13 EPIC Things To Do In Muscat, Oman For First Timers
Looking for the top things to do in Muscat? You’re in the right place!
Muscat might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a Middle Eastern adventure, but it absolutely deserves a spot on your list.
I spent a week exploring Oman and based myself in Muscat, discovering just how many unique and exciting things to do in Muscat there are for curious travellers like myself.
From grand mosques and seaside forts to colourful souqs and coastal sunsets, this city has a quiet charm that often flies under the radar.
I spent one full day exploring the city itself, then used it as a jumping-off point for day trips around the country. As a solo female traveller in my 30s, I found Muscat to be incredibly safe, relaxed, and far more welcoming than I expected. You’ll need to dress modestly, and the city isn’t especially walkable, but if you’re up for a bit of planning, you’ll be rewarded with stunning architecture, warm hospitality, and delicious Omani food.
Whether you’re here for a quick visit or using it as a base like I did, this guide covers the best things to do in Muscat, along with a few helpful Oman travel tips to make your trip smoother.
So, what are the best things to do in Muscat? Read on below to find out!
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⬇️Muscat At A Glance⬇️
⛵WHAT TO DO⛵
– Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque
– Explore the Muttrah Fort & Souq
– Snorkel in the Daymaniyat Islands
– Enjoy a Sunset boat cruise in Muscat
– Enjoy a Muscat City Tour
🛌🏻WHERE TO STAY🛌🏻
– Fraser Suites Muscat
– Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
– Remas Hotel Suites
🍕 WHERE TO EAT 🍕
-Dukanah Cafe
-Aram Cafe
-Rozna Restaurant
✅Travel Essentials For Muscat✅
– Book flights with Skyscanner
– Download the “Otaxi” App
– Stay connected with an eSIM from Airalo
– Get covered by SafetyWing – My favourite Travel Insurance provider
Arriving in Muscat
Flying In
Muscat is well-connected with direct flights from London, Istanbul, Doha, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and more. I flew with Oman Air from London Heathrow and booked through Skyscanner. The flight was smooth, and prices were pretty reasonable.
By Bus
If you’re travelling from nearby Gulf cities, there’s also a long-distance coach from Abu Dhabi to Muscat. It takes around 10 hours and costs about $30. Not the fastest option, but it’s budget-friendly.
Getting Around Muscat
Muscat is one of the least walkable cities I’ve visited. Attractions are spread out and often separated by long stretches of highway. What looks close on a map usually takes 20 minutes or more by car.
Car Rental
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility. Roads are in good condition, signs are clear, and parking is generally straightforward. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices and book in advance.
Taxis and Otaxi
If you don’t want to drive, your best bet is the Otaxi app. It works like Uber and is much more affordable than hailing a street taxi. Before I found Otaxi, I was overpaying for short rides (one trip that should’ve cost 2 OMR ended up costing me 5). Some drivers will ask what you’re willing to pay instead of giving you a fixed rate, which usually means you pay more.
Here’s a general guide for what you should expect to pay:
- 10 to 15 minutes: 1 to 2 OMR
- 15 to 30 minutes: 2 to 4 OMR
- 30 to 45 minutes: 5 to 7 OMR
- 45 to 60 minutes: 8 OMR or more
Where to Stay in Muscat
Muscat is spread out, so no matter where you stay, expect to drive to reach most attractions. These are the areas I’d recommend based on convenience and access.
Azaiba
This is where I stayed, and it worked well. It’s between the airport and downtown, with easy routes to the beach and day trip departure points.
Accommodation to consider in Azaiba:
Seeb / Al Mouj
This area is close to Muscat International Airport and the main port. It’s a good option if you have early flights or want quicker access to the highway.
Muttrah
Want to be close to the top tourist spots? Then Muttrah will be the best place for you as you’ll be just a stone’s throw from the iconic Muttrah Fort and Souq.
Top picks in Muttrah:
For a More Luxurious Stay
If you’re after a beachfront resort and a bit of quiet, look at Al Jissah. It’s around 40 minutes from the airport and more isolated, but the views and hotel quality make it worth the distance.
Top luxury hotels in Al Jissah:
Top Tips for Your First Visit to Muscat, Oman
- 🚗 Getting around Muscat: Muscat is spread out, so renting a car is highly recommended if you want to explore freely. If you’re not driving, download the Otaxi app; it’s Oman’s version of Uber and very reliable.
