Muscat

Travel Guide

Muscat featuring a sunset and general coastal views
Muscat featuring a city
Muscat which includes landscape views and mountains
Muttrah Souq featuring central business district, shopping and markets
Shatti Al Qurum showing mountains and tranquil scenes

East meets west in this historical port city, home to lavish palaces, Portuguese forts and one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world.

Muscat has long played an important role in trade between the east and the west and its streets and attractions reveal its ancient harbour town history. Today, the city is made up of three main areas. Explore the ancient walled city of Old Muscat to discover its royal palaces and forts. Mutrah is a small fishing village in the harbour and the site of the famous maze-like market. The commercial heart of Muscat is in Ruwi.

Muscat lies between the rocky Western Al Hajar mountain range and the Gulf of Oman, giving the city a picturesque landscape of blue seas and dramatic mountains.

Start your day with an aromatic kahwa (Omani coffee), spiced with cloves and cardamom, in one of the city’s many coffee shops. Afterwards, learn about Muscat’s lively past as a prosperous trade town with ruling Omani sultans and as a part of the Persian and Portuguese empires.

Visit Old Muscat to see the extravagant official residence of Sultan Qaboos, called Al Alam Palace, nestled between two 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al-JalaliFort and Al-MiraniFort. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the harbour and the Gulf of Oman.

Get a taste for traditional Oman at the Mutrah Souk market, one of the oldest marketplaces in the world. Stalls overflow with glittering gold antiques, embroidered robes, incense, spices and fresh produce. Just a few minutes’ walk from the souk is the extensive Bait al Baranda Museum where you can immerse yourself in Muscat’s rich history and distinctive culture.

Muscat’s arid climate makes for long, hot summers and very warm winters with little rainfall. Drink plenty of bottled water and save the hottest part of the day for enjoying Omani dates and halwa sweets indoors.

Discover Muscat’s three districts by car. Sign up to a car rental service or take advantage of the affordable orange and white taxis that travel all over the city and beyond. Inexpensive buses also serve the city. Muscat International Airport is located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometres) west of Ruwi.

Where to stay in Muscat

Shatti Al Qurum showing a beach, general coastal views and rugged coastline

Shati Al Qurum

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Shati Al Qurum. A stop by Royal Opera House Muscat or Qurum Beach might round out your trip.

Shati Al Qurum
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Al Khuwair

Visitors highly recommend Al Khuwair for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Oman Natural History Museum while you're in town.

Al Khuwair
Muttrah Souq featuring signage

Muttrah

Unique features of Muttrah include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Muttrah Souq or Muttrah Corniche while you're exploring the area.

Muttrah
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Qurm

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Qurm. A stop by Qurum Beach or PDO Oil & Gas Exhibition Centre might round out your trip.

Qurm
Muscat featuring a coastal town

Azaiba

Azaiba is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Oman Avenues Mall.

Azaiba
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Ruwi

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Ruwi. You might consider a stop by Sultan's Armed Forces Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Ruwi
InterContinental Muscat by IHG

InterContinental Muscat by IHG

5 out of 5
Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area, PO Box 398, Muscat
Fully refundable
The price is CA $140 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
CA $140
CA $173 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Muscat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (269 reviews)
"Amazing stay & even better location. Right on the beach and 15 minute drive from anything"

Reviewed on Jun. 13, 2025

InterContinental Muscat by IHG
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

5 out of 5
PO Box 1998, Muscat
The price is CA $413 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $413
CA $509 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Muscat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (378 reviews)
"I recently stayed at Al Bustan palace , and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff was warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. The check-in process was smooth, and the room was clean, spacious, and tastefully decorated. Overall, it was a relaxing ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Royal Tulip Muscat

Royal Tulip Muscat

4 out of 5
Al Marafah Street, Way No. 238, Al Ghoubra, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
The price is CA $81 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
CA $81
CA $100 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Muscat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
"It’s a great place in middle of everything"

Reviewed on Jul. 19, 2025

Royal Tulip Muscat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Levatio Suites Muscat, a member of Radisson Individuals

Levatio Suites Muscat, a member of Radisson Individuals

4 out of 5
Panorama Mall, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Muscat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Panorama Mall and Mohammed Al Ameen ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (207 reviews)
"Overall stay is wonderful."

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

Levatio Suites Muscat, a member of Radisson Individuals
Fraser Suites Muscat

Fraser Suites Muscat

5 out of 5
Landmark Building, 23 July Street, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Muscat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service ...
9/10 Wonderful! (145 reviews)
"The room / hotel were very clean. The staff was polite and professional. The bed was great, the pool and gym were also fantastic. Too many good things to write in one review!"

Reviewed on Aug. 1, 2025

Fraser Suites Muscat
Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat

Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat

3.5 out of 5
South Al Ghubrah Bousher, Muscat
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Muscat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (105 reviews)
"The staff is professional and attentive to one’s questions."

Reviewed on May 24, 2025

Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Muscat