2025 Muscat Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 Al Alam Palace is located in the old city of Muscat, the capital of Oman. It used to be the official palace of the King of Oman and is now the place where the King receives visiting guests. However, the king did not live here all the time. He lived in a different place every day. The Omani flag is only hung at the entrance of the palace when the king is at home. Unfortunately, the palace is not open to the public, and visitors can only view the palace from outside the gate. The main building of the palace consists of four golden and blue pillars, which looks gorgeous. The palace is designed in a modern Islamic architectural style, facing the Gulf of Oman, with neatly trimmed flower gardens and luxurious white marble government buildings on both sides of the avenue. The garden is beautiful for taking photos and checking in

#2024TravelReview We visit the Bait Al Zubair Family Museum, a private museum that displays a rich and colorful collection of Omani artifacts. From traditional clothing to rare jewelry, Arabian weapons, and household items, there is everything. There are also scale models of old Muscat fishing boats and open-air markets in the open-air area of ​​the museum. The details are lifelike, making us feel as if we have traveled through time and returned to Oman more than a hundred years ago. The trip gave us a deeper understanding of the mysterious and beautiful folk life of Oman.

#2024TravelReview Muttrah Souq in Nizwa, Muscat. This market has a history of more than 200 years and is quite famous. Almost every tourist will go there. This is the old town, where winding alleys are filled with a variety of stalls selling antiques, traditional fabrics, spices, etc. In the market, we can also taste the local dates. The sweet taste made us more curious about Omani cuisine. As for Oman, it is the country of frankincense. Frankincense is a plant spice. It is a resin collected from a tree and is a sacred object in many religious ceremonies. There are many unique Omani handicrafts in the market, and you can take your time to walk around and pick them up. There are many restaurants and beautiful bays nearby, and the market entrance archway is also the gathering point for tour groups.

#2024TravelReview As a member of the Gulf States, Oman🇴🇲 is naturally devout to Islam. Oman Muscat Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the center of Muscat, also known as the Grand Mosque. Established in 1992, every corner and detail is decorated with intricate hollow patterns. Although it is not magnificent, it is low-key and luxurious. It is a mixture of different materials, including mosaics, marble, various paints, and even carpets. In addition to being exquisite, every detail is handled just right. Calm down, look around carefully, and be able to chant the 5 sutras to find the power of peace and tranquility in your surroundings.

| Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat. In the Middle East, the most gorgeous and exquisite buildings are definitely the local mosques! This "law" also applies to Oman, where the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the capital Muscat is a must-see for architecture photography enthusiasts. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was built in 1995, funded by the then Sultan Qaboos of Oman, as the national mosque of Oman. I read online that it was built as the largest mosque in the world at the time, until the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi was completed in 2007. But to be honest, in my humble opinion, the largest mosque is undoubtedly the one in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and in terms of area and building area, the mosque in Mashhad, Iran, can also be ranked ahead. If you have to say something leading, it should be said that this is the most luxurious, right?! The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is located in the southwest corner of the capital, in a huge garden. From a distance, you will be attracted by its main minaret, which is as high as 90 meters, and the main hall with a dome and four small minarets, giving the whole building a harmonious and unified feeling. The main building is not pure white like Abu Dhabi, but natural off-white Indian sandstone, with brown cloisters, which is very in line with the current low-saturation aesthetic. Through the small fountain garden on the east side, there is a brown cloister around the four small towers. In the middle is a courtyard, with smooth stone walls on the ground and walls. All visitors will line up to enter the main hall to see the giant Swarovski crystal chandelier, which is 14 meters long, and the carpet in the main hall is said to be the second largest in the world, woven by hundreds of Persian craftsmen over four years, completely seamless and covering the entire main hall. The front wall of the main hall is decorated with Persian-style mosaic tiles, which should also be the work of Iranian craftsmen, but it is said that the columns are Turkish craftsmanship, and with the gorgeous stained glass, the entire main hall can really be described as luxurious and elegant. Like many other mosques, it is closed all day on Fridays. It is open from 8:30 am to 11:00 am on other days. Local believers enter through the two doors on the south side, but tourists can only enter from the garden area on the east side. It is strongly recommended to come early in the morning, so that it is easier to take photos with fewer people.