- 💡 Dress modestly: Oman is conservative, so be sure to cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting mosques like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (ladies will also need a headscarf). Lightweight linen or cotton clothing is perfect for the heat and respectful of local customs.
- 👍🏼 Cultural etiquette matters: Omanis are friendly and respectful. Avoid public displays of affection, and always ask before taking photos of locals, especially women. Friday is the holy day, so expect some places to open later or close midday.
- 🕌 Plan mosque visits early: The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque opens to non-Muslims from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, Sunday through Thursday.
- 💸 Bring some cash: Credit cards are accepted in most places, but small shops, taxis, and local eateries often prefer cash (OMR). ATMS are easy to find at malls and major hotels.
- 📶 Stay connected: Download an e-SIM before you arrive or pick up a tourist SIM card from Omantel or Ooredoo at the airport.
The Top Things To Do In Muscat
Visit the Majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
If you only have time to visit one landmark in Muscat, make it this one. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a masterpiece and hands down one of the most impressive places I got to see in Muscat (even as someone who normally doesn’t enjoy visiting religious buildings).
The scale alone is incredible. With space for over 20,000 worshippers, the mosque features a prayer hall that houses one of the largest hand-woven carpets in the world. Even if you’re not usually into religious buildings, it’s hard not to be impressed by the detail here.
Everyone is welcome, but you’ll need to dress modestly. For women, that means covering your arms, legs, and hair. I wore a long-sleeved shirt and linen trousers with a scarf over my head, and that was perfect. Men should also wear long trousers and a shirt with sleeves.
The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors in the mornings from 8 AM to 11 AM, Saturday to Thursday, and there is no entry fee. I recommend arriving early to enjoy it before the crowds set in (and if you’re a photographer like me, it’s a great chance to make the most of the decent morning light for photos).
I spent at least 2 hours here wandering around the grounds and you’ll probably want to allocate enough time to do the same.
Explore the Royal Opera House Muscat
You don’t need to be into opera to enjoy the Royal Opera House. It’s one of the most stunning buildings in Muscat and a lovely spot to explore, even during the day when nothing is showing.
I really enjoyed walking through the gardens and stopping at ARAM Cafe on the grounds. I only meant to grab a quick coffee, but I ended up ordering two (because I loved the coffee so much). It’s a great little break in the morning and a bit of calm before the more bustling parts of the day.
It’s also a fantastic spot for photos. I set up my tripod for a few solo shots, and no one batted an eye. If you’re curious about seeing a show while you’re in town, it’s worth checking their event calendar. The lineup includes everything from ballet to regional music nights.
Visit Old Muscat for a Quieter Look at the City
Old Muscat is one of the most historic parts of the city and a good contrast to the busier areas like Muttrah. It’s home to several key landmarks, including the Al Alam Palace and the National Museum of Oman.
Even if you’re short on time, it’s worth passing through for a walk. The streets are quiet, clean and well-kept, with mountain backdrops and a few shaded spots that are great for a quick photo stop. It’s not somewhere you need hours for, but it’s a nice place to slow the pace and take in a different side of Muscat.
Prefer a Tour guide? Why not check out these guided tours of Muscat?
🕌Muscat City Tour – Check out Muscat’s must-see spots like the Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, Al Alam Palace, and Muttrah Souq on this chilled, budget-friendly tour.
🚌Muscat Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour – Cruise around Muscat on an open-top bus and take in all the top sights at your own pace with fun audio guides along the way.
🌆Muscat Half Day Tour – Enjoy a private city tour of Muscat with your own guide, hitting up top spots like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace.
Stroll Along the Muscat Corniche
The Corniche is a stretch along the waterfront and is easily one of the most scenic parts of Muscat. You’ll be walking with the ocean on one side and a backdrop of rugged mountains and historic buildings on the other.
One of the best things here is watching the traditional wooden dhows rocking in the harbour. The area is relaxed and perfect for a little people-watching.
You won’t need loads of time here, just enough to take in the views and snap a few pictures before heading to the nearby fort and souq. It’s a lovely little stop and one of my favourite parts of Muscat.
Get Lost in Muttrah Souq
Just across from the Corniche, Muttrah Souq is one of the oldest traditional markets in the country and still a central part of daily life for many locals. It’s a bit of a maze, with narrow walkways and tightly packed stalls selling everything from frankincense and spices to jewellery and fabrics.
