Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by Home in the World
When you picture the major metropolises of the Gulf region, what comes to mind? Glass high-rise and glitz à la Dubai and Doha? Fair enough. And yet, less than an hour’s flight (around 4-5 hours by road) from Dubai, is a city that has decided to channel its country’s oil wealth a little differently.
You won’t find any super skyscrapers in Muscat, the understated capital of the Sultanate of Oman. In fact no structure is allowed to be taller than the city’s main mosque (detailed later in this post). It’s a place that has the genuine feel of ‘old Arabia’ while co-existing literally down the road from the temple of excess that is Dubai.
If you find yourself in the region and are looking for a more authentic Gulf experience, Muscat is one of your best options.
A calming coastal oasis of low-rise structures, it boasts jaw-dropping Islamic architecture, a stunning natural corniche setting, a heaving, frankincense-infused souq and plenty to explore in the surrounding region. It’s a real change of pace and vibe from its higher-profile neighbours, and well worth spending a few days in.
Read on to discover my tips for unmissable things to do in Muscat, and also consider downloading my free quick guide to Muscat which concisely summarises all the most important info about visiting Oman, and Muscat specifically.
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Any list of things to do in Muscat will likely include a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – and rightly so. It is definitely one of the city’s main treasures.
Completed in 2001 as a gift to the country by Qaboos bin Said bin Said, the Sultan of Oman at the time, it is made from around 270,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone and features five minarets, the main soaring to a height of 90 metres (300 ft). In a city where, as part of efforts to preserve culture and identity, low-rise is mandated by law and no building is allowed to be more than seven floors high, this mosque is a truly distinguishing landmark.
The vast grounds include beautifully manicured gardens, majestic courtyards, columned arcades and exquisite prayer halls, with capacity for up to 20,000 worshippers. Indeed, the interior of its main prayer hall is utterly stunning, and I definitely recommend taking some time to absorb all its incredible details: holy-verse inscriptions, intricate carvings, striking artwork, alcoves of shelves bearing copies of the Quran, and, the pièce de résistance: the jaw-dropping crystal chandelier that dangles gracefully inside the main dome.
This chandelier is among the largest in the world (it was actually the largest until it got edged out by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque), made from some 600,000 Swarovski crystals and weighing 8 tonnes. You’ll probably get a crick in your neck as you gaze up in awe to admire it, but it’ll be worth it!
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the few mosques in the country that non-Muslims are allowed to visit, and I am so grateful for this, as it would be an absolute travesty to have missed it. Please note, however, that non-Muslims are only allowed to visit between 8am and 11am, and not on Fridays, so definitely plan it as a morning activity when building your itinerary of things to do in Muscat.
Another important thing to note is that, being a place of worship, all visitors are required to dress modestly. This means shoulders, arms and legs fully covered for both men and women, and women also need to ensure they have their head covered. Loose (but not see-through) long-sleeved shirts covering the wrists, long pants or skirts covering the ankles, and a scarf over the head will suffice. You will also need to remove your shoes (but not socks) before entering the prayer halls, and there is plenty of space to leave them.
After wandering the grounds and taking in the stunning architecture, we were looking for a shady spot to sit and rest briefly. I found a lovely little tree-covered section of stairs leading from the mosque down to the gardens. I noticed some staff members were coming up to visitors and offering them refreshments, pouring tea from exotic Arabian tea pots and serving dates.
It turns out the little patch of shade I had found was part of the Islamic information centre, and we, too, were soon approached by a soft-spoken man who introduced himself as Saleh. We ended up having quite a deep conversation about Islam, other world religions and the commonalities between them, and he also showed me several books on the topic.
I am not a particularly religious person, but I am always interested in learning about various belief systems around the world in a non-judgemental way. Before we left, Saleh gave me one of his books as a gift, and I was very touched by the gesture. The book now sits on my shelf at home, serving as a constant reminder of Oman and its lovely people like Saleh.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is free to enter. You may have read conflicting things online about an entrance fee, and this was briefly introduced in 2025, but, following backlash, this has been revoked. At the time of my visit in November 2025, entrance was once again free, and I expect this to remain the case for the foreseeable future.
In terms of access, my hotel offered a free shuttle to and from the mosque, but taxis were also readily available, and I would have used them if the shuttle hadn’t been an option. Uber does not exist in Oman, but taxis are safe and reliable.
