Things To Do
in Masqaţ
Masqaţ (Muscat), Oman’s coastal capital, blends polished modernity with centuries-old Arab and maritime traditions set against rugged mountains and a sparkling Gulf shoreline. The city is known for its whitewashed palaces and forts, the striking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and bustling Mutrah Corniche and souq where dhow boats and fishermen remain part of daily life. Muscat’s pace is relaxed compared with other capitals—luxury hotels and quiet beaches sit alongside lively markets and cultural venues like the Royal Opera House.
It’s a safe, walkable city for short excursions with easy access to dramatic desert, wadis and mountain adventures a short drive away.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate designs. Spend time admiring the world's second-largest hand-woven carpet and the magnificent chandelier. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Old Muscat, taking in the rich history and vibrant culture of the area.
Visit the Royal Opera House, where you can explore the opulent building and perhaps catch a guided tour to learn about its significance. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, savoring traditional Omani dishes like shuwa or majboos. Post-lunch, wander through the Bait Al Zubair Museum to discover Oman's heritage through its exhibitions and artifacts.
As the sun sets, head to the vibrant Muttrah Souq, where you can shop for spices, silver jewelry, and traditional handicrafts. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps indulge in some local street food. Conclude your day by taking a relaxing stroll along the Corniche, soaking in the views of the harbor and the illuminated mountains.
Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of Oman, where you can delve into the country's history and culture through engaging exhibits. Marvel at the collection of artifacts that showcase Oman's rich maritime heritage. Spend some time in the museum's lush gardens, enjoying the serene environment.
Next, head to Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, iconic landmarks that offer panoramic views of the city and the sea. Explore the forts' storied past and learn about their strategic importance throughout Oman's history. Lunch at a local restaurant will offer you an opportunity to taste dishes infused with spices and flavors unique to the region.
In the evening, visit the Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of Sultan Haitham, and admire its stunning façade. Take a leisurely walk in the surrounding gardens, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere as the sun begins to set. Dine at a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Omani cuisine while overlooking the cityscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍔Meal at mid-range restaurant (two-course) | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (city) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Safe, welcoming environment with strong hospitality traditions
- Easy access to beaches, wadis, desert and mountains within short drives
- Rich cultural sites (mosques, forts, souqs) and growing culinary scene
- Clean, well-maintained city infrastructure and good-quality hotels
- Very hot and humid summers can limit outdoor activities
- More conservative cultural norms require modest dress and behavior
- Limited public transport — reliance on taxis or rental car for many trips
- Nightlife options are restrained compared with larger international cities
- "As-salāmu ʿalaykum (السلام عليكم)" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- "Shukran (شكراً)" - Thank you
- "Min faḍlak (من فضلك)" - Please
- "Kam ath-thaman? (كم الثمن؟)" - How much does it cost?
- "Ayna al-ḥammām? (أين المرحاض؟)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Naʿam / Lā (نعم / لا)" - Yes / No
- "Afwan (عفواً)" - You're welcome / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Masqaţ
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic waterfront views with dhows, the old harbor and the Mutrah Souq — excellent at sunrise and sunset for golden light and reflections.
Architectural masterpiece with sweeping courtyards, intricate tilework and a vast prayer hall — photography allowed in public areas outside prayer times (dress modestly).
Colorful palace façade set against colonial-era forts (Al Jalali and Al Mirani) and rocky promontories — great for formal cityscape shots.
Sandy beaches and dramatic coastal rocks — good for long exposures at dawn or capturing local life.
Lush pools, steep canyon walls and turquoise water — striking natural portraits and landscape opportunities after short hikes.
Mountain landscapes and terraces with dramatic light at sunrise and sunset — allow time for travel and altitude adjustment.
Food in Masqaţ
Masqaţ Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked spiced lamb or goat traditionally prepared in an underground sand oven — best tried at festivals or booked ahead at specialty restaurants and some hotels.
Must-Try!
Fragrant rice cooked with meat, tomatoes and spices — widely available at local eateries and family-style restaurants.
Roasted kingfish served with lemon rice — a classic Omani coastal dish, often found in seafood restaurants along the corniche.
