The 10 Best Things to Do and See in Muscat, Oman

Surprisingly compact but endlessly fascinating, Muscat has a lot to offer visitors. Here are my top ten tips to get the most out of your trip to the city when you stay at Kempinski Hotel Muscat. 

1. BE AWED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE GRAND MOSQUE

There is something very peaceful about the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, it was a gift to the people of Oman from their former ruler to mark 30 years of his reign. Constructed from marble and sandstone, the walls are lined with mosaics and it can accommodate 20,000 worshippers at a time. It houses one of the world’s largest handmade carpets, which took more than 600 women artisans in Iran four years to loom. Non-Muslims are invited to visit every day except Friday. Modest clothing, including women’s head coverings, should be worn – if needed, the staff will help and you can rent appropriate attire there.

Feeling inspired? Book your stay at Kempinski Hotel Muscat. 

2. GET LOST IN THE ALLEYWAYS OF THE MUTRAH SOUQ

Located on the Muscat Corniche, the Mutrah Souq is a little like stepping back into the past and should be at the top of your “must-visit” list. Inside, amidst the winding laneways, you will find stores crammed floor to ceiling with silver jewellery, bejewelled lamps and antiques. Here you can also find traditional daggers known as the khanjar to take home along with other souvenirs like kummars, hand stitched caps worn by Omani men. You can also buy tiny jars of the world’s most expensive spice, saffron, as well as sample heady Omani perfume and frankincense. The Gold Souq is located just a five-minute walk away and is every bit as dazzling as it sounds. Don’t forget to stop for a tea at the places lining the sea-front.

3. DISCOVER WHY OMANI FOOD IS A HIDDEN GEM

Oman’s history as a trading powerhouse in years gone by, and its links to Africa, India and Asia, means its food is rich and diverse. The country’s most famous dish is Shuwa, lamb or goat slow-cooked in an underground oven with spices and served on a bed of rice with a tangy tomato sauce on the side. Although eaten during celebrations, you can sample it at Bin Ateeq, which has branches across Muscat. Here you can sit on the floor and enjoy it as its supposed to be eaten – communally. Looking for something more street food style? Mishkak are cubes of marinated mutton, chicken or beef, threaded onto skewers and chargrilled, served with a chilli or tangy tamarind sauce, a small salad or inside a flatbread. You can find plates piled high with these skewers at spots across Muscat, including on Al Seeb Beach, close to Kempinski Hotel Muscat.

4. TAKE A SUNSET STROLL ALONG QURUM BEACH

Muscat is located on the Gulf of Oman, and the cool waves wash along the five-kilometre stretch of Shatti Al-Qurum, which draws locals and visitors alike for swimming, strolling and just hanging out. While popular all day, at sunset the beach comes alive with people from all walks of life. Families come to enjoy picnic dinners along the palm tree-fringed beach, meanwhile there are vendors selling souvenirs, crafts and snacks. Here you will also find restaurants and cafes lining the beach, perfect to catch a sunset or cool off after a swim.

5. GET YOUR CULTURE ON AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE MUSCAT

Drawing on Islamic, Mughal, Oriental and European art and architecture, the stunning Royal Opera House Muscat should be on your must-visit list. Officially opened by a performance by renowned tenor Placido Domingo in 2011, it’s able to hold 1,100 culture lovers. The building’s centrepiece is one of the largest organs in the world, as the instrument weighs about 50 tonnes and contains 4,542 pipes. The Royal Opera House has a year-round programme of events including performances by the Muscat Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. There are daily house tours from Saturday to Thursday, including a viewing of the rare instruments.

6. LEARN ABOUT OMAN’S RICH HISTORY AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF OMAN

Located in the heart of Old Muscat, the National Museum has 14 permanent galleries and more than 5,000 objects on display tracing the history of Oman, stretching back two million years. Among the most interesting immersive exhibits include a deep dive into Oman’s maritime heritage and its one-time role as a regional trading powerhouse. It is the first museum in the Middle East to incorporate Arabic braille into its exhibits, making it truly accessible. The museum is closed on Fridays and costs OMR 5 for visitors.

7. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN OMAN’S PAST IN OLD MUSCAT

Aside from the National Museum, Old Muscat is home to many sights, including traditional Omani family homes, some galleries and small museums. Clinging to a small bay on Muscat’s eastern fringes, Old Muscat is Oman’s original capital, is walkable and well worth taking the time to explore. Here you will be able to view the whimsical and colourful Al Alam Palace, also known as the Sultan’s Palace, its exterior a dream of blue and gold. You can’t go inside, but join the crowd for an iconic photo outside its gates. Nearby are two sixteenth-century Portuguese-era forts – Al Jalali and Al Mirani – as well as a fascinating small museum called Bait al Zubair (closed on Fridays) which houses a full-scale replica of an Omani village. 

8. SAIL INTO THE SUNSET (AND SPOT A DOLPHIN!)

Muscat’s location on the Gulf of Oman makes it the prime location for dolphin watching. You can book a cruise for around OMR 15 per person from the Marina Bandar al Rowdha, and this can be combined with snorkelling or just a spin along the spectacular coast, where the mountains meet the sea. The waters off Muscat are home to more than 21 types of dolphins – spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins – and it’s possible to spot them all year round.

9. TRAVERSE THE OLD AND THE NEW AT SEEB 

For a taste of Omani culture while also indulging in a slice of modern life, a visit to Seeb is must be on your list of things to do. Located along the coastal road north of Muscat, the Seeb souq is a sprawling market selling anything from traditional dishdashes for men and intricate gold jewellery for women; to goats and local fruit and vegetables. Visit early morning around 8:00 for the local colour and movement – it’s easy to spend a couple of hours wandering the stalls selling coffee beans, spices and Oman’s favourite dessert, Halwa. You can also experience Al Mouj, the modern part of Seeb that is close to Kempinski Hotel Muscat, with its restaurants, mall and high-end marina.

10. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE AT WADI SHAB

Located 90 minutes outside of Muscat, Wadi Shab’s beauty and uniqueness draws locals and visitors alike, and should be on your list of things to do when visiting Muscat. Wadi is an Arabic word that refers to a river bed or valley and your visit starts with a short boat ride before a leisurely hike through the canyon to a picturesque swimming spot. The location is stunning and accessible for those with an average level of fitness. You can book a day tour with a company to take care of all the details including transport from around QMR 40 per person depending on the size of the group.

If you enjoyed this, why not read Rachel’s best tips for visiting Doha, Qatar?