Oman

AI may have contributed to this destination’s text and activity data. Confirm opening days, transport, prices and entry conditions with the relevant operator or authority; automatic live-data updates do not verify these descriptions.

Muscat

Oman's low-rise coastal capital

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Muscat Plan a trip around Oman

Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: OMR
Time zone: UTC+4
Country: Oman

Photo: Rrburke, CC BY-SA 4.0

Muscat is Oman's capital and largest city, a string of low white districts between the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains. People come for the old harbour and souq at Muttrah, the royal palaces and forts, clean beaches, and easy day trips into the mountains and desert.

Largest cities

Muscat
Salalah
Sohar
Nizwa
Sur

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Oman
Capital: Muscat
Metro population: 1.4M
Population of Oman: 4.8M
Country area: 309,500 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Omani Rial (OMR) · 1 USD ≈ 0.3845 OMR
Time zone: UTC+4
Calling code: +968
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 12 m
Plugs: G · 240V
Emergency numbers: 9999 (police) · 9999 (ambulance) · 9999 (fire)
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	25°	26°	30°	34°	39°	39°	38°	37°	36°	34°	30°	27°
Low	17°	19°	22°	26°	29°	31°	31°	29°	28°	26°	22°	19°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$41
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$100
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$300

Plan a trip to Muscat

Top things to do

Free
Muttrah Souq
Wander the covered lanes of one of the oldest markets in the region for frankincense, silver and textiles; go in the late afternoon when it is cooler and busier.
- Half day
- Muttrah
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Muttrah Corniche and Fish Market
Walk the waterfront promenade past the harbour and dhows, with the fish market at one end; best in the early morning for the market or after sunset for the breeze.
- Half day
- Muttrah
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
See the vast prayer hall, chandelier and carpet in Oman's main mosque; it is open to non-Muslim visitors in the morning, and women must cover hair, arms and legs.
- Half day
- Al Qurum
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $5
National Museum
Trace Oman's history from early trade to the modern state in a well-laid-out museum opposite the royal palace; a good air-conditioned stop in the middle of the day.
- Half day
- Old Muscat
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Al Alam Palace and the twin forts
View the Sultan's ceremonial palace flanked by the 16th-century Jalali and Mirani forts; the palace is not open inside, so this is a short photo stop combined with the museum.
- Half day
- Old Muscat
- Good for kids
Free
Qurum Beach and Nature Reserve
Swim or stroll on the long sandy beach beside the mangrove reserve, where you can often see flamingos and herons; late afternoon is the most comfortable time.
- Half day
- Al Qurum
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $12
Oman Aquarium
Walk through tanks of Gulf and ocean species inside the Mall of Muscat; a practical indoor option for families when the heat or humidity is at its worst.
- Half day
- Seeb
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $40
Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole day trip
Drive east to swim in the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab and stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole on the way; go with a guide or rented car, start early, and take water shoes.
- Full day
- Al Qurum
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many visitors can enter Oman visa-free for up to 14 days, while longer stays, work or study require a visa; other nationalities may need an e-visa or can get a visit visa on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival, and border staff may ask for onward tickets, accommodation proof and travel health insurance. Rules vary by nationality, so check the official Royal Oman Police e-visa site before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Muscat International Airport (MCT) is about 25–37 km west of the city centre, roughly 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing (OTaxi) run from the arrivals level, and Mwasalat public buses also leave from outside the terminal.

Getting around

Mwasalat buses cover the main districts and malls, but most visitors use taxis or the OTaxi app, since sights are spread out along the coast.

Local tips

Dress modestly in public and cover shoulders and knees at mosques, souqs and government areas; swimwear is only for beaches and pools.
Carry some cash in Omani rials for buses, small shops and souq stalls, though cards are widely accepted in malls and hotels.
Summers are extremely hot and humid, so plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or after sunset between May and September.
Agree taxi fares before getting in, or use the OTaxi app for a fixed price, and keep a copy of any prescription medicines you bring.