Useful information
Entry cost: Free
Access: It is very centrally located, so a taxi is the perfect option. Some hotels also offer a free shuttle.
Opening hours: For non-Muslims, 8am-11am daily except Fridays
How long to spend there: At least 1-2 hours
Wander the Mutrah Corniche at dusk
Another iconic experience on any list of things to do in Muscat is to take a stroll along its picturesque Corniche. While it will look pretty at any time of day, my pick is to go late afternoon, just before dusk (the time will vary depending on the time of year; when I visited in November the days were very short and sunset was around 5pm).
Why dusk? Well you’ll be able to enjoy the play of light and shadow on the rugged hills that hug Muscat’s port area, and which look particularly atmospheric at golden hour. It’s also the time that many of the waterside restaurants start opening up for dinner and, most importantly, it’s when the Mutrah Souq really comes alive (more on that in the next item).
Before heading to the restaurants and souq, I recommend spending the last hour or 2 of daylight making your way around the sweeping coastal walkway of the Mutrah Promenade, watching the boats at the Sultan Qaboos Port and enjoying some of the art sculptures, before crossing the street and walking through some of the back alleys where you will be able to get a feel for local Omani life.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can even hike up to the Mutrah Fort to get an elevated view of the area.
I also absolutely loved admiring and photographing the unique architecture of the buildings lining the road. It’s a very distinctive, eclectic style, fusing Islamic, traditional Omani and even European influences.
The whitewashed structures set against the brown hilly backdrop are almost Greek-like, but rising up between them is the striking blue minaret and dome of the Masjid Al Rasool Al A’dham mosque. You’ll also find plenty of ornate doorways and wooden balconies – all in keeping with the aforementioned low-rise philosophy.
The Mutrah Corniche really felt like ‘old Arabia’; a totally different vibe to any of the other corniches you’ll find in the Gulf region, which tend to be more modern. I absolutely loved it, and highly recommend adding it to your itinerary of things to do in Muscat.
Useful information
Entry cost: Free
Access: Taxis are the best option for getting to and from the Mutrah Corniche, which is about a 10 to 15-minute drive from central Muscat. They are readily available all along the Corniche and are safe and reliable.
Opening hours: All day, but aim to arrive about an hour or so before dusk
How long to spend there: At least 1-2 hours (or longer if you want to dine)
Browse the Mutrah Souq
As mentioned above, a trip to the Mutrah Corniche is not complete without a visit to the Mutrah Souq, located right on the main waterfront road.
While it does open for a few hours earlier in the day (9am to 1pm, except on Fridays), I recommend going for its evening session, when it opens from 4pm to 10pm. Not only can you combine it with the dusk walk I described in the item above, but you’ll also get a more vibrant experience in general, as the evening is when things really come alive.
By 5pm, most vendors are fully open, and you’ll be able to lose yourself in the labyrinth of stalls, many of which are like veritable Aladdin’s caves! The air is often thick with swirls of omnipresent frankincense, as stallholders vie for your attention and business.
And there is all manner of wares on offer, from kitschy tourist souvenirs to more traditional Omani and Indian handicrafts. I saw plenty of colourful lanterns, exotic pashminas, ornaments, ceramics and wedding chests, just to name a few.
A visit to the Mutrah Souq is definitely worth adding to any list of things to do in Muscat, especially if you’re looking for a (mildly chaotic) Arabian market experience. The vendors are open to bargaining and, while some will take card, it is not a bad idea to have some Omani rials on you just in case.
Useful information
Entry cost: Free
Access: Taxis are the best option for getting to and from the Mutrah Corniche and Souq, which is about a 10 to 15-minute drive from central Muscat. They are readily available outside the Souq, and are safe and reliable.
Opening hours: Usually 9am-1pm (except Fridays) and again 4pm-10pm
How long to spend there: At least 1 hour
Chill out at Qurum Beach
If you’re looking to balance the hubbub of Mutrah Souq with some lower-key vibes, Qurum Beach is a great place to do just that.
Muscat is a coastal city, boasting plenty of beaches. One popular option is Qurum Beach, a long strip of sandy coastline in the prestigious area of Qurum, located within the vicinity of a number of major hotels, including the Crowne Plaza, W Muscat and Mandarin Oriental.
It is worth noting that many luxury hotels have their own private beaches for guests, and that was certainly the case at the Crowne Plaza, where I stayed (full review coming soon). But regardless of whether or not you have such access, Qurum Beach is a great place to enjoy beach vibes in Muscat.
