Situated between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea, Muscat has a stunning background. The capital of Oman has both spectacular ancient and modern landmarks. In this post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to get most out of your visit to Muscat: how to get there, where to stay and the best things to do in Muscat. Make sure you’ll read till the end. We included as a bonus a must-do daytrip from Muscat.
Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and purchase, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. The affiliate links concern only products and services we appreciated highly and trust. This means the views and opinions expressed in this post are purely our own. For more information, read our privacy and cookie policy.
Table of Contents
How to get to Muscat?
It is most likely that you arrive in Oman by plane. The airport of Muscat is located around 18 kilometers from the city center of Muscat. There are different options to get to the city center.
Renting a car
If you are planning on traveling in Oman, chances are high you will rent a car. In the arrival hall, the most important rental car companies have their own desk. Most of these are open 24/7, so it is possible to pick up your car at any time. We arrived in the middle of night, so the 24/7 policy of the rental companies was pretty convenient for us. The airport is located on the Main Sultan Qaboos Road between Muscat and Al-Seeb.
We booked our rental car in Oman through Discovercars.com, with free cancellation and insurance included. Discovercars is a world leader in comparing prices and guarantees the best rates. We highly recommend this platform if you want to rent a car, just like we did.
Considering camping in Oman? One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Oman is by camping with a 4WD car with a rooftop tent. This allows you to explore Oman’s stunning natural landscapes and stay overnight at some of the most beautiful campsites. Through our partnership with iDrive4x4, you can easily rent a fully equipped, high-quality 4×4 vehicle with rooftop tent in Oman, making your adventure safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
And here is something extra to make your trip even better: We have a special discount just for you! Use the code PACKTOLIFE50 when booking, and you instantly save €50 on your rental. This means you can start your Oman camping adventure with extra savings, while enjoying the comfort, freedom, and flexibility that comes with traveling off the beaten path. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your trip even more unforgettable!
There are plenty of taxis available from Muscat International Airport to all destinations in Muscat (and other cities). The taxi area is just outside the main building. Fares start at 2.500 OMR and each kilometer costs 400 Baisa up to 40 kilometers. After that, they charge 200 Baisa for every kilometer.
Take public transport
Public buses that take you to Muscat city center (Mwasalat Transport Company) can be found at the bus station. The bus station is located on the ground floor outside the airport building. For more information, have a look at the Mwasalat Transport Company website (https://mwasalat.om/city-).
Where to stay in Muscat
Muscat has some excellent places to stay. Below, we give our top 5 accommodations in Muscat.
The Mysk Al Mouj hotel is located in one of the most trendy neighbourhoods of Muscat, Al Mouj. The rooms are modern and have all the luxury you need. The best part of this hotel is definitely the outdoor rooftop pool with stunning views over the marina. Also make sure to enjoy a beautiful sunset from that same rooftop.
The Naseem Hotel is located in the heart of Mutrah and is therefore perfect to explore the old town of Muscat. The modern rooms all have air-conditioning, a fridge and a private bathroom. Some of the rooms have a wonderful view over the harbor.
If you are looking for a hotel close to Muscat airport, we recommend to stay at the Radisson Collection Muscat, Hormuz Grand. This hotel is located about 10 kilometers from Muscat airport. The rooms are modern, spacious and luxurious.
The Royal Tulip hotel is located 14 kilometers from Muscat Airport. Also the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House are within 10 kilometers from the hotel. The spacious rooms have air-conditoning and a private bathroom. The hotel is equipped with a stunning rooftop pool.
If you want to splurge in luxury, than book a night at The Chedi in Muscat. This 5-star hotel located at the beach offers spa services and 3 different swimming pools. The bed- and bathrooms are luxurious and the entire hotel is very aesthetic. A wonderful place in Muscat
Muscat has plenty of things to do, suitable for every type of traveler. Below, we give you a summary of the best things to do in Muscat. We arranged these by region, so you’ll easy get an overview which attractions are close to each other.
We also included a map with the main attractions in Muscat, that will help you plan your trip.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations. You can also click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version of the map in a new tab. Click the star (favorites) next to the name of the map to save to your Google Maps.
Region of Mutrah
Mutrah Souq
A first important landmark in Muscat is Mutrah Souq. This old bazar with its labyrinthine alleys is the perfect place to buy some souvenirs. The entrance of the Souq is opposite Mutrah Corniche. It is tempting only to look at what the shops are selling, but don’t forget to look up! There is beautiful timber roofing to discover. If you get lost in the Souq, don’t panic and remember that getting lost in a Souq is just part of the fun.
Have a stroll along Mutrah Corniche
Mutrah Corniche is a 3 kilometers long promenade that gives you beautiful views over the harbor on one side and over the Hajar mountains on the other side. It used to be Oman’s most important port for spice trade. Along the way, admire the fountains and monuments or have a rest at one of the shady rest areas.
This modern fish market from 2017 is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to arrive in the early morning (or at least before noon) and witness the buzzling atmosphere from a traditional fish market. The stalls are full of fish and other sea creatures.
