Landmarks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque | One of the region's largest mosques, with a huge chandelier and one of the world's largest hand-made carpets. | Non-Muslims 8 to 11 am, Saturday to Thursday |
| The Royal Opera House | A grand building with Islamic decoration, offering guided tours and shows. | Qurum |
| Mutrah souq and corniche | An old souq of frankincense, silver and Omani halwa, and a corniche on the harbour. | Mutrah |
| Al Alam Palace and the Jalali and Mirani forts | The Sultan's palace between two Portuguese forts on the rocks. | Old Muscat; seen from outside |
| The National Museum of Oman | Oman's history and its seafaring heritage. | Old Muscat |
Sea and nature
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Daymaniyat Islands | A marine reserve with coral reefs and turtles for snorkelling and diving. | Closed May to October for bird nesting; permit in season |
| Dolphin watching | A morning boat trip to see dolphins along the coast. | From Marina Bandar Al Rowdha |
| Bimmah Sinkhole | A natural sinkhole of turquoise water among the rocks. | About an hour south of Muscat |
| Wadi Shab | A green wadi with turquoise pools and a cave with a waterfall. | About an hour and a half |
Tips before you go
- October to April is the best time; summer is hot and humid.
- Dress modestly for the Grand Mosque, with women covering their hair.
- There are direct flights from Riyadh to Muscat.
Hotels in Muscat
Flights to Muscat
More places nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Muscat?
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, Mutrah souq, the National Museum, the Daymaniyat Islands and Bimmah Sinkhole.
When can non-Muslims visit the Grand Mosque?
From 8 to 11 am, Saturday to Thursday.
When are the Daymaniyat Islands closed?
From May to October, for the bird nesting season.
Planning your trip to Salalah and Oman? Read Travel to Salalah and Oman from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.