8 Must Things To Do in Muscat with Family or Solo In 2024

Muscat, the dynamic capital city of Oman, is an alluring destination that combines traditional and modern. Located between the blue Gulf of Oman and the Al-Hajar Mountains, Muscat is a picturesque town offering manifold reasons for exploring sites. From exploring majestic forts, architecturally beautiful mosques, and vibrant souks to pristine beaches, there are several Muscat sightseeing places, followed by different activities to perform.

Here, we highlight some of the must-have activities to do in Muscat to explore the city in a diverse way. We have picked up top-rated Muscat attractions so you can perform different activities.

Let’s get started on the same.

1. Pay a Visit to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is a historical and architectural marvel. Built in 2001, it is one of the largest mosques in the world and can accommodate 20,000 worshippers at once.

One of the best activities to do in Muscat is admiring the towering minarets and white structure of the mosque. The main prayer hall is decorated with the world’s most enormous chandelier and the world’s largest single-piece carpet. It’s one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims, allowing travelers to witness the engaging beauty of Islamic architecture and religious sanctity inside.

2. Explore the Waterfront of Mutrah Corniche

Mutrah Corniche, a 3-km long exquisite stretch at a waterfront with a majestic view of the Hajar Mountains, is a treasure trove of activities. Whether you’re with family or friends, there’s something for everyone. The cafes, restaurants, and shopping arenas offer a delightful experience. You can take a leisurely walk around the waterfront to admire the beauty of Oman Harbour or watch the evening sun rays reflecting on the mountains, adding remarkable experiences to your arsenal.

Mutrah Corniche is a must-visit Muscat sightseeing place for an immersive landscape view, indulging in leisure activities, and clicking pictures at several photogenic spots.

Timings: 24 Hours

Latest Posts

3. Watch a Performance at the Royal Opera House

Nearby attractions include the Royal Opera House, Mutrah Souq, Al Jalali Fort, Qurum Beach, etc.

To catch up for a theatre performance, visit the Royal Opera House in Muscat. One of the most beautifully structured, with 500 tons of orchestra shell weight and 20,000 square feet of building footprint, this opera house premiers engaging performances and musical programs and features the presence of renowned artists.

Watch a Performance at the Royal Opera House

When doing several activities in Muscat’s Popular opera house, you can marvel at the architectural richness inside, featuring Islamic design and sheer craftsmanship. Also, get to know the incredible 1,100 seats inside the opera house and the 850-seat shoebox-style concert hall.

Timings: Sat to Thurs (8:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
Ticket Price: Adults (3.15 OMR), Children (1.05 OMR), and Groups (2.1 OMR Per Person)

4. Perform Hiking, Diving, & Sliding in Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is a tempting-looking desert oasis where the blue water flows through the rocky pathways and creates palm-fringed pools. One of the most beautiful places in Muscat, Oman, is Wadi Bani Khalid, located approximately 200km from the capital city and offers different adventurous activities. Unlike other wadis in Oman, this one is special due to the constant water flow throughout the year for a refreshing dip.

Once you get there, you will find upper and lower pools where you can swim and explore different areas. Other fun things to do in Muscat’s Wadi Bani Khalid are diving into the crystal-clear pools, sliding on the slippery rocks, and hiking up the mountains near nature.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

5. Take a Historical Tour of Mutrah Fort

If you are looking for historical activities to do in Muscat, then you can’t escape the tour of Mutrah Fort in Wilayat Mutrah in the Governate of Muscat. Sitting atop the hill of Al Hajar Mountains, overlooking the scenic landscape of Mutrah’s natural harbor, this fort offers an attractive tour of history inside and a panoramic view of Mutrah Corniche outside from the top.

The fort, which is believed to have been built in 1507 A.D., was once a defensive and observation place for keeping a close eye on enemies and storing weapons. In the north tower of the fort, you will find an exhibition of the oldest canons and WWII-era artillery guns, providing a fascinating insight into the region’s history.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Ticket Price: Resident Adults (1 OMR), Resident Children (0.5 BZ), Non-Resident Adults (3 OMR), and Non-Resident Children (2 OMR)

6. Yiti Beach

When considering doing fun activities in Muscat, like beach excursions, making sandcastles, water sports, and more, travel a short distance from the city and reach the pristine Yiti Beach. One of the lesser-known beaches in Oman, Yiti Beach is a perfect place to feel allured in the blissful beauty of nature and take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Reach this sandy beach to stroll on the soft pathway, take a refreshing dip in the sea, or even explore the nearby fishing village to chat with locals. There is so much more to do on Yiti Beach in Muscat.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Must-try activities: Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, camping, and more.

7. Mutrah Souq

Mutrah Souq, a traditional marketplace in Muscat, calls for all shopaholics to lay hands on Omani souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and several other items. Considered one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab region, Mutrah Souq, also called Al Dhalam Souq, is best known for having narrow alleys where you will find numerous shops selling various items.

Regarding activities to do in Muscat from the shopping standpoint, buying products at the souq, trying the delectable Omani deserts, trying the authentic coffee, shopping for perfumes, and performing a cultural walk around the souq is essential.

Timings: Sun to Thurs (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM) and Fri to Sat (9:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
Must-do things: Shopping, eating Omani delicacies, and photography

8. Amouage Perfumery

Have you ever experienced a tour of perfume making? If not, then you will witness how different perfume fragrances are created at the Amouge Perfumery here in Muscat. A tour of this place is an essential fun activity to do in Muscat, and you will learn how different in-house ingredients are distilled, filtered, and packaged to make tempting perfumes.

After the tour, you can visit Amouge Perfumery shops to try your preferred perfumes and sample from their extensive range.

Timings: Mon to Thurs (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) and Sun (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
Ticket Price: Entry free

Latest Posts

Concluding Thoughts

Muscat in Oman offers a broad spectrum of cultural, historical, and waterfront sites to capture the attention of travelers of all types. Don’t miss the manifold activities to do in Muscat with family or solo to add more to your travel experiences. Be it beach surfing, exploring the fort, shopping at the souq, or more, there is more you can think of doing in Muscat.

Things To Do in Muscat FAQs

What are some of the best things to do in Muscat?

You can do a wide range of things in Muscat solo or in the company of near and dear ones. You can go on a beach excursion, walk on the beachfront, visit a mosque, explore a fort, and so on.

What are some of the best nighttime activities in Muscat?

At nighttime, you can perform a wide range of activities in Muscat, including watching a performance at the Royal Opera House, walking around the Mutrah Corniche, dining at a high-end restaurant, etc.

What are some of the water sports activities in Muscat?

In Muscat, you can choose from a wide range of water activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snake canyon, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

Tboacademy Team