Welcome to Muscat! As a former resident, I know you're going to have a great time. I had the benefit of exploring it over a few years, but if you're on a tighter itinerary, I'd recommend spending no less than three days in Muscat. This gives you time to appreciate all the best things to do without dashing about.
This sprawling capital city is nestled between the Arabian Sea and the rocky Hajar Mountains with no natural city centre. So its must-see attractions are far from walkable.
However, in three days you can zone your itinerary and tick off some of Oman's most famous modern landmarks, as well as appreciating the oldest part of the city and one of the country's marine nature reserves.
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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Got longer to explore Oman? Here are some more itineraries to help you plan:
Three days in Muscat
I love a good mix of cultural, historic and adventurous activities when I'm visiting a new place, but appreciate different people have different travel styles.
Before I get to the main itinerary, here's a few tips for adapting it to suit you:
- If snorkelling with turtles doesn't interest you, you could switch day three for dolphin watching from Bander Al Rowdha Marina or a day trip to Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole, or to Wadi Hoqain.
- Prefer shopping? For a serious retail fix, the Mall of Oman is the largest modern mall in the country and has lots of small independent businesses as well as big, world-famous brands. There's also a huge cinema and the Snow Oman ice park should you need a break from the heat.
- One last tip: if your first day in Muscat is a Friday, switch around day one and day two as the Grand Mosque is only open to tourists from Saturday to Thursday.
Now, here's how I would recommend seeing the best of Muscat in three days including links to posts about my personal experiences, attraction websites and Google Maps locations to help you plan independently:
Day 1: the modern heart of Muscat
Today is all about Muscat's 21st Century attractions. Unlike the neighbouring UAE, Oman has introduced these subtly, ensuring the country's rich cultural heritage is showcased alongside modern design.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Your Muscat itinerary starts strong with an early morning visit to Oman's top attraction, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
It's best to arrive when it opens at 8am to appreciate the exquisite prayer halls and gardens ahead of the main wave of visitors between 9am and when the mosque closes to tourists at 11am.
Don't miss the beautifully decorated niches in the corridors running the length of the mosque complex.
For a speedy entrance make sure you are dressed appropriately. Find out more about what to wear and other tips for visiting.
Allow an hour for your visit.
Al Khuwair flagpole
From the Grand Mosque at Ghala, head east along Highway 1 and admire the 126m flagpole at Al Khuwair Plaza from your car. Alternatively, and for the benefit of your driver, join 18th November Street just past IKEA and pull into the car park off Thaqafah Street to take a closer look.
When it was officially opened in 2025 the Al Khuwair flagpole was the 13th tallest flagpole in the World. You can wander the plaza below and stop for a coffee at the Levels Garden cafe in the grounds.
Brunch at Shatti Al Qurum Beach
Feeling peckish? Your next stop is Shatti Al Qurum Beach where you can choose from a number of cafes to enjoy coffee or even brunch.
For a western feast I can recommend D'Arcy's Kitchen restaurant - perfect if you are craving a full English breakfast or pancakes. For a more authentic Omani brunch with a view, grab an outdoor table at KAIA and order the Arabic breakfast.
If it's not too hot already, grab your sun hats and take a wander along the sand. If the heat beats you, return later for sunset.
Tour the Royal Opera House
A short drive away is Muscat’s beautiful Royal Opera House. This is Oman’s largest theatre and showcases regional and international opera, ballet, concerts and family shows.
You may not have time to see a performance but you can take a tour of the stunning building and see the interactive Museum of Musical Arts. The architecture and interiors have been inspired by creative arts spaces from around the globe.
The high-end shopping arcade alongside the Opera House is also worth browsing. Admire ball gowns, jewels and watches fit for the Oscars.
Tip for visiting: if you are visiting independently, don't email the Opera House about tours. Emails aren't checked regularly. It's better to telephone or arrive and see what's available. You'll be able to see the museum and public areas of the building whether tours are available or not.
Wander Qurum Park
End your afternoon at nearby Qurum Park where many Omanis go to enjoy family time as the day cools. This is the largest park in Muscat and a venue for cultural events over the winter months.
