A blend of ancient charm and modern elegance
Set on a cove fringed by volcanic mountains and stark desert, Oman’s port capital Muscat is an intriguing blend of modern city architecture and historic buildings. You’ll see arched windows and fort-like castellations, mosaics, courtyards and desert rose limestone walls. A little exploring uncovers Arab, Persian, Indian, Portuguese, African and recent Western influences in both the city itself as well as the customs and traditions of the people who call it home.
The city was under Portuguese control from 1508 to 1650 and two 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, still look out over the harbour and the Arabian Sea from the clifftops. Parts of Muscat’s old wall are still standing, as well as some of its gates. And on the shore, you’ll find the sultan’s Indian-style palace. There are also numerous mosques here, one of the most notable being the marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its 50m dome and remarkable hand-woven Persian carpet, one of the largest in the world.
Delve into the city and country’s interesting history at a variety of museums here, from the Museum of Omani Heritage and the Oman Children’s Museum, to the Omani French Museum and the Omani Aquarium and Marine Science and Fisheries Centre.
In the city itself, the vibrant souks beckon. Labyrinthine passageways are a feast for the senses, crammed with overflowing stalls selling everything from handmade footwear and traditional textiles, to ornate gold jewellery and beads. The treasure trove that is Mutrah Souk is certainly worth more than one visit.
Highlights
Wander through the old quarter surrounded by 500 year old walls.
Head out onto the Arabian Sea in search of dolphins.
Explore the souks of Muscat, perhaps selecting a signature scent at the high perfumer Amouage.
Jack Beckford
Travel Designer
Muscat is a great first stop for any trip to Oman, a small city where the people are welcoming and ready to share their culture with you. Visit the souks, marvel at the Sultan Qaboos Mosque or enjoy a night of the arts at the Muscat Opera House all surrounded by the calm seas of the Gulf of Oman used as a shelter for dolphins with some great snorkelling spots.
Jack Beckford
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Muscat
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
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Wahiba Sands invites you to drink in the stark beauty of an ever-shifting desert landscape.
Discover moreMeet your Middle East team
When to Visit
The best time to visit Muscat is between October to April, the winter months when the temperatures are still warm, but much more pleasant than the very hot summer months between June and August. These milder temperatures are perfect for exploring the city and markets.
City Exploring
October - April
Beat the Crowds
March - April
Plan your trip to
Oman
Whatever you want from your adventure in Oman, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Jacada planned a birthday trip to S. America including Rio, Iguazu Falls, the Atacama Desert and a cruise on the Amazon. Our travel designer Charles recommended superior properties and went the extra mile to secure favorable pricing for our itinerary. Jacada was supportive through the entire process and the trip went off without a hitch. We travelled with the confidence…
The trip was amazing ! Jody did a great job Of organizing everything and went over and above for making my big birthday special! Will recommend Jody and macadamia to everyone planning a trip to Namibia!
Jacada was our first choice for creating a memorable holiday experience. It all began with a very empathetic phone call where they carefully listened to our preferences, dos, and don’ts. We were kept well-informed throughout the booking process. Everything was so well-organized that there wasn’t much we wanted to do differently. We completely trusted their recommendations for hotels, guides, drivers,…
The moment we contacted Jacada and talked with the representative I knew this company was differential. We took time to work through the agenda, accommodations and expectations. Before the trip we were contacted about making dinner reservations as well as going over the itinerary to make sure we were all set. We were also given ideas on books to read…
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