A complete guide to Muscat for first timers with lifesaving tips

Ever since I moved to Qatar, everyone around me repeatedly told me that I have to go to Oman as it is the jewel of the Gulf. Oman is quite big, but the places that seem to interest visitors most are Muscat and the surrounding area and Salalah in the south (which seem to be really beautiful during the rain season). Muscat as the capital of Oman and a city with good flight connections makes a rather nice city break, so I’ve added tons of information in this complete guide to Muscat for first timers.

Surrounded by desert and mountains, with access to a sea, it gives quite a few interesting options for visitors. If you want to know what to do in Muscat, especially if it is your first time, keep on reading.

I’ve been trying to find words to describe Muscat, but somehow I find it difficult. Most of the cities I have been to have a main square or area, which is commonly called a city centre and which is usually a place where all the attractions can be found. Muscat, however, is a big city with places of interest spread over a large area.

While we expect and are used to (well, I’m talking for myself being from Europe) having most of the attractions in one place, in Muscat you need to travel from one end to another. I’m not sure if I have ever mentioned it, but on my travels, I walk as much as possible only taking transportation if I am too tired or the distance is too big to walk. We did the same in Muscat. With a lot of optimism, we walked one day from Mutrah to the Sultan’s Palace hoping for a lovely walk. It was hot, but the walk along the sea shore was picturesque, which in my hopeless positive thinking should be rewarding. This area is taken care of with lots of flowers and green areas, quite pleasant to look at. If only my new shoes did not start killing me! Anyways, as much as you love walking, it can be tricky in Muscat.

How to get to Muscat to Muscat

Travelling to Oman is becoming much easier than in the past with excellent connections from Europe. Currently, Muscat is well connected with Doha by Qatar Airways or Dubai with other airlines. Muscat has even direct flights from Milan in Italy or London in the UK. Use Skyscanner to search for best options and connections.

Moving around Muscat

You see, I love walking a lot and Muscat is to some extent a walkable city…at least for parts of it. But you really need to have a transportation options figured out.

Taxis: Muscat is not known for a robust public transport system, so taxis are the most popular option. You can find taxis easily, but ensure you negotiate the fare beforehand or use a taxi with a meter.

Mwasalat Buses: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Mwasalat buses operate across the city, connecting major neighborhoods and landmarks. The bus network is growing, but I would not rely on it. I still think taxis or a car rental is your best choice.

Car Rentals: Renting a car is a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore beyond Muscat. Roads are well-maintained, and driving in Oman is quite straightforward. International driving licenses are accepted, and rental rates range from 15-30 OMR per day depending on the type of car. You can read about our 10-day Oman trip here for more details on renting a car and driving in Oman.

Should you rent a car in Muscat?

If you are staying only in the city, most likely you won’t need a car at all (although for us it was incredibly useful). But there is so much to see outside Muscat, that having a car is a must unless you join a tour. Check my 10-day road trip guide to Oman for inspiration. Try Discover Cars as they compare not only the most known car rental companies but also local ones, which are sometimes cheaper. I would definitely recommend renting a car in Muscat if you’re staying for a few days and want to see places outside of the city.

Top lifesaving tips for Muscat

- Travel in Muscat is very expensive when it comes to tourism.
- The city does not have a developed tourism approach. What we usually expect is to find at least a small information point upon arrival, at the Muscat airport there is none.
- It is difficult to find any information in the city, so prepare yourself a bit more than you would normally do.
- Get a sim card as soon as you arrive, and access to maps and the internet will be a lifesaver. Or even better, get an eSim beforehand, so you don’t need to worry about when you arrive.
- Book a car in advance and pick it up at the airport. It may cost you cheaper than taking taxis.
- Taxis available at the airport charge a horrendous amount of money. We were asked to pay around $190 (70 OR) for a ride to Mutrah, which cost us a small part of that price to go back to the airport from the city.
- If you decide not to rent a car, book a taxi in advance. Taxi drivers will try to overcharge you, a normal city fare should not be more than 5 OR (12$), we normally paid 3 after negotiating.
- Moving around the Gulf is quite easy, but no matter where we travel to, we tend to choose good airlines that are known to be on time or not lose luggage. We booked our flights with OmanAir, which has frequent flights to Muscat and good connections to many other places in the Gulf or Africa from the UK. You may search for different flight options through Expedia.

