Choose from 25 Fun Things to Do in Muscat
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Muttrah Souk
One of the oldest traditional souks (marketplaces) in the Arab world, the Muttrah souk has a history stretching back over 200 years and has earned acclaim throughout Oman for its varied array of both local and imported goods – thanks in large part to its strategic position at the mouth of Muscat Harbor. Known locally as the Al Dhalam souk, which translates as ‘Darkness’ in Arabic, the souk takes its name from the network of narrow streets that run between Khour Bimba and the Al Lawatiya Mosque, where the stalls are so cramped together the sunlight can’t make it through the cracks.
Navigating the dimly lit stalls and maze-like alleyways is all part of the experience and shopping in the souks is one of the top pastimes for visitors to Oman. Exploring the myriad of stalls reveals a host of local goods like Frankincense, perfumes and fresh spices, alongside traditional handicrafts like Khanjers (Omani knives), Bedu jewelry and colorful hookah pipes. Pay a visit to the Gold Souk, where the honeycomb of stalls are laden with gold and silver jewelry, tuck into some local street food, then put your haggling skills to the test as you scour the markets for unique Omani souvenirs.
Address: Hellat Scoral Lawatiya, Muscat, Oman
From $ 52
Royal Opera House
Muscat’s dazzling Royal Opera House has won over a wealth of fans since opening its doors back in 2011, claiming the title of the Gulf’s first opera house and cementing Oman’s reputation as a burgeoning arts hub. With its dramatic colonnaded façade, gold-inlaid marble interiors and elaborate handcrafted stuccos, the inspired design of the Royal Opera House is a fine example of contemporary Islamic architecture, constructed from Omani desert rose stone and encircled by landscaped gardens.
Commissioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the 80,000 square-kilometer complex was designed to be as functional as it is stylish, with a state-of-the-art adjustable-acoustic auditorium and innovative subtitle touchscreens attached to each of its 1,100 seats. With its performance season running from September to June, the Royal Opera House has already cultivated a reputation for diversity with Western, Asian and Arab theater, opera and ballets all taking to the stage, as well as providing the home ground for the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra.
Address: Al Kharjiyah St, Muscat, Oman
From $ 68
Muscat Old Town
Located at the eastern tip of the modern capital city, Muscat’s Old Town is best known for its pair of 16th-century forts and the striking Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace), clustered around the waterfront. The two forts of Al Mirani and Al Jalali, perched on neighboring cliff tops, look out over the Gulf of Oman and form the boundaries of what was once the center of the historic capital.
Today, the area known as Old Muscat encompasses the coastal suburb of Muttrah and the idyllic Muttrah Corniche, which runs the length of Muscat bay. With its busy port and eclectic blend of old and new architecture, this is one of the capital’s most atmospheric areas and there’s plenty for visitors to see and do. Stroll along the restored remains of the original 16th century city walls; get lost in the colorful labyrinth of the Muttrah souk; or discover the city’s rich history and heritage at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the Muscat National Museum or the Muscat Gate House Museum.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 37
Muttrah
Muttrah is a district and former fishing village in the Muscat province of Oman with a long history as a center of commerce in the region. Souq Muttrah, a traditional bazaar still operating today, is one of the oldest marketplaces in the world. Its history dates back to the age of sail, when Muttrah was an important trade location between India and China. Set against the backdrop of the Muttrah harbor, it is still a center for trading and shopping today both for locals and visitors. It is named “Al Dhalam” (‘darkness’ in Arabic) for its many crowded stalls and lanes where little sun hits. Housed under a timber roof, it maintains its traditional Arabic feel. A labyrinth of alleyways, spices, perfumes and stands, it is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Oman.
Stroll alongside the Port Sultan Qaboos (Port Muttrah), one of the main commercial ports of Oman. Barter for silks, precious metals, antiques, spices, incense or jewelry in the souk, stop for an Arabic coffee or a fresh fruit juice, explore the local fish market and be transported to both the past and present of the country’s culture.
Practical Info
Muttrah district is located in the center of Muscat. It is recommended that the Souk Muttrah is visited earlier in the day, as it can become quite crowded closer to evening.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 37
Nakhal
Nakhal is a small town in the Al Batinah Region of Oman. The name translates to “palm,” many of which line the streets of this desert oasis. It is one of the more scenic towns in the country, set against the jagged peaks of the Jebel Nakhal Mountains of the Western Hajar range, and there is a hot spring and a small stream flowing calmly into town.
