Now Reading
Muscat Oman, a holiday Gem in the Middle East.

Muscat Oman, a holiday Gem in the Middle East.

Night view of Muscat Oman
A traditional Omani Dhow
Wadi Shab in Oman
The landscape of Muscat Oman
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Oman +4
View Gallery
A traditional Omani Dhow

Are you planning to travel to Oman Muscat? Muscat is a gem situated in the Middle East. The dramatic mountain ranges and pristine azure waters of the Gulf of Oman’s coast create a fascinating backdrop for this remarkable treasure. Every year, millions of tourists enjoy relaxing and fun Muscat holidays.

Overview

Language: Arabic (official language), English.
Currency: Omani Rial
Time Zone: GMT +4

Best Time to Visit Muscat Oman

The landscape of Muscat Oman
@ NAPA/ Shutterstock.com

The ideal time to visit Oman Muscat is between October and April. That’s when temperatures are warm, and you can spot turtles at Ras al Jinz. Did you know the country has a warm climate? Therefore, as long as you prevent the summer months between June and August, you could visit this city at any time.

Why Visit Muscat?

Oman Travel and Tourism @ Experience Oman

You need to consider visiting Oman Muscat if you like to have a vacation like nothing else you have ever experienced. This Middle Eastern city is on the edge of the desert, providing adventure, fun, and a chance to find peace in an atmosphere seen in a few other places in the world.

Muscat offers tourists the opportunity to discover the desert with people who have lived there for many years. Tourists can party in the city, enjoy water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, and swimming.

Things to See and Do in Muscat

A traditional Omani Dhow
@Vinu Sebastian / Shutterstock.com

You will find many things to do in Muscat for every traveler. There’s more to keep tourist entertainment.

  • Cruise Around the Coast in a `Dhow `and spot dolphins
  • Check out Old Muscat and visit the two enormous 16th-century forts, Al Mirani and Al Jalali, protecting the ancient city center.
  • Visit Al Alam Palace that is in use for official functions and receiving distinguished visitors.
  • The Royal Opera House, a magnificent building combining tradition and modern design.
  • Book a boat tour to the picturesque sandy beach of Quantab and enjoy a relaxing time.

Food & Restaurants in Muscat Oman

Delicious Dishes with traditional Omani Food
@The Road Provides / Shutterstock.com

Oman has a significant global population, a booming restaurant scene, and delicious seafood to escape the heat. Here are some of the best restaurants to explore.

  • Beach Pavilion Grill & Bar at the Ritz Carlton, a great destination for seafood lovers who like a spectacular view
  • The Beach, in The Chedi Hotel, serves you an exquisite dining experience.
  • Bait Al Luban Omani, for authentic Omani cuisine in a traditional atmosphere.
  • Slider Station, for delicious and fancy burgers.
  • Ubhar Bistro, for the best blends of Omani, middle eastern, and western cuisines.
  • Kargeen, for an authentic experience and traditional Omani food in a magical Arabic garden.

Shops in Muscat

Mutrah Souq Muscat Oman
@trabantos / Shutterstock.com

Are you one of those shopaholics out there? If then, you might want to check out the best shopping malls in Oman Muscat before leaving. The country provides a wide array of Arabian items, both manufactured and natural, ranging from cheap bags to aromatic perfume. And they also give you some relief from the heat as they are fully airconditioned.

Speaking of perfume, ever heard of Amouage? Amouage is an international luxury fragrance house renowned for creating some of the most finely crafted perfumes in the world. This luxurious perfume produced in the Sultanate of Oman since 1983. You can buy the perfume in the shopping malls or go to the Amouage visitor`s center in Muscat. It is worth your time to visit it and learn more about this great fragrance house.


Culture & History Buildings

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Oman
@Efired / Shutterstock.com

You are sure to be astonished by Muscat’s beauty, from the modern Qaboos Mosque to the old city. Muscat as a city is overflowing with excellent historical and cultural sites, which will make your travel albums look like you’ve been on a magic carpet journey over a set for Aladdin.

  • A virtual tour of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, before you actually visit
  • Al Alam Palace, located in Old Muscat. It was used as a ceremonial palace by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.
  • Fort Jalali and Fort Al-Mirani, in old Muscat
  • Bait al Zubair Museum houses one of the largest heritage and permanent art collections in the country and serves as a real window on Oman’s rich heritage and culture.
  • Bait Al Safah in Al Hamra, one of Oman’s best-preserved old towns, and living museum. Visitors can experience locals demonstrating traditional ways of making Omani coffee, bread making, and more.

Day Trips from Muscat Oman

Wadi Shab in Oman
@Ralf Siemieniec / Shutterstock.com

You will also find various trips, which could be taken from Muscat to enjoy other regions’ cultures and beauty in Oman. Some of them include:

  • Day Trip to Wadi Shab, one of the most famous and amazing wadi (valley) in Oman with emerald green water.
  • A trip to Jebel Shams, home to Oman’s very own Grand Canyon
  • A day trip to Al Dakhliya the governate with some of Oman’s greatest attractions like Jebel Shams and Jebel Al Akhdar, the green mountain, and the old village Wadi Bani Habib.
  • Dune Bashing, a form of off-roading done on sand dunes
  • Snorkeling At Daymaniat Islands ( the best for hawksbill sea turtles)
Hawksbill Turtle in Oman
@ SeraphP/ Shutterstock.com

You can find and book a great variation of tours in Muscat, like a city tour of a full-day tour to discover all the beauties Oman has to offer. Here is the official Oman Tourism website which offers you a great selection of Tour Operators.

Ready to explore Oman Muscat?

If you liked this article, you might also like this one about Dubai:
Dubai UAE, a great holiday destination.
Facts of Dubai and everything You Need to Know.