Muscat
Muscat (Arabic: مسقط Masqaṭ) is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman and its most important and populous city (1.7 million in the metro area in 2021). It has been inhabited since at least 1000 BCE and for centuries was an important trading port on the Maritime Silk Road. It is home to a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, and receives the largest number of foreign visitors to the country.
- See
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- Do
- 14
- Eat
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- Drink
- 4
- Buy
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14 places match
- Do
Al Ansab Wetlands
Nearly 300 avian species have been spotted here, some during migrations and others living here year-round. Guided tours bookable on website.
Best in the early morning or late afternoon. Tours run 7am to 2pm only
- Do
Al Bustan Public Beach
Named after the hotel, this beach has a good view of the mountains behind.
Free
- Do
Al Ghubrah Public Beach
This is a family-oriented beach, with picnic benches and shaded areas. In the evening near the desalination plant there are several food trucks which offer good and inexpensive fare, including grilled meat and fish, lentil soup, and potato salads.
Free
- Do
BlueZone Diving
This center offers diving trips, as well as a full range of PADI courses.
- Do
Marjan Public Beach
PDO Public Beach
This beach is quiet during the day, and more lively in early evenings. There are some small, excellent coral reefs just a short distance from the shore, suitable even for novice snorkelers. Clown fish, parrot fish, sea cucumbers, and occasionally sea turtles and rays can be spotted here.
Free
- Do
Oman Bicycle Shop
Mountain bikes can be rented here by the day, weekend, or week.
Sat 3-7PM; Sun-Thu 10AM-1PM, 3-7PM; Fri closed
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Oman Dive Center
This German-operated center conducts diving trips and PADI certification courses. The private beach is open to day visitors (RO 2 on weekdays, RO 4 on weekends), and it is possible to stay overnight in one of their beach bungalows (RO 49-176, depending on season and size of party; breakfast and dinner included). There is no public transportation to this area, so visitors will need to take a taxi or rental car.
- Do
Omanta Scuba
Conducts diving trips and a full range of PADI courses, as well as dolphin-watching tours. Diving destinations include the Damaniyat Islands, Fahal Island and Bhandra Kharan, with other destinations depending on demand.
Closed · opens 7 am tomorrow
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Qurum Public Beach
No facilities except open showers. Clean and well-maintained, with places offering jetskis for rent near the Intercontinental. This beach gets very busy on weekends.
Free
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Royal Opera House Muscat
This stunning building is the venue for a wide range of performing arts, including western classical music, classical Arabian music, jazz and flamenco, and ballet and modern dance.
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Seeb Public Beach
This is a long stretch of beach, with some sections quite busy, and some sections accessible only with 4WD.
Free
- Do
Trekking path C38
This short hike takes the walker away from the modern world of Muscat and also offers fantastic views of the rugged mountains surrounding the capital city. The path begins in Riyam Park, and follows a 5000-year-old trail used by miners to an abandoned village, then finally finishes near Mutrah Souq. Allow for 1.5-2 hours, with an additional 20-minute return walk along the Corniche. A decent trail map can be found here. Between Riyam Park and the highest point it is a concrete path albeit quite steep. Between the highest point and Mutrah, the trail is mostly on bare rock and only marked by painted flags which may be difficult to spot. In places it can be impassable unless you are willing to scramble up cliff faces. Bring at least 2 litres of water and wear shoes with good grip. Do not start the trek after 4pm unless you go in a group and bring torch lights, as getting lost is highly likely in the dark.
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Trekking paths C52 and C53
These two easy treks offer beautiful views over the coastline. Both trails begin in Bandar Jissah. Trail map for C52; trail map for C53.
- Do Not mapped
Muscat Festival
Held annually from late January to early February, this month-long event celebrates Omani culture and traditions with demonstrations, food, dance and music performances, and other entertainment.
13 of 14 places have map locations.