The fish market is also the excellent place to start your visit. There is plenty of free parking space
Al Alam palace
The royal Al Alam palace is also located in old Mutrah. This palace, more than 200 years old, was rebuild in 1982 and is one of the 6 royal residences of Sultan Qaboos. Both during the day as in the evening this palace is worth a visit. During the day, the colors of the palace shine against the blue sky. During the night, the palace is beautifully lit. Note that the palace can only be seen from outside as you are not allowed to enter the palace.
The National Museum
Right next to the Al Alam palace lies the National Museum. This museum showcases Oman’s cultural heritage from ancient times till present day. The museum is open from 10 am until 5 pm and entrance is 5 OMR (13 USD/ 12 EUR). The building in which the museum is located is again an architectural masterpiece.
From Al Riyam Park to Mutrah – C38 hike
The Al Riyam park offers stunning views over the ocean and the giant incense burner of Muscat. If is a well maintained park with many shady areas and is therefore the perfect place to relax or have a picnic.
The park is also the start of a popular hiking route, the C38. This hiking route offers splendid views over the harbor and takes about 2 hours to finish. The hike even includes a small wadi. The trail is indicated by the national trail marker, a yellow-white-red sign. If you decide to do this hike, make sure to wear some sturdy shoes and take water with you! It’s best to start the hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon, to avoid the heat.
Region of Seeb
Al Mouj
Al Mouj is a very trendy and luxurious neighborhood in Muscat. There are different things to do like strolling along ‘The Walk’. Along this pleasant street you have different establishments where you can have a wonderful meal or a drink. Another place to spend some time is along the Marsa Promenade. It offers great views over the Al Mouj marina and a number of restaurants and cafes. We enjoyed Al Mouj most during the evening, as the entire area was beautifully lit. The Mysk Al Mouj Hotel is therefore an excellent choice as a hotel in Muscat as it is situated in this beautiful neighborhood.
Amouage
Did you know that one of the most luxury perfume brand comes from Oman? Amouage produces some of the most refined perfumes in the world. In the region of Seeb you can visit the visitor center of Amouage. In this visitor center you can see the history of Amouage, the production center and there is a gift shop were you can try (-and if you want- buy) the perfume. Entrance to the visitor center is free but you are asked to make an appointment upfront (by e-mail or by phone).
In between Mutrah and Seeb
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is probably the most popular attraction in Muscat and is one of the best things to do in Muscat. It was definitely our favorite! It is the largest mosque in Oman and is an architectural masterpiece with impressive minarets and a stunning men’s prayer hall. The entrance to the mosque is free. Make sure to dress appropriately, cavering your wrists and ankles. Women need to cover their head with a scarf. The mosque is open for tourists from 8 am till 11 am (every day except on Friday). We arrived early and had the place almost to ourselves. Getting there is easy as it is located next to Sultan Qaboos Street. Parking is free.
We met a lot of travellers that took a guided tour to visit Muscat and the Grand Mosque and who were glad they did. Next time we would visit the mosque, we would also opt for a guided tour because you get more information and a deeper understanding of this mosque and the other attractions in Muscat.
English driver and audio guides in English, German, Italian, Spanish, French
Free cancellation
The Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House in Oman is a stunning building and the guided tours let you experience its architectural beauty. There are daily tours between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm. The tour costs 4.2 OMR (11 USD / 10 EUR).
Muscat viewpoints
In the area around Muscat, there are some stunning viewpoints to discover. Below you can find our two favorite viewpoints.
Bandar Al Khairan viewpoint
This viewpoint is located a 45 minutes’ drive from Muscat. Bandar Al Khairan is situated in between sandy mountains and the sea. At the viewpoint, you get an amazing view over the emerald green water of the sea and the islands. The viewpoint is also a great place to see the sunrise of sunset and is a popular spot during these times. It is also an excellent place to spend the night if you decide to camp in Oman.
This viewpoints offers you some stunning views over the districts Humriya and Ruwi, with its beautiful white houses.
The must-do day trip from Muscat
A must-do as a daytrip from Muscat is snorkeling at the Daymaniyat islands. This beautiful nature reserve located off the coast of Oman has 9 different islands. Snorkeling around the islands is stunning. The coral and the schools of fish are amazing. You have an almost 100% guarantee to swim with sea turtles and to see (friendly) reef sharks. What more can you ask for?! Snorkeling at the Daymaniyat islands is a must on your list with things to do in Muscat.
If you have other suggestions on things to do in Muscat, questions or recommendations, leave a comment below!
Quick start your holiday with the help of our trusted tools
These are the websites we highly recommend to plan your next trip. We use them all the time to save money and travel freely! Did you know that by purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️
Check prices and book your rental car for Oman here.
Book your vehicle today and take advantage of our discount code PACKTOLIFE50!
Read more: You like our photos? Everything about photography in Oman.
The fish market is also the excellent place to start your visit. There is plenty of free parking space