A main draw to the area for visitors is the historic Nakhal Fort, which sits atop a rock mound in the center of town. The castle dates back to pre-Islamic times, but like its neighboring forts it has undergone several renovations since. Even more palm and banana trees lie below in the orchards surrounding the structure. Climbing up the fort offers wide views of both the ancient town below and the magnificent surrounding landscape.
Practical Info
Nakhl is located about 120 kilometers away from Muscat. The trip to the fort can be combined with a visit to the Ain Al Thawarah spring or Wadi Al Abyadh. Nakhal Fort is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm and on Friday from 8am to 11am. Entry fee is 500 baizas for adults.
Address: Nakhl, Oman
From $ 223
Al Hamra
Al Hamra is one of the oldest, best-preserved towns of Oman, having been established in the 17th century during the Ya'arubi dynasty. With winding stone streets and rows of traditional mud-brick homes, it’s easy to get lost in its back alleys and feel as if you’ve entered another time and place. With the hot sun overhead, Al Hamra certainly feels like the desert—yet there are dozens of palm trees throughout the basin providing respite from the heat.
For the best view of the city and the surrounding Western Hajar mountain range, climb to the top of the ancient Al Hamra watchtower. In town you can also find Bait al Safah, a 400-year-old traditional home full of artifacts and historical furnishings, and Beit al Jabal, another old mud home with a little less polish. Many of the homes are two stories, supported by wooden beams, and are partly open to the sky, maintaining a unique rustic feel and preserving the culture of this area.
Practical Info
Al Hamra is easily accessed and well-marked by signs on the road from nearby Nizwa. Wadi Ghul lies to the west of the town.
Address: Al Hamra, Oman
From $ 160
Wadi Bani Khalid
One of the wettest wadis in Oman, Wadi Bani Khalid is truly an oasis where villages and plantations spread out across the fertile floor. Famous for its natural beauty, there are two particularly popular spots to visit in Wadi Bani Khalid: Moqal Cave and the crystal clear natural pools at the narrow end of the wadi.
Moqal Cave is a half-hour walk past the village of the same name near the end of the valley floor. It’s possible to head into the narrow cave without a guide; just remember to bring a torch and be prepared for some scrambling.
At the spring-fed natural pools, mini waterfalls tumble down limestone crags to the pools popular with swimmers. Fancy a free pedicure? If you dangle your legs in the water, little fish will come up to nibble away your dry skin! For stunning views of the wadi plantations, stop at the Tourist Service Center parking lot on the approach road from Moqal Cave.
Practical Info
Wadi Bani Khalid is 126 miles (203 kilometers) from Muscat. Both the pools and Moqal Cave are well signposted from the Muscat-Sur Highway, and the Tourist Service Center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the natural pools, it’s respectful to dress modestly with shorts and a T-shirt covering your swimming costume. There are picnic huts by the pools, which get busy with families on holidays and weekends.
Address: Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman
Admission: Varies
From $ 79
Amouage Perfumery
In 2012, the Amouage Perfumery opened in Muscat as a visitor center to celebrate three decades of this niche luxury brand of fragrance. Here you can discover the most expensive perfume in the world, which draws inspiration from the rich and colorful heritage of the Sultanate of Oman.
For shopping fanatics, the Amouage Perfumery is best enjoyed as part of an Arabian shopping trip and souq experience. Once at the perfume factory, a guide will explain how the perfumes are made by hand and you can watch as the bottles are filled and packaged by the small team who work here, perhaps even purchasing a bottle to take home for yourself. If visiting as part of a shopping and souq tour, you’ll then get to visit two modern shopping centers, before finishing up at the most popular and largest bazaar in Oman, the Muttrah Souq.
Did You Know? The Amouage Perfumery has the capability to produce anything upwards of 5000 bottles of fragrance per week.
Practical Info
Visiting the Amouage Perfumery is also available on selected full day coach trips of the city. If not visiting as part of an organized tour, the best way to reach it is by taxi.
