Muscat is quieter, older and more traditional than other Gulf capitals, with white buildings, a harbour souq and mountains behind the sea. Its best experiences are in the nature around it, so build in time for a day out.
In the city
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors on certain mornings, with modest dress required and a headscarf for women. The Mutrah Souq is a labyrinth of frankincense, silver and textiles, and the nearby corniche is lovely at sunset. The Royal Opera House and the old Al Alam Palace are also worth a stop.
- Grand Mosque
- Morning visits
- Mutrah Souq
- Late afternoon
- Dress
- Modest, headscarf for women
- Car hire
- Useful
- Best season
- Oct–Apr
- Weekend
- Friday–Saturday
Dolphins and the coast
A morning boat trip from Muscat is the best way to see pods of dolphins, and often includes snorkelling or a stop at a bay. Sunset cruises are lovely for the views of forts and cliffs.
Wadi Shab and the desert
Wadi Shab is a canyon with turquoise pools, a short walk and a swim to a hidden waterfall cave. It is about 1.5 hours from Muscat, so a day trip works well. The Wahiba Sands are about three hours away and best experienced overnight, in a camp, with dune driving and stars.
Watch out: Wadis can flood suddenly after rain. Check the weather and follow the guidance of your guide.
How to get around
- A rental car gives the most freedom for wadis and the coast.
- Taxis and ride-hailing are fine in the city.
- Tours handle the longer day trips.
- Distances are large, so plan one big day out at a time.
Insider tip: Fridays are busy at wadis and beaches. Go on a weekday if you can.
A suggested 3-day plan
If you have extra time, consider a trip to Nizwa, an old fortress town with a famous Friday goat market, or to Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain, for cool air and rose farms.
- 1Day 1: Grand Mosque in the morning, Royal Opera House, then Mutrah Souq and corniche at sunset.
- 2Day 2: a dolphin cruise in the morning, then Old Muscat's forts and the Al Alam Palace.
- 3Day 3: a day trip to Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole, with a swim and lunch by the coast.
- 4Optional: an overnight in the Wahiba Sands, with dune bashing and stargazing.
Oman's food and hospitality
Omani food is mildly spiced and based on rice, fish, lamb and dates. Try shuwa, slow-cooked lamb wrapped in leaves and buried in a sand oven, harees, a wheat and meat porridge, and halwa, a sweet gelatinous dessert. Coffee is served with dates, and refusing a second cup is considered impolite unless you shake the cup to signal you have had enough.
Omani hospitality is warm, and locals are often curious and welcoming. Learning a few Arabic phrases, such as 'shukran' (thank you), goes a long way. Respect local customs, dress modestly outside tourist resorts and ask before photographing people.
Getting around and staying safe
Oman has good roads, and driving is straightforward for visitors, though speeds are high and distances are long. Many visitors rent a 4x4 for desert and mountain tracks. In towns, taxis are plentiful, and ride-hailing works in Muscat. Do not drive in wadis during rain, as flash floods can occur.
Oman is very safe, with low crime. The main risks are heat, dehydration and road accidents. Carry plenty of water, wear sun protection and respect the weather. Compare with our guides to Doha, Dubai and the Muscat guide.
Plan your trip
Oman pairs well with Dubai and Doha. Read the Muscat guide for itineraries, or browse more Gulf day trips.
Ready to go?
Book Muscat tours
Muscat: your questions answered
Is Muscat expensive?
It is moderate, with good-value food and some costly hotels.
Can non-Muslims visit the Grand Mosque?
Yes, at set morning hours with modest dress.
When is the best time to go?
October to April.
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