Muscat

Frankincense souqs, turquoise wadis and the white marble of the Grand Mosque

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Muscat is the low-rise, whitewashed capital of Oman, wedged between the Sea of Oman and the Hajar Mountains, where a strict building code has kept the skyline free of the towers common elsewhere in the Gulf. It is a city built around old harbour trade: frankincense and silver in the Mutrah Souq, Portuguese-era forts guarding the corniche, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque’s white marble a short drive from the modern Royal Opera House. Our local picks run from home-style Omani kitchens and hotel-bar sundowners to day trips out to the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab and the dunes of the Wahiba Sands. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.

Muscat at a glance

Ideal stay: 3 to 5 days
Best time to visit: November to March
Highlights: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and Wadi Shab
Where to stay: Qurum or Al Mouj, close to restaurants and the marina
Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
Getting around: a rental car or taxi apps — Muscat has no metro and is not very walkable between districts

Where to stay in Muscat

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Al Angham

Al Angham serves Omani home-style cooking in a setting designed to feel like a traditional Omani house rather than a hotel dining room, with dishes like shuwa, mashuai and Omani-style seafood alongside…

★ 4.4

Automatic Restaurant

Automatic is a long-running Lebanese restaurant chain in the Gulf, and its Ghubra branch is a reliable, always-busy spot for mezze, grilled meats and Lebanese sweets rather than a specifically Omani menu.…

★ 4

Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant

Bait Al Luban means “house of frankincense,” and the restaurant leans into it with frankincense-scented water on arrival and the option to sit on floor cushions in traditional Omani style instead of…

★ 4.3

Ubhar Restaurant

Ubhar takes its name from the legendary lost city of Ubar in southern Arabia and serves Omani and wider Gulf dishes in a setting built around that heritage theme, including grilled meats,…

★ 4.5

Before you go

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Muscat travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Muscat?

Three to five days covers the Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and the forts along the corniche, plus a day trip out to Wadi Shab or the Wahiba Sands.

Where is the best area to stay in Muscat?

Qurum and Al Mouj keep you close to restaurants, the marina and the beach, within easy reach of both old Muscat and the airport.

What are the best things to do in Muscat?

Browse the local picks above, from the Grand Mosque and Mutrah Souq to a day trip out to Wadi Shab's turquoise pools or the dunes of the Wahiba Sands.

What is the best time to visit Muscat?

November to March is coolest and most comfortable for sightseeing and wadi trips; from May to September temperatures regularly pass 40°C (104°F), which makes outdoor activities difficult. Please check current travel advice before planning a trip.