Best Things To Do in Muscat, Oman

Are you looking for what to do in Muscat?

Cradling between bay and the jagged brown mountains, the capital of Oman, Muscat revels in luxurious and magnificent structures. The central attractions of this walled city are its two 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jilali and Al Mirani that unravel colonial past carried on to present. Then, there is a royal palace Qasr Al Alam, that adds a dash of opulence to the city and adds to its tourist value. Stop in for some time at Mutrah Corniche Area to witness some local life and culture while you are in Muscat. Being an Islamic city, Muscat abounds in mosques amongst whom Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, is the most well-known. There are also happening beaches where you can spend some time watching the waves go by. Qurum Beach, Qantab Beach are few amongst many. There are also a number of museums such as Bait Al Zubair, Sultans Armed Forces Museum and Oman natural history museum that can introduce you to the city and country better. With such array of attractions in Muscat, it is certainly one of the cities in Oman that you can’t afford to miss.

Below we have a list of things to do in Muscat and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Muscat getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Muscat with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Muscat

Here is the list of things to do in Muscat and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

    4.8 (1895 Votes)
    Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

    Mosque, Religious Site, Historical Site

    If you had a window seat on your flight into the city you would have noticed this architectural wonder even from the sky. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the third largest mosque in the world and a shining beacon that lights up the Muscat city skyline.  Its golden-lit dome is 50 meters off the floor and is a spectacular sight in the clear desert nights. The mosque took over 6 years to be...Read more
  2. Royal Opera House Muscat

    4.6 (1144 Votes)
    Royal Opera House Muscat

    Entertainment, Performance, Theatre, Architecture

    Set in the heart of the Shatih-Al-Qurum area, the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is a beautiful example of contemporary Omani architecture in the Sultanate of Oman. The white marble facade is beautifully lit up a golden-yellow in the evening and makes for a stunning sight. Built by a royal decree of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, it was designed and constructed by Carillion Alawi and comp...Read more
  3. Bait Al Zubair Museum

    4.4 (1735 Votes)
    Bait Al Zubair Museum

    Specialty Museum

    The Bayt Al Zubair Museum is a privately owned and finded museum run by the Zubair family. To showcase Oman’s vast cultural and socioeconomic heritage, this museum was opened in 1998 in the former residence of Sheikh Al Zubair. They have a collection of ancient Omani artifacts that is widely acclaimed as the best in a private collection. In 1998 His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said gifted t...Read more
  4. Qurum Beach

    Outdoors, Beach, Walking Area

    This stretch of sand is well within the city limits. Located just off the Shatih-Al-Qurum region, this beach sees hundreds of people visit every day, both locals and tourists. One can always see people exercising on the pathway that runs parallel to the beach. The open expanse of water and rip-tides don’t make it an ideal place to swim. The beach sees some spectacular sunsets and one can ...Read more
  5. Wadi Al Arbeieen

    4.3 (557 Votes)
    Wadi Al Arbeieen

    Water Body, View Point, Nature

    Tucked in the extreme outskirts of Muscat, the Wadi Al Arbeieen is a hidden gem, to say the least. You might have to really dig this one out, as the adjoining areas carry no signs and are not very well marked. Visit this place to take a dip in fresh water pools, that sprawl this place in abundance. Regular visitors love a good barbeque here, so you could follow suit to in case you are wondering...Read more
  6. Mutrah Souq

    4.3 (561 Votes)
    Mutrah Souq

    Outdoors, Shopping Center, Souvenir Shop

    Only an avid shopper knows the true beauty of a traditional Souq. The vibrant shops flooding with goods which attract any passer-by’s eye is what Mutrah Souq is all about. Dash into the street shops which offer everything from clothes, gifts, souvenirs, bags to spices and fast food spots! A perfect spot to splurge on gifts for friends and family.
  7. Qurum Natural Park

    4.4 (1899 Votes)
    Qurum Natural Park

    Park, Leisure, Boating, Picnic Spot

    The Qurum Natural Park is the largest park in Oman and covers approximately 1716000 square meters. It contains a large lake for boating as well a fountain system that is switched on in the evenings. The park has numerous winding paths through flower beds and scrub, with well-manicured lawns and amazing landscaping. It is close to the Muscat City Amphitheatre, and is usually one of the main venu...Read more
  8. Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque

    4.8 (1350 Votes)
    Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque

    Mosque, Religious Site

    This is one of those mosques that will leave you awestruck at the first sight! Intricate architecture, and a lot of attention to detailing, the presentation of this Muscat mosque, too is unmissable. During the day, the dome of the mosque made from white Italian Carrara marble, shimmers as it gets hit with the rays of the sun, turning the adjoining areas, into hues of silver and golden. As the n...Read more
  9. Al Alam Palace

    4.6 (1262 Votes)
    Al Alam Palace

    Palace, Architecture

    A good place to see the royalty mansion at its best, the Al Alam palace is a marvel even though you can admire it from a distance. Still a functional palace, the place is now used for special ceremonies and occasions- a rare peek in to the world gone by.
  10. The Sultans Armed Forces Museum

    Military Museum

    Located in the Bait Al Falaj fort (Built 1845) this historic site was constructed by Said Bin Sultan, the ancestor of the current monarch of the country. Kept in pristine white condition, the fort now contains snippets of Oman’s military history including a collection of armaments, canons, uniforms etc. That reflect this small nations glorious past. The fort actually served as military he...Read more
  11. Muscat City Centre

    4.4 (1024 Votes)
    Muscat City Centre

    Entertainment, Mall, Shopping Center

    The Muscat City Centre is your one-stop for all shopping needs. Shop for clothes, perfumes, accessories, footwear or simply relax in the cafes that flood the place. Unleash the shopaholic in your or simple window-shop through the centre, the place is sure to keep you updated on the fashion trends in Muscat. A must if you want to explore the urban side of the city!
  12. Qantab Beach

    Outdoors, Beach, Walking Area, Snorkeling

    The Qantab Beach is known for being low profile even though snorkelling and diving are arranged at some spots. If you miss sea breeze dearly, pack up on those beach towels and that picnic basket and head straight to the Qantab beach to laze down on its sandy goodness.
  13. Oman Avenues Mall

    4.4 (1083 Votes)
    Oman Avenues Mall

    Entertainment, Mall, Shopping Center

    One of the best malls in Oman- the Oman Avenues Mall, is a favorite spot of locals for leisure, entertainment and of course retail therapy. Accommodating several brands across various genres, this mall is definitely a must-see attraction in Muscat. It is also considered to be one of the best things to do in Muscat on weekends. Its striking architecture is another highlight of this Muscat attrac...Read more
  14. Amouage Perfumery

    5 (619 Votes)
    Amouage Perfumery
    The Amouage Perfumery produces some of the finest and expensive perfumes in the world! How do these perfumers make the most divine fragrances in beyond anyone who has had a whiff of those notes! To answer, the perfumery arranges tours for visitors to show them all the work behind the magic- a rare experience in itself. Do visit the place if you appreciate the science behind that vial you so wan...Read more
  15. Al Sifah Beach

    4.5 (235 Votes)
    Al Sifah Beach

    Beach, View Point

    If you are someone who is stuck between making the choice of the soft powdery sands of the desert or the azure sea of Oman, the Al Sifah Beach is that Muscat attraction you must head to! A beautiful mélange of both, this beach is perched in the quaint Omanian village of Al Sifah. It has garnered a lot of attention in the past few decades for its natural beauty. Hence, it is constantly on...Read more