24 Hours in Muscat: Exploring Oman’s Capital City on a Budget

Oman’s capital city of Muscat feels like a breath of fresh air in contrast to the skyscraper-laden, steel and concrete cityscapes often associated with Gulf countries. The winding streets of Muscat are a perfect mix of modernity and heritage – a living example of Oman’s deep pride in its history and stories. 

I spent one day in Muscat with my partner before embarking on a week-long road trip around Oman and quickly fell in love with this city nestled in the Hajar Mountains. There is so much to see and do in this vibrant capital, but it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune – we only spent $25 between the two of us! If you have 24 hours to spend in Muscat, here’s how to make the absolute most of your time.

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Oman Quick Links

✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Oman
🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay throughout Oman on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world! VisitorsCoverage is another great option.
🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals for a Oman road trip on RentalCars.com
🗺️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide, Viator, and Tripadvisor for exciting adventures all around Oman
☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions

Guided Tours of Muscat

Don’t want to explore on your own? Check out these highly recommended day tours:

🚌 Big Bus Muscat: This hop-on, hop-off ticket allows you to explore Muscat’s major sites at your own pace.
🎧 Muscat Half-Day Audio Tour: Get to know Muscat with this half-day audio tour. Private driver included. 
🚘 Private City Tour: Enjoy a private tour with a local guide to get a better understanding of Muscat’s attractions.

Where to Stay in Muscat

I stayed at the Mutrah Hotel while I was in Muscat. It was the perfect place to rest up before I set off to wild camp for a week, centrally located in Muscat’s historic district. The hotel also included a restaurant and bar, so it’s a great option if you’re arriving in Muscat in the evening and just want an easy place to grab a bite. 

Here are a few more recommendations in Muscat:

Budget: Muscat Hills Hotel ($): If you’re looking for an easy place to stay near the Muscat Airport, Muscat Hills Hotel is the perfect place to stay for the night. This hotel features complimentary breakfast and is the perfect spot if you want to get off the plane and get to sleep.

Mid-Range: Fort Guesthouse ($$): This guesthouse in Muscat feels like being transported back in time. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee seated on an intricately decorated floor cushion while enjoying views of the Mutrah Corniche out your window.

Luxury: The Chedi Muscat ($$$): If you’re looking for a place to put your feet up and enjoy the Gulf of Oman, look no further than the Chedi Muscat. This beachfront resort features beach views at every turn, with rooms nestled below the palm trees along the banks of the Gulf.

Find even more places to stay in Muscat on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com

Tips for Exploring Muscat

I found Muscat fairly easy to get a grasp on, right from the get-go. However, there are still a few things you should know to make the most of your 24 hours in the city. 

Rent a Car: I highly, HIGHLY recommend renting a car for traveling in Oman. I rented a 4WD Outlander from RentalCars.com for my Oman Road Trip, but a 2WD will do just fine for city exploring. Parking in Muscat is usually free and easy to find. 

Download Mwasalat: If you don’t plan to rent a car, I recommend downloading the Mwasalat app prior to your trip to book taxis. You can identify taxis in Muscat by the orange roofs, but using the app will help ensure you’re in an accredited taxi and reduce the risk of the driver trying to charge you more when you reach your destination.

Buy a local SIM: In order to use the Mwasalat app and other apps while traveling in Oman, a local SIM card is essential. I purchased 6GB of data for 5 rial ($13 USD) at the Muscat Airport. You can also purchase an eSIM with Airalo, which works in over 200 countries and regions around the world.

Invest in good walking shoes: Muscat is a bit of a spread-out city. I live in my Blundstones when I travel as they’re waterproof, durable, and stylish, and they were perfect for exploring Muscat as I could go right from city-exploring to mountain-trekking.

Dress respectfully: Oman is a Muslim country, so please be mindful of what you are wearing and how you are acting while exploring Muscat. The only place women are required to cover their head is in the Grand Mosque, but I still recommend covering your knees and shoulders during all your explorations as a sign of respect.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Muscat

Welcome to Muscat! It’s time to spend a day in Oman’s colorful capital, a day surely to be filled with frankincense, forts, and plenty of gahwa. Check out the map above to help you plan your day around Muscat.

8:00AM: Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

There’s no better way to start a day in Muscat than at Oman’s largest mosque – the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This mosque took 6 years to build and can hold up to 20,000 worshippers. 

The mosque is truly a sight to be seen, especially in the early morning as the sunlight creates long shadows across the sandstone. Fellow photographers, I recommend getting there right at 8AM for the best light and minimal people.

Make sure to wander through the men’s prayer hall, which features a striking 8-ton chandelier strung from the intricately painted ceiling. Make sure to look below your feet – the hall is also home to a 21-ton prayer carpet which took over 600 artisans to complete. 

