10 Best Things to Do in Muscat, Oman
Muscat is one of the most underrated capital cities in the world. Nestled between
dramatic mountain cliffs and the shimmering Arabian Sea, Oman’s capital blends ancient
heritage with modern elegance in a way that few cities in the Middle East can match.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, these are the ten experiences you simply
cannot miss.
1. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
No visit to Muscat is complete without seeing the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque — one
of the most magnificent mosques in the world. Built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian
sandstone, the mosque can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers. Inside, a single
Persian carpet covers the entire main prayer hall — the second largest handwoven
carpet in the world — and a Swarovski crystal chandelier of staggering scale hangs
overhead. Open to non-Muslim visitors every morning except Friday, this is Muscat’s
most essential landmark.
2. Explore Muttrah SouqOne of the oldest markets in the Arabian world, Muttrah Souq is a labyrinthine treasure
trove of frankincense, silver khanjar daggers, hand-embroidered textiles, Omani pottery,
and aromatic oud. Wander the narrow alleyways, breathe in centuries of trading history,
and don’t leave without a block of Omani frankincense to take home. The souq is most
magical in the early evening when the crowds thin and the air fills with incense smoke.
3. Watch Wild Dolphins on a Morning Cruise
Just 20 minutes offshore from Muscat, pods of wild bottlenose, spinner, and common
dolphins cruise the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. A morning dolphin watching cruise
is one of the most joyful experiences Muscat has to offer — watching these magnificent
creatures leap and race alongside your boat against a backdrop of rocky coastline is
something you’ll never forget.
Book the Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling Cruise with OTouring
4. Stroll the Muttrah Corniche
The Muttrah Corniche is one of the most beautiful waterfront promenades in the Gulf —
a sweeping arc of seafront walkway framed by the old city on one side and the glittering
harbour on the other. Walk it in the early evening as the fishing boats return, the fort
lights up, and the whole of old Muscat glows gold in the setting sun.
5. Photograph Al Alam Palace
The Sultan’s official ceremonial palace sits at the heart of Old Muscat, flanked by twin
Portuguese forts and facing the sea. With its bold blue and gold facade, Al Alam Palace
is one of the most photographed buildings in Oman — and rightly so. While you can’t
enter, the exterior and surrounding plaza make for extraordinary photographs,
especially at dusk.
6. Discover the Royal Opera House
Oman’s Royal Opera House is one of the most beautiful performing arts venues in the
Arab world. Even if you’re not attending a performance, the building itself — a
masterpiece of Islamic and Renaissance architectural fusion — is worth visiting. Free
guided tours are available on selected days.
7. Take a Sunset Dhow CruiseSail the coast of Muscat aboard a traditional Omani dhow as the sun sets over the
Arabian Sea. These elegant wooden vessels have sailed these waters for centuries, and
gliding past the old city’s forts and whitewashed buildings as the sky turns amber and
rose is pure magic. Arabic coffee and dates are served on board.
Book the Sunset Dhow Cruise with OTouring
8. Visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum
For a beautifully curated introduction to Omani culture, history, and traditional life, the
Bait Al Zubair Museum in Old Muscat is unmissable. Housed in a traditional Omani home,
the collection covers weaponry, silver jewellery, traditional dress, historical documents,
and the fascinating story of Oman’s transformation under Sultan Qaboos.
9. Swim at Qurum Beach
Muscat’s most popular urban beach offers calm, clean waters and a relaxed atmosphere
perfect for an afternoon swim. The beach is backed by Qurum Natural Park — one of the
few remaining mangrove areas in Muscat — which makes for a pleasant walk before or
after a swim.
10. Experience Muscat by Night
After dark, Muscat transforms completely. The Grand Mosque, the palace, the Opera
House, and the corniche all take on a golden glow that makes the city even more
beautiful than by day. A dedicated night city tour lets you experience all of Muscat’s
iconic landmarks after sunset, ending with dinner at one of the city’s finest traditional
restaurants.
Book the Muscat by Night Tour with OTouring
Ready to explore Muscat? OTouring offers private half-day and full-day Muscat city
tours with expert English-speaking guides, hotel pickup, and all entry fees included.
Book Your Private Muscat City Tour
