Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Muscat
Oman is a country of infinite deserts, majestic mountains, and ancient traditions, which makes it a perfect place for travelers. It occupies the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Most of the country’s landscape is treeless and sandy; however, it still contains mesmerizing places that are worth visiting.
The country’s center of attraction is Muscat, which is the country’s capital and is situated along the northern coast. The city has a lot to offer to tourists as it has a perfect blend of traditional and modern architecture. Also, you can get the best view of the Gulf of Oman, which serves as the commercial hub and port.
Muscat has become one of the most popular tourist destinations. If you want to swim or relax to enjoy a fun-filled time with your loved ones, you can consider visiting Qurrum Beach. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery or experience a scuba diving excursion, so you can explore plenty of things according to your interests.
On the other hand, if you are an adventure freak, you can visit the Al Hajar Mountains, which is the highest range of the Arabian Peninsula. It is the best place for hikers and also offers amazing mountain scenery for visitors. Such beautiful places in Muscat are definitely worth your time and money.
Let’s explore this guide that will help you know the best places to visit in Muscat with family. It will make a valuable addition to your memories.
Book flights with Aviasales for your next Oman trip-
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Table of Contents
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The sight of this architectural wonder will fill you with awe, as its amazement is commendable. With a capacity of 20,000 people, Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in the world.
When the sun falls on the mosque’s dome, sparkles spread everywhere in the iconic city, which is a sight to behold. The appealing design patterns, chandeliers, and carpets enhance the look and feel of this beautiful mosque.
Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said inaugurated the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat on 4 May 2001. It was a gift from the nation’s leader for the celebration of his third decade in power. By building this grandest mosque in Muscat, he took Oman a few steps forward to become a modern state. By preserving Islamic traditions, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said earned the credibility of the local people.
This mosque is Oman’s tallest structure, with five 90-metre minarets and five towers, which are designed to portray the five pillars of Islam. It includes the Profession of Faith, Prayer, Alms, Fasting, and Pilgrimage.
Another special thing about Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the hand-loomed prayer carpet which is placed in the main musalla. 600 Iranian women have completed this 21-tonne carpet in around four years. It contains 28 natural vegetable dyes and 1.7 million knots.
The library of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is also a cultural landmark that symbolizes the renaissance of Oman’s contemporary. There are over 23,000 books in the library which are related to Islamic history and culture, philosophy, psychology, fine arts, and natural science.
Separate sections are made in the library, so you can easily find books of interest to you. There is a section for children as well, so you may check out it as well if you are traveling with kids.
Another great thing is that non-muslims are also allowed to visit the mosque. On Fridays, the mosque is closed for a specific time due to Friday’s prayer. Check Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque timings before planning your trip.
Also, non-muslim tourists have to follow the proper dress code according to Islamic culture while visiting the mosque.
There is a gift shop and cafe at the entrance of the mosque. Women can also rent out full-length dresses from here to properly cover themselves. As a gesture of respect, it is better to avoid the needless use of mobile phones.
It would be right to say that Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the main spot for tourists in Muscat, so you can not miss this place. If you are thinking about what to see in Muscat in one day, then this place should be on your list.
Having budget clarity is crucial, so you must inquire about the current price of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque tickets. It will help you plan your budget properly.
Book your stay with Hotetllook for the best rates, exceptional services, and a seamless experience!
Affiliate Disclosure
We prioritize transparency with our readers. If you purchase through our affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions enable us to provide independent, high-quality content to our readers. We only recommend products and services that we personally use or have thoroughly researched and believe will add value to our audience.
What to Eat When You Visit Muscat
Muscat offers some mouthwatering foods that you must try. The fresh and delicious seafood, which has aromatic spices, is something you can afford to miss.
The traditional Omani dish, such as shuwa, is also worth trying. It is a dish in which goat or lamb is cooked in underground sand for hours. It may take one day for a dish to be completely cooked. Most restaurants in Muscat give typical vibes of Omani culture and architecture, which is something you must experience.
What is the Best Time to Visit Muscat
You may be wondering what is the best month to visit Muscat. It is really important to plan your trip carefully to avoid the scorching heat of Muscat. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to visit Muscat in the summer, as it will add no value to your journey.
The best time to visit Muscat is between October and March because weather conditions are suitable in these months. You will not experience extreme hot weather conditions in these months, so plan your trip during this time. It will make your journey comfortable and help you make the most out of your tour.
Which Airline to Consider When You Visit Muscat
It depends on your budget and which airline you can afford to travel to Muscat. However, some of the best airlines that you can consider in this regard are Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Etihad Airways. Currently, the best airline in Oman is Oman Air, so you must check out their official site to learn more details.
It is important to know whether these airlines operate in your country or not, so do proper research beforehand before booking the ticket. Again, budget is the most important factor, so make decisions accordingly.
Final Words
Visiting Muscat can be one of the best travel experiences of your life. From exploring typical Islamic culture to delicious foods to the hospitality of kind people, there are plenty of things that you can do there. It would be better to make a to-do list that will save you time and effort during the journey.
FAQs
- How many days are enough for Muscat?
Ans: Two days are enough to visit Muscat. It will enable you to explore different places like beaches, restaurants, and other popular places that will give you an authentic experience of the city.
- What is the best month to visit Oman?
Ans: It is better to plan a trip between October and March because weather conditions in these months are mild, which is perfect for tourists.
- What is the best airline in Oman?
Ans: The best airline in Oman is Oman Air, which ensures a comfortable experience for passengers and can be the perfect option for people who have a decent budget. It offers a great experience for business-class travelers.
For your next visit to Muscat, we recommend booking flights with Aviasales for cheap and hassle free travel-
Book your stay with Hotetllook for the best rates, exceptional services, and a seamless experience!
