Muscat: where Oman begins

Oman’s capital is unlike any other city in the Gulf. There are no skyscrapers here. Instead, whitewashed houses sit between rugged brown mountains and the deep blue Gulf of Oman, and old forts still watch over the harbour. Muscat is calm, clean and welcoming, and it is the perfect place to start your journey through the country.

In a day or two you can visit one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, get lost in a centuries-old souq, walk along the sea at sunset and enjoy fresh seafood by the water.

Top things to see and do

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: Opened in 2001, the mosque can welcome up to 20,000 worshippers. Inside the main prayer hall you will find a hand-woven carpet of around 1.7 million knots and a 14-metre crystal chandelier.
• Mutrah Souq: One of the oldest markets in the Arab world. Wander the covered lanes for frankincense, silver jewellery, Omani khanjars (daggers), spices and pashminas.
• Mutrah Corniche: A seaside promenade lined with traditional houses and dhows. It is best visited in the late afternoon, when the light turns golden.
• Old Muscat: See the colourful Al Alam Palace and the twin Portuguese-era forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani from the outside, and visit the National Museum and Bait Al Zubair.
• Royal Opera House Muscat: A beautiful example of modern Omani architecture, with a busy programme of concerts and shows.
• Dolphin watching and snorkeling: Boat trips leave from the marinas in the morning to spot dolphins along the coast.

Best time to visit

The most pleasant months are October to April, when days are warm and sunny and evenings are mild. From May to September it is very hot, so plan outdoor visits for early morning or after sunset.

Getting there

Muscat International Airport is about 30 minutes from the old town by car. Most of our tours start from your hotel in Muscat, and we can arrange airport pick-up.

Travel tips

• Dress modestly when visiting the Grand Mosque: arms and legs must be covered, and women should cover their hair. The mosque opens to visitors in the morning, from Saturday to Thursday, so check times before you go.
• Bargaining is normal and friendly in Mutrah Souq.
• Carry water and sun protection, even in winter.

Explore Muscat with Gotour

Join a private city tour with a local guide, or combine Muscat with the desert and the wadis on a multi-day trip. See our tours or contact us to plan your trip.

Photos: Diego Delso, Mostafameraji, Francesco Bini (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Francisco Anzola (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.