Looking for somewhere new in the Middle East to stopover? How about Muscat, Oman? Ever wondered if the people are welcoming and friendly? Muscat – Helpful Tips for Visitors is our personal experience exploring this city in 2024. We share our insights on where to stay, where to eat and drink, and things to see and do. Muscat – Helpful Tips for Visitors reflects our travel style and aims to provide useful things to know before visiting this obscure destination.
Why go to Muscat?
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a city with a mix of ageless heritage and modern life. The ancient waterfront and old town remain as they have for hundreds of years, and it’s easy to picture the old ships anchored in the harbour, laden with treasures. One of the Middle East’s oldest trading ports, the historic maze of souqs and markets are full of antiques and trinkets. Frankincense fills the air, as it has since the city was born. Bare rocky mountains dotted with stone watchtowers and forts surround the city, and scan the horizon for signs of anyone approaching. Away from the old town, grand mosques and palaces create a modern theme. Flash malls, designer stores, and fast cars indicate that life is good here for some. People are welcoming, polite and respectful. Muscat is an interesting and rewarding alternative to main stream Middle Eastern destinations.
- Country: Oman
- Capital: Muscat
- Best time to visit: September – November (June to August is hot)
- Budget/Mid-Range/Couple: AU$150 per day
- Currency: Omani Rial (OMR 1 = AU$4)
- Language: Arabic
- Visa: No
- Difficulty: 1 (1-basic & 5-challenging)
Muscat
Oman and its capital, Muscat, are often overlooked, with places like Dubai to the North the preferred Middle Eastern stopover. Many people use such places for shopping trips, or as a place to change planes and continue their journey. But this part of the world has a rich history and culture. Inhabited for thousands of years, traders have stopped here long before the fast cars and flash shops. Muscat is the perfect city to experience the Arabian Peninsula and learn about the role it’s played in the shaping of the world we know today. Its ancient traditions haven’t been lost, with plenty of it to see in the old town and surrounding hills. Grand mosques, medieval souqs, palaces and beaches, not to mention the unique and friendly locals, make Muscat a pleasant and rewarding destination.
Where to stay in Muscat
Muscat has no shortage of accommodation, catering for most budgets. High-end hotels dominate the old town and waterfront areas. Resorts are the theme in beachside areas such as Al Qurum.
Ruwi is the industrial and business region, with some great mid-range options. We based ourselves here and enjoyed the excellent bus connections, eating options, and grocery stores.
Where to eat and drink in Muscat
The array of eateries in Muscat is impressive. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladesh and Turkish offerings are abundant. Traditional Omani style restaurants and cafes are everywhere. Food is fresh. Rice and the smell of homemade breads are never far away. Food is affordable. The vegetable curries we ate here were delicious.
- Get to Ananthapuri Indian (really tasty food, huge selection, with heaps of vegetarian options. Gets packed on weekends)
- Don’t miss Royal House Restaurant (nice spot on the waterfront, lovely staff)
- Check out Gauranga Bhaban Pure Vegetarian Cafe (packed with locals, great snacks)
Things to see and do in Muscat
Mutrah is the name given to the old town. Exploring the souq, alleys and shops is a lot of fun. Very busy.
Mutrah Fort has panoramic views over the city and out to sea.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to visitors on Monday to Thursday mornings. Very impressive. Cover up. Bus number 1 stops here.
Immerse yourself in local life by visiting the busy fish market, and fruit shop, a short walk from the old town.
The Corniche runs along the water’s edge, covering the entire length of the old town and is a favorite place for locals and visitors.
Qurum Beach is the number one choice for when it comes to cooling off at the beach.
Museums are not only a great way to learn about the local cultures and history, but the perfect place to cool off. Bait Al Zubair and the National Museum are two well worth a visit.
Al Alam Palace and Al Mirani Fort are both impressive attractions, and only a ten minute bus ride from the old town.
Nizwa Fort is a large seventeenth century castle, surrounded by souqs. It’s a popular day trip from Muscat, with tour agencies and hotels offering trips. Reaching the fort by bus is possible, but requires a couple of changes. Spending the night is a much better option if you come by bus.
Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab are two other rewarding day trips from Muscat. Shop around for a good deal, or look for savings online.
Getting around Muscat
Buses are the number one way to get around the city, for locals and travellers. They are clean, regular, cheap, and always on time. The drivers are local Omani men. They are friendly and helpful. Bus A1 runs from Ruwi to the airport. Bus 4 travels from Ruwi into the old town. Taxis are never far away, and can be shared.
Getting to Muscat
Muscat has some excellent connections, and can easily be reached from most corners of the planet. The modern Muscat International Airport has everything you would expect to see, and getting into the city centre by taxi or bus is straight forward. Airport Bus A1 heads to the large interchange at Ruwi, where you can grab a bus or taxi to take you to your accommodation.
Useful things to know before visiting Muscat
Oman is a conservative country, be respectful.
People are very helpful and friendly. Be polite, and spend a few minutes chatting with them.
It’s hot most of the year. Bring the usual hat and sunscreen.
Oman is considered one of the safest countries in the world.
Muscat has many attractions, and Oman has five UNESCO sites.
Alcohol is not popular, but can be found in the bars of high-end hotels.
The old town and waterfront areas are the most expensive. Staying and eating away from these parts is much more affordable.
Final thoughts on travelling in Muscat
Oman is an amazing country. Its capital Muscat may appear a little unusual at first, but after spending a few hours here, you will appreciate that life here is not much different to anywhere else. The people are extremely welcoming and helpful, and go about their daily routines, heading to work or school. They have dreams, like everyone else. The surroundings are unique and interesting, from ancient stone forts perched on rocky outcrops, to grand palaces and mosques. Muscat is tidy and well presented, with the country taking pride in itself. Oman and Muscat offer travellers the opportunity to learn and experience something different, and travelling here is both rewarding and enjoyable.