Muscat holidays

How to reach Muscat

Flight time: Direct flights to Muscat are available from London, taking around 7 hours 30 minutes. From other UK airports, there's commonly a stopover at a hub in Europe or the Middle East, and flights are about 9 hours plus connection time.

Transfer time: Muscat International Airport is a 20 to 40-minute taxi ride into the city, depending on which end of town you're going to. Buses do pass the airport, but taxis are by far the best option. Some hotels offer a shuttle service, so ask about this when booking accommodation.

Price: Taxis from the airport into central Muscat cost RO8–RO13 (£15–£25), depending on your destination. Pre-booking a ride with Oman Taxi or OTaxi offers the cheapest rates.

Best time to visit Muscat

Muscat’s desert climate guarantees plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall and warm temperatures at any time of year, although it can get seriously hot in the summer.

Winter (November to March) is the best time for holidays to Muscat. With temperatures from 17 to 30°C during the day, it's perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities and the beach. The number of visitors is also highest then, as are prices for flights and hotels, but it's a popular time of year for outdoor events.

Spring and Autumn are the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October), warmer than winter but not as sweltering as the height of summer. Average daytime temperatures are 30 to 35°C, with some hotter days from mid-May onwards. These months are still good for enjoying Muscat’s beaches and exploring the city. There are fewer tourists than in the peak months of winter, and better prices can be found.

Summer (June to August) has the hottest weather, regularly well over 40°C, so while this is the quietest time to visit – with some good deals to be found – be prepared for limited outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and staying inside in the air conditioning.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely understood, especially in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases will go a long way, and locals will appreciate the effort.

• Local habits and customs: Omani people are very friendly and welcoming, but it's important to be mindful of the country's traditional and conservative customs. Dress modestly, especially in public places and away from the beach. When visiting places like mosques, men should avoid wearing shorts and vests, and women should cover their hair, shoulders and knees.

• Currency: Oman's currency is the Omani rial, commonly written as RO. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are plentiful at banks and in shopping malls, but it’s handy to carry small amounts of cash for taxis and local markets.

• Getting around: Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Oman Taxi and OTaxi are the best ways to get around Muscat. As the city is so stretched out, trips can be quite pricey. Public buses are limited and not very useful for visitors, except for intercity travel.

• Electricity and plug types: Oman uses UK-style three-pin plugs with 240V, so UK travellers won’t need an adapter.

• Time zone: Oman operates on Gulf Standard Time, 4 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Muscat

Oman's capital is one of the Middle East's most attractive and interesting cities. Made from several connected districts, each with a distinct character, including some nestled in rocky bays and coves, Muscat has gleaming modern buildings and resorts alongside historic attractions, relaxed beaches and parks. Here's a roundup of the best things to do.

The best districts

• Muttrah: In a bay surrounded by hills, the old port district is the city's heart and most interesting place to explore. With Oman's best souk, historical buildings, including Muttrah Fort, the corniche, harbour and fish market, there's stacks to do and see.

• Old Muscat: A visit to Old Muscat takes you back in time. It features traditional Omani architecture, the centuries-old forts of Jalali and Mirani, the striking Al Alam Palace with its bold blue and gold facade and several good museums.

Historical monuments

• Muttrah Fort: Perched on a hilltop overlooking the harbour, this ancient fort offers some of the best panoramic views over Muscat and the Gulf of Oman and is a reminder of the city’s former strategic importance. It’s particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.

• Bait Al Zubair Museum: This small museum is a cultural treasure trove. It has one of Muscat's best collections of Omani art, weaponry and costumes, giving a detailed insight into the country’s traditions and heritage.

Day trips in the area

• Nizwa: Located in the mountains inland from Muscat, Oman's former capital is now a historical gem. Its impressive fort is surrounded by a mosque, old-fashioned buildings, a souk, a livestock market and palm plantations.

• Yiti Beach: Just 20km south of the city, Yiti is a tranquil beach perfect for a quiet getaway. With stunning views of the rocky coastline, it's ideal for a swim and a picnic.