There are lawns, covered seating and water features including an artificial waterfall. You can also find a fun fair and playgrounds for children.
Tip: if you are visiting in January, this is when Qurum Park is a venue for the Muscat Nights Festival. There is a small entrance fee and reduced opening hours during the day. Keep an eye on websites like Oman Observer and Times of Oman for event updates.
Finish your visit with a traditional Omani dinner at Zuwadeh Restaurant in Qurum Park before returning to Qurum Beach for sunset or your hotel for a well earned rest. You are going to need an early night ahead of the second day of your Muscat itinerary.
Day 2: Muttrah - Muscat's old city
Your second day in Muscat requires an early start if you want to see the catch of the day arrive in the oldest part of Muscat, Muttrah.
Tip: if you're not a fan of fish, have a little lay in, but still aim to arrive in Muttrah by 9am to explore before it gets too hot.
Muttrah fish market
Fishing is one of Oman’s historic industries and Muttrah is home its most famous fish market. This takes place in a building shaped like a wave at one end of Muttrah Corniche.
Visit at 7am to see traders selling an array of fish caught in the seas off Muscat overnight.
You can park for free beside the fish market.
See the Riyam Censor
Hop back in your car for a drive along the Corniche, stopping to admire the Riyam Censor (pull in for a picture here). This beautiful sculpture represents an incense burner and the frankincense that Oman is famous for producing.
It's not possible to climb up the sculpture, so view it from the road or Riyam Park (here's the car park).
Continue along the Corniche and through the old city gates for the next stop on this Muscat itinerary.
Al Alam Palace and Al Mirani Fort
Oman’s head of state, Sultan Haitham, has his official residence at Al Alam Palace. On one side this faces a long parade ground while the other looks out to sea. You can’t go inside the palace, but you can peek thorough the gates from the parade ground.
For an alternative view, buy tickets for Al Mirani Fort from which you can see the back of the palace, it's twin Al Jalali Fort and the surrounding government buildings. There's often temporary exhibitions and events in the restored fort.
A few parking spaces are available outside Al Mirani Fort.
By now it's likely you're feeling the heat, so you'll be glad to know the next part of this itinerary is indoors.
Oman's National Museum
The museum is a short walk from Al Mirani Fort, but I wouldn't blame you if you moved your car to the parking area beside the museum.
The blast of air conditioning inside is a welcome relief. If your stomachs are rumbling you can find the cafe on the ground floor in the right wing of the museum. It serves drinks, light meals and cakes.
Once you are refreshed, head back to the left side of the museum to begin you tour through 15 galleries taking you on a journey through Oman's natural history, its maritime past, its Islamic faith and its relationship with the world. It's an excellent introduction to Oman.
Every display is translated into English and there is a short introductory film that cycles through in Arabic and English. Allow a few hours to see the museum, while the temperature outside cools.
You can buy tickets when you arrive or in advance online.
Muttrah Souq
There's no rush to return to Oman’s most famous market as traders shut up shop between midday and 4pm. Here's some places to find free parking in Muttrah.
Muttrah Souq is a warren of alleys where you will find plenty of tempting souvenirs. The further in you venture you'll also discover fabric, jewellery and spice shops used by Omanis and expats.
Allow an hour to explore before working your way back out onto the sea front.
Muttrah Fort for sunset
Up for another fort? Muttrah Fort is small but offers mighty views of the Corniche and the tumbledown roofs of the old city spreading out behind it. It's also the perfect place to watch the sun set over the mountains speckled with watchtowers.
If you have time, visit the Place and People Museum on the Corniche below the fort. It's a heritage house with artefacts from 20th Century Oman. Entrance costs a few rial.
Dinner at Bait Al Luban
End your day in old Muscat with dinner at Bait Luban where you can enjoy traditional Omani cuisine. Make sure you book a table in advance as it's a popular restaurant.
Day 3: swim with turtles at the Daymaniat Islands
Set your alarm early again for a day with Oman's marine life. The Daymaniat Islands are an archipelago located 42km off the coast of Muscat and one of the top places to swim with turtles.
This is a protected nature reserve so you must visit with a licensed tour operator. I can recommend a few that are based in Al Mouj and Seeb Marina.
