Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a city where the modern meets the traditional, and the desert meets the sea. In three days, you can experience the essence of this amazing city, from its beautiful architecture and cultural landmarks to its city beaches and the underwater wonders of the Daymaniyat Islands. Here’s a guide to making the most of your three days in Muscat.
Day 1: A Journey Through History and Architecture
Start your Muscat adventure with a visit to the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most breathtaking architectural marvels in the Middle East. This magnificent mosque is not just a place of worship but also a showcase of Omani craftsmanship and Islamic art.
As you approach the mosque, its 5 towering minarets and sprawling white marble facade create a majestic sight. Inside, you’ll be awestruck by the sheer grandeur: the Persian carpet that spans the main prayer hall is one of the largest hand-woven carpets in the world, and the chandelier—a masterpiece made in Italy from Swarovski crystals—is equally impressive. Don’t forget to explore the serene courtyards and beautifully landscaped gardens that surround the mosque.
Important: The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors only in the mornings, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, so plan your visit accordingly. You will need at least 1.5h to visit the whole complex and if you want to admire all the details carefully, plan two hours. A huge parking is available close to the entrance. There is no fee if you want to visit the Mosque on your own but if you would like to sign up for a guided tour, there are several official guides and all of them charge 5 OMR/per person. In alternative you can rent an audio guide at 2.5 OMR. Dress modestly; women are required to cover their hair, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers their arms and legs. If you arrive in shorts, you can rent long abaya at the entrance or buy one at the souvenir shop. I advice to arrive dressed in long loose pants and long sleeve shirt (both: man and woman!). You won’t be allowed to bring your bag or backpack inside: you can leave it at the entrance.
After your visit of the Mosque and lunch to get some more energy, head to Al Qurum Beach. It is located in the heart of the city and it’s a popular choice among locals and tourists. Its golden sands and clear waters make it ideal for a leisurely swim or a peaceful nap. If you plan on kayaking (you can rent a kayak directly on the beach), check the tides – the rentals are open only at mid-high tide. If you happen to visit during low tide, enjoy a long walk along the beach and the fresh sea air.
Tips for woman travelers: Many woman are always asking if they can swim in bikini in Oman. The answer is: you surely can in private owned resorts but on the public beaches it is advised to wear at least shorts and a lycra or a t-shirt. You will surely see some tourists having a swim in their bikini in Qurum beach at it’s ok as long as there are not too many locals. If you really have to wear a bikini while swimming, then cover yourself with a towel and wear a long sleeves shirt immediately after the swim. Omani society is still very traditional and dressing modestly is simply a matter of respect towards the locals. Plus, you will have less eyes on you if you wear shorts and t-shirt rather than a bikini.
Day 2: History and Culture in Old Muscat
Start your day from visiting the old Muscat and the Mutrah Corniche. This picturesque waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the sea on one side and the rugged Hajar Mountains on the other. Take a leisurely stroll along the corniche, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Nearby, you will find the Mutrah Souk. It is considered a traditional market but in reality it is full of tourists, especially those who just arrived for one day with the cruise. It is still interesting to wander through the narrow, labyrinthine alleys lined with shops selling everything from frankincense, spices, and silver jewelry to colorful textiles and handcrafted souvenirs. The souk is the perfect place to shop for unique keepsakes, gifts or football shirts for your kid. Bargaining is of course part of the experience in the souk, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices. Be polite and enjoy the process.
From the souk you can head to the nearby Mutrah Fort – it’s open to public from 8.00 in the morning to late evening and admission costs 3 OMR per person. It’s really worth climbing the stairs and enjoy the beautiful view from the top – you will admire the sea on one site and the mountains on the other. In between you will be able to see the old Muscat with its white houses. Although the fort is situated in the most touristy area of Muscat, it’s not overcrowded.
From here, it’s just 5 minutes drive to Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, two imposing structures that stand guard over the city’s harbor. These forts, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, are a symbol to Muscat’s strategic importance as a trading port. The interiors of these forts are not open to the public. However, their exteriors and the surrounding area offer plenty to admire. The panoramic views of the harbor and the old city from these vantage points are truly spectacular.
