What if you brought your dreams of the Orient to life? In the land of the Sultan, there’s a promise of a beautiful escape to a small port on the route to India, which has blossomed into the Arab capital of the art of living.
Nestled in its hills of ancient plutonic rock, Muscat stands firm against the skyscrapers of its arrogant Emirati neighbors. This city radiates a gentle wisdom steeped in history. It’s a living chronicle of an African empire wrested from the Portuguese, a memory of Persia and China, a ghost of the Queen of Sheba, and echoes of French sailors. Muscat remains Zanzibarite and somewhat reminiscent of Marseilles.
You’ll fall in love with its seaside parks, its hilltop forts, the grilled fish, the intoxicating scents of the souk, and its sea-facing hotels. Muscat embodies a subtle grandeur that feels almost Swiss in its understated elegance. Exploring Muscat in two days is a pleasure, so read our perfect Muscat itinerary.
Table of Contents
The arrival
- A digital novelty for Oman, the e-visa can be conveniently ordered online before departure. You’ll find an info counter, ATM, and mobile phone kiosk at arrivals, perfect for buying a local SIM card with internet access.
- Neither the metro nor urban buses are practical here. You’ll need to rent a car, a great option for freedom and easy navigation with GPS, or take a taxi. Taxis are safe and cost around €1 per kilometer, with an initial charge of €7. Depending on your hotel’s location, expect to pay between €30 and €60 for the ride.
- Muscat doesn’t have a traditional city center; it’s a sprawling metropolis over 50 km. For a quick tour, consider the double-decker BigBus, departing from the Corniche de Mutrah. This 1 hour 45 minute loop includes commentary in French or Spanish and runs every half hour from 9 am to 5 pm on cruise liner stopover days, and at 10 am and 2 pm on days without cruise lines. For more information, call +968 2452 3112.
The highlights
TO VISIT
- The Royal Opera House Muscat’s stunning architecture and hidden secrets come alive in guided tours. You’ll dive into the history and creation of Oman’s top arts and culture venue, marveling at its bold design and technical wonders. The tours showcase beautiful decorative art with patterns from Islamic, Mughal, Oriental, and European styles. A standout feature is seeing how the Auditorium transforms from Theatre to Concert Mode with just a switch. Plus, you get to admire a fine collection of rare instruments on display. For more information, visit the Royal Opera House at Shatti Al Qurum, or check their website rohmuscat.org.om (tel: +968 2440 3332).
DINING
- In the Brahmin family, there’s a new star: Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar. It’s the talk of Muscat, so you must check it out. Dress nicely, and indulge in dishes like tuna tartare, truffled fries, or prawns with ratatouille. The “Eastmosphere” vibe ensures you enjoy both the room and the food, while Claude Challe’s disciples—a battalion of star DJs—keep the beats going until 1 am. Expect to spend around €100. Siddharta Lounge , W Hotel, Al Kharjiya Street, Phone: +968 2212 0033.
TOP HOTEL
- Signed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the “starchitect” of Zen palaces, The Chedi embodies timeless grace. Nestled in a park by the waters of the gulf, this hotel offers pure elegance, far removed from noisy resorts with water slides. It features lanterns hanging under a canvas dome, a stunning 103-meter blue line pool, and decor in shades of ivory and wood, with pools and braziers scattered throughout. A chic, Robinson Crusoe-style retreat, perfect for a restful getaway. Prices start from €500 for a double room. The Chedi, North Ghubra 32, Way No. 3215, 18th November Street, 133 Mascate, Oman. Phone: +968 2452 4400.
DAY 1: FROM THE GREAT MOSQUE TO CORNICHE AL BAHRI
Morning
Apart from the historic districts and shopping centers, forget about walking; Muscat is made for the car. So, let’s set off for a day trip spanning around 50 km.
- First, head to the Grand Mosque, which closes at 11 a.m. On the way, treat yourself to a quick savory or sweet breakfast at Rozna, a cultural café styled like an Omani fort, just 15 minutes from the slopes. Take the expressway across the city to the Mutrah Corniche; the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is only ten minutes away. This magnificent mosque, with its delicate sandstone color and lilac-tinged arcades, is marked by five minarets symbolizing grandeur. Inside, the prayer room, which can hold 6,600 Ibadi faithful, is adorned with white marble, intricate earthenware, and gold lacework. The stunning Austrian chandelier with 1,122 bulbs weighs 8 tonnes, and the hand-woven Iranian carpet covers 4,200 m².
- After your mosque visit, consider a “breath of sea air” at the Candle Café, just ten minutes away, where you can enjoy a snack on the terrace facing the gulf.
- Taking the N1 for around ten kilometers, you’ll find another monumental national treasure: the Royal Opera of Oman, the only opera house on the Arabian Peninsula. This divine venue hosts lyrical art, dance, choirs, pop, and jazz performances, and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2021. It represents a significant step forward for Oman in the regional race for cultural soft power.
