Things to do in Muscat in 2025
- Tom Egill Tobiassen
- Mar 16
- 7 min read
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you're into exploring ancient forts, relaxing on pristine beaches, or indulging in local cuisine, there's something for everyone.
Here are some of the top things to do in Muscat:
1. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
One of the most stunning landmarks in Oman, this mosque features a breathtaking chandelier, intricate Islamic architecture, and one of the largest hand-woven carpets in the world. It’s open to non-Muslim visitors in the mornings, except on Fridays.
2. Explore Mutrah Souq
This vibrant market is a must-visit for traditional Omani souvenirs, including frankincense, silver jewelry, spices, and handwoven textiles. Wander through its labyrinthine alleys filled with the scents of exotic perfumes and the charm of old Arabia.
3. Stroll Along Mutrah Corniche
Enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront, with stunning views of the harbor, traditional dhow boats, and the rugged Hajar mountains in the background. The Corniche is particularly beautiful at sunset.
4. Discover Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts
Overlooking the Muscat harbor, these historic forts date back to the Portuguese era. While they are not open to the public, they offer fantastic photo opportunities from the outside.
5. Visit the Royal Opera House Muscat
For a taste of Omani culture and world-class performances, check the schedule at the Royal Opera House. The architecture itself is a masterpiece, reflecting Oman's elegance and love for the arts.
6. Explore the National Museum of Oman
Located in Old Muscat, this museum showcases Oman's rich heritage, including exhibits on maritime history, ancient artifacts, and the country’s transformation over the years.
7. Relax at Qurum Beach
This beautiful stretch of golden sand is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. You can swim, enjoy a beachside café, or simply take a walk along the shore.
8. Hike in Wadi Shab
For adventure lovers, Wadi Shab is a short drive from Muscat and offers stunning hiking trails through canyons, leading to hidden waterfalls and natural pools.
9. Visit the Bimmah Sinkhole
Located in the Hawiyat Najm Park, this stunning turquoise sinkhole is a natural wonder where visitors can swim in the cool waters.
10. Take a Dolphin-Watching Tour
Set sail from the Muscat coast to spot wild dolphins and even whales in the Arabian Sea. Many boat tours also offer snorkeling opportunities at the Daymaniyat Islands.
11. Experience Omani Cuisine
Try local dishes like shiwa (slow-cooked lamb),grilled kingfish with rice, and halwa (a sweet, gelatinous dessert).
12. Explore Old Muscat & Al Alam Palace
Visit the beautifully designed Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial residence of the Sultan, and stroll around the surrounding government buildings and museums.
Hotels in Muscat
There is a great variety of hotels to choose in Muscat, here we have picked out a couple for you.
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel – A five-star beachfront resort offering world-class amenities, stunning Arabian architecture, and a private beach.
The Chedi Muscat – A stylish boutique hotel with stunning architecture, minimalist design, and a serene atmosphere, ideal for a tranquil stay.
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa – A family-friendly resort with breathtaking sea views, a private beach, and various leisure activities, including water sports and a lazy river.
City Seasons Hotel Muscat – A great mid-range option with excellent service, modern rooms, and a convenient location near major attractions.
Grand Hyatt Muscat – A luxury hotel featuring spacious rooms, fine dining, and a stunning beachfront location in the heart of the city.
W Muscat – A trendy and modern five-star hotel that blends contemporary design with Omani charm, offering an infinity pool and lively nightlife options.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Hormuz Grand Muscat – A sophisticated hotel ideal for business travelers, featuring elegant interiors and top-notch dining options.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat – A centrally located four-star hotel with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and easy access to Muscat’s business and tourist districts.
Crowne Plaza Muscat by IHG – A stunning beachfront hotel with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Oman, an infinity pool, private beach access, and multiple international restaurants.
Royal Tulip Muscat – A stylish and contemporary hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a fitness center, located conveniently near shopping centers and business hubs.
Centara Muscat Hotel Oman – A four-star hotel ideal for business and leisure travelers, featuring Thai-inspired hospitality, a rooftop pool, and a spa for relaxation.
Novotel Muscat Airport – A modern and convenient hotel located close to Muscat International Airport, offering comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center.
Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat – A serviced apartment-style hotel providing a comfortable and home-like stay, perfect for long-term travelers and families, with fully equipped kitchens and a prime location near shopping and dining areas.
Beaches to visit in Muscat
Muscat is a wide-stretched capital with a lot of beautiful beaches spread out.