You can cool off in the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman, enjoy various water activities such as jet skiing, kayaking or snorkelling, chill out on the sand under the palm trees, take a walk along the beachside promenade (especially recommended at dusk) or stop for a refreshment in one of the dining establishments or coffee shops lining the coastal road.
The late afternoons/evenings are particularly popular among locals, who tend to come out at that time to take a stroll, and there’s a really lovely atmosphere.
Useful information
Entry cost: Free
Access: Taxi, or walk if you are staying nearby
Opening hours: 24/7
How long to spend there: As long as you want!
Take a day trip to Nizwa (with a stop at Birkat Al Mouz)
If you have a bit more time and want to explore beyond the city’s borders, I highly recommend doing an excursion to Nizwa, the country’s former capital. It’s an easy day trip and quite a scenic drive too, because you pass through part of the Jebel Alkhdar Mountains, making for some pretty dramatic scenery.
We organised our trip through our hotel, who used their recommended tour provider. But it is also possible to take a taxi, bus or rent a car and drive yourself.
Birkat Al Mouz
The drive from Muscat to Nizwa is approx. 2 hours, but on the way there, you also have the option of stopping at the abandoned village of Birkat Al Mouz, which I absolutely encourage you to visit. I have to thank our guide for taking us there, as I would not have known about it otherwise.
Loosely translating as ‘pool of bananas’, the village is aptly named; its cluster of mud-brick buildings carved into a mountainside are surrounded entirely by plantations of banana and date palms.
Given the dry, arid landscape we had been driving through, it really felt like an oasis to suddenly find ourselves surrounded by such unexpected greenery.
The village was abandoned in the late 1950s after it was bombed by the British who sought to provide support for the sultan against the warring local tribes.
It was fascinating to wander through the various structures, imagining what the walls would say if they could talk. Interestingly, the original irrigation system or falaj fed with water from the mountains still exists today and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nizwa Fort
Nizwa itself is about another half-hour drive further on from Birkat Al Mouz. You can of course stay overnight in Nizwa to explore it more depth, but if you’re doing it as a day trip from Muscat, then the top 2 things to see while you’re there are undoubtedly its famed fort and its souq.
Head to the Nizwa Fort first (it’s Oman’s most visited historical monument) and explore its incredibly aesthetic architecture, with its satisfying curves and staircases, typical of old Omani style. A photographer’s dream!
There is an entry fee of OMR 5 (approx. USD 13) for adults and OMR 3 (approx. USD 8) for children. Credit cards are accepted and modest dress is required; shoulders and knees must be covered. I saw one lady get told at the entrance that she couldn’t go in wearing her shorts, and staff gave her a wrap to cover her legs.
I recommend visiting the Nizwa Fort in the late afternoon, as that will give you some lovely golden-hour shots, and you’ll then be in time to head to the neighbouring souq afterwards.
The fort was built in the mid-17th century as a means of defending the city of Nizwa, whose strategic location near major trade routes and natural resources made it an attractive target.
Take your time exploring the grounds, which also include a castle (though the complex is usually collectively still referred to simply as Nizwa Fort). Wander the multi-level terraces and climb the steep, narrow staircase up to the imposing circular tower, which rises 34 metres (112 ft) high and spans a diameter of 45 metres (148 ft). You’ll get amazing views over the rooftops of Nizwa, its beautiful minarets and the surrounding rugged mountains.
Inside the castle area on the ground level is a maze of rooms, once occupied by the Imam and his family, and which have now been turned into a museum of sorts, providing detailed information on the fort’s history and Omani culture, and displaying a variety of artefacts.
The main courtyard has a small café and toilet facilities, and at certain times of day you’ll even find locals demonstrating traditional Omani craft-making, such as pottery. I was fortunate to be able to watch this when I visited in the late afternoon.
Just behind the fort is the Nizwa Fort Garden, featuring a grove of palm trees, a Bedouin-like seating area and some animal enclosures containing goats, oryxes and rabbits. For a small fee, you can feed them some bunches of leaves, but I personally am never totally comfortable with animals in enclosures, and it was not clear what exactly they were doing there, so I did not engage.
Nizwa Souq
After spending time exploring the fort (I recommend at least 1-2 hours), head next-door to the Nizwa Central Souq (you might even want to stop for a coffee at Athar Cafe on the way; its terrace provides great views overlooking the fort).
