Location: Muscat
Top Things to do in Muscat
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Muscat That You Shouldn't Miss
Muscat (Arabic: مسقط, Masqaṭ pronounced [ˈmasqatˤ]) is the capital and largest metropolitan city of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. Muscat is also considered as a Global City. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total population of Muscat Governorate reached 1.28 million as of September 2015. The metropolitan area spans approximately 3,500 km (1,400 sq mi) and includes six provinces called wilayats. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians, the Portuguese Empire and the Ottoman Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians and the Balochis. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.
Restaurants in Muscat
1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,994 reviews
Reviewed By PNEPete - Leyland, United Kingdom
Visited as part of a tour from cruise ship, It was absolutely stunning, the architecture, chandeliers, carpet, etc etc. Well worth a visit although for non muslims you cannot visit during prayer times. Ladies must be appropriately dressed, with hair/head covered, shoulders and arms to the handsand legs covered to the feet. Men generally wear normal casual wear, shoes must be removed before entering the Mosque rooms. Definitely a must to visit just to admire the sheer splendour inside and out.
2. Sunshine Tours Oman
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 773 reviews
Sunshine Tours is one of the leading tour brands based in Muscat, Oman. Our team is built strong with Omani and European staff alike who know local tourism like no other. Our guides are fluent in several languages and aware of the common needs of tourists and what they are looking for. We here at Sunshine Tours are constantly looking for new activities, routes, and adventures to take our tour
3. Daymaniat Shells
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 394 reviews
Daymaniat Shells Sea Tours is offering a wide range of sea tours in muscat. we offer snorkeling at the daymaniat Islands, private trips, dolphin watching tours, sunset cruises and overnight trips at the daymaniat islands.
4. MolaMola Diving Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 342 reviews
MolaMola Diving Center is located in Muscat, Oman. We organize daily Scuba Diving trips and snorkeling tours to Daymaniyat Island.
5. Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Ghalyas Museum of Modern Art is now known as Place & People Museum. It invites visitors to explore Oman’s past, present and future aura, being welcomed not by one person, or several people, but by a whole culture. The display of modern works, in conjunction with the historic life of the 50s and 70s is intended to create a feeling that the “inner” Omani continues forever unchanging. With a permanent collection of heritage, culture, tradition and art, Place & People Museum serves as a museum and a showcase.
Reviewed By 28katea - Melbourne, Australia
This little unassuming museum of modern daily life in Muscat-Oman is a terrific introduction to how people lived. The country is in the midst of massive change and it is good to be able to consider where it is coming from. Highly recommended.
6. Wadi Bani Khalid
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 814 reviews
Reviewed By NataK103
It's a really unique and beautiful pool formationq in a gorge with turquoise water. You have to walk 2 - 3 meters through a muddy path so don't bring your best shoes. The pools where you can swim are wonderful. A must if you are in Oman!
7. Royal Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,455 reviews
Reviewed By huwp179 - Muscat, Oman
We had the privilege of seeing Placido Domingo perform here which was excellent. Even a visit to the building if a performance isn’t on is worth it to see the opulence of the building and surroundings. Tickets for performances range from 10 OMR (£20 approx) which for a first class performance from world renowned artists is very good value for money in my opinion. There are lots of cafes and restaurants in the Opera House complex so even if you only go there for a walk around the building as a coffee stop it is well worth a visit.
8. Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By PeterGarrett78 - Pewsey, United Kingdom
I decided to visit this place on a recommendation and was so pleased I did! The museum is only open until 1330hrs each day so a morning schedule is crucial. There is plenty of parking available which is free, the museum itself costs 1 OMR for entry which at the time of writing is £2; this is absolute value for money and I would encourage you to leave a larger donation. We were given a member of the Sultans Royal Guard to escort us round, whilst he left us to read the information boards he was more than happy to answer any questions we had obviously having a great knowledge of the museum and the history of the armed forces. The museum is set across 2 floors and is quite large, there are a number of different rooms that are split into categories which makes learning about the different subjects very easy. All information boards are in English as well which is great with automatic lights bringing the rooms to life as you enter. The displays are very good indeed with a few being interactive, there is also a large outdoor area where you can see an actual retired Omani naval ship both modern and ancient as well as a whole host of other vehicles, bunkers and equipment including a retired Sultans armoured limo. This is a fantastic museum, based on this visit I think you would really be missing out if you left it off your list. I can’t recommend it enough.
9. Bait Al Zubair
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
Reviewed By TheOExpress - Hong Kong, China
...as the varying art and artefacts on show there are even better than the main part. I particularly liked the modern art, wonderful photography and architectural recreations in those parts.
10. Wadi Al Arbeieen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
E un'oasi nel deserto in oman a circa 150 km SE da muscat, con percorso fuoristrada, laghi naturali, oasi e piccoli villaggi che ti lasciano un ricordo indelebile del vero oman. assolutamente da vedere
Reviewed By rangeview - Muscat, Oman
Within an easy and scenic drive of Muscat Wadi Al Arbeieen provides the perfect balance between a picturesque walk, great place to swim and jump/dive off rocks and wonderful drive through a 10 km canyon to the coast. Well worth shortlisting on any visit to Oman and Muscat. Its also en-route to the Bimmah Sinkhole
