Best things to do in Muscat
Find out more about those top places in Muscat
Muscat Travel Guide: Where Ancient Trade Meets Modern Chill
If you're on the hunt for places to visit that blend deep history, jaw-dropping architecture, and just the right amount of desert mystique, say hello to Muscat, the capital of Oman and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Yep — Muscat was already thriving when many other cities were still figuring out how to invent the wheel.
Located on Oman’s northeastern coast and hugged tightly by rugged mountains and sprawling desert, Muscat feels like a real-life mirage — but with better Wi-Fi and much friendlier camels.
Things to Do in Muscat: A Mix of Mosques, Markets, and Mountain Vibes
1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Go Big or Go Home
A true top attraction and architectural showstopper, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Muscat. Think white marble, glittering chandeliers, and one of the world’s largest hand-woven carpets (yes, really). It’s both a spiritual and visual experience — and don’t forget to dress modestly and bring your camera. This is sightseeing that slaps.
2. Al Alam Palace – Royal Looks, No Invite Needed
Smack dab in the heart of the old city lies Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of Sultan Haitham. While you can’t exactly crash inside for tea (unless you’re on very good terms with Omani royalty), it’s one of the top attractions in Muscat worth marveling at from the outside. The blue-and-gold facade is basically the architectural equivalent of a power pose.
3. Mutrah Souq – Where Bargaining Becomes an Art Form
Ready to unleash your inner haggler? Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world and an absolute must in your Muscat travel guide. Wander through its narrow, spice-scented alleys filled with lanterns, frankincense, silver jewelry, pashminas, and more trinkets than your suitcase can probably handle. Pro tip: bring cash, and your poker face.
4. The Royal Opera House – Not Just for Opera Lovers
Even if you can't tell a soprano from a sandwich, the Royal Opera House Muscat is a feast for the eyes and ears. With stunning interiors and a lineup that spans classical, Arabic, and world music, this venue is both a cultural thing to do in Muscat and an air-conditioned haven when that desert sun hits hard.
Bonus Round: Sightseeing with a Side of Sunshine
If you're craving coastal views, don’t skip the Corniche — a scenic waterfront promenade perfect for an early morning stroll or a dramatic sunset selfie. And for a deeper dive into Omani heritage, swing by Bait Al Zubair Museum — compact, informative, and blissfully cool inside.
Feeling adventurous? Try a hike in the Al Hajar Mountains or a day trip to the desert for some dune bashing — because nothing says "vacation" like flying over sand at 60 km/h in a 4x4.
Final Thoughts
Muscat may not be on every mainstream bucket list — but that’s exactly why it should be. This ancient city offers a perfect mix of culture, calm, and warm Arabian hospitality (with mint tea on the side). Whether you're admiring domes, diving into history, or just shopping till your riyals run out, Muscat is full of unexpected magic.
So if your travel guide is missing a Middle Eastern gem — consider this your sign from the travel gods (or at least the internet). Go east, go bold, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
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Al Alam Palace
Known as the ceremonial palace of Sultan Qaboos of Oman, it is one of the finest architectural works in the city of Muscat. The Palace is one of several Royal residences belonging to the Sultan Qaboos dynasty built over 200 years ago by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed. Al Alam which means “The flag” was built over the site of the former British embassy – according to legends, there used to be a flagpole on the grounds and any slave who touched the flag pole was granted freedom. Visitors can’t access the palace but are allowed to take pictures.
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Mutrah Souq
One of the most visited places in Muscat, the Mutrah Souq is a bit chaotic at its peak time and might be a bit too much for first time visitors. Known locally as the Al Daham (which means darkness in Arabic) due to the fact that its crowded stalls hardly allow light rays in, requiring shoppers to use lamps to navigate their way through the market. It is the number one place in the city to find all you are looking for and to test your bargaining skills. Items sold at the Mutrah Souq range from antiques to vegetables and fruits.
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Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Built as a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of reign, the mosque is the biggest in Oman. The 20,000 capacity Mosque is hard to miss - with a single dome and 5 minarets, its exterior and interior are perfectly designed to fit Oman’s heritage. However, the interior of the mosque is the main highlight of the building, its prayer hall is cover by a beautiful Persian carpet that is 70 m by 60 m wide and its regarded as the largest hand – loomed Iranian carpet in the world after the one found in the Sheik Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
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Bait Al Zubair
The Bait Al Zubair is a privately owned museum located on Al Saidiya Street in Old Muscat, opened in 1998 it is funded by the founders, the Zubair family. Established to promote the art and culture of the Omani people, the museum main feature is an art gallery known as the Gallery Sarah. There are often exhibitions at the gallery and visitors get to see an array of paintings, photographs and sculptures. Asides the gallery there is also a gift shop and a café.
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Mutrah Fort
There are quite a number of forts in Muscat, and they basically have the same story and similar attractions. But if you are going to visit any consider the Mutrah Fort as your first choice. Built by the Portuguese in the 1950s, it was designed to protect the city against the attacks of the Ottoman army. The fort is still used for military purposes - visitors are rarely allowed in but can have fantastic views from its flanks.
