Muscat

Best Things To Do

Discover places to visit in Muscat. Open each guide entry to read more and plan your visit.

Showing 1–21 of 21 places

City guide section

Top picks in Muscat

Showing 1–21 of 21 places

Browse the highlights below, then open any place for maps, area notes, and practical details.

What to do with Children in Tow in Muscat

Children’s Museum

Omani French Museum

Tourists are able to learn from the exhibits and galleries showcasing Oman’s unique relationship with France, a former colonial power.

Muscat Gate Museum

The original gates to the city of Muscat are located here. Tourists are able to visualize the old city of Muscat, where these gates served to protect the city from external aggression and invaders.

Bait al Zubayr

This museum was opened in 1998 in the house of Az-Zubair, which dates back to 1914. The museum showcases the heritage of Muscat and of Oman.

The Watchtower

It is a sight to behold, especially at night, when it is illuminated amidst the fountains that dot the surrounding area.

Mutrah Souk

This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Muscat, and is perhaps the biggest attraction within the city.

Mutrah Fort

This fort is yet another legacy of the Portuguese occupation of Muscat dating back to the latter half of the 16th century.

Bait al Baranda

This “bait” (house) was converted into a museum in 2006, and now showcases the history of the city of Muscat and of Oman dating back to pre-historic times.

Al Mirani Fort

This fort, like its twin, the Al-Jalali Fort, was also built in the late 1500s during the Portuguese rule of Muscat. The fort tops the Western rocks of Muscat Bay and flanks Al-Alam Palace.

Al Jalali Fort

This twin-towered fort, which sits atop a gigantic rock, was built in the 1580s when Muscat was occupied by the Portuguese.

Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum

Any tourist visiting Muscat must stop at this fantastic museum, which is located within the 150-year old Bait-al-Falaj fort, the original headquarters for Sultan Said bin Sultan’s armed forces.

National Museum

This museum showcases Omani culture and history by featuring various exhibits. Showpieces range from jewelry, Omani dress and costumes to carpets, furniture, dowry chests, murals, and boats.

Omani Museum

This museum is delightful, more so because of the spectacular view that it affords of the surrounding city and sea. Omani architecture and other relics are showcased here.

Natural History Museum

This museum is small and only a few collections are on display, but they are a must see. The museum sheds light on Muscat and Oman’s geography and geology.

Children’s Museum

This museum was opened in 1990. It is a unique structure easily differentiated from its surroundings by its twin domes.

Al-Riyam Park

This park is a haven of greenery within the city limits of Muscat. The park is just pass the Mutrah Fort, along the Corniche.

Fish Market

This attraction will certainly heighten your senses-particularly the sense of smell. Mutrah is the central port area of Muscat, and as a result is a prime location for the sale of the daily catch.

The Sultan’s Palace is one of the more prominent features in the city, specifically within the Old Muscat region. The blue and gold mushroom pillars are among the more distinctive features of the palace.

Qurum Park

The park is carefully planned and features beautiful landscaping, with ponds, plenty of shade, and a modern village exhibit to entertain those walking throughout the premises.

Al-Bustan Palace Hotel

Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the sea, the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel is a sight to behold. The hotel has won numerous awards, many of them labeling it the best hotel in the Middle East.

Sohar

Though a bit removed from the city, this destination is worth a visit for tourists interested in naval history. It is located just around the corner from the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel.