Muscat

Muscat is the capital city of Oman, located in the northeast of the country. It sits on the Gulf of Oman, surrounded by mountains, desert and the Arabian sea on one side.

Sanjana Singh

A sun sets in a deep orange sky over the ocean as groups of people walk along the beach.

Hayak,

I grew up in Khasab, a port union in Oman. Back then, Muscat was the go-to place for a trip or vacation. Winters are very pleasant. I love spending some time there once a year to see my friends and family and relive those childhood memories all over again. It’s all about spending time in nature, by the sea, or in the mountains; relaxing and witnessing amazing sunrises and sunsets; and enjoying authentic Arabian food.

More from Sanjana’s travels

Recommendations from Sanjana

Millennium Hotel Mussanah (towards the north of Muscat) or Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort (towards the south of Muscat) are both amazing places to stay. They’re on the beach and offer exotic Mediterranean cuisine.
The Misfah Old House offers a truly unique Omani experience.

Bait Al Mandi for MIddle Eastern cuisine.
Ramssa Restaurant for barbequed Middle Eastern food.
Knafat for the best kunafa in the city. Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert made with spun pastry called kataifi, which is soaked in a sweet syrup called attar, and typically layered with cheese or clotted cream and pistachio or other nuts, depending on the region.

Try the traditional Qahwa, made from Omani coffee, from any local joint. It’s what guests are served when they’re invited to an Omani house.

Turtle reserve (in Sur, South of Muscat) – See the turtles who migrate from Australia to lay eggs on the same beach after every 20 to 30 years.
Camping in Jabel Shams – Also known as the Arabian Grand canyon, Jabel Shams is the highest mountain range of Oman and the first place in the country to see the sunrise.
Mutrah Soug – A traditional market that showcases local cultural goods, household items, clothing, spices, antiques and more.
Other reccomendations – Dolphin Marina, Grand Mosque of Oman, The Royal Opera House, hot spring in Nakhal Fort, Bimmah sinkhole.