If you find this article useful, could now download it on GPSmycity and have access to it and the map offline, which is super useful while travelling.

Is Muscat worth visiting?

After living in the Middle East for 7 years now, I must admit that Oman is the most interesting and picturesque country in the region. When I first arrived, lots of people told me that Oman is a must- and it is so true! It has it all: deserts, mountains, oasis, perfect snorkeling and green south certain times of the year. But is Muscat worth visiting? Muscat is definitely worth visiting, especially for those looking to experience a blend of traditional culture and modernity in the Arabian Peninsula.

Let’s not forget beautiful natural scenery. The city is nestled between the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains, so you can easily see incredible landscapes. You can enjoy beaches like Qurum Beach, hike in nearby wadis such as Wadi Shab, and explore mountainous areas like Jebel Akhdar. Read on to find out all the cool places you could visit in and near Muscat.

Unlike some other cities in the region, Muscat has preserved its traditional charm, so for you, you will be able to have an authentic Omani experience. You can explore local culture through food, markets, and festivals without overwhelming commercialization. Oman is also known for its hospitality and is one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East, making Muscat an ideal destination.

When to travel to Muscat?

When I say that the Middle East is so hot for a few moths in a year that you can’t bare being outside for more than 5 minutes, everyone thinks I exaggerate. But do yourself a favour, and listen to someone who’s been surviving summers in the region for years. The best time to visit Muscat is during the winter months from November to March when temperatures range between 17°C and 25°C. The summer months (May to September) can be scorching, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, so it’s best to avoid visiting during that time. I visited in April and it was pretty hot in Muscat (but cooler in the mountains).

How many days are needed for Muscat?

The ideal amount of time to spend in Muscat depends on your travel goals, but typically, 3 to 4 days is enough to explore the main attractions and get a good feel for the city. If you only have a weekend, you can have a great city break in Muscat. But if you want to do dolphin watching and snorkeling (recommended) or any excursions outside of Muscat, you need at least 3 days or more.

Top things to see and do in Muscat

A guide to Muscat wouldn’t be complete without mentioning all the top things to see and do in the city.

Fish market in the morning (Mutrah)

What do all markets have in common? There is the place where life happens and where you can observe what are the locals really like. I love markets and always visit them on my travels. The fish market in Mutrah is quite something. We spend there longer than I thought. Observing the life happening there was one of the moments that made the trip even more memorable.

Souq in Mutrah (morning or evening)

Also in Mutra, get ready to transport yourself into a typical commotion of an Arab country. The souq affected all of our senses with the sparkling gold everywhere we look, the fragrance of spices and loud haggling. It is closed in the middle of the day and you could visit it in the morning together with the fish market, however, it is especially charming at night.

Sultane Palace

Before going to the palace I imagined a big and overly adorned building without much possibility to get close to or take photos. I was positively surprised that the building was somehow modest (compared to palaces of royal families in other countries), yet beautiful.

The surroundings gave a perfect opportunity for a relaxing stroll, that many local families take advantage of. It was also possible to get to the very gate of the palace really close to the building and take photos.

Oman National Museum

The museum is just across the street from the palace. The museum is fairly new, but it is a great place to learn some of the country’s history. We quite enjoyed it.

If you enjoy walking and stay in Mutrah, you can get there in around an hour. You can also take a bus number 4, which costs 200 baisa (0.50 $).

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

It was my first experience visiting a mosque. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was a gift to the people from the Sultan and it really is a magnificent piece of work. It is as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. If you are there, pay special attention to the chandelier, it is really quite an incredible one.

The mosque is open to visitors every day, except Fridays, between 8 and 11 am. The entrance is free and you will need to cover up a little bit: shoulders. knees and head for women.

Dolphin watching and snorkeling

The waters near Muscat are clear, which makes is a perfect spot for some water adventures. When I mentioned to my friends that I’m going to Muscat, nearly every person said that dolphin watching, snorkeling and diving are a must. Depending on the time you have, you can put it on your list to complete this wonderful trip.

Best tours and excursions from Muscat

Nakhal Fort

Located about 90 minutes from Muscat, the Nakhal Fort is a well-preserved fort offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and palm groves. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Al Thowarah Hot Springs.

