Muscat Travel Guide
Muscat is the capital and largest city in Oman, but tourists will find that the mundane activity of the busy modern capital is easily forgotten among the exotic delights of bustling markets, cannon-guarded forts, ornate palaces and historic city harbour. The once important maritime city underwent a resurgence in the 1970s, when the Sultan Qaboos bin Said began to develop museums, mosques and palaces, and worked to restore relics of Muscat's history.
Muscat is made up of three cities grown together: the original walled city of Muscat (home to the royal palaces); the former fishing village of Matrah with its maze-like souk; and the commercial and diplomatic area of Ruwi. These areas, along with other districts further from the city centre, each have their own distinct personalities and attractions.
Although Muscat is a popular destination for sightseeing tours, many of the attractions are primarily regular fixtures of Omani life. The mosques are important religious sites, the ancient forts are still operated by the military and the sultan's palace is the seat of Oman's government.
The beauty of the city is what makes Muscat so alluring, especially near the harbour. The smooth, curved stone architecture is a transition from the rocky landscape to the inviting water of the harbour. Many new buildings have continued with classic Arabic architecture, further protecting the city's legacy from the ravages of the modern world. Muscat is one of the safest, most cosmopolitan and most open-minded cities in the entire Gulf Region and fast becoming a Middle East tourism hotspot.
Things to do in Muscat
There is no shortage of things to see and do in Oman's bustling capital. Visitors can wander the maze-like souks of Matrah and wonder at the massive and beautiful palaces, forts, and mosques that serve as reminders of the city's culture and history.
Along with the architectural wonders, visitors can learn about Muscat at a number of museums in the city, including the National Museum, the Children's Museum, the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum, the Omani French Museum and the interactive Bait al Baranda Museum.
Muscat offers a number of active pursuits too, and the numerous tour companies in the city facilitate activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing, camel racing, horseback riding, turtle and dolphin watching, trekking and night safaris.
To enjoy the natural beauty of Muscat, travellers can take a walk in any of the city's parks, ranging from small neighbourhood spaces to the enormous Qurum National Park, which boasts beautiful rose gardens and manmade waterfalls, a lake and an amusement park. Another spectacular natural site is Wadi Shab, located about 62 miles (100km) southeast of the city and home to vivid emerald green pools with dramatic caves and cliff faces.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world with a capacity of 20,000, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a recent yet architecturally classic building. The interior is grand and the prayer hall is home to a handwoven Persian carpet weighing over 21 tons on the prayer floor, while an exquisite 46-foot (14m) chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Though English tours are on offer, this remains a religious site rather than a tourist destination, so visitors need to be respectful of the rules. Muslims can visit any time of the day, but tourists of other faiths should only come during visiting hours. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and women are required to cover their hair.
Old Muttrah Souk
Old Muttrah Souk is the most popular traditional bazaar in Muscat. The market is a small maze of narrow alleyways formed by adjoining stalls, where tourists can bargain with stall clerks over the prices of gold and silver jewellery, antiques and other traditional goods. The market has a less forceful air than others, so visitors are free to wander at their leisure without overt pressure from touts. While the Old Muttrah Souk is popular with tourists, locals shop here too, giving authenticity to the market and mixing ornamental souvenirs with household products and delicious food.
Bait al Baranda
Even for those without an interest in Muscat's history, the Bait Al Baranda Museum presents a fascinating story of the region stretching back some 750 million years. The interactive exhibitions take visitors through tectonic plate shifts to recent folk art, with an adherence to detail and historical fact. Instead of simply housing artefacts, the Bait Al Baranda's dynamic exhibits often require audience participation. The museum is situated in a remodelled historic building that also periodically features local contemporary art exhibits.
Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts
The Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts were built during the Portuguese colonial rule of Oman during the 16th Century and are now beautiful windows into that era. Situated on either side of a palace, they give a fortified appearance to Muscat's harbour. The forts are examples of traditional architecture, with Al Jalali bedecked with traditional doors, rugs and pottery. Both Al Jalali and Al Mirani have displays of ancient war memorabilia such as armour and weapons. Their strategic position on a mountain overlooking the harbour gives tourists commanding views of the city and Arabian Sea below. Opening times can be fickle but many undeterred tourists enjoy the scenery from outside their walls.
Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace
Surrounded by lush gardens and the beautiful harbour, Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace is a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. Built in 1972, it is the sultan's official palace and is flanked on each side by the ancient Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, which offer an impressive and well-fortified greeting to ships entering Muscat's harbour. Tourists are not allowed inside the classically styled building for obvious security reasons, but it remains a popular area to walk around and photograph.
Muttrah Fish Market
Located on the waterfront along the lively Corniche in Muttrah, the fish market is a nod to Oman's past and future, as it safeguards the region's trade and fishing traditions, while also aiding the growing tourism industry. The building stands close to Muttrah's original fish market, which was built in 1960, and its sweeping canopy of angled aluminium fins helps to shade its terraces and concrete-walled halls. The marketplace houses more than 100 fish sellers and cutters, who offer a vast selection of ocean-fresh fish, squid and crab. Visitors can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables nearby.
Bahla
Bahla is an ancient city in the northern part of Oman, where history lovers will find some of the country's oldest forts. It was founded at an oasis for caravans and travellers to stop at and rest on their desert journeys, and was the capital of Oman between the 12th and 17th centuries. The famous Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to 1,000 BC and remains the city's most popular attraction. Bahla has a rich tradition of pottery and visitors can still see potters working at their kilns and haggling over their wares.
Al Hajar Mountains
The dramatic Al Hajar mountains stretch from Muscat through northern Oman and into the United Arab Emirates, and are among the destination's most popular attractions. Graced with dramatic vistas of canyons, gorges and plateaus where the rich colours of the igneous rock formations make for unforgettable sights, the region has an obvious romance. Highway 15 winds up the mountains to the old city of Nizwa, home to an impressive 17th-century fort and an early-morning goat market. Nizwa makes an excellent base to explore the mountains from, including traditional villages, mudbrick towns and date plantations. There are a number of trekking routes ranging from three hours to multi-day hikes, and travellers can visit the famous rose gardens of the Saiq Plateau.
Nizwa Fort
Oman's most-visited tourist attraction, the Nizwa Fort stands as a monument to architectural ingenuity. The fort's underlying structure dates back to the 12th century, though it was completed by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yaarubi in 1668. Historical interest in the Nizwa Fort is significant, representing a major advancement in military engineering in the early days of mortar-based warfare. Its drum-like tower reaches 98 feet (30m) into the air with a circumference of 118 feet (36m), with 24 openings for mortar fire. Visitors to the Nizwa Fort are allowed to freely explore the area, which consists of maze-like stairways and corridors leading to high-ceilinged rooms and terraces that afford great views of the city of Nizwa and its surrounding plains.
Sharqiya Sands
The Sharqiya Sands is a surprisingly biodiverse area of 4,800 square miles (12,500 sq km) near the northeastern coastline. In addition to its natural gifts, the area is home to traditional Bedouin tribes, who are increasingly marginalised as the modern world exerts its influence over Oman. Off-road vehicles are required to navigate the dunes and summer heat makes the months between April and October a dangerous time to get lost. A far more popular option is to book a trip with one of the ubiquitous tour organisations based in Muscat. Travellers can also enjoy the Sharqiya Sands on the sealed road from Al-Ashkara to Shana'a, which is still unique and memorable.
Salalah
The capital of the southern-most Omani province of Dhofar, Salalah makes for a wonderful contrast to the hot, dry desert conditions that predominate the country's interior. Its monsoon or Khareef Season arrives between June and September, and causes the land to become lush and green, surprising visitors with the sight of herds of cattle calmly grazing in verdant fields. Its cooler climate makes Salalah a great family holiday destination in Oman. Known for its perfume, frankincense trees line the roads and it is unsurprising that most visitors to the region leave with an assortment of fragrances safely packed away in their luggage. Notable sights in Salalah are the traditional al-Hisn Souq, Al Alam Palace and a gorgeous coastline that offers wonderful bird watching opportunities and occasional swimming and diving.
