Things to Do in Muscat Beyond the Tourist Trail

Whether you're returning to Oman (because it tends to call you back) or visiting for the very first time, Muscat offers understated beauty and a refreshing change of pace. This laid-back city provides relaxed experiences and its locals are renowned across the Gulf Arab region for their exceptional kindness and hospitality.

While popular Muscat attractions like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Mutrah Souq are rightfully on everyone's list of must-see places, the best adventures in Muscat lie beyond the well-trodden path.

At Mercure Muscat, you’re perfectly placed to explore the city’s lesser-known areas. Centrally located in Al Khuwair, the hotel is surrounded by mountains and sea, offering spacious rooms with dreamy views. Mercure Muscat also features onsite restaurants, a gym, spa, and pool, so you can cool off in the mornings or after a long day of sightseeing. It’s provides a comfortable, chic space to return to after exploring Muscat's attractions.

From scenic walks to scent-infused factories, you can relax here and get lost in the Omani way of life. If you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer getaway, this go-to guide offers a thoughtful list of things to do in Muscat beyond the basics. 

Imagine stepping into an old Omani home from the 1970s – or better yet, the ’80s, for all you millennials out there. In this room, a vintage radio hums softly, embroidered Quranic verses adorn the walls, and the lingering scent of Arabic incense, or bukhoor, welcomes you in.

This understated white-stone museum, also known as Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art, blends modern creativity with treasured memories of 20th-century Omani life. Each room is thoughtfully styled to reflect a typical Omani home from different decades, creating an immersive experience through time and tradition. It’s a unique experience that allows for a deeper connection to local culture.

Whether you're a seafood lover or just curious about Oman’s coastal life, the Muttrah Fish Market is a must-visit. The market is based in Oman’s largest and most storied harbour. From here, you can enjoy the views connecting the sea with the mountains.

Once a traditional hub of ancient trade and maritime life, Muttrah’s port is where heritage is served fresh every morning. The sleek, modern market now sits just steps from the original 1960s fish market. 

It makes perfect sense to visit a luxury perfume house right after the fish market, right? What a switch from the scent of the sea! At the Amouage Visitor’s Centre, you can tour the elegant perfume factory and breathe in the calming aromas of bergamot, frankincense, or sweet neroli. The Gulf Arab countries are known for their rich perfume heritage, and Oman is no exception.

This aspect of Omani and Gulf culture reflects a tradition deeply rooted in Islamic values – it was a way of life also in ancient Andalusia. Cleanliness and a high level of hygiene are central to this tradition, with perfumes used to purify the body and bukhoor (traditional Arabian incense) used to enhance one's surroundings. 

As a sign of respect and spiritual care, these traditions date back for centuries. Amouage is a perfect stop for those who enjoy sensory experiences and a great place to shop for unique gifts – with or for your significant other.

Imagine rows of crisp white thobes, traditional garments worn by Omani men, hanging neatly in shopfronts. Nearby, windows gleam with 21-karat gold bracelets, rings, and necklaces, often gifted to brides in a tradition deeply rooted in local culture.

This is no tourist trap. Seeb Souq is the real thing. Off the beaten track, this authentic coastal market usually sees fewer tourists. It’s a well-known market where locals shop for everyday essentials, wedding gifts, and wardrobe staples. You can also find textiles, nuts, or spices at wholesale prices.

At Al Mouj Marina Walk, you get a glimpse of where locals enjoy stylish urban living by the sea. Just a 15-minute cab ride from Mercure Muscat, this vibrant promenade is a favourite spot for modern locals to shop, eat, and unwind. The marina offers indoor as well as outdoor dining, allowing you to take in the sea breeze as you enjoy your meal.

Head to Sukoon Restaurant for contemporary Mediterranean dishes, or opt for modern Italian favourites at Fresco – a great date spot. You can also try Merdost Turkish Restaurant, where you’ll find sizzling grilled meats, creamy yoghurt dips, and sweet treats like baklava.

Merdost is a local favourite – Turkish food has become increasingly popular amongst Gulf Arabs and shares many elements with Arabic cuisine, such as hearty meat, eastern spices, and rice dishes. Of course, you also have the option to enjoy authentic Gulf cuisine, or Khaleeji, as it’s called in Arabic.

For a sophisticated experience, Café Batool is a must-visit, serving traditional Arabic coffee and dates with a modern twist. We’ll get to another important suggestion later for the foodies at heart. Keep an eye out for it below!

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Masjid, or mosque in Arabic, is the largest in Oman. It’s also one of Muscat’s most iconic landmarks. With its soaring minarets, intricate mosaics, and grand prayer hall, the mosque is a merging of modern Islamic architecture and Omani tradition.

Visitors are more than welcome, but it’s important to keep in mind mosque etiquette: dress modestly (long sleeves and trousers for men, as well as maxi dresses and headscarves for women), and remove your shoes before entering the mosque.

Open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times, the mosque offers an inspiring glimpse into the country’s spiritual heart. Also, keep in mind that it’s closed for non-Muslim visitors on Fridays for weekly congregational prayers.

Local families come to Riyam Park for quiet picnics and strolls, and it’s rarely crowded. Not many people know it, but there are small hidden trails that link to nearby villages and traditional neighbourhoods.

If you head up to the Incense Burner Monument, you can also enjoy some stellar views over Mutrah Bay. This is where the Gulf of Oman really shines from Muscat. 

Last but not least, you don’t want to miss dining at Rozna Restaurant, just off Sultan Qaboos Highway. Housed in a traditional-style fort, this local gem captures the humble charm of Gulf Arab design with its sand-coloured walls, arched Islamic-inspired windows, and cosy atmosphere.

The cuisine is just as memorable, with colourful rice dishes layered with warm spices like saffron, cardamom, and crispy fried onions – not the battered kind you’d find in American diners. You can enjoy various dishes served with grilled meats, chicken, vegetables, or fresh fish. You can even choose to sit on the floor and dine the traditional way. It's a thoughtful touch that adds to the authenticity and cultural richness of the meal.

The best time to visit is between October and April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for exploring the many things to do in Muscat. During these months, you can enjoy Muscat’s outdoor cafés, historical sites, and breezy seaside walks minus the intense heat of the summer.

To fully enjoy your stay, make Mercure Muscat your base. It’s well located for curious travellers who value comfort, convenience, and a local touch.

Make sure to include loose, modest clothing in your luggage. It’s the most comfortable choice for the desert climate and a respectful way to align with local norms. And just like that, you're ready to experience Muscat.