Recently, I just came back from a trip to Oman, and I have to give a lot of praise to this niche yet extremely chill country. Speaking of natural scenery, there are deserts, hills, wetlands, oases, seas, and streams here, which can be said to be very rich in layers; Speaking of urban landscapes, there is the Arabian version of 'Monument Valley' Nizwa Ancient City, the pure white city of Muscat, and the romantic and cozy seaside town of Sur. The most important thing is that Oman offers a 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese passports, so you can totally have a spontaneous trip~ ▫️ ✨Transportation: ✈️Flights: There used to be direct flights from Guangzhou to Muscat (Oman Air), but they have not resumed yet. Usually, flights from China transfer in Dubai or Bangkok; we transferred in Bangkok from Chengdu. 🚗City transportation: Take Muscat as an example, this city is not big, and buses and taxis can cover all the attractions in the city, but the fares are relatively expensive. We rented a car for the entire trip, which made it more convenient to travel in Muscat and its surroundings. Moreover, the fuel here is indeed cheap, roughly calculated to be about 4 yuan, so if conditions permit, it is recommended to rent a car. ▫️ ✨Attractions: ✔Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: It is the largest mosque in Oman and the third largest mosque in the world. The symmetrical architecture is very impressive, and the pure white marble floor is very grand. Remember to follow the dress code when visiting; women need to wear headscarves, long sleeves, and long skirts/pants, and men also need to wear long pants! ⚡️Note: Opening hours are from 8 am to 11 am, Saturday to Thursday, closed all day on Friday. 🎫Ticket: Free ▫️ ✔Mutrah Fort: The best place to overlook the Gulf of Oman, it is recommended to watch the sunset here. Standing on the top of the castle, looking at the tranquil Gulf of Oman and the pure white houses, you will feel very peaceful. 🎫Ticket: 2 OMR ▫️ ✔Mutrah Souq: Located next to Mutrah Fort, this market offers a lot of interesting local specialties, such as spices, fridge magnets, traditional clothing, carved wooden ornaments, etc. If you find something you like, don't forget to bargain. Generally speaking, the locals are quite nice and easy to talk to. ▫️ ✔Chedi Muscat: If you find staying at this hotel too expensive, you can consider coming for afternoon tea. The hotel is designed by the famous Jean Michal Gathy, combining oriental charm with local elements. It is worth a visit for those interested in architectural design. ▫️ ✔Rozna Restaurant: This castle restaurant is quite unique, replicating the architectural style of Nizwa Ancient City. Walking inside feels like entering the world of One Thousand and One Nights. The portions here are quite large, so be careful not to order too much. The taste is quite good, and camel meat is a specialty here.

Visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was an unforgettable spiritual and aesthetic experience. Standing in front of the grand and magnificent mosque, I felt a sense of awe and tranquility fill my heart. I enjoyed the delicate details of Islamic architecture and the beauty of its unique decorations. Entering the main hall, I was captivated by the beauty of the prayer hall, complemented by a massive chandelier. The spirit of tolerance and respect was present there. I also visited the library and the amazing minarets. Connecting with Islamic culture and the values of peace and tolerance was an uplifting experience. I am grateful for this special spiritual journey.

🏰 Nestled amidst majestic mountains and a private beach, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is a jewel in Muscat's crown. Imagine stepping into a world where luxury meets history—this palace-turned-hotel is a royal retreat that has been wowing guests for over three decades! 🌿 Encounter an oasis of elegance with sprawling gardens that whisper tales of the past, blending seamlessly with modern luxury. The hotel is a celebration of Omani hospitality, offering a culinary journey at its open-air restaurant with breathtaking sea and mountain vistas, and a spa center that promises ultimate relaxation. 🏖️ With a prime location near Muscat's iconic landmarks, Al Bustan Palace is more than just a stay—it's an experience. Whether you're basking on the private beach, exploring the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, or haggling in Muttrah Souk, this hotel is your gateway to Omani splendor. 🌐 Ready for a stay fit for royalty? Find this historic haven at Al Bustan St, Muscat, Governorate of Muscat, 114, Oman. #Muscat #MuscatHotel #MuscatTravel