Visitors are welcome from 8AM-11AM Sunday-Thursday. Entrance to the mosque is free. 

Please note that both men and women are expected to dress modestly when entering the mosque. For both men and women, this means wearing long pants and long sleeves, and women must cover their heads. There is appropriate clothing available at the entrance to the mosque for a rental fee if you forget. 

10:00AM: Hike C39 for some epic city views

One of Muscat’s highlights is that it is a city nestled within the mountains. This means that for those nature-inclined, short hikes are only minutes away from major attractions. I certainly fall into the nature-inclined category, and decided to do a quick hike at C39 (Ghala Jabal Heed) following the Grand Mosque. 

This hike is a perfect quick stop for those seeking some city views. It’s an out-and-back hike, meaning you can totally customize it to your liking – going as far as you’d like before turning around.

The trek begins at a small graveyard, but quickly turns uphill with epic views of Muscat the entire way. If you’re just looking for a city view, you can stop anywhere along the trek to admire the skyline, but if you’re seeking more nature you can continue up the trail to the peak for about 2 kilometers. 

Did you know there’s a small piece of Oman contained in the UAE? Check out this guide to learn more about Madha, Oman!

11:30AM: Get a taste of Omani heritage at Bayt Al Maqham

Nearby trek C39 is Bayt Al Maqham, a restored castle that was once home to an Omani noblewoman in the 18th century. The castle stands as a beautifully preserved tribute to Omani architecture – blending Arab design with military character. 

The home is open for visitors to explore daily. Wander high into the tower on the northwest side of the building and climb the small ladder to admire the views of the Hajar Mountain range. Don’t forget to find the small tunnel on the ground level of the building – historians have estimated that it continued for at least 3 kilometers, but its full length remains a mystery. 

Tip: When visiting Bayt Al Maqham, consider leaving your car near the traffic circle and walking the ~1 km to the castle. The road gets very tight between the buildings with room for only one car to pass, and it can be difficult to navigate if you’re driving a large vehicle. 

12:30PM: Eat Afghani Food at Bukhari House 

After a morning of exploring, stop for a bite to eat at the nearby Bukhari House Restaurant. This spot is a local favorite – you’ll likely see plenty of friends gathered around plates of meat and rice. For women and families, there is a separate seating area available if you prefer some privacy. 

This spot is a favorite for a reason – the prices are cheap, the service is quick, and the food is delicious. If you’re new to Arab food, the chicken madhbi is a great place to start – chicken grilled over hot stones and served over a bed of colorful rice. Every dish is served with a huge portion of freshly baked Afghani bread, and don’t forget to order a side of hummus to go with it. 

On your way out of the restaurant, don’t forget to stop by the fridge and buy a tub of khabeesa. This Omani sweet is made with rice cooked in sweetened milk and rose water and is the perfect treat to accompany your meal. 

2:00PM: Trek the C38 Trail for city views and abandoned ruins

After your meal, head into Muscat’s historic district of Mutrah to spend the afternoon. On the outskirts of Mutrah is the beginning of the C38 trek, a 3.5km roundtrip hike with epic views of the Gulf of Oman. You’ll need about two hours to complete the trek.

The hike begins on the outskirts of a neighborhood, passing through an old cemetery before heading into a winding wadi. The wadi is stunning – with jagged peaks on either side and small green pools here and there. It’s fairly easy to navigate, but I’d recommend waterproof shoes if you have them. 

The trail then opens up into a green valley, with a few remains of an abandoned village scattered around. Keep an eye out for the rocky staircase, which will quickly take you up to the real highlight – a viewpoint of the Mina Sultan Qaboos, the largest point in Muscat. Now is a good time to rest, relax, and enjoy your leftover khabeesa! 

From here you have 2 options – head straight down to Riyam Park, or veer slightly right and continue on towards Old Muscat. The former will take you down a set of stairs into Riyam Park, whereas the latter will continue through a wadi for about 1.5km longer into Old Muscat. 

Tip: Do not attempt this hike if there is a chance of rain. Wadis are prone to flash floods and can quickly become dangerous in the case of inclement weather. 

4:00PM: Admire the Gulf of Oman from the Corniche

Whichever trekking route you decide to take, you’ll once again end up by the shores of the Gulf of Oman. To complete the loop, walk back into Mutrah along the Corniche, a long paved stretch alongside the shores of the gulf. 

The corniche is beautiful in the early evening, when the sun hangs low over the Hajar Mountains in the distance. Take your time strolling back along the shore, stopping to admire the circling seagulls or popping in a shop along the way. 

