Things to Do in Muscat

1. See the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the most incredible mosque of Muscat that people come to visit from different parts of the world. It is the only mosque in Oman that does not restrict the type of people that can visit the mosque; anyone can visit irrespective of their religion and beliefs.

It is a breath-taking structure with five high brown color minarets surrounding the mosque, beautiful gardens, and huge verandas. According to travelers, exploring the main hall with fourteen massive chandeliers is the most favorite thing to do in Muscat. Here, you will get the authentic taste of Islamic Arab culture.

2. Watch a show at the Royal Opera House: Watching a show at the Royal House is one of the best activities in Muscat that you must not miss for anything. It is a grand structure which is unarguably the best one you will find in Muscat. This charming opera house has a beautiful front façade with stunning symmetrical towers and innumerable pointed arches.

It is made up of white marble and stone that looks even more beautiful in the sunset. The place features gardens, auditoriums, concert theatres, luxury restaurants, and retail stores. Moreover, when visiting the place, make sure to keep your evening free to book the most fantastic performance held in this place.

3. Explore Bait Al Zubair: When pointing out what to do in Muscat, how can we miss exploring Bait Al Zubair Museum? The place has an extensive collection of unique ancient artifacts from all around the world. You will surely get awe-struck by the notable things kept in the museum.

It includes a full-scale reconstructed Omani Souq and Village, and a fantastic display of traditional Khanjar, gold-plated ceremonial daggers. Moreover, while exploring the place, you will also find a gift shop to buy souvenirs for home and a typical Arabian-style café for refreshments.

4. Swim at Qurum Beach: One of the most incredible things to do in Muscat is swim in the blue and shallow waters of Qurum Beach. Its high tide stays for a comparatively longer time than most beaches, making it the perfect holiday spot for families.

It is a natural wonder of Muscat, containing pristine water of the Gulf of Oman where people like to swim. It is a perfect spot away from the hustle and bustle of working life and helps people relax and rejuvenate themselves. It is one of the prime locations with miles of golden sand lined up with cafes and quality cuisine worth exploring.

5. Take a day trip to Nizwa: When thinking of what to do in Muscat, you can plan a trip to Nizwa. It is a beautiful historic town located just a few hours away from the capital city. The place is rich in culture and history and has a deep connection between the regions of coastal plains and its rugged interiors.

As you take a stroll around the fortress and climb your way top to the circular tower, you will get the most spectacular view of your life. The fort has a clear view of the sea of green palms, rugged mountains, and white-washed houses.

6. Explore Mutrah Corniche: Exploring Mutrah Corniche is another excellent activity in Muscat that you must try. It is just 15 minutes east to the capital city and is a charming coastal town that attracts a considerable amount of travelers.

The place has a well-developed seafront where you can walk by and gaze at the Gulf of Oman's beautiful scenery. There is also a beautiful rock formation of the Mountain Hajar and an astonishing Portuguese watchtower on the other side. This part of the city has a laid-back atmosphere for a lazy weekend and some quality dining options.

7. See the sperm whale at Muscat Natural History Museum: While there are many museums you can explore in Muscat, this one is the only museum that features wildlife, geology, and landscape. So when wondering what activities in Muscat you can try, don't forget to include this.

It has an exquisite collection of taxidermy and fossils. People from different parts of the world also come to witness the magnificent whale that houses a massive skeleton of a sperm whale, which in the year 1980s was completely washed up on the coastline.

8. See the Muscat Gate: Seeing Muscat Gate is an incredible thing to do in Muscat as it is a combination of stunning structures and beautiful history. It is an informative exhibition that people come to explore from different parts of the world. The architecture spans the quad carriageway that directs into Muscat and highlights immense stone archways.

As you move inside the museum, you will find an exciting collection regaling Muscat's past development. The place basically depicts the Neolithic times and has a special exhibition of various areas. So make sure to explore the ancient wells, water springs, souks, harbors, underground channels, houses, mosques, and forts.

9. Shop for Souvenirs at Muttrah Souq: One of the exciting things to do in Muscat that everyone would love to do is shop for souvenirs at Muttrah Souq. It is the oldest market in the Arab world and is extremely rich in antiquity.

People come here to witness its increased beauty, magic, and allure. You will find several lovely small stalls from which you can buy souvenirs, bags, headscarves, home décor, Arab-style chandeliers, and possibly any other thing you think of. However, don't forget to bargain for the cheapest deal you can get.

