Places To Visit In Muscat: Famous Attractions That Offer A Never-Ending Expedition

Nestled between the serenity of nature, the ancient forts and some cultural sites, Muscat is a city of unique beauty and wonders. Enclosed within the captivating vista of the ocean and mountains, there are some of the best places to visit in Muscat that offers the most diverse experience. The sandy shores and the green lush beauty around the oasis lure travelers to explore and discover the warmth of Omani hospitality and beauty. Reflecting on the tradition and heritage of Oman, here are some of the most immeasurable attractions to add to your Muscat itinerary.

Top 13 Tourists Attraction In Muscat For Connecting With Its Beauty And Heritage

Muscat is a must-visit destination where you have an abundance of adventure and natural wonder. From the beaches, there are hills and the handpicked heritage sites, here are some of the top attractions you must visit on your vacation.

1. Mutrah Corniche

Watch the dhow reaching the shores while the crimson dusk envelopes the harbor at Mutrah Corniche. Being one of the most scenic and tranquil places to go to Muscat, the Corniche is spreading to an area of 3 kilometers. The waterfront is lined with a number of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the scrumptious taste of cuisines and admire the serene view of the seafront.

There are watchtowers, fish market and dhow Harbor at this Oman port while one edge of the corniche is embarked with distinct rocks. Try some activities like ferry rides or you can even plan a family meal while exploring the corniche.

Famous For:

• Waterfront cafes
• Forts
• Museums
• Cruise and Ferries
• Luxury Al Said Yacht

Things To Do:

• Dhow Cruise
• Shop from the Souq and Markets
• Historical tour of the Fort
• Visit nearby attractions like Bait Al Zubair Museum

Facilities:

• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Market Place

Opening Hours: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

2. Wadi Bani Khalid

The greens and emerald of the large pool at Wadi Bani Khalid make it a perfect Muscat sightseeing spot for travelers. Enclosed within the tall palm fringes, this is one of the most spectacular sights to embrace nature. Defining its topography, the rocky cliffs and canyons make it a paradise to explore. If you are an adventure enthusiast, Wadi Bani Khalid is surely the perfect location you must not miss. Get your hikers shoes and get ret ready to discover every corner on foot.

There are seating benches and bridges and restaurants for public use but nothing can ruin the beauty of this panoramic attraction.

Famous For:

• Natural pool
• Rigid cliffs
• Natural Boulders
• Miqil Cave

Things To Do:

• Hiking the terrains
• Trekking
• Picnic
• Swimming at the pool

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Restaurants

Nearby Hotels:

• Sur Plaza Hotel
• Resort Sur Beach Holiday
• Sur Plaza Hotel

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3. Yitti Beach

The secluded beauty of Yitti has made it one of the best beaches in Oman you can never miss to explore. Untouched by humans, the beach is surely one of the best places to visit in Muscat for those who enjoy solitude. The soft sands and the clear waters of the beach have made it perfect for strolling around and trying some water adventures like swimming.

Enjoy sundowners or plan an overnight camp stay to embrace every hue, from the crimson dusk to the tranquil shades of the water. But there are no facilities around so plan your visit wisely during the best time to go to Muscat to make your experience memorable.

Famous For:

• Camping site
• Lesser Crowd
• Soft sandy beach
• Picnic spot

Things To Do:

• Water adventures like swimming
• Camping under the sky
• Family picnic

Facilities: N/A

Nearby Hotels:

• Sheraton Oman Hotel
• Kempinski Hotel Muscat
• Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
• Al Bustan Palace A Ritz-Carlton Hotel
• Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa

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4. Al Mirani Fort

Built-in the 16th century, the Al Mirani Fort is one of the best places to visit in Muscat for understanding the history of the country. Not just Muscat, the Al Mirani Fort is one of the most visited attractions in Oman, offering visitors a glimpse of the past. Although the fort was built by the Portuguese, it had played an essential role in their downfall. Today, the fort exhibits a huge collection of artefacts and war tools for the public. Overlooking the Gulf of Oman, the fort contributes to the magnificent history and heritage of Muscat.

Famous For:

• History and Heritage
• War tools
• Artifacts

Things To Do:

• Take a fort tour
• Visit the nearby Al Jalali Fort

Facilities: N/A

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Entry Fees: Free

Nearby Hotels:

• Al Waffa Hotel Flats
• White Nile Hotel
• Kempinski Hotel Muscat
• Sheraton Oman Hotel
• Al Bustan Palace A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

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5. City Center Muscat

A shopper's paradise, City Center Muscat is the best place to shop. Offering some of the exciting things to do in Muscat, the City Center mall is home to more than 142 global brands. You can shop the high-class fashion accessories, enjoy meals at some fancy cafes and add more entertainment to your holiday with VOX cinema and more. The short distance from the Muscat international makes the city center one of the best places to see in Muscat. List the best items you want to way and spend the day at entertainment center.