| An off-the-beaten-path travel destination with visa-free access for Arab countries. The Sultanate of Oman, commonly known as Oman. 🦶Located in Southwest Asia, on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman's southern and eastern coasts border the Arabian Sea, while the northeast faces the Gulf of Oman, boasting a coastline of 3,615 kilometers. 👄The official language is Arabic, and Islam🕌️ is the religion of faith, with a harmonious coexistence with other religions. Locals are generally very enthusiastic and friendly, and communication is barrier-free as they commonly speak English. Oman offers visa-free entry for Chinese nationals for up to 14 days👏👏👏. 💰The currency is the Omani Rial (OMR), roughly equivalent to 19 RMB. The total area is over 300,000 square kilometers, with a population of about 4.8 million. 💲Rich in resources, Oman's economy is supported by industries such as oil, natural gas, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, beyond just petroleum. The GDP per capita is $20,000.👏👏 ♻️Oman has a tropical desert climate, with only two seasons in a year. From April to September is the hot season with average temperatures around 40°C, and from October to March is the mild season with average temperatures around 20°C. However, from June to September, the Dhofar province experiences monsoon climate from the Indian Ocean, bringing heavy rains to the region, making the famous Salalah a summer retreat for Arabs and tourists alike. ❤️According to Islamic law, an Omani man can marry up to 4️⃣ wives, 😍 but this is not commonly seen in practice. In ancient times, Omani youth mostly married their cousins, believing that 'marrying a stranger is like drinking a potion without knowing its contents; whereas marrying a cousin is as satisfying as knowing exactly what you're drinking.' 💝Hospitality is a significant trait of the Omani people, and serving tea and coffee to guests is a customary practice. In Oman, men show great respect to women, with priority given to women in the streets, shops, or offices. It is not appropriate to get close to women or take photos of local women in public places. 💃🏻Oman's festivals and celebrations are vibrant and colorful. The rich national music and traditional dances are treasures of Omani culture. The Royal Opera House Muscat plays a significant role in showcasing the country's cultural exchange with the world of music and arts. 🇴🇲Oman is a mysterious and low-profile country with stunning natural beauty and a wealth of traditional Arab culture and heritage. The golden dunes of Wahiba, the solitude of the empty quarters, the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula, the highlands of the Hajar Mountains, the pristine beaches, and the rich marine life are drawing attention to this emerging Gulf nation destination.

Oman 🇴🇲 Welcome to Oman! This gem on the Arabian Peninsula is filled with rich culture, magnificent natural landscapes, and enchanting historical sites, waiting for your exploration! Let me bring you a travel guide full of Omani characteristics! 🏰 First, let's head to Muscat. As the capital of Oman, this city has a long history and rich cultural heritage. Don't forget to visit the Sultan's Palace and the old city of Matrah, and experience the coexistence of the ancient and modern in this city! 🏜️ Next, we go on a desert adventure. Oman boasts spectacular desert landscapes. Don't forget to participate in a dune bashing activity or desert camping to feel the vastness and magic of nature! 🏝️ Then, let's move on to Masirah. This region has world-class beaches and crystal-clear waters. Don't forget to enjoy the sunshine, sandy beaches, and water activities here, and feel the cool and joy of the seaside! 🕌 After that, we visit Nizwa. This city has magnificent mosques and ancient buildings. Don't forget to visit the ancient city of Al-Halil and the Grand Mosque of Nizwa to feel the antiquity and mystery of this land! 🏞️ Finally, don't forget to explore Oman's natural landscapes! Whether it's the Wadi valleys, the Khassab fjords, or the Jahl lakes, each place is filled with the charm and wonders of nature! 🎉 During this journey, you will have the opportunity to appreciate Oman's rich culture and magnificent natural scenery, and feel the warmth and charm of this country. Are you ready to start your Omani adventure? Looking forward to exploring this country full of surprises and miracles with you!

📍Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Oman The second most luxurious mosque in the world is said to be the largest mosque in Oman, located in Muscat🕌 I went to Muscat, the capital of Oman, as a port of call on an Arabian cruise🚢 When it comes to sightseeing in Muscat, this mosque is a must-see🕌✨ The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the only mosque in Oman that non-Muslims are allowed to enter! *However, non-Muslims are only allowed to enter for three hours from 8:00 am to 11:00 am (except on Fridays). The central dome is 50m high, the main minaret is about 90m high, the four adjacent minarets are 45.5m high, the total area of ​​the site is 416,000 m2, and the total area of ​​the mosque and other facilities is 40,000 m2, so the site is incredibly large! ! ! ! The Persian carpet laid in the huge main prayer hall is the second largest carpet in the world, with over 1.7 billion knots where the warp and weft threads intersect! ✨ When entering the mosque, dress in accordance with Islamic rules. We wore abayas purchased in Dubai🧕✨ Add excitement to your everyday life:🌙 📮 Sultan Qaboos St, Muscat, Oman 🕚 Non-Muslims 8:00-11:00 (except Fridays) *You will be kicked out after 11:00←Experienced 👛 Free 👗 Wear long sleeves and long pants (long skirts allowed) Women must cover their hair with a scarf 🧕 🗓️ Dec 2023 #FreeHongKongAirTickets #GirlsTrip #MiddleEastTrip #OverseasTrip #Mosque #PhotogenicSpots

