Muscat is a relatively small city, but it still offers a variety of things to do and see, and it is impossible to cover everything in a single day. However, this itinerary will attempt to provide ideas on how to make the most of your visit to Muscat if you only have a single day to spend.
Omani Breakfast (1 hour)
Forget about your hotel buffet, if you have the time, you need to try a traditional Omani breakfast at many of the different cafes and restaurants that offer it. Depending on where you are staying, good options include Rozna—which has an epic building worthy of a visit just to see it, Dukanah Cafe, and Nana’s. If the restaurant offers a breakfast platter, just go for it and come back to our website afterwards to thank us. All the options mentioned here open at 8am.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (1 to 2 hours)
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the number one most visited tourist attraction in Muscat, and that is not surprising. This timeless masterpiece is one of the most magnificent and extravagant mosques in the whole world and beautifully showcases contemporary royal Omani architecture while giving homage to a variety of Islamic architectural styles. Non-Muslims can only visit this mosque from Saturday to Thursday between 8am and 11am, so you need to plan for this as an early activity for the day.
Royal Opera House Muscat (1 to 2 hours)
The Royal Opera House Muscat is another one of Muscat’s architectural masterpieces and offers a completely different experience from that of the Grand Mosque. You can come here for a very quick stop to take photographs outside the building and walk through the Galleria, or you can go on a guided tour of the Opera House. We are no longer sure of what the current timings are, but it is likely that tours are available from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
National Museum (1 to 2 hours)
If you do not want to visit the Royal Opera House Muscat, your alternative must-see attraction is the National Museum. It is located in the heart of Old Muscat directly facing Al-Alam Palace. This state-of-the-art museum is perfectly curated to give you a glimpse into the ancient civilization of Oman and showcases clothes, weapons, and artefacts from all over Oman.
Contemporary Omani Lunch (1 to 2 hours)
Depending on whether you end up going to the Royal Opear House or the National Museum, you have a number of options for unique Omani contemporary lunch places, namely, Ubhar, Bait Al-Luban, and Majlis Al-Luban (the new-ish branch of Bait Al-Luban at the museum). You can’t go wrong with any of these places. Do not trust anyone who recommends that you go anywhere else.
Souq Muttrah and the Corniche (1 to 2 hours)
Souq Muttrah is the most traditional attraction that you can see in the heart of the capital without having to travel to the interior. Be ready to be engulfed in fragrances and spices, haggle with no shame, and come back with fun Omani trinkets and souvenirs. Most of the shops in the souq close between 2pm and 4pm, so make sure that you time your trip so that you do not arrive too late or too early after your lunch.
Al-Alam Palace (30 minutes to 1 hour)
The Sultan invites heads of states and monarchs to Al-Alam Palace when they come visit, and even though you can’t go inside, it is still one of the most iconic buildings in the country and a favourite to all Instagrammers. You can come here during the day or at night for a walk on foot from around the front of the palace all the way to the back to see the two castles, Jalali and Mirani, overseeing the coastline.
Stroll by the Beach (1 to 2 hours)
Depending on the time of sunset, you can go to Qurum Beach or Athaiba Beach to stroll by the beach and watch the locals play football and exercise.
Dinner
If you did not get to try Ubhar or Bait Al-Luban, this is your final chance to do so. If you would like to go somewhere with a variety of stylish eating options, not necessary Omani, you can go to Al-Mouj Muscat and try one of the many restaurants by the marina.