Muscat, Oman

Muscat Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Muscat, the capital city of Oman! Located on the stunning Batinah coast, Muscat is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. This guide will help you navigate this wonderful city, discover its hidden gems, and make the most of your trip.

Places to Visit

Historical Landmarks

  • Al Jalali Fort (Muscat)
    • A 16th-century Portuguese fort turned museum, offering breathtaking views of the sea.
    • Open daily from 8am-5pm. Admission: OMR 5 (~ $13 USD).
  • Al Mirani Fort (Muscat)
    • Another 16th-century Portuguese fort, located on a hill overlooking the city.
    • Open daily from 9am-4pm. Admission: OMR 3 (~ $8 USD).
  • Bait Al Zubair Museum (Muscat)
    • A museum showcasing Oman’s history and culture, with a collection of artifacts and exhibits.
    • Open daily from 9am-5pm. Admission: OMR 2 (~ $5 USD).

Cultural Attractions

  • Grand Mosque (Ruwi)
    • One of the largest mosques in the world, featuring stunning architecture and intricate designs.
    • Open daily for prayer and guided tours by appointment only.
  • Muttrah Souk (Muscat)
    • A bustling marketplace where you can find local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
    • Open daily from 9am-6pm.

Natural Wonders

  • Al Bustan Park (Ruwi)
    • A beautiful park with lush gardens, walking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding hills.
    • Open daily from 8am-5pm. Admission: OMR 1 (~ $3 USD).
  • Wadi Shab (Near Muscat)
    • A scenic wadi (valley) featuring stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
    • Take a guided tour or drive to the wadi yourself.

Activities

Water Sports

  • Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
    • Explore Oman’s stunning coral reefs and marine life in the Gulf of Oman.
    • Many dive centers and operators offer tours and equipment rentals.
  • Boat Tours
    • Take a sunset cruise or dolphin-watching tour to explore the coastline.

Land Activities

  • Hiking and Trekking
    • Explore Oman’s scenic mountains, valleys, and deserts on foot.
    • Many hiking trails and guides are available for hire.
  • Camel Rides
    • Take a leisurely ride through the desert or along the coast.
    • Many tour operators offer guided camel rides.

Where to Eat

Traditional Omani Cuisine

  • Al Falaj Hotel Restaurant (Muscat)
    • Serves traditional Omani dishes in an elegant setting.
    • Open daily from 7am-10pm. Prices: OMR 20-50 (~ $52-$130 USD).
  • The Fish Market (Ruwi)
    • Offers fresh seafood and stunning views of the sea.
    • Open daily from 12pm-10pm. Prices: OMR 15-30 (~ $39-$78 USD).

International Cuisine

  • Lebnen Restaurant (Muscat)
    • Serves Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Open daily from 12pm-11pm. Prices: OMR 10-25 (~ $26-$65 USD).
  • The Coffee Pot Cafe (Ruwi)
    • Offers international breakfast and lunch options, with great coffee.
    • Open daily from 8am-6pm. Prices: OMR 5-15 (~ $13-$39 USD).

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa (Near Muscat)
    • A 5-star resort with stunning views, beautiful gardens, and a private beach.
    • Prices: OMR 200-500 (~ $520-$1300 USD) per night.
  • Grand Millennium Muscat Hotel (Muscat)
    • A 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city, with luxurious rooms and amenities.
    • Prices: OMR 150-300 (~ $390-$780 USD) per night.

Mid-range Hotels

  • Savoy Grand Hotel (Ruwi)
    • A comfortable 3-star hotel with modern rooms and a great location.
    • Prices: OMR 50-100 (~ $130-$260 USD) per night.
  • Hotel Sultan Palace (Muscat)
    • A cozy 2-star hotel with simple but clean and comfortable rooms.
    • Prices: OMR 20-40 (~ $52-$104 USD) per night.

Things to Know

Language

  • Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Muscat.
  • Many signs and menus are translated into English.

Currency

  • The Omani rial (OMR) is the local currency.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Weather

  • Muscat has a hot desert climate with very little rainfall.
  • Summer temperatures can reach up to 45°C (113°F).

Respecting Local Customs

  • Dress modestly and respect local traditions, especially when visiting mosques or souks.
  • Remove your shoes before entering mosques or some homes.
  • Use your right hand when eating or giving/receiving something.

Transportation

Getting Around Muscat

  • Taxi
    • Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.
    • Prices: OMR 2-5 (~ $5-$13 USD) for a short ride.
  • Public Bus
    • A network of buses connects various parts of the city.
    • Prices: OMR 0.5-1 (~ $1-$3 USD) per ride.

Renting a Car

  • Many car rental companies have offices at the airport or in the city center.
  • Prices: OMR 20-50 (~ $52-$130 USD) per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration.

Tips

Haggling

  • When shopping at souks or markets, haggle politely to get a better price.
  • This is an expected part of the shopping experience in Oman.

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
  • Leave around 10-15% of the total bill as a tip.

Respect Local Culture

  • Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or souks.
  • Dress modestly and respect local norms.

Other Useful Information

Airport Arrivals

  • Muscat International Airport (MCT) is located about 20km from the city center.
  • You can take a taxi or public bus to get to your destination.

Emergency Services

  • In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police and ambulance services.

Conclusion

Muscat is a wonderful city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the best that Muscat has to offer. Remember to respect local customs, try traditional cuisine, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Omani people. Have a great trip!