Dubai is fun, but you can't play for a long time just for it, so be sure to go to Abu Dhabi and Oman, both are visa-free countries, and it's super cool to play. . 🌏First, where is Oman? Oman is located on the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Yemen to the south, Saudi Arabia to the west, and the Arabian Sea to the entire east. Compared to the oil-rich countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Oman is as low-key as an infp. The public security here is also good, and the country is stable without any wars, it is a country worth traveling. . ✈Transportation: At present, there is no direct flight in China, usually transfer in Dubai, so you can fly to Dubai first, then go to Abu Dhabi, and then fly to Oman from Abu Dhabi. It is said that you can take a bus to Oman from Dubai, but the operation is more troublesome to buy tickets on site, so this method is not recommended, it's too troublesome. . ✅Recommended attractions: 📍Mutrah fort night view Mutrah fort is really recommended to go up and order a cup of coffee at sunset, you can overlook the bay and the whole city, it is a high point in the city, the ticket is 2 rials. 📍Bahla Fort It is said to be the largest fortress in Oman, you can see many repair traces, after all, it is a long time ago building. About 20 kilometers from Nizwa Fortress 📍Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque It is the largest mosque in Oman and the third largest mosque in the world. Free admission, but it seems to be closed on Fridays, everyone can understand in advance, you need to wear long sleeves and trousers to go in, ladies also need to wear a headscarf! 📍Royal Opera House Closes at 15 o'clock, the ticket is 3 rials, friends who are interested in opera art must come here to see 📍Market Mutrah Souq Here you can find a lot of interesting local specialties, remember to bargain! 📍Nizwa Castle Oman is known as the country of a thousand fortresses, and Nizwa Castle is the oldest fortress in Oman. The best shooting time is after 4 o'clock, it won't be very hot, but the light is soft, easy to film, and you can see the super beautiful sunset. . ⚠Travel tips: 1, Remember to prepare a plug converter 2, It is recommended to find a larger exchange point to exchange currency, airport exchange is not cost-effective 3, The phone card can be bought at the airport 4, If conditions permit, it is recommended to drive by yourself, car rental and fuel costs are not very expensive, navigation can use Google

Travelled to Oman Muscat for a relaxing weekend getaway at Shangri-La Al Husn Resort and Spa. This beautiful pink sanctuary served as the destination for my girlfriend’s birthday this year. The hotel staff worked exceptionally well with coordinating with me on the special occasion. I am delighted to say that between the beautiful picturesque landscapes and all the package inclusions the resort left us wanting to come back again for more. #timetotravel #romanticgetaway #staycation #oman

Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque is a piece of art. Most mosque 🕌 in Oman are made with beautiful designs. Architects would be amazed by it. You don't have to be a Muslim to visit these mosques. Everything is magnificent, the huge Chandeliers, the carpet, the lighting, the doors, even the smell. It's located in Muscat, and I would advise you to visit in the evening as it's more beautiful with the lights.

its was a really great experience in Muscat Oman to be honest the joy of having to spend a vacation in such a peaceful country was amazing and inspiring the food was really good and the people are incredibly nice #oman #muscat #beach #food

Almouj is close to Muscat airport, Oman. It is complete luxury project that includes mall, golf park, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. it provides free visa for its residents own apartment or villas on the project. The sidewalk next to the marina is totally different experience.

, Morning atmosphere at the beach #sea trip

Recently, I was in Oman in the Middle East. Hotels in Muscat are very expensive, but the Park Inn Radisson Hotel where I stayed this time is a cheap hotel in the city, costing about 12,000 yen per night including breakfast. The hotel was clean and spacious, and even during Ramadan, the restaurant provided a wide variety of food for guests, so it was very comfortable. #ValueForYourHotel #Oman #Muscat #OverseasTravel #RadissonHotel

Leaving the holy place, we went to play in the sea. #Season

Address - OM, 111 Al Matar St, Muscat 128 Ambiance/Facilities - Good restaurants, gym, pool, spa, hair salon, business lounge, nice rooms. Highlights - Good food Avg. Price per Person - OMR 40 to 60 Rating - 5 star A Shout-out to Ms Annie who works in the restaurant. A great personality, pleasant, friendly and helpful. Went the extra mile to promote the beauty of Oman to her guests. 👍 #beautifulhotel#seafoodfeast

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman is an incredible example of Islamic architecture. Will #2020 be the year you discover this amazing city on the Gulf of Oman? #happynewyear #tripamazing #mosque #grandarchitecture #oman

I really enjoyed it. Although I was a bit disappointed to find out that the museum was not that big, but the staff (Jezebel) really made our experience worth while. She was kind enough to assist us (thank you). I recommend you come during off peak hours/days to fully appreciate the museum since the space isn't that big. #givethanks