It can be a bit hectic, especially during the evening rush. Shopkeepers will likely approach you to try to get your attention, which might feel overwhelming at first, but I found that a friendly but firm “no, thank you” usually did the trick. I lost count of how many times I got asked if I would like to buy a dress or a scarf. The further into the market you go, the calmer it gets and the easier it is to browse without pressure.
Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, it’s worth walking through just to get a feel for the place.
Snorkel the Daymaniyat Islands (My Favourite Experience in Muscat)
This was easily my favourite thing I did in Muscat, and I would have done it twice if I had the time. I hadn’t expected Oman to have island scenery like this, think clear blue water, white sand, and rugged coastal rock formations that looked more like somewhere in Sardinia or Greece rather than the Gulf.
The Daymaniyat Islands are about an hour offshore from Muscat by boat, and trips run twice a day (either morning or afternoon). Most tours include snorkelling, and if you visit during the right season, you might spot turtles, dolphins or even whale sharks.
I went in February and saw more than 20 turtles grouped together in the water, which was such an incredible thing to see. If you want to see exactly what my experience was like, you can check out my video on TikTok here.
Scuba diving is also possible here, but not every company offers it, so double-check with the provider before you book. I’d suggest going with either Blue Whale Tours or Global Scuba if you’re also keen on diving. Boats leave from Al Mouj Marina in Seeb, and you’ll need to arrange your own transport to get there.
Visit Muttrah Fort for Sweeping City Views
Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Corniche, Muttrah Fort is one of the best spots in Muscat for a proper view of the city. Getting there does involve a bit of a climb (short but steep), so bring water and take it slow if it’s a hot day. Entry costs 3.300 OMR, and tickets can be picked up at the booth before the staircase.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the harbour, the mountains, and the surrounding coastline. It’s a great place to take photos or just sit for a while and take it all in. I spent around half an hour up here walking around and, of course, taking lots of photos.
There’s also a small café tucked into the fort walls, which is handy if you need a cold drink or a quick cool-down break before heading back out into the sun. You can take a look at my vlog of Muttrah Fort here.
Experience a Traditional Omani Dhow Sunset Cruise
This is one of the things I was really hoping to squeeze in during my time in Muscat, but sadly, I ran out of time, and I was genuinely gutted. I’d heard great things about this traditional dhow cruise, and it’s still on my list for next time.
The tour lasts around two hours and takes you along Muscat’s coastline on a classic wooden dhow. Along the way, you pass key landmarks like Al Bustan Palace, the 17th-century forts of Mirani and Jalali, and the Al Alam Palace. I’ve met some people who had done the tour, and they mentioned that the sunset views over the Gulf are absolutely unreal.
They also serve light refreshments on board, including Omani coffee and dates, which I think is a cool local touch. Pickup and drop-off from Muscat hotels are included too, which makes it all really convenient.
If you’ve got the time, I’d definitely recommend adding this to your itinerary. I’ve bookmarked it for my next trip.
Top Pick Tours in Muscat ⬇️
Hike the C38 & C39 Trails for Panoramic Views of Muscat
If you’re a keen hiker, then these hikes above the city will really take your fancy. The C38 and C39 trails in Muscat are excellent choices. These trails offer a glimpse into the rugged landscapes that surround the city.
C38 Trail: Muttrah to Riyam Park
This 3.5km loop starts near Muttrah and takes about two hours. It winds through a rocky wadi, past the remains of an abandoned village, and climbs to a viewpoint overlooking Mina Sultan Qaboos port. The terrain is mixed but manageable. You can finish at Riyam Park or continue another 1.5km toward Old Muscat if you’re feeling up for it.
C39 Trail: Matrah Fort to Old Muscat
Located near the Grand Mosque, this 2.5km out-and-back trail offers a quick escape into the hills. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk with great views over Muscat, especially at sunset. A solid option if you want a short hike without leaving the city behind.
Tips for Hiking
- Timing: It’s best to embark on these hikes during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the midday heat.
- Preparation: Carry sufficient water, wear appropriate hiking shoes, and consider bringing a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Navigation: While the trails are generally well-marked, having a GPS or a trail map can be helpful, especially for first-time hikers.
Visit The Muttrah Fish Market
The Muttrah Fish Market is a really cool place to get a glimpse into daily life in Muscat. It’s located along the port, right near the Corniche. The market is open daily from 8 am-1 pm, but it’s best to visit before 9 am when the market is at its liveliest.
The market might look modern from the outside, but inside it’s a chaotic working hun where local fishermen are keen to sell their catches of the day. If you want to see a slice of authentic Omani life, this is the place to be.
