Before my first trip to Oman, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from Muscat. Friends told me it’s calm, elegant, and completely different from other Middle Eastern cities – and they were right. Muscat doesn’t shout for attention but wins you over slowly, with its mountain backdrop, turquoise sea, and quiet charm. What started as a short stopover turned into a few days of wandering, discovering, and falling in love with the city’s unique rhythm.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
My journey through Muscat attractions began at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the city’s most iconic landmark. Even before entering, its grandeur is breathtaking -the symmetry, the marble, the shining domes. Inside, the scale is humbling: chandeliers glittering like constellations, the vast Persian carpet, and a serene stillness that makes you pause. Non-Muslim visitors can enter in the mornings, and I’d highly recommend it. The mosque isn’t just beautiful – it’s peaceful and deeply impressive in its craftsmanship.
Muttrah Corniche and Souq
Next, I headed to Muttrah Corniche, a long promenade curving along the harbor. The sea breeze, the sound of gulls, and the mountains rising behind the whitewashed houses – it’s postcard-perfect. At sunset, the light turns everything golden.
Just across the street is the Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman. It’s easy to get lost here, but that’s part of the fun. The air smells of frankincense and sandalwood, and stalls overflow with silver jewelry, colorful scarves, and traditional khanjars (curved daggers). I bought a small bottle of frankincense and chatted with one of the shopkeepers, who insisted I try Omani coffee. Warm, spiced, and lightly sweet – it’s something I still remember vividly.
Al Alam Palace and the old forts
One morning, I walked toward Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial residence of the Sultan. The blue and gold facade looks almost theatrical against the bright sky. Though you can’t go inside, the surrounding area is full of history – two forts, Al Mirani and Al Jalali, stand guard on the hills nearby, overlooking the harbor. Standing there, between the sea and the mountains, you really feel Muscat’s centuries-old role as a gateway between worlds.
National Museum of Oman
If you want to understand Oman beyond its landscapes, spend some time in the National Museum of Oman. It’s beautifully designed, modern, and surprisingly quiet. The exhibits trace the country’s story – from ancient maritime trade to the renaissance era under Sultan Qaboos. I especially loved the traditional boat models and the section about Oman’s coastal villages – it gave context to everything I’d seen outside.
Qurum Beach and local life
After a long day of sightseeing, Qurum Beach was the perfect place to slow down. Families gathered for evening walks, children played by the water, and the warm air carried a sense of calm that felt so distinctly Omani. I sat there with a cup of karak tea, watching the sun sink into the sea. Here you can just take your time.
Malls and shopping
Like many Gulf countries, Oman takes shopping seriously – and Muscat’s malls are impressive. They’re not just for retail therapy but also for spending a relaxed evening with family or escaping the midday heat. The Mall of Oman, one of the newest and largest, offers everything from luxury boutiques to an indoor snow park. Avenues Mall and Muscat Grand Mall are also worth visiting, combining international brands with local stores that sell Omani perfumes, dates, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Even if you’re not into shopping, Muscat’s malls are a window into modern Omani life – families strolling together, kids laughing near the fountains, the aroma of Arabic coffee drifting from cafes. It’s a comfortable, social space that contrasts beautifully with the city’s historical and cultural side.