Traditional souks, magnificent mosques and desert daytrips – Muscat city breaks offer a taste of the east.
Arabian authenticity
Unlike many of the Middle East’s mega-modern cities, Muscat holds firm to its old-world charm and time-honoured traditions. Spice-filled souks and majestic mosques are more prominent than jumbo shopping malls and skyscrapers, but the understated city centre’s still sprinkled with lots of familiar faces when it comes to shopping and dining.
Sparkling sights
Muscat’s biggest sights might not trip off the tongue like they do in some other cities, but there’s a whole lot of highlights packed in. Top of the tree’s arguably the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – it’s the biggest in Oman, and is named after the country’s former leader. The supporting cast’s led by the Arabian Peninsula’s oldest market, the Muttrah Souk, and the glistening Royal Opera House.
Beautiful beaches
It’s not just Muscat’s culture-packed centre that draws the tourists in – the city’s pulled right up to the Gulf of Oman’s jade-coloured waters, and its coastline is sprinkled with cracker-coloured swathes of powder-soft sand. Top of the to-do list is Qurum Beach – it’s just a 10-minute taxi ride from the city centre.
Flora-filled valleys and desert daytrips
Muscat’s in a prime position to get out and explore Oman’s diverse landscape. From the UNESCO-ticked desert fortress, Bahla Fort to the cave pools and waterfalls in Wadi Shab, and Oman’s former capital, Nizwa, there are plenty of postcard-worthy sights within daytripping distance.
Best time to go to Muscat
Muscat’s showered with sunshine year-round, although it can be uncomfortable in the summer months, when the mercury’s regularly in the mid-30s. The best time to go’s between October and April when the temperature hovers between 20°C and 30°C.
Top things to see and do in Muscat
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