omani architecture and beautifully presented artifacts. There's also a curious exhibition of (largely kitsch) presents from foreign dignitaries on the top floor.
The renovated corniche area is a popular place for a walk and also for its many not-so-expensive eating places. There are also good view of the fishing dhows in the harbour.
fish souq
Visitors can watch fishermen unload and sell the catch of the day.
This renovated house from the 1930s has exhibits illustrating the history of Muscat. The lower level is devoted to pre-history and palaeontology, while the upper level is devoted to human history and ethnography.
Built by the Portuguese in the 1580s, this fort is not open to the public, but visitors are permitted to climb up the hill to the outside for a good view of the area.
This park also has a small funfair with rides. Great views can be had from the giant incense burner perched on the hillside. Visited in The Amazing Race 9.
This restored Portuguese watchtower on the waterfront is a good place to catch views of the sunset.
This Portuguese watchtower has also been restored, and although the tower is closed to the public, the hill can be climbed for some great views of Mutrah and the Corniche. There is no clearly-defined path to the top; the easiest access is from the northwest.
This museum is made up of a cluster of houses with furnishings and displays appropriate to an Omani house between 1950 and 1970, i.e. before the accession of Sultan Qaboos. There is also a small modern art gallery.
This curious museum is housed in a building built in 1845 as a royal summer home. The lower level has displays on Oman's history, and the upper level praises Oman's international relations and military history and weaponry; including a cluster bomb that is banned by international treaties (that Oman is not a signatory of.) An outdoor section presents some decomissioned heavy military machinery. All visitors are given a mandatory military escort.
52 Christian denominations share this plot that is densely packed with their houses of worship. It gets particularly busy on Thursday nights and on Fridays if you want to peek into some of the services held in a variety of languages.
This is the third largest mosque in the world and most of the complex is open to non-Muslim visitors; ladies are however expected to keep their heads, ankles and wrists covered while visiting the mosque. Must-sees in the mosque include the Swarovski crystal chandelier, the second largest hand made Persian carpet in the world, and the marble panelling.
Qurum Natural Park
Has extensive rose gardens, a large manmade waterfall, a lake and an amusement park which is a must to visit during the Muscat Festival.
This small museum has a good collection of archaeological exhibits, and is worth visiting for the excellent views.
This private museum has six permanent displays explaining the formation of, and modern extraction of oil and natural gas.
A full-dome digital system, which can accommodate up to 60 visitors. Two shows a week are presented in English; call or email to confirm times and to make reservations.
Bait Al Magham
A fortified house built at the beginning of the 20th century, now restored and with excellent views from the top of the building.
A large, photogenic ruined mud-brick fortress in a scenic location. Behind the fortress are scattered ruins and a long rampart wall, still unexcavated. Along the ridgeline in the hills are some prehistoric beehive graves.
This stunning building is the venue for a wide range of performing arts, including western classical music, classical Arabian music, jazz and flamenco, and ballet and modern dance.
Held annually from late January to early February, this month-long event celebrates Omani culture and traditions with demonstrations, food, dance and music performances, and other entertainment.
This short hike takes the walker away from the modern world of Muscat and also offers fantastic views of the rugged mountains surrounding the capital city. The path begins in Riyam Park, and follows a 5000-year-old trail used by miners to an abandoned village, then finally finishes near Mutrah Souq. Allow for 1.5-2 hours, with an additional 20-minute return walk along the Corniche. A decent trail map can be found here.
Between Riyam Park and the highest point it is a concrete path albeit quite steep.
Between the highest point and Mutrah, the trail is mostly on bare rock and only marked by painted flags which may be difficult to spot. In places it can be impassable unless you are willing to scramble up cliff faces. Bring at least 2 litres of water and wear shoes with good grip. Do not start the trek after 4pm unless you go in a group and bring torch lights, as getting lost is highly likely in the dark.
This center offers diving trips, as well as a full range of PADI courses.
