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 did a great job planning our Honeymoon. After wedding planning, it was great to go on a trip that had it all planned and we did not have to worry; it helped decrease stress that usually comes with travel. Our guides were amazing - we loved the individualized tours and not being in a large group.
My latest trip with Jacada to Cambodia and Thailand was nothing short of incredible. Ellie & Jessica organized and planned a well-rounded and organized trip for me and my husband. They listened to our interests and desires to plan the perfect trip for us. There is nothing more luxurious than a Jacada-planned trip where the accommodations are spectacular, the private…
Many thanks to Rosie and Grace for suggesting and arranging an incredible family trip to Oman. Prior to this trip, we knew very little about the country as it is not a common destination for Americans. We absolutely loved it and look forward to more and more exciting trips with Jacada!
Once again Jacada delivered a wonderful holiday for us. Rachel and Gita listened to what we wanted to experience and made it happen. Their attention to detail is exceptional and everyone involved in our journey ensured that our experiences were perfectly executed. We had an amazing time and learned so much as we travelled from place to place. We were…
We booked a 10 day trip to Oman with Jacana Travel. It was incredibly helpful to have a knowledgeable team to rely on to help us plan and book this trip - as both my husband and I were too consumed with work to give it the full attention it deserved. The result was a tremendous 10 day trip to…
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