Holidays to Muscat
Muscat highlights
Architectural stunners
Tour the impressive architecture on your stay in Muscat. The city’s buildings reflect Omani architectural styles, both ancient and modern. See the centuries-old Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts in Old Muscat and the much newer Royal Opera House Muscat. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest in the country and a prime example of modern Islamic architecture, especially the main prayer hall (dress modestly to visit).
Desert adventures
Even on a short break to Muscat you’ll want to get out and see the vast desert landscapes surrounding the city. Ramlat Tawq is closest. Rub Al Khali (or the Empty Quarter) is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert. Here, you can learn about traditional Omani Bedouin traditions and explore hiking trails. For a fun day of adventure, experience the thrill of dune bashing in the Wahiba Sands.
The Corniche
A stroll along the popular Muttrah Corniche promenade will cost you nothing. Winding from Muttrah Fish Market to Riyam Park, the Corniche is a scenic spot during the day. At dusk, admire the glow of the fading sun, and hear the sound of Islamic calls to prayer. In the area, you’ll find souks, shops and restaurants, plus dhows (traditional sailing boats) bobbing in the Gulf of Oman.
Muscat: Know before you go
| Language | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Currency | Omani rial (ر.ع.) |
| Time zone | UTC+4 (GST) |
| High season | October - April |
| Low season | June - August |
Find the best time to go to Muscat
Weather in Muscat
April – May: The warm, pleasant weather is a welcome sign for outdoor activities before the summer heat blasts through. This is your best time to hit the beach without the crowds.
June – September: Temperatures regularly climb above 38°C. But while the hot weather may keep you indoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to linger in Muscat’s museums and air-conditioned malls.
October – March: Muscat’s high season sees warm daytime temps and mild, even balmy, nights. In other words, perfect T-shirt weather. Spend long days on the beach and enjoy open-air events like the Royal Opera House Muscat’s outdoor concerts.
Events in Muscat
Muscat Festival (January to February): Also known as Muscat Nights, this festival honours the country’s history and heritage. Experience traditional Omani culture through local food vendors and musical performances. See brilliant fireworks displays and watch artists perform everything from dance shows to magic.
Royal Opera Season (October to April): Dress up for a night of high culture at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Programming includes international opera, ballet and orchestra concerts.
National Day Celebrations (November): Parades, military exhibitions and fireworks play big as the city celebrates the National Day of the Sultanate of Oman. This is also a great time to sample Omani street food like shuwa and ‘halwa’, a sweet treat made from sugar, spices and nuts.
The best neighbourhoods in Muscat
Qurum
Chic, modern Qurum is the best area to stay in Muscat for upmarket hotels, shopping and restaurants. Qurum Beach, one of the biggest and best public beaches in the city, is also here. Enjoy the cosmopolitan vibes of beachfront life and modern amenities, from sipping coffee and eating dates at streetside cafes to taking leisurely strolls in Qurum Natural Park.
Good for: Shopping, dining, beaches
Muttrah
The city’s old commercial area, Muttrah is where to stay in Muscat to be in the heart of local history. Soak up famous sights like the Al Alam Palace, then dip into the neighbourhood’s culture with a visit to the Muttrah Souk for shopping and people-watching. When hunger pangs strike, explore street food stalls that serve up sizzling kebabs and freshly baked ‘khubz’ (bread).
Good for: Historic buildings, sightseeing, food
Al Khuwair
The Al Khuwair neighbourhood is well positioned between the city’s key sights and the airport, making it a convenient option. Popular with expats, the area has plenty of malls to explore and great restaurant options for casual food or fine dining. It’s also within easy reach of Qurum Beach if you’re looking to relax in the sun.
Good for: Restaurants, shopping, convenience
Things to do in Muscat
Family friendly things to do
For something to do with family in Muscat, visit the Marahland amusement park in Qurum Natural Park. It offers rides for children of all ages and an indoor play area. Plus the famous Ferris wheel provides excellent views of the city. With two great beaches, the souk and museums, kids will be happily occupied for hours.
Shopping
One of the best things to do in Muscat is to wander through the labyrinthine alleys of Muttrah Souq. The air is rich with the scent of frankincense and spices, and the stalls are packed with jewellery, colourful textiles and handcrafted items. If international brands are more your style, the shopping in Muscat won’t disappoint. Head to Oman Avenues Mall or Muscat Grand Mall for fashionable labels and souvenirs.
Take in the culture
Learn about the history and nature of Oman in the museums in Muscat. The story of the nation unfolds in the National Museum of Oman, which covers everything from maritime prowess to Omani jewellery. View artefacts and treasures from Omani life at Bait Al Zubair, a privately owned museum in a restored house. Or discover diverse flora and fauna at the Oman Natural History Museum.
Nightlife
Despite Oman’s Muslim conservatism, you’ll happily find plenty of options for nightlife in Muscat, from refined and relaxed to lively. Catch world-class performances at the city’s legendary Royal Opera House Muscat. Or head to one of the cafes around Muttrah Souk to enjoy traditional qahwa (Arabic coffee). If you’re missing home, Muscat has many international bars and pubs catering to expats and tourists.
Places to eat
You’ll find both traditional fare and international flavours at restaurants in Muscat. Sit on a cushioned floor or at tables and enjoy Arabic and Indian-inspired dishes like ‘shuwa’ (slow-cooked lamb) and ‘saloonat dijaj’ (chicken stew). Dates and coffee are traditionally offered as a sign of hospitality, so make sure you accept them gratefully.
Beaches
Cool off from the Arabian sun at the beaches in Muscat. Popular and scenic Qurum Beach is surrounded by mountains. The private Al Bustan Beach, linked to a five-star resort, has sunloungers, golden sands and crystal-clear water. If peaceful nature encounters are more your bag, try Qantab Beach — it’s a bit quieter and perfect for snorkelling.
Get ready for Muscat
Budget
Looking to explore Muscat on a budget? Consider travelling during the spring shoulder season and enjoying the city’s outdoor activities like the beach. Once here, you’ll pay about five Omani rials (OMR) for an inexpensive meal and less than OMR2 for a coffee. Short taxi rides are also a bargain, starting at OMR2.
Day trips from Muscat
You’ll spot turtles and sharks while snorkelling around the Daymaniyat Islands, a small archipelago off the coast of Muscat. You can reach it by speedboat in around 40 minutes. Prefer a day of history and culture? Drive just under two hours to Nizwa, one of Oman’s oldest cities, home to an ancient souk and a 17th-century fort.
Getting around Muscat
Getting around on a visit to Muscat is easy thanks to the extensive bus network that serves all the main tourist attractions. Orange-and-white taxis in the city are easy to spot, but most aren’t metered, so agree on a price before you set off. For day trips, consider hiring a car. But be aware that the driving here can be erratic at times.
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