Wadi Shab and Bimmah sinkhole

One of Oman’s most picturesque wadis, Wadi Shab is about a two-hour drive from Muscat. Visitors can hike through the wadi, swim in the clear blue pools, and explore hidden caves. It’s a refreshing break from city life and ideal for adventurous travelers. This is definitely one of the tours to put on your list.

Jebel Akhdar

A two-hour drive from Muscat, Jebel Akhdar offers cooler temperatures and stunning mountain scenery. It’s known for its terraced farms, where roses and pomegranates are grown. Visit in spring to see the rose blooms and the traditional distillation of rosewater.

My hotel picks for Muscat

We stayed in Muscat for a few days. At the beginning of the trip, we decided to stay in Mutrah, the heart of the traditional part of Muscat. Choosing a hotel there was strategic, as it is located within a walking distance to many places that interested us, like the palace, souq or the fish market. As you might know, I quite like Sheraton chain and every time I stay with them, I do not regret it. I think Sheraton Oman is a nice choice in Mutrah (a surprisingly budget friendly).

At the end of our trip, we stayed in Intercontinental Hotel in Qurum near the beach. After returning the car we wanted again to be close to the places that interested us most after a week of road-tripping and staying in this area gave us an opportunity to be near the sea, walk on the beach and eat out. There is not much to do there though, but it was perfect for us at the end of the trip when we wanted to chill out at the poolside for a while and Intercontinental has a lovely, big space for that.

Another option that is amazing is W Muscat (I love W hotel wherever I go).

Don’t forget the insurance

This might sound like common sense, but you cannot imagine how many people get into trouble for not having insurance. I always have my international health insurance, but depending on the destination and activities I plan to do, I buy additional insurance. One of the best ones on the market is provided by World Nomads as they offer sports and natural disaster coverage.

Best souvenirs to buy in Muscat

If you’re looking for unique gifts to buy in Muscat, Oman, you’ll find a mix of traditional Omani handicrafts, luxurious items, and local specialties. Here are some of the best souvenirs and gifts you can bring home:

Frankincense. Oman is famous for its high-quality frankincense, an aromatic resin harvested from the Boswellia tree. Frankincense has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and as perfume. You can buy frankincense in Mutrah Souq or specialty stores around Muscat, along with burners to use at home.
Omani Halwa is a traditional sweet made from sugar, rosewater, saffron, and various spices. It’s an iconic treat in Oman, often enjoyed during celebrations or served with coffee. You can find beautifully packaged Omani Halwa in sweet shops like Salim Bin Alawi Halwa Factory in Muscat.
Silver Jewelry. Omani silver is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship. Khanjars (traditional daggers) and silver jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, and rings are popular souvenirs. The Mutrah Souq is a great place to browse and buy authentic Omani silver items.
Omani Perfume (Amouage). Oman is home to one of the most luxurious perfume brands in the world, Amouage. Known for its opulent fragrances made from rare ingredients like frankincense and myrrh, a bottle of Amouage perfume makes an elegant gift. You can visit the Amouage Factory in Muscat or find their perfumes in high-end stores.
Handmade Pottery. Omani pottery is well-crafted and often reflects traditional designs. The village of Bahla is famous for its pottery, but you can easily find pieces in Muscat’s markets. Decorative pots, vases, and incense burners are common gifts.
Pashmina shawls. Pashmina or cashmere shawls are popular throughout the Middle East, and Oman offers beautiful varieties. You can find handwoven, embroidered shawls in various colors, perfect as gifts for loved ones.
Traditional Omani clothing. If you want something unique, consider buying traditional Omani attire such as the dishdasha (a white robe worn by Omani men) or kumma (embroidered caps). These items can be found in local shops around Muscat.
Spices. Omani cuisine is rich in flavors, and you can bring some of these tastes home by purchasing local spices. Popular ones include saffron, cardamom, and dried limes. Visit Mutrah Souq or spice shops in Muscat for a great selection.
Incense burners. Aside from frankincense, Omani incense burners (made of clay or metal) are beautifully crafted and often used for burning frankincense or other aromatic resins. These can be a unique, functional gift.

what to buy in Oman

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

See also:

Disclosure: Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

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