The harbor is home to a number of ships, from visiting cruise ships to Omani naval vessels. You’ll likely spot a few traditional dhow boats floating in the water – characterized by their long, pointed bows and Omani flags flying in the wind. 

5:00PM: Explore the Muttrah Souq

The Muttrah Souq comes alive in the evening, as storekeepers draw in shoppers with beautiful handicrafts and the smell of burning frankincense. Located right off the Mutrah Corniche, it’s the perfect place to stop for some souvenirs, or simply get lost in the winding alleyways. 

Here you can buy a number of Omani specialties, from intricately decorated kumas (Omani caps) to stores filled with antiquities dating back centuries. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the coffee shop at the entrance to the souq – it’s a local hotspot and the perfect place to buy a cup of karak tea. 

Bargaining is expected, so don’t be afraid to haggle down a first offer. I recommend carrying cash to help secure the best deals, though most shops accept cards. Remember that the Omani Rial is extremely strong, so don’t let vendors trick you with seemingly “low” prices.  

The Muttrah Souq is open daily from 9AM-1PM, and then 4PM-10PM. 

6:00PM: Enjoy golden hour in the winding streets of Mutrah

Mutrah is the “old town” of Muscat. This historic district was grown around the maritime commerce taking place at the Muscat Harbor for centuries, and is still home to plenty of locals to this day. 

Golden hour is the perfect time to explore Mutrah, when the sun hangs low in the sky casting long shadows across the historic buildings. Mutrah is not as well restored as some of the other historic buildings around Muscat, but rather has a lived-in element that truly reflects life in Oman’s capital city, past and present.

If you have a penchant for street photography, you’ll quickly be drawn in by the winding streets of Mutrah, full of interesting corners and bustling cafeterias.

When exploring or photographing this area, please remember to act and dress respectfully. Many people still call this area home, so please be mindful in your interactions.

7:30PM: Stop for some biryani at a cafeteria

Eating cafeteria food is one of those off-the-beaten-track experiences that will give you the truest taste of Oman – literally! This popular style of restaurant is a staple throughout the Gulf countries, with menus featuring everything from traditional Arab dishes to Chinese food.

You’ll find cafeterias all over Muscat, especially in the historic district around the Mutrah Souk. You’ll often recognize them by their novel-long menus and tables filled with locals eating plates of biryani. Don’t be afraid to go in and try some yourself – I can guarantee it will be one of your most memorable and delicious meals in Oman!

Tip: You’ll likely see plenty of locals eating with their hands at cafeterias. Don’t be afraid to give this a try if you want, but make sure to always eat with your right hand. In Islam, the left hand is considered unclean, so the right is reserved for eating.

The Best Time to Visit Muscat

Certain parts of Oman are beautiful year-round, but I definitely recommend planning your trip to Muscat between October and March, when the weather is cooler. 

During the summer months, temperatures in Muscat can rise upwards of 40+ degree celsius, too hot for many of the activities on this itinerary. Heat stroke is a major issue during this time period, so plan your time in Muscat accordingly and consider more indoor activities.

If you do plan to travel in the summer season, come prepared with plenty of water and please remember to still dress modestly out of respect to the local culture. 

Why Visit Muscat in 24 Hours?

Muscat is one of my favorite cities I’ve ever visited. As compared to the bustling, towering buildings of many capital cities, Muscat has a far more intimate feel. Locals joke with one another over cups of karak tea, the calls of gulls echo over the sea, and the city itself seems to be alive with a joyful, colorful energy.

Muscat is the perfect place to experience the best of the Middle East — a mix of modern and ancient. It breaks the stereotypes far too often associated with this part of the world and instead reveals the beauty of Arab culture and hospitality. It is a city I would recommend to any traveler.

I started and ended in Muscat during a 7-day solo camping trip in Oman. I can certainly say it is one of the places I’ve felt safest in the world, and a look into the Arab world that I never could have expected. If you’re interested in traveling to Oman, you can read all of my guides here, or continue exploring other cities around the world with my 24-hour city guides.

What to Pack for Oman

Planning a trip to Oman? Consider adding some of these essentials to your suitcase for a truly epic trip! 

🧕 Lightweight Scarf – Easy to throw in your bag and put on for extra coverage
👚 Lightweight Button Down – Stay modest and cool at the same time! 
🎒 Anti-theft Backpack – Perfect for exploring Oman’s cities or hiking 
🧖‍♀️ Microfiber Travel Towel – A go-to travel essential anywhere in the world!
🔌 Portable Charger – Keep your phone charged out on the go
🔐 Mini Padlock – Perfect for securing your backpack or locking up your items at the hotel
🔋 Universal Travel Adapter – Charge all your devices anywhere in the world!

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