Beaches in Oman
The rugged edge of the desert meets the Arabian Sea along Oman's coastline, unsurprisingly creating a stunning array of beaches that offer diving, kite-surfing and jet-skiing. There has also been a huge spike in luxury beach resorts providing air-conditioned retreats from the blazing heat. Some of Oman's best beaches include Al Qurum Beach, perfectly set up for families with picnic areas and shady palm trees, and Qantab, with its sheltered coves and sea-caves. Marjan Beach features small coral reefs ideally suited to novice divers and snorkelers while also boasting a great nightlife, with several restaurants and hotels frequented by expats in Oman. Western swimwear is fine but beachgoers should cover up when they're on their way to and from their hotel or beach resort.
Eating Out
Traditional Omani cuisine is based around spiced and marinated fish, and lamb and chicken dishes such as soups and curries. Typical dishes include mashuai (spit-roasted kingfish with lemon rice), maqbous (spicy saffron-tinged meat and rice) and muqalab (tripe spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, garlic and nutmeg). Visitors should note that many restaurants are closed during the day in the Ramadan period, and they should plan accordingly by buying food ahead of time or making reservations at hotel restaurants that cater to tourists.
Shopping
Shopping in Muscat is a rewarding experience for travellers, with a range of goods available from local (markets) and shopping centres. It is acceptable to ask for a discounts or a 'last price' from independent outlets, while supermarkets and shopping centres or malls display fixed prices. Most shops are open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 9pm, Saturday through Thursday; the Sultan Centre is open 24 hours a day. The city centre is the primary shopping hub, and nearby Muttrah is also quite popular. Best buys include folk art and craft such as (carpets), wall hangings and pottery, while frankincense and myrrh are also very sought after Omani souvenirs. Silver and gold jewellery and accessories (priced by weight) are also worth buying, as is the sought-after Amouage perfume, made at a Muscat factory open to visitors. Muscat shopping centres include the Muscat City Centre mall, the Sultan Centre and the Al-Zakher Centre, which host big-name brands such as Zara and Gap, as well as computer shops, book stores and furniture shops. The Sabco Centre is a collection of half a dozen shopping centres that are popular with locals, including a souk-like collection of shops; however the best to visit is the large one in Muttrah, considered one of the best in the Gulf region, where bargaining is expected.
Getting Around
Buses are the cheapest way to get around in Muscat. Modern buses travel major roads with specific bus stops. For more out of the way destinations, Baiza buses are common and zigzag through the back roads effectively, although the buses themselves are sometimes a bit dilapidated. Taxis are widely available and are an easy way to get to and from the airport. Passengers should insist that the driver uses the meter unless there isn't one, in which case they should agree on a price before getting into the car. Taxis are expensive but convenient when visitors can't find a bus or don't want to wait in the sun; some visitors decide to rent a car and drive themselves around for flexible travel.
Muscat Climate and Weather
Despite being on the coast, the weather in Muscat can be unbearably hot. The best time to visit the arid climate is between December and March, when the more temperate winter season provides less extreme temperatures, with average highs of around 77F (25C). February is the coolest month. The rest of the year, temperatures can be well over 104F (40C). Sudden rain can cause flash floods, although precipitation is unusual.
Oman travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs with rectangular, three-pin flat blades are used.
Language
The official language of Oman is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Hotel staff often also speak German and French.
Money
The currency of Oman is the Omani rial (OMR), divided into 1,000 baisa. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaux, hotels, and at the airport. Outside banking hours, moneychangers operate in the evenings and at weekends. US dollars are recommended. American Express, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards are readily accepted in large shops and hotels and by an increasing number of traders in souqs. Most banks in cities and towns have ATMs.