Qurum Beach – A popular spot for both tourists and locals, ideal for picnicking and walking along the shore. Location link
Al Sifah Beach – A quiet, picturesque beach perfect for a relaxing day.Location link
Al Bustan Beach – Located near Al Bustan Palace, this beach is known for its crystal-clear waters.Location link
Qantab Beach – A hidden gem where visitors can interact with local fishermen and enjoy a peaceful environment.Location link
How to get a sim card in Muscat
Getting a SIM card in Oman is easy and straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose a Mobile Operator
The main telecom providers in Oman are:
Omantel – The largest and state-owned telecom provider.
Ooredoo Oman – A popular competitor with good coverage.
Vodafone Oman – A newer option with competitive offers.
Friendi Mobile & Renna Mobile – MVNOs (virtual operators) that run on Omantel’s network.
2. Where to Buy a SIM Card
You can purchase a SIM card from:
Airports – Muscat International Airport has kiosks for Omantel and Ooredoo.
Official Stores – Visit telecom provider stores in malls or city centers.
Supermarkets & Convenience Stores – Some major supermarkets and shops sell SIM cards.
Online (for eSIMs) – If your phone supports eSIM, you can activate it online through the provider’s website.
3. Requirements to Get a SIM Card
Passport or Resident ID – Required for identity verification.
Age Restriction – Must be at least 18 years old.
Registration – The provider will register the SIM card under your name.
Malls to visit in Muscat
You dont have to go to Dubai to get the Mall Experience, here are some of our favourite malls in Muscat
Mall of Oman – The newest and biggest shopping destination in Muscat with premium shopping, high-end fashion brands, and entertainment options such as the largest indoor snow park in Oman.Location link
City Centre Muscat – A well-established mall with a variety of international fashion outlets, electronics stores, a Carrefour hypermarket, and a large food court featuring diverse dining options.Location link
Oman Avenues Mall – One of the largest malls in the city, featuring a mix of luxury and mid-range retail stores, a dedicated entertainment zone for families, and a multi-cuisine food court.Location link
Muscat Mall – A modern shopping mall featuring a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a large hypermarket, family-friendly activities, and an indoor amusement park.Location link
Panorama Mall – A stylish shopping destination with boutique stores, a high-end supermarket, and a cinema for movie lovers.Location link
Hiking
Just a short ride out of city center, you find several beautiful hikes in Muscat
Al Riyam Hike – A moderate hike starting from Riyam Park in Mutrah, leading up to stunning viewpoints overlooking the city and the coastline. The trail is well-marked and offers a mix of rugged terrain and scenic resting spots. Along the way, hikers can see old watchtowers, rocky landscapes, and panoramic views of Mutrah's harbor. It is an excellent choice for those looking for an accessible yet rewarding hiking experience in Muscat.Location link
Wadi Shab – A scenic hike that leads to turquoise pools and waterfalls.Location link
Sidab Hike – A lesser-known but rewarding hike that starts from the village of Sidab, near Old Muscat. The trail takes hikers through rugged hills with stunning views of the coastline and the Gulf of Oman. It offers a mix of rocky paths, steep inclines, and hidden trails leading to scenic vantage points. The hike is perfect for those looking to explore a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path adventure in Muscat.Location link
Activities for kids i Muscat
There is a lot of fun activities for kids to do in Muscat. Here are our favorite kids activities
Oman Aquarium – The first large-scale aquarium in Oman, located in Mall of Muscat. It features a diverse range of marine species, interactive exhibits, and educational programs for kids. Location link
Dolphin Watching Tours – Kids will love spotting dolphins on a boat trip along the Omani coast. Several tour operators offer trips from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, providing an exciting experience for the whole family.Location link
Marah Land Amusement Park – A small but enjoyable amusement park with rides for young children. Located in Qurum, it features classic rides, arcade games, and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.Location link
Qurum Natural Park – A great place for kids to run around and play. The park has open green spaces, playgrounds, a boating lake, and shaded picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.Location link
Trampo Extreme – Trampo Extreme is the ideal family entertainment park with spectacular indoor trampoline park and push your boundaries in a safe setting while having a lot of fun along the way in our challenging wall climbing! As we continually strive to enrich your experiences, new attractions for your enjoyment are coming soon.Location link
Fun Zone – A popular entertainment center offering ice skating, bowling, and arcade games for children of all ages.Location link
Muscat Children's Museum – An interactive museum designed to educate and entertain children with hands-on science and technology exhibitsLocation link .
Parks
What a great way to spend the afternoons and evenings. Here people come together with food and games to socialize. A great way to meet other people in Muscat
Qurum Natural Park – A large park with gardens, lakes, and play areas. Location link
Riyam Park – A scenic park with great views of the sea and mountains. Location link
Al Amerat Park – A peaceful location perfect for picnics and family outings. Location link
Al Mouj Park – A modern park within Al Mouj community, ideal for walking and jogging. Location link
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