Famous For:

• Global Brands
• VOX cinema
• Cafes and Restaurants
• Entertainment

Things To Do:

• Shop the best fashion brand
• Enjoy at the Magic Planet
• VOX cinema experience

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Parking
• Costumer Service

Operational Hours:

Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Thursday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Nearby Hotels:

• Mysk Al Mouj Hotel
• Kempinski Hotel Muscat
• Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb
• Oman Palm Hotel Suites

6. Mutrah Souq

The oldest Souq in Muscat, Mutrah Souq is surely one of the popular Muscat tourist attractions where you can shop your heart out. From Arabian art and handicrafts, to pieces of jewelry, pottery, the textiles and more, Mutrah Souq also offers quality fashion to shop, like surwal, lihaff and more. Stroll through the market to buy the best souvenir from the myriad of elements exhibited. The market was once used by the Omanis to trade and get a regular supply of required goods during the 60s.

Famous For:

• Antiques
• Omani Handicrafts
• Traditional Garments

Things to Do:

• Shop the Omani art and handicrafts
• Enjoy the traditional coffee
• Discover the excellence of Bedouin art

Operational Hour:

• 8 AM to 1 PM
• 4 PM to 10 PM

Nearby Hotels:

• Marina Hotel
• Naseem Hotel
• Sheraton Oman Hotel
• Sama Al Wasil Camp
• Kempinski Hotel Muscat

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7. Burj Al Sahwa Clock Tower

Located in the heart of Muscat Burj Al Sahwa Clock Tower is nothing lesser than a National Monument. Built to mark the 25th year of the renaissance, Burj Al Sahwa Clock tower is the best Muscat tourist places where you can discover the beauty of Omani murals. The tower reflects Oman as a powerful nation that is dedicated to modernization and development.

Rising to a height of 50 meters, the tower has four large clocks with intricate designs, Arabic Numerals and some mosaic art and motifs.

Famous For:

• Arabic Art and Motifs
• Architecture

Things to Do:

• Learn about the history
• Try some photography
• Discover the beauty of art

Operational Hour:

• 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Nearby Hotels:

• City Center Hotel
• Holiday Inn AlSeeb Muscat
• Oman Palm Hotel Suites
• Bayan International Hotel

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8. Bait Al Maqham Castel

Despite being an offbeat place, Bait Al Maqham is one of the best places to visit in Muscat. With a closer distance from the main city of Muscat, the Bait Al Mqaham spreads to a vast area, covering up an entire region till one can discover the horizon. The remarkable beauty of this fortified residence is nothing lesser than a surprise where there is no influence of development, keeping its rustic charm alive.

Bait Al Maqaham offers a glimpse of the past plantation life, settled in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, making it the best Muscat tourist attractions.

Famous For:

• Historical ruins

Things to Do:

• Discover the history
• Try some photography

Operational Hour: N/A

Entry Fees: Free

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9. Grand Mosque Muscat

Oman’s biggest mosque, the Grand Mosque Muscat spreads in a whopping area of around 4,16,000 square meters and can accommodate around 20,000 worshippers in one go. It is a great place to admire the perfect fusion of contemporary architecture with traditional Omani designs. Another intriguing part of the Grand Mosque is its chandelier and carpet which are second largest in the world which makes this mosque one of the most famous attractions in Muscat.

The white marble with fine mosaic patterns adds to the overall charm of this mosque. The whole mosque is divided into four main parts, one prayer hall which is exclusively for males, and another one is only for females called Musalla, ablution room and an Islam Center where worshippers can enjoy free refreshments.

Famous for: Architecture, chandelier and carpet which are second largest in the world

Opening Hours: 08:00 am to 11:00 am for non-Muslims all days of the week except Friday

Entry Fee: Free

Built By: Edgard Bali

Built In: May 4, 2001

Nearby Hotels: Grand Hyatt Muscat, Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair, InterContinental Muscat, The Chedi Muscat – a GHM hotel

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10. Royal Opera House

One of the best Muscat tourist places is this iconic attraction, Royal Opera House that is a heaven for lovers of culture, art and music. This place enhances the diverse cultures and heritage through various events and culturally-rich programs. It is beautifully designed with landscaped lush green gardens, a theatre, an auditorium, luxury restaurants and cultural markets.