Tipping
A service charge is usually added to bills, though a tip of around 10 percent is appreciated.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers who have arrived from or transited through infected countries; all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, as well as all routine vaccinations. Travellers should avoid mosquito bites, as dengue fever may be a risk, and there is a small risk of malaria in remote areas. Brucellosis is reported, particularly in the south of the country.
Health and medical services in the country, particularly Muscat, are of a high standard, though treatment is expensive for foreigners at these facilities. Health insurance is recommended. Food and water in Muscat is considered safe, but bottled water and precautions with unpasteurised milk are advised outside of the city.
Safety
Like all the Gulf States, Oman is considered to be under a high risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, particularly against Western interests, so vigilance is necessary. The crime rate is low, but common sense precautions should be practised. Piracy is considered a threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Women are advised not to wear shorts or scanty clothing in the towns to avoid risk of sexual harassment. It is advised that travellers carry a copy of their passport at all times.
Local customs
Oman is a predominantly Muslim country and visitors should respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of the body. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
Homosexuality is sadly illegal in the country. Importing obscene publications or videos is subject to severe penalties. Alcohol is available only at licensed hotels and restaurants and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are drastic. The legal blood alcohol level in the country is close to zero.
Doing business
The business world in Oman is minute, with a small core of families controlling most of the country's industry and trade. As in most of the Middle East, it is preferable to conduct business face to face and develop good working relations built on trust and friendship. Hospitality is important and visitors will be treated with respect.
It is a good idea to have a basic idea of Omani customs and attempting to speak some Arabic will be appreciated. Business attire is usually formal with suits and ties the norm. Women in particular should dress modestly. English is spoken widely. The working week is normally from Sunday to Thursday, and hours can vary. Most businesses are open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm.
Duty free
Travellers to Oman who are over the age of 21 do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes and 2 litres of wine and 48 cans of beer, provided they are non-Muslim visitors. Meat products officially require an Islamic slaughter certificate. Prohibited items include firearms, ammunition, weapons, fireworks, raw or prepared opium, leaves, flowers, seeds and stems of cannabis, and obscene reading material.
Communications
The international direct dialling code for Oman is +968, and the outgoing international code 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Local SIM cards are widely available, and free WiFi is available in most hotels and some restaurants.
Passport & Visa
All visitors (except those with Gulf Co-Operation Council passports) require a visa to enter Oman. Visas can be obtained on arrival; the visa fee must be paid in local currency (OMR) or by credit card. Visitors with valid visas for Dubai and Qatar generally do not need a visa for Oman, but it is best to confirm this with the nearest embassy before travel. A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival is required in most instances, but it is best to check with the nearest embassy before visiting.
Entry requirements
A passport valid for six months from the date of arrival is required for US travellers. A visa is required.
A passport valid for six months from the date of arrival is required for UK travellers. A visa is required.
A passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival is required for Canadian visitors. A visa is required.
A passport valid for six months from the date of arrival is required for Australian visitors. A visa is required.
A passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival is required for South African visitors. A visa is required.
A passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival is required for Irish visitors. A visa is required.
A passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival is required for visitors from New Zealand. A visa is not required for stays of up to a maximum of three months.
Useful contacts
Ministry of Heritage and Tourism: mht.gov.om
9999 (General Emergencies)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 387 1980.
Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7225 0001, +44 (1)71 225 0001.
Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Australia and New Zealand): +81 (0)3 5468 1088.
Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 632 8301.
Consulate of the Sultanate of Oman, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 522 4426.
Embassies / consulates in Oman
United States Embassy, Muscat: +968 246 43400.
British Embassy, Muscat: +968 246 09000.
Canadian Consulate, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: +966 1 488 2288.
Australian Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi: +966 (0)1 488 7788.
South African Embassy, Muscat: +968 2464 7300.
Irish Honorary Consul, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: +966 11 488 2300.
New Zealand Consulate, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: +966 1 488 7988.