Muscat , Oman

Private Tour: Mystical Muscat

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Spend 4-hours of the day touring the city with your personal guide. The tour starts with a visit of the Grand Mosque, standing in stately grandeur. A visit to this beautiful piece of architecture is a must for all tourist (open daily for visitors, between 8:00–11:00 Hrs., except Fridays/holidays) Dress code – Women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their head with scarf. Men should wear normal shirt and trousers). Visit the Muttrah souq with its lively atmosphere and rich aromas. Walk through a maze of narrow alleys filled with shops selling spices, silver jewelry, frankincense, textiles and handicrafts. The ideal place to find your unique souvenir! You then proceed past the Corniche and to the capital area where you take a photo stop at the Sultan’s Palace flanked by the 16th Century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. You visit Bait Al Zubair Museum for a fine display of Omani culture and history.

Available options

Private Tour: Mystical Muscat

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

Private tour

Driver/guide

Beverages

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The mosque is built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone. The main musalla (prayer hall) is square (external dimensions 74.4 x 74.4 metres) with a central dome rising to a height of fifty metres above the floor.

Stop 2

Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. Its antiquity has perhaps increased the extent of its beauty.

Stop 3

Museum for a fine display of Omani culture and history.

Stop 4

Sixteenth-century Al Mirani Fort was built by the Portuguese at the same time as nearby Al Jalali For

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

A maximum of 4 people per booking

Important notes

• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

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