Just a short distance away is the Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial residence of the Sultan of Oman. This stunning palace is a striking example of contemporary Islamic design, with its intense blue and gold facade. While visitors cannot enter the palace, the beautifully landscaped gardens and the grandeur of the structure make it worth a visit.
Take a moment to stroll around the area and admire the surrounding architecture, including the Ministry of Finance building and the National Museum of Oman.
In the afternoon head to Azaiba beach and enjoy it together with the locals. Relax, swim and look for the sea turtles or have a long walk along this long sandy beach. As the sun sets, the street food vendors start grilling meat and corns so don’t hesitate to have your dinner here. In alternative, drive 5 minutes to Bab Sharqui: one of the best Sirian restuarants in Oman.
Day 3: Adventure and Natural Beauty
Your third day in Muscat is all about adventure and nature. Set off early for a snorkeling trip to the Daymaniyat Islands, a group of 10 pristine, uninhabited islands located just off the coast. Known as one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the region, the Daymaniyat Islands are a marine reserve teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. As you plunge into the crystal-clear waters, you’ll encounter schools of colorful fish, turtles, and, if you’re lucky, even reef sharks and rays. The underwater world here is extraordinary, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The chances of swimming with the sea turtles are really high even in winter.
You cannot go to the islands on your own. You will find different tour operators offering snorkelling, scuba diving or just boat experiences. All of the companies have a small office in Al Mouj. I advice you to book in advance and from my personal experience I can absolutely recommend the Sea Oman which offers different types of snorkeling and scuba diving experiences with their professional guides. We went on a half a day snorkeling trip. We departed at 8.30 from Al Mouj and arrived to the first island around 9,15. After couple of hours spent between snorkeling and relaxing on the beach, we went to snorkel some more in a second location. We returned to Muscat around 13.30, just in time for lunch at the nearby Lebanese restaurant Zahr El Laymoun.
After lunch have a stroll in the new Al Mouj area – this upscale complex of residential buildings and shopping malls is great for strolling in the afternoon. In alternative, head toward the nearby Al Hail beach where the expats living in Oman arrive in the afternoon to play football, volleyball or simply for an evening run. You will also meet some fisherman and who knows, maybe one of them will invite for beach dinner made of grilled fish – freshly caught of course.
Alternative to a half day snorkeling? A full day at the Daymaniyat Islands!
Many tours to the islands include time to relax on the pristine beaches. You can enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty, with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack. The untouched environment and turquoise waters create a perfect setting for unwinding and spending the entire day at the islands. On my next trip, I probably will opt for the full day on the Daymaniyat Islands or for an overnight stay in a tent.
Other Must-Visit Beaches in Muscat
If you have extra time or want to explore more beaches, consider visiting:
- Al Bustan Beach: Situated near the luxurious Al Bustan Palace Hotel, this beach offers a serene and exclusive atmosphere.
- Yiti Beach: A bit farther from the city center, Yiti Beach is a hidden gem known for its rugged beauty and tranquility.
- Bandar Jissah Beach: This beach is perfect for snorkeling and kayaking, with its clear waters and stunning rocky backdrop.
Extra tip 1: If you still have some energy on one of the evenings consider attending a performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat. This architectural masterpiece hosts world-class performances ranging from classical music to traditional Omani folklore. Check the schedule in advance to see what’s on during your visit.
Extra tip 2: If you are visiting the city between December and January: check out the Muscat Nights Festival: this local event is absolutely a must and every kind of traveler will enjoy it. Check more about it here and make sure to dress modestly- man and woman.
Muscat is a city that offers something for every traveler, from history enthusiasts and culture seekers to beach lovers and adventure lovers. Over the course of three days, you’ll experience the best of what this enchanting city has to offer, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a longing to return. I would gladly spend at least a month enjoying this traditional and modern city. Best time to come here: winter of course because between May and October it is really hot and it’s hard to leave your air conditioned apartment. Want to know what the locals from Muscat do in the summer months? Stay tuned, I will soon write about the summer fresh paradise in Oman.
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