The complex is big enough to accommodate around 1100 people at a time. The architecture of this place is a blend of Italian and Islamic style with fine work of Omani desert stone rose. The rich aesthetics and interiors of the Royal Opera House will make you feel like you have entered a lavish place as the ceilings and walls are adorned with wood, gold and glass that looks classy and royal. Enjoy Muscat sightseeing to the fullest by taking guided tours of these attractions in the city to dig into the culture and history of this place.

Famous for: Classical musical performances, artistic plays, theatre plays and comedy shows

Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 08:30 am to 05:30 pm

Entry Fee: Adults: OMR 3; Children: OMR 1

Built In: 2011

Nearby Hotels: Ramada by Wyndham Qurum Beach, Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair, Grand Hyatt Muscat, InterContinental Muscat

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11. Qurum Beach

One of the best tourist places in Muscat, the Qurum Beach offers a serene scape into nature in the heart of the city. Stretching around 4 km along the coastline, Qurum Beach offers enchanting views of the surrounding landscape. It is a great place to come over the weekends with friends or family and enjoy rejuvenation amidst the serene setting. Several thrilling adventures can also be enjoyed at this beach for a fun-filled beach vacation.

One can find finest of resorts in Muscat near the beach along with several cafes, restaurants and malls. So, a great time can be spend enjoying all of the major charms of the city at one place. The shallow waters of this beach make it an ideal spot for swimming even for children. There is also a famous Al Qurum Beach Resort in close proximity to the beach that offers a stay in air-conditioned rooms with a private balcony and views of the Arabian Gulf or Muscat city from some of the rooms.

Famous for: Picturesque coastline, peaceful ambience, Al Qurum Beach Resort

Things to Do: Watersports, long walks, photography

Facilities: N/A

Nearby Hotels: Qurum Beach Hotel, Ramada by Wyndham Qurum Beach, Grand Hyatt Muscat, W Muscat, Crowne Plaza Muscat

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12. Bait Al Zubair

One of the most famous attractions in Muscat is Bait Al Zubair which is a private museum giving insight into Oman’s rich history, culture and heritage. The artefacts displayed in this museum like jewelry, weapons, costumes, household items and khanjars tell a lot about the lifestyle and culture of the local people of Oman. Not just the displayed items but the architecture of the museum is an architectural gem having 5 buildings in total housing a gift shop, café and a garden.

Gallery Sarah is another highlight of this museum that boasts of modern pieces of art designed by local artists. The garden located inside the museum houses barasti, local herbs and frankincense trees. One can also find a small replica of Omani Village that shows how people used to live hundred years ago and also the use of Aflaj irrigation system at that time.

Famous for: Artefacts showing Oman’s rich heritage and culture

Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 09:30 am to 06:00 pm; Closed on Fridays

Entry Fee: Adults: OMR 2; Children: OMR 1

Built In: 1914

Built By: Sheikh Al Zubair bin Ali

Nearby Hotels: Golden Tulip Headington Ruwi, Al Hadow Hotel, Nuzha Hotel Apartments, Riyam Hotel

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13. Al Jalali Fort

If you are looking for sightseeing in Muscat options, then Al Jalali Fort should be on your itinerary. The fort was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and is often visited with Al Mirani Fort which is constructed next to the Al Jalali Fort. Al Jalali Fort was built as a prison initially which was later converted into a museum for travelers to visit it and know about the enriching history of Muscat. The entry to the fort is through a permit only which can be taken from Ministry of National Heritage. The location of the Al Jalali Fort is scenic and one gets to enter the fort via a single entrance only which is through stairs. At some occasions, the fort comes to life when various shows take place at the fort with loads of fireworks and royal dhows sailing along the harbor.

Famous for: Rich history and ancient architecture

Opening Hours: 08:30 am to 04:00 pm

Entry Fee: Strictly by permit

Built In: 16th century

Built By: Philip I of Portugal

Nearby Hotels: Nuzha Hotel Apartments, Grand Hyatt Muscat, Golden Tulip Headington Ruwi, Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair

Visit Muscat to discover the history, heritage and panorama of Oman. With the listed best places to visit in Muscat, you can dig deeper into the cultural and political past of the country. Explore every nook and corner of the city for trying out adventure or some sightseeing that offers a unique glimpse of Oman. Pack your shoe and camera and get ready for a voyage where there will be wonders in every step. Muscat flights are available from every corner of the globe, making it easy to reach no matter where you reside.

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