Muscat holidays

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman

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City breaks to Muscat highlight the Middle East’s more traditional and authentic sides.

Authentic Arabia

Although it’s in the same area as mega-cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Muscat – the capital of Oman – offers a more traditional taste of the Middle East. Spice-scented souks and grand mosques are more common than skyscrapers and jumbo shopping malls here, but there are still plenty of modern touches around the city centre, including lots of familiar faces on the shopping and dining fronts.

Shimmering sights

Muscat’s big-name sights might be less familiar than some other cities, but the highlight reel’s just as impressive. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is arguably top of the list when it comes to sights. It’s the biggest mosque in Oman and is named after the country’s former leader. Backing it up are the majestic Royal Opera House and the Muttrah Souk – the latter lays claim to being the oldest market on the Arabian Peninsula.

First-class beaches

Muscat sits on the Gulf of Oman’s coastline, so emerald waters and wafer-coloured beaches are within touching distance. Top of the tree is Qurum Beach – it’s just a 10-minute taxi ride from the city centre, and it’s a haven for watersports fans.

Deserts on the doorstep

It’s easy to get out and explore Oman’s diverse landscape from Muscat, as many of the country’s best natural sights are in daytripping distance. From the waterfalls and cave pools in Wadi Shab to the UNESCO-approved desert fortress, Bahla Fort, there are plenty of places to see within easy reach of the modern-day capital.

Popular hotels in Muscat

Top things to see and do in Muscat

Beaches

The big beach

Qurum Beach is just a 10-minute taxi ride away from the city centre, and it’s a firm favourite with watersports fans, who flock here for the likes of kayaking, jet-skiing and parasailing. If you prefer to top up your tan on the cracker-coloured sands, there’s plenty of elbow room – the beach stretches for around four kilometres.

The quiet beach

Al Sifah Beach is a popular spot with locals, who head here for the white sands, rugged mountain backdrop and out-of-the-way feel. It’s around 45 minutes’ drive from the city centre – hence the lack of tourists.

The city beach

Azaiba Beach is Muscat’s closest swathe of sand, just a 10-minute drive out of the city centre. Its powder-soft sands are backed up by palm trees and a seafront park that’s scattered with free-to-use barbecues.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Muttrah Souk’s maze-like alleyways are filled with everything from fresh spices to rugs and gold jewellery. Bargains are a given here, especially because haggling’s not just expected, but encouraged by the traders.

Mid-range buys

Muscat’s city centre has a handful of indoor shopping centres, with the Mall of Muscat and the Mall of Oman among the most prominent. Lots of local brands are on sale here, plus plenty of familiar faces from UK high streets, too.

Designer buys

The Sabco Shopping Centre’s around 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre, and its 80 stores are dripping with designer labels, including the likes of Armani and Hugo Boss.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Lots of the city’s cafés are open ‘til late, so you can enjoy a coffee or shisha with the locals if you fancy an easy-going evening. Late-night cafés are sprinkled all over the city, and a number of them are dotted around the Royal Opera House.

Lively evenings

Muscat’s not renowned for its nightlife, but the best bet for party-lovers are the city’s top hotels. Lots of them have late-night spots, like the Grand Hyatt, where the bars include an African themed joint with a resident DJ.

Food & drink

Kingfish curry

Seafood’s a staple on Muscat’s restaurant menus and this is right up there as arguably the city’s signature dish. Meaty fish chunks are the key ingredient, and they’re curried in a coconut, turmeric, ginger and garlic broth.

Majboos

This dish is traditionally served at special occasions like weddings and engagement parties. No surprise really, considering that majboos means ‘to be engaged’ in Arabic. Chicken and rice are the main ingredients, and they’re joined by saffron and a variety of other spices to create a mild, curry-like dish.

Mashuai

Another seafood-based dish, this popular meal’s a mix of lemon rice and fresh kingfish, which is either grilled or fried.

Mushaltat

This national delicacy’s usually served up as a light snack. It’s made up of two pieces of soft flatbread, which are stuffed with various fillings, like meats, honey, spinach or cheese and then oven-baked for around five minutes.

Mishkak

This popular street snack’s made up of marinated meats – usually chicken or beef – and served straight off the grill on long, wooden skewers. It’s commonly served with a side of tamarind chutney, and you can eat it off the stick or with some fresh bread.