Address: Al Mawaleh, Muscat, Oman
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Sunday to Thursday
From $ 163
Ibra
Known as the gateway to Oman’s Sharqiya region, the city of Ibra is one of Oman’s oldest cities, well known for its impressive horsemen and camel-racing celebrations. Ibra sits 87 miles (140 km) south of Muscat on the ancient caravan route through the Omani interior and is surrounded by hills dotted with watchtowers. Ibra is also famous for its wadis and old trading links with Zanzibar, which made the city rich. In Ibra’s old quarter, you can still see the grand houses of the wealthy merchants who built their mansions on East African riches, and in the remarkably green city, you’ll find banana trees and date palms.
With a population of about 55,000, Ibra is home to an especially lively souk. In a modern building in the heart of the town, you can buy everything from carpets to traditional daggers to the silver Ibra is known for. Female travelers should also make time to visit Ibra’s women-only souk on Wednesday mornings. The only one of its kind in Oman, the market’s female merchants sell powders, creams and lotions, as well as fruit and vegetables.
Practical Info
Ibra sits a 90-minute drive away from the Omani capital. The Muscat-Sur Highway passes through Ibra, as does the regular Muscat-Sur bus, which costs OMR 3.700 to Ibra from Muscat. The women’s-only souk is open from 7:30 to 11 a.m., and photography is not allowed.
Address: Ibra, Oman
From $ 165
Tiwi
The road to Tiwi, both a town and a beach, winds scenically through narrow canyons, along the coast and through the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Wadi Tiwi is a spectacularly deep gorge carved out of the mountains, ranging from its steep cliffs down to the valley and the sea’s edge. Crystal clear waters, dramatic scenery and natural beauty bring many to this area. Being so close to the ocean the blue sea water actually will mix with the green water of the wadi during high tide, creating an interesting sight.
The whole Tiwi area has a distinct desert oasis feel, including waterfalls that flow down the canyon walls. Exploring with a walk or a picnic is common for both locals and visitors. As a town, Tiwi maintains its traditional village feel. The village blends in seamlessly with the surrounding nature and feels like a calm and peaceful escape.
Practical Info
To reach Tiwi from Muscat, drive east toward Sur along the main highway and exit at Tiwi. It is about a two-hour drive (one way), and many visits to nearby Wadi Shab start in Tiwi town.
Address: Tiwi, Oman
From $ 170
Barka
What was once a major sea port and trade center of the gulf is now a sleepy town called Barka on the Omani coast. There is a large fish market and an old souk to explore, as well as the impressive Barka Fort, sitting right on the ocean. Dating back to the 17th century, the fort was built to defend against Persian and Portuguese invaders of that time. From the fort and large octagonal tower, you can get expansive views of the rest of town, the date palm groves below and the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Barka is also famous for its halwa, a traditional Omani sweet, and its bullring in the center of town, making it a popular place to watch bull-butting, a non-violent sport between two large bulls bred by Brahmin. Barka is a laid-back place steeped in Omani tradition and culture.
Practical Info
Barka is located about 80 kilometers (40 minutes via car) west of the Muscat airport. To reach the town, take the roundabout by the big Lulu hypermarket and drive for 4 kilometers to the T-intersection at the middle of town. The Barka Fort is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm with an admission fee of 500 baisa. Bull-butting usually takes place on Fridays only.
Address: Barka, Oman
From $ 123
Rustaq
Rustaq was once the capital of Oman, and you can still see many traces of its historical legacy. In a city of low buildings, most no taller than the palm trees which abound here, the pre-Islamic-era Rustaq Fort makes a majestic sight. Its thick walls enclose a mosque long known as a center of Islamic learning. Al-Hazm Castle is built in a similarly monumental style, though it dates from more than a millennium later.
The wadis (valleys) of the surrounding area are well worth exploring and are known for their natural springs: Al-Kasfa is the most popular place to enjoy the therapeutic properties of the warm, sulfurous waters. Natural irrigation makes this a fertile fruit-growing region which is also known for its excellent honey.
Practical Info
Rustaq (or Ar-Rustaq), is in the Hajar Mountains about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Muscat. It can be easily combined with a trip to nearby Jebal Akhdar.
Address: Oman
Admission: Free
From $ 123
Bait Al Zubair Museum
Oman’s rich cultural heritage is under the spotlight at Muscat’s popular Bait Al Zubair Museum, located in the Old Town just east of the modern city. Opened in 1998 to showcase the private collections of Sheikh Al Zubair bin Ali, minister and advisor to three former Sultans, the museum has quickly ascended the ranks of Muscat’s most popular tourist attractions. Originally housed in the Al Zubair family’s former home, the museum has since been expanded into a complex of three buildings, including an art gallery and an Omani-style model village, complete with a falaj (an ancient water system), a souk and houses topped with palm fronds.