- Right next door, a chic leisure center has developed, featuring the well-manicured mall Opera Galleria and the glamorous W Hotel. This area offers a blend of high-end shopping, fine dining, and stylish accommodations, making it a perfect spot to continue your exploration of Muscat’s cultural and leisure offerings.
Lunch break
- If you don’t choose to dine at the on-site Café Fauchon, head al fresco in 3 minutes to the Intercontinental. This coastal gem hosts one of the area’s most pleasant Italian restaurants, Tomato. Overlooking the swimming pool and shaded terrace, Tomato serves fresh salads, pizzas, and pasta, all perfectly complemented by a refreshing Pinot Gris from Adige. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and delicious cuisine in this charming setting.
Afternoon
After a refreshing shower at the hotel, head towards Mutrah, the vibrant heart of the sultanate with its 3000 km of coastline. This “old port” is alive with the scent of sardines and the sight of white liners. Across the waters lies the Iranian-Pakistani border.- Accompanied by seagulls, stroll along the famous Al Bahri Corniche, the Omani promenade stretching between the fish market (a treat for early risers) and the fortified point. Admire the beautiful houses of the Lawatis, Shiite traders from Indo-Pakistani Sindh who settled here in the 18th century. Take a deep breath and climb the steps leading to the Portuguese fort Al Jalali; the panoramic view at sunset is well worth the effort.
- Avoid the crowds of cruise passengers hunting for bargains and end your day at the souk, with its sparkling, fragrant maze of stalls.
Evening
- In a city as expansive as Muscat, you might need dinner plans depending on your area of residence. If you’re staying in the Corniche area, consider Bait Al Luban, a historic “incense house” with an airy terrace. This heritage spot offers delicious dishes like stewed Shuwa mutton, coconut-cardamom fish, or even lobster.
- Alternatively, for a more luxurious experience, you might be tempted by a VIP deck at a palace. The Pavilion at the Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan, just 15 minutes away, offers a sumptuous grill. Or, head to Bait Al Bahr at the Shangri-La, 25 minutes away, for a grand marine dining experience, featuring specialties like wolf fish in a salt crust. Prices start from €80, including a cellar selection.
DAY 2: MARINA, MUSEUM, AND CUSTOM DINNER
Morning
- Because Omani dhows have crisscrossed the seas of the East and Africa for centuries, and because Muscat is also appreciated by sailors, embark on a morning adventure at 10 a.m. from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. You have many options among the companies, each offering a 2-hour trip (approx. €35) with a promise of fresh air and often dolphin sightings.
- Early risers can visit the Omani and French Museum before boarding but must leave by 9:20 a.m. to reach the Marina on time.
- Located in the heart of the original “Muscat” district, near the Sultan’s palace, Bait Muzna Gallery opens at 9:30 a.m. The vibe here is relaxing, with lots of sunshine and gorgeous art everywhere. Kadm Cafe adds to the charm with the best coffee and sandwiches. It’s a tiny oasis with beautiful art and cozy seating areas, both indoors and on the terraces. Perfect for chilling and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
Lunch break
- Well hollowed out by the sea wind, we face a choice. Grab a sandwich on the nearby public beach at the Capital City Yacht Club just 5 minutes towards Muscat
- or indulge in a meal at Muscat Hills Resort in its private bay, 15 minutes from the center. After enjoying paella with fresh rosé, finding the motivation to leave will be a challenge.
Afternoon
- You can’t leave Muscat without visiting the National Museum of Oman, recently built near the Sultan’s palace. Make sure to arrive by 4 p.m. (or 5 p.m. on Fridays) to have enough time to explore the numerous galleries. This ultra-modern museum showcases 5,000 years of human history and narrates the unique worldly perspective of the Omani people.
- Still filled with the adventurous spirit of Sindbad from the Arabian Nights, head to Kalbuh Park for a treat. Just 10 minutes away, it’s the only public garden in the city with direct sea views. Enjoy a pistachio ice cream in this green, neatly kept park, perfect for a family-friendly picnic until 11 p.m.
Evening
- To bid farewell in grand style, enjoy a Riviera evening under the stars. The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi is perfect for this, preferably without kids. Stroll through the illuminated park, feeling like a cool jet-setter by the water. Feast on anise sea bream, sea bass with tapenade, or lobster risotto. The Gillardeau oysters are excellent too. Pair your meal with wine from a prestigious cellar and finish with a touch of Beaumes de Venise, the elixir of the Popes, for dessert.
- For a romantic vibe, head to The Edge at the Crowne Plaza. Perched on a basalt spur, it offers an unbeatable panoramic view, like from a plane’s cockpit. Enjoy the sea breeze while savoring langoustines, sashimi, duck confit, ginger sea bass, and a herbaceous Cape Chenin.
- For a chic nightcap, visit Caramel, the upscale lounge in the Galleria next to the opera. Open until 2 a.m., it offers a stylish, rhythmic setting for a couture dinner and endless shaker surprises. It’s a favorite for those who love a lively atmosphere and fine champagne. This brand also has locations in London, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