Activities for families in Muscat

Muscat is a family-friendly city with plenty to entertain everyone, from parks to museums.

• Parks: Al Riyam Park in Muttrah is a great place to enjoy some greenery and a relaxed atmosphere. It has sweeping sea views, especially from its distinctive incense burner-shaped viewpoint. Oman's biggest park is in Qurum, with hundreds of acres of neat lawns, pathways, fountains and play areas.

• Children’s Museum: Located next to Qurum Natural Park, this interactive museum offers fun and educational exhibits that will engage children, making it an ideal indoor activity on hot days.

• National Museum: Oman’s best museum is the National Museum of Oman, with superb displays and exhibits showcasing all aspects of the country's history.

Free things to do in Muscat

Travelling on a budget? Plenty of free activities allow you to enjoy your Muscat holidays without spending a penny.

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in Oman and the only one open to non-Muslims, this marvel of modern Islamic architecture offers the chance to explore its intricate design and vast prayer halls.

• Muttrah Corniche: One of the best free activities in Muscat is simply strolling along the beautiful corniche curving around the bay. The views of the sea, the harbour and the old city are stunning, and you can climb up to Muttrah Fort for even more panoramic vistas.

• Muttrah Souk: Just across the road from the corniche, this bustling souk is Oman's most visited attraction. The maze-like alleys are an exciting place to get lost and take in the atmosphere or to buy souvenirs, spices and even gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Wellness in Muscat

• Spas: Muscat boasts several high-end hotels and resorts with superb spas, perfect for unwinding in luxurious surroundings. The Al Bustan Palace and Shangri-La Barr al Jissah resorts offer locally inspired treatments using ingredients such as Omani frankincense, honey and roses, and Arabic hammam experiences. The Chedi has a range of Asian-themed offerings in a beautifully designed setting.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Oman's wadis (valleys) and mountains offer some amazing hikes, especially in the Western Hajar mountain range inland. Some routes even lead into the hills surrounding Muscat from the edge of the city.

• Dolphin-watching tours: Set sail on a boat tour from Muscat for spectacular views of the city's rugged coastline and to catch a glimpse of playful dolphins. Whales can sometimes be spotted, as well as the chance to go snorkelling and see other marine life.

Local dishes in Muscat

Muscat is the best place to explore Omani cuisine, alongside plenty of delicious Middle Eastern dishes and fresh seafood from the coast. Budget cafés and restaurants offer a chance to eat cheaply on the go, while high-class hotels and restaurants serve dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Some typical dishes

• Shuwa: This is one of the most famous Omani dishes, consisting of marinated lamb slow-cooked for up to two days in an underground sand oven. The result is tender, flavourful meat served with fragrant rice.

• Maqboos: This is a rice dish similar to biryani, made with chicken or lamb cooked in spices and roasted onion. It is commonly served at special occasions and celebrations.

• Harees: A dish of meat – often chicken or lamb – cooked with wheat until the grains are soft and the mixture resembles a porridge.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Kingfish: Freshly caught along the coast, kingfish is a popular ingredient in Omani seafood dishes. Grilled or served as a curry, it is often accompanied by rice or bread.

• Grilled lobster: Another favourite in the region, lobsters come fresh from the sea and are typically grilled.

Street food

• Shwarma: A popular street food across the Middle East, shwarma is spit-roasted chicken, lamb or beef wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and salad.

• Falafel: Crunchy deep-fried balls of chickpeas flavoured with herbs and spices, either enjoyed as they come or in wraps with salad and tahini sauce.

Local drinks

• Arabic coffee (qahwa): Coffee is an integral part of Omani hospitality. Served in small cups, usually alongside dates, this intense coffee is flavoured with spices such as cardamom and can often be found in places like hotel lobbies.

• Fruit juices: Popular at juice bars, cafés and local restaurants, the range of fresh juices includes orange, lemon and mint, or mixed cocktails, plus fruit from Oman's interior such as peaches and pomegranates.