The vast permanent collection of Bait Al Zubair features everything from antique maps and historic photographs of the city, to typical Muscati furniture, old Islamic coins and portraits of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. The principal highlight is a series of exhibitions devoted to traditional Obani crafts, including silver, copper, clay, leather and textile products, alongside a display of khanjar (Omani daggers), household objects and clothing.
Address: 100 Muscat, Muscat, Oman
Hours: Sat-Thurs 9:30am-6pm
From $ 32
Al Hazm Castle
Al Hazm Castle is an impressive structure—one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in Oman. It is known as one of the most famous historical landmarks in the country and was built by Imam Sultan bin Seif II (whose tomb is still within the fort walls) in the early 18th century.
Approaching the castle, visitors are led to a massive wooden door, intricately carved with script and design. The roof of Al Hazm is uniquely held by columns, as opposed to the traditional wooden supports. On the exterior, there are two fortified towers to see, along with a collection of artillery and cannons. Inside there are the grand living quarters of the Imam, including a kitchen, a courtyard, and a madrassah—a Qur’anic school. The castle is on the tentative list for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Practical Info
Al Hazm Castle is located about 20 kilometers from Al Rustaq. It takes approximately two hours to drive there from Muscat. After turning left on the roundabout in the center of Al Hazm town, the fort is 1 kilometer down the road on the left.
Address: Ar Rustaq, Oman
From $ 123
Muscat Cruise Port
In a region where passengers are typically greeted by towering skyscrapers and cold, modern architecture, Muscat’s scenic coast, with its historic buildings and far-off mountain ranges, offers travelers a taste of old-world Arabia. This conservative port is close to vast deserts, ornate mosques, traditional fishing villages and bustling open-air markets, making it a perfect stop for travelers looking to explore well-preserved tradition.
How to Get to Muscat
Free shuttles take travelers from berth to the port’s exit gate. Visitors can hire a taxi to town, or take the steep climb on foot. Old city center, which is closest to the waterfront, is easily walkable.
One Day in Muscat
Groups of travelers can hire a guide and a car for a reasonable rate and explore the desert or the mountains of Muscat on popular private safaris. Those traveling alone should stick closer to port, where there’s still plenty to do and it’s easier to stretch a dollar.
Start exploring the city at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is open to non-Muslims between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The marble halls and beautifully kept gardens make it a regular stop for most tours. Next, visit Muttrah Corniche, near the harbor’s edge. This bustling promenade is a popular gathering place for locals and its lively cafes and tasty restaurants offer plenty of opportunity for people watching. Round out the day by heading inland to Nizwa, where ancient Portuguese forts offer tourists some of the best mountain views in Muscat.
How to Get to Muscat
Free shuttles take travelers from berth to the port’s exit gate. Visitors can hire a taxi to town, or take the steep climb on foot. Old city center, which is closest to the waterfront, is easily walkable.
One Day in Muscat
Groups of travelers can hire a guide and a car for a reasonable rate and explore the desert or the mountains of Muscat on popular private safaris. Those traveling alone should stick closer to port, where there’s still plenty to do and it’s easier to stretch a dollar.
Start exploring the city at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is open to non-Muslims between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The marble halls and beautifully kept gardens make it a regular stop for most tours. Next, visit Muttrah Corniche, near the harbor’s edge. This bustling promenade is a popular gathering place for locals and its lively cafes and tasty restaurants offer plenty of opportunity for people watching. Round out the day by heading inland to Nizwa, where ancient Portuguese forts offer tourists some of the best mountain views in Muscat.
Port Information
Cruise ships dock in a mostly industrial area, so travelers must take free shuttles from the boat to exit gates. Arabic is the official language in Muscat and while tour guides typically speak English, most people working in Oman do not. The Omani rial is the accepted currency but some shops will take euros or dollars. Be aware--travelers typically lose out on the exchange.
Address: As Sultan Qaboos Port, Muscat, Oman
From $ 51
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is Oman’s highest peak, and at around 10,000 feet (or 3,000 meters) it makes a cool contrast to the baking coast. The regular road runs out about two-thirds the way up, so from there on in it’s 4-wheel-drive or, for the adventurous, hiking. Either way you’ll have stunning views of Wadi Nakhr, a dramatic canyon whose sheer walls drop down to a valley floor of tiny villages and date palm plantations.