10. Enjoy Water Activities in Muscat: Muscat has a large variety of water sport activities to offer to its visitors. As the place has an extensive coastline on the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, you can try activities like wake-boarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and jet-skiing.

There are many more activities to do in Muscat, irrespective if you are a beginner or a pro. So if you are a beginner, you can take kitesurfing lessons at Az Zaibah Beach, and if you are a pro, you can directly hire a jet ski from the Al Sawadi Beach resort and start your fun.

1. Coastal Trekking at Wadi Shab: This place is a few hours away from Muscat but is worth exploring. In this adventure, you get to hike through fresh mango trees and shallow pools.

There is also a beautiful site of waterfalls which people admire extensively and a cave where you can swim. Also, make sure to stop at every notable spot, including a fort.

2. Desert Safari at Wadi Shab: For a delightful and thrilling experience, make sure to go on a desert safari in the Wahiba Sands. In this adventurous activity, you get to ogle the shady canyons, rock pools, and tiny villages. Moreover, if you wish, you can also take a camel ride afterward.

3. Cruise to Daymaniyat: To witness every inch of the Gulf of Oman, soak in the virgin nature and admire the fascinating beauty of the island, make sure to try this activity. It is the best activity in Muscat that allows you to explore different species of vividly coloured reef and provides a gorgeous site for swimming.

4. Hike through the mountain: In Muscat, you get to venture the mountain trail that contains shady gorges, palm groves, and a rock pool. After the tiresome hiking, you can relax over a picnic lunch beside natural pools.

1. Join the Muscat Festival: This festival is held in January and February every year. It is a beautifully artistic and cultural event worth attending. Moreover, you also get to shop various local and international products from the exhibition held afterward.

2. Take a night walk at Muttrah Corniche: One of the most soothing things to do in Muscat is to take a midnight stroll at the Muttrah Corniche. You get a beautiful view of the vibrant city, the beautiful mosque, and the authentic local souks at night.

3. Attend program in the Royal Opera House: The place is the central location for culture and arts in the Sultanate of Oman. The program contains shows from Oman, the whole world, and the Arab regions. It varies between orchestra performance, stage presentation, traditional dances, and musical concerts.

4. Dinner in a high-end cuisine: One of the most fun things to do in Muscat is eat at high-end restaurants, dessert places, cafes, or even watch a late-night movie. Muscat's most famous malls include Oman Avenues Mall, Muscat City Centre, and Muscat Grand Mall.

1. Qurum Kayaking: It is one of the most popular activities in Muscat. It is a trip of 2 to 3 hours where people get to enjoy the crystal clear azure water, small islands, and scenic beauty of ancient rocks. Plus, you also explore big crabs and hidden dark caves.

2. Snake canyon 2.0: This is a good adrenaline rush activity where you have to transverse through dark pools, face multiple slides, swim, take big jumps and trek through boulder valley to complete the activity.

3. Scuba Diving: Scuba diving in Muscat gives you an opportunity to encounter the huge collection of colorful coral reefs and fishes. By diving into the water, you discover green turtles, white tip reef sharks, and bottlenose dolphins. If lucky enough, you may also witness whales.

4. Snorkelling at Daymaniyat Islands: Muscat offers you a chance to absorb the underwater beauty of the Gulf of Oman. In this 35-40-minute experience, you get to witness rays, turtles, clownfish, moral fish, and other variety of marine life.

You also get the sight of white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and mesmerizing coral reefs, making it one of the top activities to do in Muscat.

You can reach the city by landing at the Muscat International Airport, the largest airport in Oman. The airport serves flights from various cities, including Mumbai. Moreover, the major airline that you can board includes Air India, British Airways, and many more.

The best time when you should plan to visit Muscat is from November to Mid-march. During these months, the place experiences winter when the temperature is cool and pleasant. However, in summer, the weather is scorching, with an average temperature of 40-degrees.

Muscat is the safest city than most of the cities around the globe. You will face no issue regarding the kindness and hospitality you get here. You could take the help of locals if you lost your way. Moreover, there is no threat of being mugged as such.

Muscat is famous for a lot of things. However, people mainly come here to try seafood and dazzling souks. The city also has a mesmerizing Hajar mountain, exciting desert trails for trekking, and a spot for dolphin watching.

The top things you can buy as souvenirs in Muscat include cooking pots, jewelry, and authentic handmade crafts reflecting Oman's heritage and culture.