This German-operated center conducts diving trips and PADI certification courses. The private beach is open to day visitors (RO 2 on weekdays, RO 4 on weekends), and it is possible to stay overnight in one of their beach bungalows (RO 49-176, depending on season and size of party; breakfast and dinner included). There is no public transportation to this area, so visitors will need to take a taxi or rental car.
Conducts diving trips and a full range of PADI courses, as well as dolphin-watching tours. Diving destinations include the Damaniyat Islands, Fahal Island and Bhandra Kharan, with other destinations depending on demand.
Mountain bikes can be rented here by the day, weekend, or week.
No facilities except open showers. Clean and well-maintained, with places offering jetskis for rent near the Intercontinental. This beach gets very busy on weekends.
PDO Public Beach
This beach is quiet during the day, and more lively in early evenings. There are some small, excellent coral reefs just a short distance from the shore, suitable even for novice snorkelers. Clown fish, parrot fish, sea cucumbers, and occasionally sea turtles and rays can be spotted here.
This is a family-oriented beach, with picnic benches and shaded areas. In the evening near the desalination plant there are several food trucks which offer good and inexpensive fare, including grilled meat and fish, lentil soup, and potato salads.
This is a long stretch of beach, with some sections quite busy, and some sections accessible only with 4WD.
Named after the hotel, this beach has a good view of the mountains behind.
Nearly 300 avian species have been spotted here, some during migrations and others living here year-round. Guided tours bookable on website.
Pakistani food.
Delivers Lunch.
South Indian vegetarian restaurant.
Pakistani
Bangladeshi
Al-Tarboosh
Fast Arabian/Lebanese-style food available for takeaway or eat-in on the first floor.
Serves traditional Omani food.
Ideal place for a break during a walking tour of Old Muscat.
The most popular Turkish restaurant in Muscat, with excellent fish dishes. Take-away and delivery available in the Al Khuwair area.
Exceptional, traditional Omani dishes with a modern twist, very highly rated.
Cuisine - Lebanese. Try the Hummus (chickpea paste), Fatoosh (salad), Mutabel (eggplant paste), Falafel and mint tea. Even the waiters are not sure why the restaurant is named automatic. There is a branch of Automatic located on the side of the Sabco Centre facing away from the central car park. There are also branches in Ruwi, Al Khuwair and elsewhere in Muscat.
The best Rotis (Indian Bread). Try the chicken Jalfrezi and Paneer aloo (potato).
This place is mentioned in various guidebooks as the only 'authentic' Omani restaurant in town - and its fame means that this is now popular with tourists. The food is acceptable, if a bit pricey.
Offers less expensive food than the other Chedi outlets, with the same understated chic ambience.
Famous for their Friday brunch buffets.
Traditional Omani seafood. Reservations strongly recommended; smart casual, nonsmoking.
Four open kitchens featuring international cuisine.
Indian cuisine. Smart casual dress, reservations and credit cards accepted.
Indian cuisine.
Indian Peshwari cuisine.
A Lebanese-based grocery store chain, has take-away options.
A chain of supermarkets sells a wide range of items.. Many of them are on the main Sultan Qaboos highway making them easy to spot.
Oman's favourite supermarket chain with a branch off Sultan Qaboos Street in Al-Khuwair.
Also has fresh fruit juices.
You can watch the world go by from the outside tables.
Located on the beach road that goes between the Crown Plaza Hotel and the Intercontinental Hotel. It is so close that if you cross the road, you are on the beach. The larger drinks are about RO 2-2.2, but the view through the glass wall of the waves coming into the beach is excellent.
Known for good drinks as well as good food. Reservations recommended if you come here for dinner. Expensive.
formerly known as Aywa Hostel
Guesthouse has a terrace, lounge, and kitchen. Price includes WiFi and using guest computer, printer/scanner and washing machine.
Includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Has good views of the harbour, but with two nightclubs is quite noisy at night. Free wi-fi available only in lobby.
