Muscat travel guide: everything you need to know

Welcome to Oman's capital - a sprawling metropolis championing a proud national identity, celebrating rich cultural heritage and welcoming modern development. In this Muscat travel guide I'm giving you a taster of what you can expect here, the best things to do and where to stay, all based on my experience living in the city for two and a half years.

But before the good stuff, I'd like to thank you for visiting Oman Wanderlust and also encourage you to join our Facebook group Oman Unpacked. It's a community to get even more personal recommendations from visitors and expats who love Oman.

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Is Muscat worth visiting?

The majority of Oman holidays start and end in Muscat thanks to the location of the international airport. But should you plan to spend a few days exploring or head straight out into its more rural interior in search of dramatic wadis, desert sunsets and mountain views?

I would argue that Muscat is worth at least two full days in your Oman itinerary. Three if you don't want to rush. And at least five if you want to factor in some down time relaxing at a beach front hotel.

But why? Read on to find out about Muscat's heritage, it's top attractions and places to stay for all budgets.

A brief history

Muscat hasn't always been Oman's capital. Up until the 15th Century it was just a small fishing port on the Arabian Sea surrounded by the protective Hajar Mountain range.

It grew into a trading port and was fortified by the Portuguese who seized coastal areas around much of the Gulf up until the 17th Century.

It was only in the 20th Century that Muscat began to take shape as the capital we know today.

Its modernisation has been most rapid in the past 40 years. I always marvel at how much the city has grown in this time. Check it out for yourself on Google Earth Timelapse by adding ‘Muscat’ to the search bar.

Despite its modernisation, Muscat has a very different character to places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The government has taken a more conservative approach to development in order to preserve the Sultanate's culture and heritage. There's no skyscrapers and you don't have to travel too far off the tourist trail to see normal people, living normal lives.

Muscat is home to the majority of the country's population, as well as a healthy proportion of its expat community. It is a modern city for work, but also play and culture.

Find out about some of the things that make Oman and Muscat special.

The best things to do in Muscat

Whether you want to explore the city's famous souq, visit the iconic Grand Mosque or meet Green Turtles less than an hour's boat trip away, I've got plenty of tips for how to spend your days in Muscat.

A must read is my full guide to things to do in Muscat whether you're looking for places to enjoy nature, shop or escape the heat.

Where to stay in Muscat

There’s plenty of options for places to stay in Muscat including budget, mid-range and luxurious international hotels and self-catering apartments. You'll find them spread out along the length of the city.

Below I've shared options for every budget. Please note that when I have described the location as 'central' I mean it is central to the Muscat attractions mentioned in this guide. The accommodation is not in the 'city centre'. Muscat has many districts rather than a centre.

Budget hotels in Muscat - £

If you just want a bed for the night, here's some low budget options in Muscat:

• Muscat Express Hotel - 3 star city hotel | central location
• Swiss-Belinn Airport Hotel - 3 star city hotel | central location
• ibis Muscat - 3 star city hotel | central location

Cheap and cheerful hotels in Muscat - ££

Like a bargain? These hotels won't break the bank but do come with a bit of style and a pool:

• Centara Muscat Hotel - 3 star city hotel with roof top pool | close to Grand Mosque
• Radisson Blu - 4 star city hotel with pool | central location
• Aloft Muscat - 4 star city hotel with roof top pool | central location

Self-catering apartments in Muscat - ££

• Maani Muscat Hotel & Suites - apartments with shared pool | close to Oman Aquarium
• Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat - apartments with shared roof top pool | close to Grand Mosque
• Al Shorouq Hotel Apartments - apartments | close to Muttrah

Mid-range hotels - £££

As well as stylish accommodation, these Muscat hotels have great restaurants, bars and leisure facilities:

• Crown Plaza in Qurum - 4 star beach hotel | on Qurum Beach
• The Sheraton in Ruwi - 5 star city hotel with pool | close to Muttrah
• JW Marriott Muscat - 5 star city hotel with pool | central location

Luxury hotels in Muscat - ££££

If you want to treat yourself to a five star stay in Muscat check out these hotels. They all offers something special:

• Shangri-La Al Waha hotel - 5 star beach hotel | outside of city
• Shangri-La Al Husn (adults only) - 5 star beach hotel | outside of city
• The Chedi - 5 star beach hotel | close to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
• Al Bustan Palace - 5 star beach hotel | close to Muttrah
• The St Regis Resort - 5 star beach hotel | in Al Mouj
• Kempinski - 5 star beach hotel | in Al Mouj

Tips for visiting Muscat

Here's some of my top tips for visiting Muscat:

What to wear in Muscat

Muscat is a multi-cultural city with residents from all over the world so you’ll see people dressed in everything from dishdasha and abaya to jeans and t-shirts to sarees and shalwar kameez.

The expectation of visitors is that you dress conservatively, covering your knees and shoulders.

The only place it is essential to wear full-length trousers, shirts and sleeves is at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque where women also need to wear a scarf to cover their hair. 

Find out more about what to wear in Oman in other situations.

Is Muscat a walkable city?

No. Muscat doesn't have a single city centre and the Arabian climate makes walking any distance very uncomfortable. You'll also find relatively few footpaths away from the main tourist and commercial areas as they are simply not used.

Areas that have been designed for pedestrians include Shatti al Qurum Beach, Muttrah Corniche, Al Mouj Marina, Seeb Corniche and Qurum Natural Park.

Getting around Muscat

Unless you decide to hire a car or guide, Taxis are the easiest way to get around Muscat. The main tourist attractions and points of interest are spread around the city. Public transport is limited and walking is not comfortable in the heat of the day.

Find out more in my guides to getting around in Oman and driving in Oman.

Cash and currency in Muscat

Oman’s currency is the Omani Rial or OMR. Check the current exchange rate.

You’ll find most shops, hotels and restaurants in Muscat accept cards, even at Muttrah Souq. You can also pay for taxis via the OTaxi app.

If you want some cash there are plenty of cash machines at hypermarkets, in shopping malls and on commercial streets.

More essential reading before visiting Oman

As well as reading my guides about what you need to know about driving in Oman and what to pack, I can recommend buying the Lonely Planet guide to Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsular.

I bought this before our move here and found it invaluable as an introduction to the country and culture.

Before you go, check out my latest guides to Oman

• Bedouin desert camp in Oman - an authentic Wahiba Sands experience
• Wahiba Sands in Oman - travel tips and experiences not to be missed
• Review: Valley Cliff Inn, Nizwa family villas
• What to buy in Nizwa Souq
• Places to see between Muscat and Nizwa