MuscatCapital
Oman · Country profile
Muscat is the capital of Oman, a white, low-rise city of extraordinary natural beauty that curves its long, immaculate coastline between the dark mountains of the Hajar and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. The city is spread across several historic districts, from the old quarters of the Muttrah with its corniche and its souq to the modern government district of the Ruwi and the bays of the new developments, and its great mosque, its opera house and its forts frame the splendid public architecture. The city is one of the safest, cleanest and most orderly capitals in the world, and its everyday life runs on the sea, the mountains and the remarkably warm welcome of the Omani people. Elegant, calm and deeply authentic, Muscat is the perfect gateway to the wilder beauties of the sultanate.
About Muscat
Muscat is the capital of Oman. The city's documented population is around 1,733,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR) and Arabic is spoken; the dialling code is +968. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Muscat International Airport.
The Corniche, the Mosque and the Forts of the Bays
Muscat is a coastal capital of the white limestone, whose quiet, low-rise dignity sets it apart from the glitzy towers of its Gulf neighbours. The corniche of the Muttrah, the great mosque, the opera house and the old souq are the essential circuit, and the beaches, the mountains and the wadis of the surroundings give the city its outdoor life. It is a calm, orderly, family-orientated place, where the pace is slow and the welcome is genuine. The city is less a checklist of sights than a beautiful, restful base from which the whole country, the forts, the desert and the coast, opens up with remarkable ease.
The Cooler Months, the Dress and the Rial of the Souq
The cooler months from November to March are the season to come, when the outdoor life of the coast and the mountains is at its best; the summer is fierce and humid on the coast. Dress is conservative and modest, covering the shoulders and the knees in the public spaces. The great mosque has its own visiting hours and its modest dress code for the visitors. The currency is the Omani rial, one of the strongest in the world, and the cards are widely accepted, though the cash is useful in the souq. The car is the natural way around the spread-out city, and the roads are wide, safe and empty of the usual Gulf traffic. Friday is the weekend anchor, so plan around the prayer times.
The Mountains of the Hajar, the Wadis and the Curves of the Coast
The corniche of the Muttrah with its old souq and its dhows is the classic walk of the city, and the twin forts of the old quarters and the opera house add the landmarks. The great mosque of the Sultan, one of the most beautiful in the world, is open to the visitors outside the prayer times and its enormous marble hall and its chandeliers are the essential sight. The bays of the city, from the beaches of the Qurum to the quieter coves of the east, hold the swimming and the sea life, and the mountains of the Hajar rise directly behind the city for the drives and the viewpoints. The wadis of the region, the old riverbeds with their pools, are the great day trips. The city is safe, elegant and quietly magnificent.
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- Country
- Oman
- Population
- 1,733,000
- Coordinates
- 23.5933, 58.2844
- Capital
- Muscat
- Region
- Asia
- Currency
- Omani Rial (OMR)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +968
- Country code
- OM
Entry requirements for Oman
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Oman for tourism.
Getting to Muscat
Airports we list for Muscat:
Frequently asked questions
Is Muscat the capital of Oman?
Yes — Muscat is the capital of Oman.
What currency do I need in Muscat?
The local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR). Languages spoken in Oman include Arabic.
What is the dialling code for Oman?
The international dialling code for Oman is +968.
Which airport should I fly into for Muscat?
Muscat International Airport (MCT) is the airport we list for Muscat.
Do I need a visa to visit Oman?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Australia (e-visa), Canada (e-visa), France (e-visa), Germany (e-visa) and India (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Muscat? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.