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Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is a captivating destination that draws in travelers from around the world. While it is not known as a budget-friendly city, I recently visited Muscat while adhering to my strict travel budget. In this guide, I will give you advice on how you can enjoy a trip to Muscat on a budget.
Table of Contents
Where is Muscat?
Muscat is located on the northeastern coast of Oman, about 360 kilometers (225 miles) from the border of the United Arab Emirates.
Is Muscat Worth Visiting?
Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is important in both the country and the region. It is the gateway to cities like Salalah and Nizwa within Oman, facilitating crucial connections for internal travel and regional exploration.
The city itself is worth staying in for at least a few days as well. Muscat offers a mix of modern and traditional culture, with impressive architectural marvels and beautiful scenic destinations. Muscat is also one of the best places to learn about Omani history and culture.
Tips for Visiting Muscat on a Budget
Rent a Car
Normally I advocate for public transportation for travelers on a budget, but Oman is different! Everyone should rent a car here. Public transportation is not very reliable. Also, everything is so spread out here, that you would have to take a taxi to go anywhere.
I rented a car through Rentalcars.com and was able to pick it up straight from the airport. When I visited Salalah, I did not have a rental car, and had to hire a driver to take me around the city. Renting a car was a much cheaper option!
Indulge in the Local Cuisine
There are plenty of international restaurants to choose from in Muscat, but I recommend trying the local cuisine. Restaurants serving local food are often less expensive compared to international foods.
My favorite meal was camel meat with qabooli rice, which cost 3 OMR ($8 USD in 2023, see current rates here)
Visit Mosques Instead of Malls
There are tons of malls in Muscat, and it is very common for families to visit these malls in their free time. While the malls are fun places to visit, you will inevitably end up spending money there.
I would recommend visiting different mosques instead. It seems like Oman has a mosque on every corner, and they are each unique and intricately designed. And the best part – you won’t end up spending any money!
Just be sure to be moderately dressed and respect the visitor hours if you decide to visit a mosque.
What to Do in Muscat
Here are our recommended top 5 things to do in Muscat, Oman on a budget!
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman, and one of the largest in the world. This huge mosque took 6 and a half years to be built, with construction starting in 1994.
Inside the mosque, there is a huge woven carpet that was woven with 1.7 BILLION knots! A large chandelier is present in the prayer hall that weighs 8.5 tons! The carpet and the chandelier used to be the biggest in the world, until these records were both broken following the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Opening Hours
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open for non-Muslims Saturday through Thursday, from 8 – 11 am. It is closed on Friday.
For Muslims, it is open every day throughout the day.
Walk Along Mutrah Corniche
Mutrah Corniche is a waterfront pathway on the eastern part of Muscat. This was one of my favorite parts of Muscat. You will enjoy amazing views of the harbor and surrounding mountains and forts.
It may be difficult to find a parking spot, so be prepared to drive around a little bit. I recommend coming later in the day after it cools down a bit.
Visit Al Alam Palace
Located in the heart of Old Muscat, Al Alam Palace is the traditional home of the Sultan. The palace is not open to the public, but you will be able to admire its impressive architecture from the outside.
In addition, you will get a good view of the nearby Al Jilali and Al Mirani forts. There are also beautiful gardens around the palace. Overall, this is a great area to take photos.
Sunset at Qurum Beach
A popular spot for both locals and tourists is Qurum Beach. This beach features a long paved walkway that is good for jogging or leisurely walks along the shore. The water is calm and suitable for swimming.
I recommend coming here to watch the sunsets, which are some of the best in the city! It is best to avoid coming on the weekends, as the beach is extremely crowded during that time.
Visit the National Museum of Oman
The National Museum of Oman is conveniently located near Al Alam Palace. This museum showcases the history and culture of Oman, as well as the development of different technologies, such as weapons, currency, water management, and more.
This museum is a great introduction to Oman, especially if it is your first time visiting this country!
Entry Fee for the National Museum of Oman
Tourists must pay 5 OMR while residents pay 2 OMR to enter. Adult citizens only pay 1 OMR. Citizens of the GCC, which include Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, also only pay 1 OMR.
Several groups of people are eligible for free entry into the museum, so make sure to see if you qualify.
Opening Hours for the National Museum of Oman
From Saturday to Thursday, the museum is open from 10 am – 5 pm.
On Friday, the museum is open from 2 – 6 pm.
Where to Stay in Muscat
The city of Muscat is pretty spread out, so there are a lot of different neighborhoods to choose from.
For budget travelers, I recommend staying at Muscat International Hotel. This is where I stayed, and it is in a convenient, centralized location. It is also very affordable compared to other hotels in Muscat. Another option is the Fraser Suites Muscat, which offers a bit more luxury.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Best Day Trips From Muscat
Bimmah Sinkhole
The Bimmah Sinkhole is a large hole in the ground filled with water. It attracts locals and tourists due to its clear, turquoise-colored water.
The Bimmah Sinkhole is located in Hawiyat Najm Park, near the town of Bimmah. It is about 125 km southeast of Muscat, which is about a 1.5-2 hour drive.
Nizwa
Nizwa is a city west of Muscat that is famous for its large fort. Nizwa Fort was built about 400 years ago and is one of Oman’s most-visited monuments!
You can drive to Nizwa from Muscat in 2 hours. If you would rather take the bus, you can take a Mwasalat Bus, Oman’s national bus line. Look for Route 54. A one-way ticket is 4.4 OMR ($11.50 USD), and a roundtrip ticket is 7.5 OMR ($19.50 USD).