I would recommend booking a half day, morning trip as the sea state is often calmer than in the afternoon.
Your day starts with a 30 to 40 minute high speed boat ride to the low lying islands which are surrounded by coral reefs. There's no beach resorts, restaurants or even public buildings on the islands. You can relax on the beaches when the turtles and birds are not nesting between November and March, but the main attraction is what's under the sea.
We have visited more times than we can remember to swim with green turtles, tropical fish, rays and reef sharks.
Tip: the location of your accommodation might prove a deciding factor in the company you use. Tours typically leave between 8am and 8.30am, which clashes with Muscat's rush hour, so plan your journey in advance. Al Mouj is the closest marina for many.
Read more full guide to visiting the Daymaniat Islands for tips on who to go with, what you'll see and what to take with you.
Relax into your last evening in Muscat
You’ll arrive back on the mainland a bit salty, so head back to your hotel for a freshen up before treating yourselves to one of these special dining experiences:
- Afternoon tea at the beach front 5* Chedi Hotel
- Traditional dinner at Rozna - a modern restaurant offering Omani cuisine where you'll feel like you are dining in a fort
- Enjoy succulent steak at Pink Salt at JW Marriott Muscat
- Afternoon tea in the oppulant Atrium Lobby at Al Bustan Palacce Hotel
- Sip sundown cocktails with a view at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-bar at the W hotel, Zale Beach Lounge at the Kempinski or The Edge at the Crowne Plaza Qurum.
One of these will be a fitting finale to your three days in Muscat, whether you plan to fly home from here or strike out and explore more of the Sultanate.
Tips for enjoying your 3 days in Muscat
I've got loads of tips for travellers visiting Oman, but here's a few specific to Muscat:
Getting around
Unless you decide to hire a car or guide, taxis are the easiest way to get around Muscat. Public transport is limited and walking is not comfortable in the heat of the day, even in the winter months.
Download the Yango app to book and pay for rides from your smartphone.
Find out more about getting around in Oman and driving in Oman.
What to wear in Muscat
Muscat is a very multi-cultural city with residents from all over the world. You can expect to see clothing influenced by both the East and West, as well as daily Omani clothing like the abaya and dishdasha. You'll see local women wearing head scarves and burkas, but it is not expected for female tourists to cover their hair unless you are visiting the Grand Mosque.
As a visitor or expat, it is more culturally aware to wear loose, non-see through clothing that covers your knees, shoulders and chest when in public places like tourist attractions, shopping malls and when visiting public beaches.
Tip: shopping malls and tourist attractions in Muscat may deny access to people wearing clothes deemed too short or revealing. In other places, you may be approached by the police to ask you to cover up.
Bonus tip: Muscat's public beaches do not have sun loungers for hire. If you wish to sit down on the beach, bring your own picnic blanket and be aware that sunbathing in a swimsuit would not be a culturally aware thing to do. If you would like this kind of beach day you can get day passes for international hotels like The Chedi, The Kempinski, W Hotel and Hilton Al Bandar (formerly the Shangri-La) which, include credit towards food as well as pool and beach access.
If you are staying at an international hotel in Muscat you can wear whatever you like, even at the pool and, if they have one, their private beach. Everything from bikinis to birkinis are acceptable. Be aware that the clientele isn't exclusively western, so the more skin you show the more inquisitive looks you may attract.
Most hotels in Muscat will have a dress code for their restaurants, which will usually be to cover knees and shoulders when dining.
Where to stay
There's a wide range of apartments and hotels in Muscat to suit all budgets. I've shared a few below for inspiration, but would recommend finding a place to stay between the districts of Ghala and Qurum to minimise your travel each day.
Budget beds for the night
- 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
Urban hotels
- 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
- The Sheraton in Ruwi - 5 star city hotel with pool | close to Muttrah
- JW Marriott Muscat - 5 star city hotel with pool | central location
On the beach
- Crowne Plaza in Qurum - 4 star beach hotel | on Qurum Beach
- 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
Want more tips on transport, what to wear and local currency? Check out my full guide to visiting Muscat.
Where next?
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