By Saharish Arshad
Luxury, food, culture, history, and nature, Oman’s capital city has a plethora of experiences to offer. Stretched out against a backdrop of rugged mountains with waves washing up on sandy shores, Muscat is one of the most unique cities in the Middle East.
The list of things to do in Muscat is a long one, but we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our favourites so you can enjoy more than just one dimension. Now let’s get to it!
Day 1: Experience the Majesty of Muscat
The Arrival: Sultan Qaboos Mosque
As you arrive in the vibrant city of Muscat, your first glimpse of its grandeur should be at the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Home to the second-largest hand-woven carpet in the world and adorned with some of the most splendid Swarovski chandeliers, this mosque is a testament to Omani architectural mastery. The intricately designed timber panels echo Omani culture, while the mosaic artwork will leave you in awe.
Breakfast at Dukanah
Before continuing onwards for the day’s adventures, indulge in a delightful Omani homestyle breakfast at Dukanah, not too far from the mosque. The adobe walls and timber-lined ceilings will make you feel like you’re sitting in the majlis of a traditional Omani home while eating breakfast any local grandmother would have cooked up for her family. Let the flavours of traditional Omani cuisine set the tone for the day’s experiences.
Splash at Shatti Qurum
Oman is the land of tranquil beaches and Shatti Qurum is one of Muscat’s most popular public beaches. Past the exquisite Royal Opera House, quaint white houses and the hilltop Crown Plaza overlook the beach. The word “qurum” means mangrove tree; the area is named after the mangrove forest along the shore. In some seasons, it is possible to book a kayaking adventure through the Qurum Nature Reserve and the mangrove lagoon.
Lunch: Shuwa Place in Bousher
After the beach, you’ll need a hearty meal. It would be the perfect time to savour the traditional Omani dish called “shuwa” at one of our favourite spots in Bousher. We recommend trying it out at either the Omani House Restaurant or Jedr & Millas on Al Maha Street, 20 minutes from Shatti Qurum. Shuwa is a dish of meat marinated in a blend of Omani spices and slow-cooked in an underground fire pit anywhere between 6 hours to 2 days. Recline on traditional Omani cushions and dig into your hearty meal. Take some time to rest, indulge in some traditional Omani Halwa and have a cup of traditional Omani Qahwa or two.
Afternoon Exploration: Mutrah Fort & Mutrah Souq
Rested and refreshed by the afternoon, immerse yourself in history at Mutrah Fort, standing tall as a silent guardian of Muscat’s past. If you trek up the stairs, you’ll see how the fort overlooks the historical port city and the sprinkling of hilltop watchtowers, visible from the top. You’ll get to see the corniche road with traditional Omani dhows anchored at the docks, the immaculate white buildings kept alive despite all modern development, and the rocky hills hugging the shore.
Next, a short walk away, Mutrah Souq sprawls through buildings and alleyways where the aroma of exotic spices and the vibrant colours of traditional textiles create an unforgettable sensory experience. Take your time to haggle for souvenirs, intricate jewellery, and beautifully woven rugs. Make sure to visit the antique shops where you’ll find daggers, coins, and even armour from another era. Al Diwaniya is worth a visit to try out Omani Halwa, a traditional delectable dessert that comes in a variety of flavours.
Destination Dinner
As the day winds down, you have two options for a memorable dinner experience.
You can enjoy a light dinner amid the hustle and bustle at small restaurants near the souq gates or drive over to refresh your palette at La Brasserie, where French cuisine meets warm Omani hospitality and fresh catch from Omani shores is served with a continental flair.
Day 2: Discover Muscat’s History
Mandazi and Chai to Start
You’ve experienced some history, and nature, had quite a bit of exercise, and a bit of Omani cuisine; our plan for the second day is less strenuous.
You can’t leave Oman without trying mandazi. Mandazi is somewhat like a slightly sweet crispy fried donut with a hint of cardamom. Pair it with hot karak tea, and you have a match made in heaven. Mandazi and Chai is one of our favourite places to get both and we recommend this place for breakfast. This fusion of flavours sets the perfect tone for the day ahead.
Sidab Road & National Museum
The drive through Sidab past Mutrah is one of the most scenic routes Muscat has to offer. You’ll get to see much of the old city and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea nearby.
The National Museum is perfectly stationed along the route. The museum contains exhibits from Oman’s rich maritime heritage, lifestyle, prehistoric artefacts, frankincense trade along the silk route, and traditional architecture.
Jalali Fort & Alam Palace
Down the street from the National Museum is the Alam Palace with its distinct gold and blue facade, one of the six homes of the Omani Sultan. Built in 1972, it reflects the modesty and elegance of Omani culture, something you’ll find everywhere you go in Muscat. The palace is nestled between Jalali Fort to the east and Mirani Fort to the west. Both forts can be seen from the Mirani ViewPoint past the tunnel on Bab Al Muthaib St.
Bait Zubair & Omani Coffee
The Bait Zubair is a must-see museum showcasing Omani heritage through its collection of household artefacts and displays. Make sure to stop by Bait Al Daleel, the traditional Omani home on display and certainly visit the restaurant to savour a cup of traditional Omani coffee along with a light lunch.
Lunch with a View
As another option, we suggest enjoying a leisurely lunch at Bandar Rowdha Marina overlooking the tranquil waters of the harbour. Enjoy a fine dining experience with the sea breeze blowing around you and the view of the boats berthed in the watery mountain alcove.
Evening Cruise
As the day nears its end, you can book a sunset tour along the Muscat coast and be lulled into relaxation sailing over the waves. Watch the changing colours of the horizon while the sun descends into the blue waters and the mountains stand tall around you. Most of the tour operators offer snacks and some even offer a dinner cruise, bringing a beautiful close to an epic two-day journey.
Cosy Dinner at Bait Luban
If you aren’t able to book a dinner cruise, we suggest ending your two-day trip with dinner at Bait Luban, near Mutrah Souq. This charming restaurant offers a delightful blend of traditional Omani flavours with a modern twist. You can select a table to dine on or a cosy room with low-seated traditional Arab sofas. The rooms depict a traditional Arab sitting room or majlis, intricately decorated and romantically lit. Relax in the warm ambience and relish the flavours while reflecting on your unforgettable two-day journey through Muscat.
From the grandeur of Sultan Qaboos Mosque to the vibrant bustle of Mutrah Souq, the serene beauty of Ain Ghala to the historical wonders of Jalali Fort, Muscat offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a foodie, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this two-day itinerary promises to leave you enchanted by the magic of Oman’s capital city, Muscat.