Colorful rugs made using goat hair and natural dyes are a specialty of the region. There are also a number of eerie village ruins which testify to the difficulty of living in this fascinating yet challenging area.
Practical Info
Jebel Shams can be accessed on a long day trip from Muscat, but a well-equipped campsite makes it a great place to stay over and enjoy the serenity of this remote area.
Address: Oman
Admission: Free
From $ 79
Nizwa
Nizwa is one of the most impressive of Oman’s numerous fort cities. It sits on a plain in the Hajar Mountains which was once a strategic point on the caravan route and, like Rustaq, served time as Oman’s capital. Its fort, with its warren of high-walled chambers dominated by a huge central tower, dates to 1668.
Long before that, Nizwa was renowned as a centre of Islamic teaching, and it consequently boasts some of the best of Oman’s early mosques. Meanwhile, secular life is centered on the busy souks; sample dates and other fruits which grow here in oasis-like conditions. Vendors are refreshingly laid-back so you can cast your eyes and fingers over the city’s trademark silver jewelry and other handcrafts in peace.
Practical Info
Nizwa is in the Hajar Mountains of northern Oman, under two and a half hours away by bus from Muscat. Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a relatively short drive away and also well worth visiting.
Address: Oman
Admission: Free
From $ 79
Quriyat
Quriyat (also spelled Qurayyat) is a small coastal town near Muscat. The city’s past is defined by the violent resistance to Portuguese invasion, though these days it’s more of a quiet fishing village. The main draw for most visitors is the Quriyat Fort, which sits right in the middle of town. Check out the large wooden doors and old artillery.
There are beaches, a small souk, an old Shareestha tree, a large mangrove swamp and a seaside corniche to explore. At the end of the corniche lies the small harbor, which historically was a major Omani sea port and today is the center of the fishing action. Many boats sit on the surrounding sand, looking up at the fort and castle above. There are also grand views of the town and natural surrounding area from the nearby Quriyat Dam.
Practical Info
Quriyat is around 80 kilometers from Muttrah, about a 45-minute drive from Ruwi. To enter the road exit the main highway at the Wadi Aday roundabout. It is 120 kilometers from Sur.
Address: Quriyat, Oman
From $ 150
Bait Al-Baranda Museum
Converted from a 1930s house, this museum details the history of Oman and the Muscat region. Covering topics from the geology of the country and plate tectonics to Oman’s military and political history, a visit to Bait Al-Baranda (translates to ‘villa with a verandah’) is a great way to get an overview of Omani culture and tradition.
Multimedia exhibits include interactive screens and videos as well as a photo history and a variety of art and posters on display. There are models of and artifacts from ancient Oman. Tracing history back to prehistoric Oman, the exhibits tells of the country’s early Islamic period, Portuguese occupation and current dynasty. A presentation of bones found 10,000 years ago in the Al-Khoud area is particularly noteworthy. Contemporary art exhibitions are on display seasonally.
Practical Info
The Bait Al-Baranda Museum is located on Al Mina’a Street in Muttrah. It is adjacent to the Souk Muttrah. It is open daily from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm but is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Admission is OMR 1 for adults and OMR 0.500 for children.
Address: Al Mina’a Street, Muscat, Oman
Admission: OMR 1
From $ 228
Bahla
Bahla is known for its superstitions, myths and legends that date back centuries, and many locals still refer to the magic and mystery of the town. Its second name is Madinat Al Sehr, or the City of Magic.)
The biggest draw for visitors is the massive Bahla Fort, the oldest in all of Oman. Surrounded by a 12-kilometer-high wall, the fort was built by local Banu Nabhan tribes between the 13th and 14th centuries. Ruins of the original structure are walls made of unbaked mud brick and sandstone foundations, while its towers raise some 165 feet above the ground. The fort is a superb example of medieval southern Arabian architecture, today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bahla also has an old souk—where you can find the famous Bahla pottery—as well as an oasis, palm grove and mosque dating back to pre-Islamic times.
Practical Info
Bahla is located off of Highway 21, about halfway between Nizwa and Ibri. The best way to reach it is via car.
Address: Bahla, Oman
From $ 79