City: Muscat Governorate
Top Things to do in Muscat Governorate
What to do and see in Muscat Governorate, Oman: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
The Omani city of Muscat is predominantly populated by Islamic Arabs, though it also has a sizable, non-resident Indian population, further rounded out by American, British and Dutch citizens. Muscat is a tolerant and progressive city, where English speakers are relatively common. Arrange fares beforehand if seeing the city by taxi. To explore further, consider renting a car. Don't miss the imposing Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, atmospheric Old Muttrah Souk, Al Alam Royal Palace or Al Jalali Fort.
Restaurants in Muscat Governorate
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. Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By FosterC_13 - Hong Kong, China
The Daymaniyat are made up of several islands, it is an easy trip taking a boat out (roughly 40 min boat ride), once you get there, it is peace and quiet. The water is beautiful, lots of coral and sea life.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Wadi Dayqah Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
Reviewed By SNottIN - Singapore, null
A quiet spot, 20KM off the main road, this picnic location has some breathtaking views. There's a simple restaurant, several park benches, and toilets. It's possible to walk over the top of the dam for a part of the distance and get views of the valleys below. Excellent choice for a weekend lunch picnic.
9. 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
10. Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By ZB262
This mosque is visible from a distant as you drive into Muscat from the airport. It is absolutely beautiful with the white marble finish and amzing 3 large dome. And the Chanderliers inside the main prayer room are amzing. the imam who led the Jum'aah prayer was not too bad either.