It felt like stepping into an Arabian fairytale… Muthra Fort in Muscat, Oman is a breathtaking seaside landmark rich in history and culture. Perched by the sea with panoramic views, it offers a magical blend of heritage and beauty. Conveniently located near the city, it’s a must-visit for culture lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. If I ever get the chance, I would definitely return. #OmanTravel #MuscatDiaries #MutrahFort #ArabianFairytale #MiddleEastWonders #SeasideFortress #OmanLandmarks #CulturalJourney #HistoricOman #TravelArabia #HiddenGems #Wanderlust

📍Address: Shangri-la Hotel 💞Reasons to Recommend: You will experience luxury without spending a penny. #fivestarexperience #beachviewing #omanbeauty

#familytrip #flying

| Muscat W, Oman. This hotel is truly hard to evaluate, but it might still be one of the best W Hotels in recent years. Oman is actually quite open, daring to display so many enigmatic paintings of Arab women in the hotel, where you can remove the masks from different angles. It's very W. I stayed in the Wow Suite, which is far more worthwhile than the E-wow suite. It has its own extra-long terrace where you can gaze at the sea and unwind. The interior decor is also my favorite among so many W Hotels, especially the ceiling lights, which are very unique. Upstairs, there's a beautiful infinity pool with ocean views and sunset vistas. The Chinese restaurant is decent too. The main issue lies in the hotel's layout. The building is T-shaped, with the vertical side closest to the sea but having very few rooms. This results in the rooms on the horizontal side having limited, less expansive ocean views. The price-performance ratio is undeniable, whether using points or paying cash. Oman is beautiful, and the Muscat W is worth a visit. BTW, the Opera House opposite is definitely worth exploring at night.

| Mandarin Oriental, Muscat. Explore the world's second-youngest Mandarin Oriental—Muscat MO (opened on the same day as London Mayfair, but became the second youngest due to the time difference). Adjacent to the Gulf of Oman, the hotel's striped architecture sits on the coastline, its white Arabian facade comfortably blending into the surrounding private residential area, just across the road from the embassy district. Omani embroidery patterns are also incorporated into the hotel rooms, with smooth color transitions. The sofas are in the hotel's theme color, a highly saturated orange representing the inland mountains of Oman, clashing with the blue-green symbolizing the ocean, creating a serene and tranquil environment brimming with vitality. As a hallmark of Mandarin Oriental hotels, each property's unique designer fan reflects the brand's integration with local culture. The fan ribs of the Mandarin Oriental, Muscat fan feature 11 gold studs, symbolizing the 11 governorates within the Sultanate of Oman. The hotel lobby adopts a cross-shaped circulation, extending longitudinally from the main entrance to the pool, directly towards the beach; the transverse circulation connects the Mandarin Cake Shop/Essenza Bar and the spa/guest room area. Above the pool at the intersection of the two circulations hangs a pan-Arab colored light fixture, forming the Sawa Lounge, intended to be the living room of Muscat. However, by the second day of opening, this area was already overcrowded, requiring navigating through a maze of coffee and conversations. Currently, two and a half restaurants are open: Rawya, a Euro-Asian restaurant for breakfast/lunch; Essenza, an Italian restaurant for dinner; and an outdoor pool bar. The entire Essenza restaurant team hails from Italy, with the bar on the ground floor and the restaurant on the lower ground floor. Descending the stairs reveals fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of cheese platters. Appetizers are prepared by the staff directly using ingredients from this area. The dishes are authentic, and the smiles of the Italian waiters are even more radiant than the Mediterranean sun. However, the Mandarin Oriental, Muscat's opening preparations were still insufficient. Despite several postponements, some rooms are still under renovation, some restaurants and the executive lounge are not yet operational, and staff coordination needs further improvement.

#aprilblooms 📍 Location: Muscat, Oman 🌸 A Masterpiece of Faith and Art Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the world’s most breathtaking mosques — a place where marble floors, golden chandeliers, and peaceful gardens welcome visitors. 🌿 Where Craftsmanship Inspires Reverence Every detail reflects precision and devotion — from the hand-woven carpets to the graceful minarets rising against the blue sky. 🌼 Experiences Inside The Mosque ✅ Walk the vast marble courtyards ✅ Admire the world-famous chandelier ✅ Reflect in the peaceful gardens ✅ Explore Islamic calligraphy and tilework 📸 Highlights To Capture ✔️ Polished marble reflecting the sky ✔️ Arched colonnades leading to prayer halls ✔️ Elegant floral motifs in carved stone ✔️ Tranquil fountains surrounded by gardens #OmanMosques #GrandArchitecture #SacredBeauty #TravelOman #CulturalJourney #aprilblooms Would you walk the marble pathways of this architectural wonder? 🕌