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Best Things to do in Muscat (2026)

The best experiences in and around Muscat mix the old trading city with the landscapes of the interior. In town, Mutrah Souq is the essential evening outing: wander the roofed lanes for frankincense, silver, textiles and khanjars, then walk the corniche as the lights come on. Many of the most rewarding trips, though, leave the capital behind. Wadi Shab, about two hours down the coast, combines a short boat crossing, a hike and a swim through turquoise pools to a cave waterfall, and Bimmah Sinkhole makes an easy stop on the way.

Inland, Nizwa Fort and its souq make a full-day trip into the heart of Oman, while Nakhl Fort, west of the city, is a shorter outing with mountain views and long opening hours. For the desert, A'Sharqiyah Sands is best experienced overnight in a camp, ideally combined with Wadi Bani Khalid on the way. The best season for all of these is from September or October to April. Hire a car if you are confident driving, or join a guided tour, which is the simplest way to tackle wadis and sand dunes. Start early to beat the heat, bring water and sun protection, and dress modestly in villages and souqs.

5 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Muscat

  1. Mutrah Souq Traditional market, MutrahOne of Oman's oldest markets, a maze of covered lanes behind Mutrah Corniche selling frankincense, silver, textiles, spices and khanjars.
  2. Wadi Shab day trip Wadi hike and swim, Tiwi (Al Sharqiyah South)A day trip from Muscat to a limestone canyon near Tiwi, with a short boat crossing, a trail past palm groves and turquoise pools leading to a cave waterfall.
  3. Nizwa Fort and Souq day trip Historic fort and market day trip, Nizwa (Al Dakhiliyah)A day trip inland to Nizwa, the old capital of the interior, to climb the great round tower of its 17th-century fort and browse the souq beside it.

Thing to do

1. Mutrah Souq

Traditional marketMutrah

One of Oman's oldest markets, a maze of covered lanes behind Mutrah Corniche selling frankincense, silver, textiles, spices and khanjars.

View details — Mutrah Souq

Thing to do

2. Wadi Shab day trip

Wadi hike and swimTiwi (Al Sharqiyah South)

A day trip from Muscat to a limestone canyon near Tiwi, with a short boat crossing, a trail past palm groves and turquoise pools leading to a cave waterfall.

View details — Wadi Shab day trip