Things to Do in Muscat? Top Sights in Oman’s Capital
Muscat is the capital of Oman and will likely be the starting or ending point of your road trip through the country. We spent three days in Muscat, visiting various highlights while getting to know Oman’s culture and customs. Because Muscat doesn’t really have a central area and the attractions are quite spread out, we highly recommend renting a car. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know and a full list of what to do in Muscat and its surroundings.
Royal Opera House
This massive building is impossible to miss! You can opt for a guided tour (for a fee) or simply walk around the structure. Be sure to check the current opening hours of the Royal Opera House before you go.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: One of Muscat’s Top Attractions
Another must-see in Muscat is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It isn’t open daily, and when it is, visiting hours are only in the morning. You can take an audio tour for 2.5 OMR (as of May 2025), and otherwise, the entrance is free. You’re allowed to explore most areas, including the prayer halls. Did you know one of the world’s largest carpets is located here? This mosque is absolutely breathtaking!
Mall of Oman
Not exactly a cultural attraction, but a great place to cool off and do some shopping. The Mall of Oman has strong air conditioning and an enormous hypermarket: perfect for stocking up on groceries or taking a break from the heat.
Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque
Close to our hotel, we discovered the beautiful Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque (picture on the left). It’s especially stunning when lit up at night. Be sure to check the opening hours in advance, as entry is limited.
Said Bin Tamur Mosque
On our way to the Royal Opera House, we passed this mosque (picture on the right). We decided just to walk around it, as many people were entering to pray at that moment.
Souq Al Madina
A smaller souq, more like a shopping mall than a traditional market. If you’re looking for something more authentic, head to Mutrah Souq.
Qurum Beach
Although April and May are generally too hot for lounging on the beach, we made a short stop here. Keep in mind that wearing a bikini isn’t appropriate when locals are around. It’s respectful to cover up more in public.
Mutrah Souq
Narrow alleys, the sound of vendors calling out, and the scent of spices: welcome to Mutrah Souq! You’ll find a bit of everything here. You can park nearby for a fee or check out our Oman Google Maps guide for a free parking spot (May 2025).
Mutrah Fort
Close to the Mutrah Souq is Mutrah Fort. For a 3.3 OMR entrance fee (as of May 2025), you can climb the stairs and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In April and May, we recommend visiting in the late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat.
Al Alam Palace
While you’re in the area, drive a bit further to visit Al Alam Palace. You can only admire this impressive building from the outside.
Daymaniyat Islands: #1 Things To Do in Muscat
The highlight of our time in Muscat was a trip to the Daymaniyat Islands. We saved this experience for the final day of our 12-day Oman itinerary. We booked our afternoon tour (to avoid the heat) through Cruise Boat Oman and had a fantastic time snorkeling with sea turtles and colorful fish!
Where to Stay in Muscat
We stayed at the Centara Life Muscat Dunes hotel, a great budget-friendly option. For around €30 per night, we had a spacious room, private bathroom, well-functioning air conditioning, and breakfast buffet. The hotel is a bit dated, but served us well.
Looking for an alternative in the same price range? The 4 Guys Hotel is a great choice. It’s brand new and very clean, though it doesn’t have a pool or breakfast.
Getting Around in Muscat
There are plenty of taxis, but we chose to rent a car through Sunnycars. It allowed us to easily drive from the airport to our hotel and explore all the sights at our own pace. Walking is not ideal here — especially not in the summer months. We visited at the end of April and early May, and temperatures were already reaching 40°C or more!
Food, Drinks, and Groceries in Muscat
There are many dining options in Muscat, ranging from traditional Omani to Indian cuisine. We especially recommend the restaurant O Kaleem: tasty food, generous portions, and friendly service. For groceries, head to the hypermarket in the Mall of Oman, which also makes for a great place to cool down.
