Muscat City Sightseeing Tour - A Fascinating Capital

Muscat , Oman

Muscat City Sightseeing Tour - A Fascinating Capital

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(51 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

You will be met by our guide at the hotel for a half day tour of Muscat City. The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.

Available options

Muscat Sightseeing City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick up and drop off

Private 04 hours tour with Professional English speaking guide

Transport by Luxury air-conditioned coach or mini-bus

Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum and photo stop at Al Alam Palace.

Visit the old town of Muscat, shop at Traditional Souq

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

What's not included

Optional gratuities

Food and drink, unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

47 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code: A dress code is applicable to visit Grand Mosque. Ladies should wear full sleeves shirt & head should be covered with scarf. Men can wear half sleeve shirt. And both Ladies & Men should wear full pants (not allowed to wear shorts).

What to Bring: Sunscreen, Steady shoes, Hat Please pay attention to the local customs when taking photographs

What to Wear: Please ensure you dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times. Please pay attention to the specified dress code by visiting Sultan Qaboos Mosque from inside.

Important notes

• Please provide Orient Tours with your full hotel name and room number while reconfirming your pickup time. The pick up time indicated on the web page is an approximation only. Please reconfirm your exact pick-up time at the given number in order to avoid inconveniences.
• Please reconfirm the activity with your Tours Operator (Odyssey DMC),Please contact +971 56 504 0565 (Call/WhatsApp) or email to bookings@odysseydmc.com before your visit day/time.
• The duration of tour mentioned is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic condition.
• Delays in hotel pick-up may occur due to traffic conditions or due to other clients en route to your hotel for the public tour.
• The local tour operator reserves the right to cancel any part of the scheduled programs because of government decisions, public holidays, weather conditions, or other similar circumstances.
• Dress code: lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Good quality sunglasses are advised. Hats are advisable when in direct sunlight.

About Muscat

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and strategic location along the Gulf of Oman. With a unique blend of traditional Omani culture and modern development, Muscat offers visitors a mix of historic forts, luxurious resorts, and vibrant souks.

Top Attractions

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

One of the most stunning landmarks in Muscat, this mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Omani heritage.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free (guided tours may have a fee)

Mutrah Souq

A traditional market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and souvenirs. The souq is a great place to experience Omani culture and haggle for bargains.

Market/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for goods

Royal Opera House Muscat

A world-class venue for opera, ballet, and other performing arts, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of Oman.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-3 hours (depending on the performance) Varies by event (moderate to expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shuwa

Slow-cooked lamb or goat marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves.

Dinner Not vegetarian

Harees

A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, often served during Ramadan.

Dinner Not vegetarian

Halwa

A sweet dessert made from sugar, ghee, and spices, often served with tea.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Wadi Shab Dune bashing in the desert Beach relaxation at Qurum Beach Spa treatments at luxury resorts Exploring Mutrah Souq Visiting the Royal Opera House Muscat Swimming in Bimmah Sinkhole Boat tours in the Gulf of Oman

Best Time to Visit

November to March

The best time to visit Muscat is during the cooler months from November to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This period also sees the highest number of tourists.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, Urdu, Balochi
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Muscat is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to stay vigilant and follow local customs and laws.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
• Keep valuables secure

Getting there

By air

Muscat International Airport • 30 km from city center

By bus

Muscat Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is affordable and connects key points in Muscat. However, it may not be as extensive as in other major cities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Mutrah Al Khuwair Shati Al Qurum

Day trips

Nizwa

160 km from Muscat • Full day

Nizwa is a historic city known for its fort, souq, and traditional Omani architecture.

Wadi Shab

90 km from Muscat • Full day

Wadi Shab is a stunning natural area with waterfalls, pools, and hiking trails.

Bimmah Sinkhole

120 km from Muscat • Half day

A natural sinkhole with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and photography.

Festivals

Muscat Festival • January to February Eid al-Fitr • Varies (depends on the Islamic lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
Explore Mutrah Souq in the evening when it's cooler and more lively
Try traditional Omani coffee and dates at a local café
Book a guided tour for day trips to learn more about the history and culture
Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially in the summer