5 Tips for Muscat, Oman for an ultimate stay in this city

These tips for Muscat in Oman will make your trip a success.

I recently went to Oman for the first time and I'm completely sold. Forget DubaiThis country and its capital, Muscat, are much more undiscovered and are highly recommended for a stopover of a few days. And that is precisely the goal of Oman Air, which has just opened its new airport. Muscat International Airport has opened. With this airline, you can fly to destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, or the Philippines, and you can spend a few days in Oman affordably on your way there or back. The capital, Muscat, is the most logical base for your Oman trip. From here, you can easily rent a car or take a taxi to explore all the things you can find in our comprehensive blog about Oman! In this article, I share my 5 best tips for Muscat, Oman, for your stay. Enjoy!

Read the here 8 x Best tips for Oman >>

5 tips for Muscat, Oman

Mutrah Souq: The covered market of Muscat, Oman. You'll find plenty of souvenirs here, of course, but also a wealth of traditional Omani spices and items to take home. Frankincense, for example, comes from a tree and is often used in both food and perfume. I brought it home in a handmade clay vase, under which you light charcoal. This way, it creates a lovely scent for your home! Fun fact: In front of the entrance to Mutrah Souq, you can see the harbor with two gigantic cruise ships moored in it. Both of these cruise ships are owned and used by the Sultan. Not bad boats, I can tell you.

Tips for Muscat, Oman // Mutrah Souq

Royal Opera House Muscat: When in Oman… you go to the opera! Or in my case, it was a ballet performance, The Sleeping Beauty. Check the Royal Opera House website to see what performances are currently on. It's highly recommended for a night out, if only for the extraordinary interior of the building, so beautiful! Long dinners aren't popular in Oman, so it's definitely recommended to plan something fun in the evening. Like a performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat – dress up and enjoy a night out!

Tips for Muscat, Oman // Royal Opera House Muscat

more tips for muscat, oman

Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat: In the capital of Oman, you'll find this enormous mosque, built by Sultan Qaboos. Opened in 2001, it's still quite new, like many other buildings in Muscat. This is evident in the beautifully polished floors (which are constantly cleaned). It's an impressive building, and the surrounding area, with its large garden and several fountains, is well worth a stroll. The interior is equally impressive, with every detail, both inside and out, beautifully finished. Good to know: You must be fully covered to enter, but they do have free clothing available for loan.

Tips for Muscat, Oman // Sultan Qaboos Mosque

Restaurant Rozna: One of the most unique restaurants I've eaten at, especially in Oman. This spot is located just outside the center of Muscat. It's a huge building with dining tables in the center. Around it, they've created a small "canal" where people also sit, decorating your hand with henna, making pottery, or weaving rugs. It's like a mini-market in a restaurant! Very nice. On the first floor, there are separate rooms that can be rented for groups. There are no tables in these rooms; you eat on the floor, on the rug!

Tips for Muscat, Oman // Restaurant Rozna

more tips for muscat, oman

Al Alam Palace: This palace in Muscat is the residence of Sultan Qaboos. It's a colorful palace, but unfortunately, no one is allowed inside. You can walk right up to the gate, but this highlight is definitely a must-see on your trip to Oman. To the right of Al Alam Palace is a large white building; this is the guesthouse. Not a bad place, I can tell you! It also has its own swimming pool and full spa.

Tips for Muscat, Oman // Al Alam Palace Guesthouse

general tips for oman

Currency: In Oman, they use the Omani rial. One Omani rial is equivalent to approximately €2,30. Bargaining is customary at the souq (covered market). Luxury foods like alcohol are considerably more expensive, but otherwise, it's generally cheaper than in the Netherlands.

Clothing: Oman is a Muslim country, but they are very open to other cultures. Women here wear modest clothing, and they prefer you to adhere to this as well. This means covering your knees and shoulders. If you really don't want this, they won't make a fuss, but it's respectful to keep it that way.

Alcohol: Alcohol isn't served in Oman. So if you really want a drink, you'll have to find a hotel bar. They do have them here. With meals, they mainly drink water and (super tasty) fresh juices like watermelon.

Camping: Great: in Oman, you can pitch your tent anywhere. And yes, really anywhere. One exception: it's prohibited on the Sultan's territory. But that does mean that if you love camping, you can pitch your tent in the most beautiful spots. That's why this has become a new item on my bucket list: rent a car, put your tent in the back, and travel through Oman camping!

tips for oman

hotel tip for oman

During my stay in Oman, I stayed at the Kempinski Hotel. This hotel is located on the outskirts of Muscat and offers every luxury imaginable. So, if you're looking for the ultimate relaxing stay during your time in Oman and Muscat, this is the perfect choice. It has two swimming pools, a wonderful spa, a full breakfast, and many restaurants in and around the hotel, including an Omani restaurant, a Thai restaurant, and a shisha lounge.

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Tips for Oman // Kempinski Hotel

PSSSST... YOU CAN FIND MORE (TRAVEL) TIPS IN YOURLBB'S (NEW) BOOKS!

• Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
• staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
• Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
• The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)

Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!

Happy travels!

WITH LOVE,

WIEKE