Day Trip to Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole
If you’ve got a full day in Muscat and want to escape the city, then a day trip to Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole is a great shout. Just 90 minutes from the capital, it’s one of the most popular nature excursions in Oman.
Wadi Shab is the country’s best-known wadi, and it genuinely lives up to the hype. Expect a scenic hike through a narrow gorge, clear emerald pools, and dramatic cliffs all around.
Nearby, you’ll find Bimmah Sinkhole, which is a stunning limestone crater filled with bright blue water. Locals once believed it was caused by a meteor strike, but it’s actually the result of a limestone collapse into an underground cavern. I also learned it’s connected to the sea via a hidden tunnel, which makes it gives it some bonus points in my eyes.
I visited during my week in Oman and was genuinely impressed. It’s easy to reach, perfect for a swim, and surprisingly quiet given how photogenic it is.
If you’re not renting a car, this tour to Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole is a solid option. Just be sure to pack swimwear, decent shoes, and plenty of water.
Watch the Sunset at Qurum Beach
One of the best places to watch the sunset in Muscat has to be Qurum Beach. It quickly became one of my favourite spots in the city, and the sunset here was just so beautiful.
The beach is long, clean and loved by locals who often come out in the evenings to relax or play a casual game of football on the sand.
It has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. You can grab a fresh juice or coffee from one of the nearby cafés, take a stroll along the promenade or sit back on the beach and watch the sun set over the water.
Whilst it’s not the most authentic food, I recommend heading to the Crepe Cafe if you fancy a bite to eat. Not only are the crepes delicious, but the restaurant is also in a prime sunset viewing position.
Experience a Dolphin Watching Cruise
If you’ve got a bit of time to spare while in Muscat and want to soak up some more nature, then this dolphin watching tour is a great option. It’s a two-hour boat ride that takes you out into the Gulf of Oman, where there’s a high chance of spotting wild dolphins, especially spinner and bottlenose species that are common in these waters.
It’s a relaxed experience and a nice way to get out on the water for a couple of hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are often included too, so it’s easy to slot this into your day without needing to organise much. You also have the option to add snorkelling to your tour too!
If marine life is your thing or you just want a calm morning away from the usual sightseeing, this could be a fun addition to your Muscat plans.
⬇️CHECK OUT MY OTHER OMAN GUIDES⬇️
An AWESOME 1-Week Oman Itinerary (Without A Car)
Husaak Adventures Tour Company – Are They Worth It?
What to Wear in Oman As A Woman
24 Hours in Muscat: A PERFECT One-Day Itinerary for First Timers
12 EPIC Things To Do In Muscat For First Timers
Is Oman Safe For Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Experience & Safety Tips
Where To Stay In Muscat For First Timers & Solo Travellers: Best Areas & Hotels
20 Things To Know Before Visiting Oman
5 Best Day Trips from Muscat (No Car Needed!)
The ULTIMATE Travel Guide to the Daymaniyat Islands, Oman
Visiting Oman In February: What You Can Expect
Enjoy A Day At A Luxury Resort
If you want a little break from the sightseeing, I’d highly recommend getting a day pass for the Shangri-La resort (especially if you’re not already staying there).
For 30 OMR, you’ll be able to get private beach access, multiple pools, and it’s also one of the only places where they can serve alcohol in Oman.
To be completely honest with you, it did feel very removed from the “real” Oman, but it was a nice spot to relax, especially after coming back from a 2/3day camping trip where I wasn’t able to shower.
I lounged by the pool, caught up on reading, dipped in the ocean and just completely chilled out!
If you’re curious what a day at the resort actually looks like, check out my TikTok video to see the full experience. It’s a little bit of luxury that might just be worth adding to your itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Muscat is absolutely worth visiting, even if for just one day. If you want to get a proper feel for the city, 2 to 3 days is a good amount of time. It’s not the kind of place that’s packed with headline attractions, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s calm, scenic, and offers a genuine look at life in Oman.
Whether you’re using it as a base for day trips or sticking to the city, there’s enough here to keep you interested without feeling overwhelmed. I found it safe, easy to navigate with a bit of planning, and refreshingly low-key.
If you’re a solo traveller in your 30s, especially if you’re used to fast-paced city breaks, Muscat offers a slower, more spacious way to travel. If you’re still planning your trip and wondering how to prioritise your time, I hope this guide to the top things to do in Muscat has been helpful. If you do have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!