Sweet, sticky Omani halwa (gel-like dessert) and premium dates are common — buy quality versions in Mutrah Souq or specialty sweet shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market with stalls selling spices, sweets, frankincense and small eateries; sample local snacks, coffee and buy sweets and dates to take home.
Early-morning fish markets where you can see the day’s catch — some nearby cafés serve very fresh grilled fish and shrimp.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Wear conservative clothing in public—cover shoulders and knees; women should carry a scarf to cover their hair when visiting religious sites and some traditional areas.
During Ramadan avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect; be mindful of prayer times and mosque rules (remove shoes, no photography in restricted spaces).
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women, and avoid photographing military or government buildings.
Omanis are known for warm hospitality—accept offers of gahwa (cardamom coffee) when offered and respond with respect; use the right hand for greetings and passing items.
Safety
Tipping in Masqaţ
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10–15% service charge is sometimes included at restaurants; if service is good and no charge is shown, a 5–10% tip is appreciated. Round up taxi fares or add a small tip for porters and hotel staff; tipping is discretionary.
Omani Rial (OMR) is the local currency; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and many restaurants. ATMs are common in Muscat; carry some cash for souqs, small stalls and remote trips. Contactless payments and major international cards work in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings warm, pleasant weather and occasional winds; ideal for city sightseeing, coastal activities and early mountain hikes before the hottest months.
June–September are hot and humid along the coast (temperatures often exceed 40°C/104°F); plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and consider coastal or indoor alternatives.
September–November cools gradually and is a good time for water sports, dolphin watching and exploring wadis as temperatures become more moderate.
December–February are mild to cool, particularly pleasant for hiking in the mountains and day trips to Jebel Akhdar or Jebel Shams; evenings can be cool so pack a light jacket.
Masqaţ at Night
Hiking in Masqaţ
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A few hours’ drive from Muscat with a popular hike to turquoise pools and a cave—part hiking, part wading; best performed outside peak summer heat.
Similar to Wadi Shab but with terraced farms and scenic canyon walks; accessible for day trips and less crowded in some seasons.
High-altitude plateau in the Al Hajar range featuring cooler temperatures, terraced villages, rose and pomegranate groves and multi-day hiking routes.
Home to Oman’s ‘Grand Canyon’ with dramatic viewpoints and the famous Balcony Walk trail—requires a 4x4 for some access roads and is best in cooler months.
Dune hikes and guided desert treks offer unique sand-scaping photography and stargazing; guided trips recommended for safety and navigation.
Airports
How to reach Masqaţ by plane.
The main international gateway located in Seeb, about 20–30 minutes from central Muscat by car; offers numerous international and regional connections and ground transport options.
Located in southern Oman (Dhofar), several hours by plane or long drive from Muscat — used for access to Salalah and the monsoon-influenced Dhofar region.
Serves the northern Al Batinah region; smaller and used for regional flights and cargo, roughly an hour’s drive from Muscat depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with rich tribal and regional traditions; Omani nationals hold government and cultural leadership roles and preserve local customs.
Large communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka work across sectors from construction to services, contributing to the city’s cultural diversity.
Professionals from Europe, North America and other Gulf countries work in business, oil and gas, education and tourism sectors, often centered around international schools and embassies.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Oman, with local leagues and enthusiastic community support; matches and youth leagues are common.
Traditional maritime activities remain popular—sport fishing, dhow sailing and coastal boat sports are part of local life and tourism.
Desert driving, 4x4 excursions and dune-bashing are popular recreational activities, especially for weekend trips to Wahiba Sands.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Masqaţ.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but not as ubiquitous — order mezze, salads, rice dishes and vegetable curries; check menus in Indian and Lebanese restaurants which are friendly to vegetarians.
Vegan choices are more limited; ask chefs about using ghee or honey and request dishes without dairy. Large hotels and Western-style cafés can often accommodate if asked.
Gluten-free options exist but cross-contamination can occur; stick to naturally gluten-free items (rice, grilled meats, salads) and communicate needs clearly—English is widely spoken in restaurants.