A tired and run-down hotel that is more the standard of a third world backpacker establishment, but has an interesting bar.
Despite bit strange reception entry, the hotel has nice big & clean rooms with toilet, shower, fridge and SmartTV. Excellent location. RO 20/night for 2 persons.
Has a grand view north up the beach towards the Intercontinental.
Non-smoking rooms, gym onsite, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage available.
This property offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Amenities included are housekeeping, food delivery, laundry & dry cleaning services.
Built to house a regional conference in the mid-1980s, the hotel is famous for its brunches. Worth visiting just to check out the lobby and hotel grounds.
Five star luxury with traditional Omani architecture.
78 rooms, each a 32” LCD TV, DVD player. Amenities include a restaurant serving Mughlai and Afghani dishes, an open to sky Atrium with children’s play area and dining facilities, and ballrooms for wedding receptions and functions.
This is an opulent building designed by a Yemeni prince in what seems almost a parody of Arabian palace styles.
On the beach, with onsite restaurant and bar, gym, tennis court, outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Part of the international luxury chain. In Bar al Jissah, which is about 30 minutes outside central Muscat. The hotel can be challenging to find, so make sure you have a good map if you are driving. The Shangri-La is on a beautiful section of the coastline.
A Radisson Collection Hotel. Near the airport.
The maze-like souq (marketplace) is often described as the best in the Gulf region. The souq has many shops for jewellery, traditional Omani handicrafts and Omani food at reasonable prices. Some specific items to look for include Arab hand-embroidered mussar (shawls intended to be worn as turbans, RO 10+), garments, nuts, spices, incense, and earthenware. A few shops accept credit cards.
Amouage perfume is the most expensive perfume in the world, and visitors can learn about its production. It is recommended (but not required) to call beforehand to ensure that someone is available to show you around.
Sells prized Omani silver, crafted into contemporary jewellery and gifts in a Muscat workshop.
This gallery is operated by a non-profit group which encourages cottage industries.
Friday Market
A bustling flea market with everything from jewellery, camping gear, carpets and even cars. There is a section with clothing, and food stalls are also nearby.
It's the biggest shopping mall in Oman.
Contains a lot of shops including a large Carrefour Hypermarket.
Oman Avenues Mall is the second largest shopping mall in Oman. Offers shopping, dining, kid zones and entertainment to locals and international tourists.
Contains Carrefour.
A collection of about half a dozen medium sized shopping centres which is very popular with locals. The actual Sabco Centre has a small souq-like collection of shops that contains many of the handicrafts that are available in the Mutrah Souq. There is also a Godiva Chocolates shop (+968 24 562367). Opposite the Sabco Centre is the Omani Craftsman's House that only sells guaranteed Made in Oman crafts at fixed (but relatively high) prices.
A Qatari-based chain.
All Lulu's branches have delis offering takeaways.
This location is particularly convenient if you're looking to stock up before heading to the mountains.
There is another Carrefour located in Muscat city centre (see listing above).
Assarain Textiles LLC
Customs suits costing from RO 50-60 each in fabrics from pure wool, wool blends, Cashmere, Mohair, Angora and linen.
By bus
For more information have a look into the article of Oman.
By car
You can reach Muscat by road from the United Arab Emirates. The journey takes about 5 hr by crossing the border in Hatta/Al Ain, some border crossings are just for Gulf Cooperation Council citizens.
By boat
Cruise ships stop regularly at Port Sultan Qaboos in Mutrah. Shuttle buses transport visitors from the ship to the port entrance, and taxis are also available.
By public bus
The Mwasalat company runs a few lines of public buses which cover the most important sights and the airport. Buses run every 15 to 30 minutes, are comfortable and have A/C.
By car
For visitors staying in Muscat for longer than a day, renting a car provides the most flexibility and is far more economical than using taxis, as one taxi ride from Ghubrah to Muscat and back will…
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