The street leading from the fort to the souq is lined with souvenir shops – slightly touristy but I did manage to find a very beautiful magnet there.
The souq itself is like a mini village of its own. Arriving from the fort side, you’ll first find yourself in the handicrafts area. There’s a sea of pottery, with every shop displaying ceramics of all shapes and sizes outside their doors, some even having pots strung across their archways. It’s very picturesque.
Making your deeper into the souq, you’ll find the fruit & vegetable market hall, date stalls and even fishmongers preparing the day’s fresh catch. It was a great way to enjoy a more local Omani experience.
Useful information
Entry cost: Nizwa Fort: OMR 5, Nizwa Souq: Free
Access: Organised tour, taxi, bus or self-drive
Opening hours: Nizwa Fort: Daily 8am-8pm; Nizwa Souq: Daily 6am-1pm and 4pm-10pm
How long to spend there: At least 1-2 hours in each
Other options for things to do in Muscat
Other options for things to do in Muscat, which I did not personally have time for myself but which I would definitely consider doing, and would encourage you to do for yourself, include visiting the Royal Opera House, heading out to the Daymaniyat Islands (especially if you’re into diving and snorkelling), exploring the stunning natural gorge at Wadi Shab, and doing excursions to Nakhal Fort and Jabreen Castle.
Getting to & around Muscat, and where to stay
Since 2018, Muscat has had a shiny new airport that I personally found to be very impressive. It is rated 4-star and is extremely modern, functional and clean. It is serviced by many major airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines, as well as the national carrier Oman Air. I flew Oman Air both into and out of Oman, and highly recommend them. They have recently become part of OneWorld and operate a number of flights to and from Europe, Asia, other parts of the Middle East and beyond.
You can find suitable flight connections by searching on Skyscanner or Trip.com to find and compare the best fares.
You can also reach Muscat by road from Dubai – it’s about a 5-hour drive. While there are tour operators who provide this service, I found there weren’t too many decent options.
I thought I had found a good company and booked an overland drive (as I wanted to avoid taking a 40-minute flight) but at the last minute they proved to be quite unreliable, and I ended up having to book flights at 1am on the day of my departure! Thank goodness for the efficiency of Oman Air! You can, of course, hire a car and self-drive – just remember to have all the necessary documentation for the international border crossing.
In terms of accommodation, I stayed at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Muscat in Qurum, which was absolutely stunning in every way. You can read my full review of it here on the blog. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
But you can also find other properties meeting your needs by using the search box below.
Final thoughts on things to do in Muscat
I hope this article has given you some inspiration and ideas for things to do in Muscat. It really is such a beautiful, calming place. Whether you’re interested in ancient culture, exquisite architecture, bustling market vibes, relaxing beaches or stunning natural settings, Oman’s capital really has something for everyone.
I’d certainly recommend Muscat as an underrated jewel of the Middle East. It’s very safe, and its people are so friendly and hospitable. For more information to help you plan your trip, feel free to download my Quick Guide to Muscat, which will have all the important details you need to know.
If you have any questions about anything written in this article, feel free to leave a comment or contact me and I’ll try my best to answer them. And if you have visited Muscat, I’d be interested to know what you thought of it!
** This post, like everything else on this website, has been written entirely by me. No ChatGPT or any other AI tool has been used. It takes longer to create, but I value 100% human-generated content and I hope you do too! **
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Unmissable is such a perfect description for this destination
Glad you thought it was apt! Muscat is definitely an underrated gem.
A great informative article with stunning photographs. Well done
Thank you! Glad you liked it 🙂
A great article on Muscat…I’ll definitely be planning my next trip there!
Thanks Cyrus! Glad you liked it 🙂 Hope you can get to Oman soon!
I loved Muscat. Such a laid-back and charming city. The Mutrah Corniche was a charm at sunset.
Yes, it really is a chilled, beautiful place. Glad you agree the Corniche at sunset is the place to be!
It is such a beautiful city and I loved the Mosque and all the beauty. I was amazed too how lovely and helpful all the people were. Thanks for the walk down memory lane on Oman.
Yes! So beautiful and also wonderful, hospitable people. Glad you also found it a great place to visit.
The mosque and waterfront areas of Muscat look beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration to explore Oman on a future trip.
Glad you enjoyed the article Sonia! Hope you can get to Oman soon. It’s such a gorgeous, underrated destination.