As you make plans to visit Oman, you’ll likely be steered in the direction to get out of the capital and spend more time in Oman’s beautiful countryside. I’m not here to entirely dispel that, but to also say, Muscat is still worth spending some time in.
However, if you’re on limited time and only have one day to explore the Omani capital, you can absolutely hit the top sites in just 24 hours. Here’s what you’ll want to add to your one day in Muscat itinerary.
Pro-tip: Don’t feel like navigating the city on your own? Book this day tour to see the best highlights of Muscat.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The top site in Muscat is the one you’ll want to see before anything else. Not only to ticket the bucket list of seeing Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, but because their hours are quite limited, only being open from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. everyday except for Friday, when they are completely closed to non-Muslims.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman, and one of the 50 largest in the Middle East. You’ll want to take your time exploring this pristine space, from the marble-tiled floors to the well-kept garden toward the back.
If you want to find these tiled walls, head all the way to the back right, where you’ll see these stairs. Right underneath the passageway of the stairs is where there is a row of colorful tiled mosaics, which, to me, was the best part of my visit.
Entry to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is free, and women are required to cover hair, knees, and shoulders. If you show up unprepared dress code-wise, there is a place to rent proper clothing right onsite.
Royal Opera House Muscat
An equally picturesque site in Muscat is the Royal Opera House Muscat. This is the first opera house in the Gulf area, having opened in 2011. The space is immaculate, just like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. There is no need to cover up here, however, many people choose to come here right after the mosque, so it’s not uncommon to see women wearing hijabs (nor is that an uncommon scene anywhere in Oman).
For the Opera House, I would recommend a guided tour to better understand its construction, history, and importance. If you start to feel hungry, there are some restaurants right onsite, but note they are extremely pricey (I looked at a menu for one, and a side of edamame was $14!). For a more affordable option, the Opera Galleria is an air-conditioned shopping mall right on premise, and there are a few casual cafes inside.
Pro-tip: If you don’t plan to rent a car in Oman, download OTaxi to get around Muscat. It is the “Uber” of Oman and is the cheapest way to get taxis (if you hail or call a cab, which are both possible, the price is often triple).
Mutrah Souq
Muscat is an intensely clean city. It’s not unusual to see employees anywhere and everywhere constantly mopping to keep its pristine condition. However, if you’re like me and want to see a little more nit and grit, head to Mutrah Souq.
Well, let me backtrack — you should head to Mutrah Souq regardless. But for me, this wound up being one of my favorite stops of my day in Muscat. Mutrah Souq is smaller than other Middle Eastern souqs I’ve seen, and the vendors are not as pushy as they are at souqs elsewhere (though, they do still try to grab a sale where they can). Here, you can buy thigns like souvenirs (some of the magnets are incredible!), scarves, dresses, bags, perfumes, spices, and vacuum-packed food like dates and nuts. Haggling is completely acceptable, and even expected. You should try to have some cash handy, but if you don’t, some of the vendors take card, and there are ATMs available onsite.
Eat a traditional Omani meal at Bait Al Luban
I didn’t have tons of expectations when it came to dining in Oman, though, from my experience of now having visited 10 countries in the Middle East, I am seldom disappointed by the region’s food. Oman wound up living up to the region’s standards. Bait Al Luban was recommended to me by the late and great Anthony Bourdain after watching some of his Oman coverage. And since Bourdain has never steered me wrong, whether in top-rated foodie cities like Lyon, France or eating my way through the Philippines.
At Bait Al Luban, which has two locations in Muscat, you must order shuwa. Shuwa is the national dish of Oman, made of a slow-roasted lamb in a fire pit, where it cooks for up to 48 hours. Then tossed with tons of typical spices of the region, the result is a flavor-packed tender lamb that, at Bait al Luban, is served with a mound of rice. Portions here are massive, but they also had a roasted chicken covered in a savory date sauce, and you should order a side of khubz ragaag, a typical paper-thin flat Omani bread.
As always, end your meal with dates and Arabic coffee, which Bait Al Luban offers complimentary for every diner. If you need a beverage to pair your meal with, fresh pomegranate juice is never a bad idea in the Middle East, and they also have a very nice mint and lemon blended juice.
Optional: Where to stay in Muscat
Muscat has no shortage of luxury hotels. I seldom even saw an option for a three or four-star hotel, and pretty much every major chain outside of the Four Seasons has a property here. I checked out a few, and these were some of my favorites:
- Sheraton Muscat: I spent two nights here. For a five-star property, the price is right (I was able to get a room for under $100/night), however, it is further outside of the city, though nothing a quick taxi ride can’t fix. The rooms are spacious, the included breakfast is stellar, and I was never mad when I had an opportunity to lounge by the pool.
- W Muscat: This hotel is in a fantastic location, closely situated to some of the city’s top sights. Their rooftop infinity pool is also hard to beat.
- Intercontinental Muscat: Yet another five-star hotel with a great location, the Intercontinental is a classy accommodation, and if you’re craving Western food, they have a “Trader Vic’s” onsite, which is a Polynesian-style restaurant and one of the few licensed places in the city to serve alcohol.
Best day trips from Muscat
If you don’t care to rent a car in Oman, your best bet to get around will be by booking day trips. This is what I did when in town, and I based myself out of Muscat the entire time. Here are some of the best:
- Damaniyat Islands: Best for snorkeling with sea turtles and seeing uber clear water while out on a boat
- Wadi Shab: One of the most popular hiking and swimming day trips from Muscat (I went here and would highly recommend it)
- Bimmah Sinkhole: This is a common add-on to a Wadi Shab tour. You’ll want to try to get here when the sun is still out, because as soon as the shadows hit, the water is FREEZING! Overall, a dip in the sinkhole is super refreshing and picturesque.
- Nizwa: One of the oldest cities in Oman, dating back to over 4,000 years, Nizwa is best known for its fort, the Nizwa Fort.
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