Here is an article on why you should consider travelling to Muscat and discover one of the Middle East’s most authentic and rewarding capital cities. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is an incredible destination that must be visited. What makes Omani cities unique is their balance, authenticity, and a deep sense of place.
Located between the Hajar Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, Muscat feels ancient and grounded. If you enjoy culture, history, and natural beauty without excessive tourism, travel to Muscat offers one of the most meaningful experiences in the region.
Here are the top 11 reasons to travel to Muscat and why it deserves a place on your travel bucket list.
1. Authentically Preserved Arabian Culture
Muscat offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences in the Gulf, where Omani traditions remain part of daily life and are never staged. You will see men wearing the dishdasha, women dressed modestly, and social customs centred on respect, hospitality, and humility.
Modernization in Muscat is carefully managed, allowing cultural heritage to remain intact. When you travel to Muscat, you experience living traditions through local mosques, neighbourhood markets, and family-run cafés and restaurants.
2. Travel to Muscat, Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
There are few capitals as visually striking as Muscat. Jagged Hajar Mountains rise dramatically behind the city, while the coastline unfolds into coves, cliffs, and open sea.
This rare geography creates scale and serenity. A scenic drive during your travel to Muscat reveals rocky headlands, glowing desert mountains at sunset, and calm turquoise waters that shape the city’s rhythm and character.
3. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
One of the most beautiful religious structures in the Islamic world, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, is a highlight of any travel to Muscat itinerary.
This architectural masterpiece was built using globally sourced materials and crafted by thousands of artisans. You will find ornate chandeliers, intricate marble floors, and one of the world’s largest handwoven carpets.
This mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors and offers a rare opportunity to engage with Islamic architecture and spirituality in a welcoming, educational environment.
4. Travel to Muscat and Explore Mutrah Corniche and Souqs
The Mutrah Corniche is one of Muscat’s most atmospheric areas. The harbour is lined with whitewashed buildings, traditional dhows, and dramatic mountain views.
Just steps away is Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the region. During your travel to Muscat, wandering its narrow lanes filled with spices, silver, textiles, and frankincense offers deep immersion into Omani trade culture.
5. A Calm and Relaxing Pace When You Travel to Muscat
Muscat is known for its calm pace of life compared to other global capitals. Traffic is manageable, streets feel orderly, and daily life unfolds patiently rather than urgently.
This atmosphere encourages travellers to slow down. Whether enjoying coffee by the sea or an evening walk along the Corniche, travel to Muscat promotes mindfulness, reflection, and presence.
6. Safe and Welcoming
Oman has a reputation as one of the safest countries in the Middle East, and Muscat exemplifies that, with crime rare and visitors remarking on the warmth and welcome from the local population. Omani’s are polite and sincerely helpful, and will go out of their way to help travelers.
This makes travel to Muscat especially appealing for solo travelers and first-time visitors to the region.
7. Travel to Muscat as a Gateway to Natural Adventures
Muscat’s location places extraordinary landscapes within easy reach. Within one to two hours, travellers can access wadis with emerald pools, mountain trails, and pristine beaches.
One popular excursion during travel to Muscat is Wadi Shab, known for swimming, hiking, and dramatic canyon scenery. Few cities offer such easy transitions from urban comfort to untouched nature.
8. A Deep and Visible History
Oman’s maritime and trading history is clearly visible throughout Muscat. Forts such as Al Mirani and Al Jalali guard the old harbour, reflecting the city’s strategic importance.
Museums like the National Museum of Oman and Bait Al Zubair provide historical context from ancient civilisations to modern nation-building, enriching your travel to Muscat experience.
9. Refined and Subtle Luxury
Luxury in Muscat feels understated and refined. Instead of skyscrapers, high-end resorts blend into the landscape, focusing on space, tranquillity, and thoughtful architecture.
Properties such as Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and The Chedi Muscat offer comfort without excess, aligning perfectly with Oman’s cultural values and enhancing the experience of travel to Muscat.
10. Delicious Cuisine
Omani cuisine reflects centuries of maritime trade with Persia, India, and East Africa. When you travel to Muscat, you will notice flavours that are aromatic rather than spicy, featuring dried limes, saffron, cardamom, and cloves.
Signature dishes include shuwa, a slow-cooked underground dish cooked for days, and majboos (kabsa), a fragrant rice dish with meat or seafood. Omani coffee (kahwa), dates, and halwa complete the culinary experience.
11. Travel to Muscat as a Gateway to the Rest of Oman
One of the strongest reasons to travel to Muscat is its role as a starting point for exploring Oman. You can explore the desert camps in the Wahiba Sands, the mountain villages of Jebel Akhdar, or historic coastal towns located on the Arabian Sea. Muscat offers the perfect comfort and cultural grounding for exploring the rest of Oman’s remote regions, making it an excellent starting point.
Some final thoughts on Muscat
Travel to Muscat offers quiet beauty revealed through meaningful moments: the sound of waves hitting the Corniche, the glowing marble courtyards of a mosque, the generosity of the locals, or the breathtaking view of the mountains at sunset. If you are a traveller seeking cultural depth, authenticity, safety, and natural beauty without encountering over-tourism, Muscat offers an enduring and unique experience.
The memories made on this trip will stick with you long after you leave, filling your mind with the incredible moments you had there and perhaps making you want to return.
Healthcare in Muscat for Travelers and Expats
Healthcare in Oman is modern, reliable, and among the best in the Middle East. The city has well-equipped public hospitals and high-quality private medical facilities that meet international standards, with many doctors trained abroad. English is widely spoken in hospitals and clinics, making medical access straightforward for international visitors.
While public healthcare mainly serves citizens, private healthcare is easily accessible and efficient for travellers and expats. Before you travel, it is strongly recommended that you arrange travel insurance for Oman to ensure access to private hospitals, emergency care, and specialist treatment without incurring unexpected medical expenses.
Written by Mark T., a travel writer focused on culture, authentic destinations, and meaningful travel experiences.
