With its crumbling fortresses, dizzying souks and statuesque mosques, Oman offers a tantalizing glimpse of “old Arabia” — yet with a slick, future-focused edge. Its capital, Muscat, sits between a bustling seafront and cloud-piercing mountain peaks, a bewitching backdrop for its palaces and museums. A little further from the city center, golden beaches await, as well as the Hajar Mountains for hiking, wildlife and off-road adventures.
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The rocks around Muscat harbor are covered in graffiti by foreign ship crews — like a visitors’ book for military sailors. Legend has it, a young Horatio Nelson even left his mark here in the 1770s.
QUICK GUIDE
WHEN TO GO
Oct. – March: Expect long sunny days and temperatures around 87 degrees, or lower in December and January, perfect for exploring the cities, hitting the beach and hiking in the Hajar Mountains.
April – Sept.: Temperatures soar, but prices fall; you’ll spend your trip flitting between the pool and air-conditioned attractions, like Muscat’s malls, the National Museum and the Royal Opera House.
NEED TO KNOW
Visas: Citizens of 103 countries — including the U.S. — can visit Oman without a visa for stays of 14 days or less. For other visa options, check with the Foreign Ministry of Oman.
Money: Local currency is the Omani rial; its exchange rate is pegged to the U.S. dollar. Shops, taxis and restaurants accept credit card payments, though cash is useful for tipping. ATMs are widely available.
Travel Health: Check with the Foreign Ministry of Oman for the latest health safety information, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.
GETTING AROUND
Getting Here: Muscat International Airport is the country’s main international hub. It is 15 minutes from central Muscat; taxis, buses, car rentals and hotel shuttles operate from the airport.
Getting Around: Some areas of Muscat are walkable, such as Muttrah and Ruwi, but taxis are the easiest way to get from points A to B. Fares are cheap, with a minimum charge of 1 rial. For journeys outside the capital, a rental car is advised.
LOCAL INTEL
Local Lingo: Gulf Arabic is the official language in Oman, though English is widely spoken in Muscat. When haggling in the souk, impress the shopkeepers with a few handy phrases: Bikam?: How much is it? Ktir ghali: Too expensive. Mish mumkin: Not possible. Na’am!: Yes! Shukran: Thank you.
Must-Have Apps: Otaxi; Mwasalat; Oman Address
Insider Tip: In hotels, restaurants and the souk, you may be offered tiny cups of cardamom-scented Arabic coffee — which are refilled constantly as a traditional sign of welcome. Accept a cup with your right hand; when you’ve had enough, shake the cup slightly to signal you’re done.