Muscat Travel Guide
- heliya erfani
- 1 year ago
Muscat travel guide, hidden ruby of the Middle East
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is one of the attractive tourist destinations in the Middle East. A city with rich history, diverse culture and beautiful nature that attracts many tourists every year. If you are planning to travel to Muscat, this comprehensive guide is prepared for you to get to know this city with the best possible experience.
In this article, we will briefly introduce Muscat and its outstanding features. From the history of the city and local culture to the weather and places of natural and historical attractions, you will find it all. Stay with Sepahran blog until the end of the article.
Muscat is the capital of Oman and is located on the Gulf of Oman along the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Geographically, Muscat is characterized by a combination of rocky hills, rugged mountains and a stunning coastline. The city is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, which provide a beautiful backdrop. The natural beauty of this area with a combination of mountains and sea has made Muscat a beautiful destination.
The climate in Muscat can best be described as a desert climate, with high temperatures prevalent throughout the year. The city endures intense heat during the summer months, often reaching around 40°C (104°F). Winters are comparatively mild, with temperatures fluctuating between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The city receives minimal rainfall, with the scant precipitation typically occurring during the winter months.
Visiting Oman during the winter months allows you to explore the city’s attractions and participate in outdoor activities without being subjected to extreme heat. This period is perfect for a visit to the beaches, trekking in the nearby mountains, and discovering historical sites and cultural points of interest.
The best time to visit Muscat and relish the city in ideal weather conditions is during the winter months, from November to March. During this season, you can expect milder temperatures in Muscat, with average highs oscillating between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) and cooler nights.
Visiting Oman during the winter months allows you to explore the city’s attractions and participate in outdoor activities without being subjected to extreme heat. This period is perfect for a visit to the beaches, trekking in the nearby mountains, and discovering historical sites and cultural points of interest.
If you plan to visit Oman during Ramadan, it’s crucial to be aware that the country’s laws become notably stringent during this holy month. Public eating and drinking are considered offenses, punishable by a prison term ranging from 10 days to 3 months or a fine. However, it should be noted that these restrictions do not apply to non-Muslims.
It is possible to travel to Muscat by plane and sea.
The most common and convenient method of reaching Muscat, Oman, is by air. Muscat hats an international airport known as Muscat International Airport (MCT), which maintains strong connectivity with numerous domestic and international destinations.
Flights to Muscat can be booked from all major cities worldwide. The cost of air travel to Muscat can vary based on several factors, including the airline, travel season, and the timing of your ticket purchase.
Currently, Oman does not have a train network, which makes traveling by train not a viable option for reaching Muscat.
Regarding traveling by ship to Muscat, it is better to know that Muscat has a port called Bandar Sultan Qaboos, which accepts pleasure and cargo ships. You can travel to this port city through countries that have access to open waters. The cost of traveling to Muscat by ferry can vary depending on the route, duration and type of cabin or ticket you choose.
In general, the cost of traveling to Muscat can vary depending on the type of transport, time of year and your travel preferences. It is recommended that you check and compare the prices of flights, cruises, or ferry services to find the best option that fits your budget and travel needs.
In general, the cost of traveling to Oman includes the cost of plane tickets, accommodation, visa, food, transportation, buying souvenirs and visiting Oman’s sights.
Keep in mind that these costs vary according to the monetary value of tourists, and the type of trip. Because some tourists tend to experience luxury and high-cost travel and spend the most money in Oman. There are also tourists who are looking for a trip to Oman at the lowest possible cost.
It is important to consider these points and it must be said that the calculation of travel costs to Oman will not be accurate anyway. Also, some people may have questions about whether a visa is required to travel to Oman?
In response, it should be said: Iranian tourists who intend to travel to this country for 10 days can travel to Oman without the need for a visa. However, you need to keep in mind that there are some strict rules for entering Oman.
Before traveling, tourists should make sure that they have booked hotel accommodation, return tickets and Oman tourism health insurance before traveling. It should also be kept in mind that there is no permission to extend the period of stay in Oman for another 10 days, and in case of delay in returning, a fine of 10 Omani Rials will be imposed for each day of delay.
Transportation cost in Oman includes intra-city and extra-city cost. The public transportation system in Oman includes buses, taxis, and rental cars.
1. Buses: Buses are an important public transportation system in Muscat. Buses in Oman run regularly and without long stops. Their traffic route is from Sultan Qaboos Street to the airport and vice versa. Meanwhile, this system works very poorly in the city.
2. Taxi: There are also taxis in Muscat that you can use to travel around the city. The cost of traveling by taxi to different destinations varies and you should ask the price before getting on. In addition to city and public taxis, internet taxis are also active
3. Rental cars: In Muscat, you can use rental cars to easily travel in and around the city. The cost of renting a car depends on the type and size of the car and the duration of the rental.
When you arrive at Oman airport, you can use city taxis to reach the hotel and move around the city. Airport taxis are waiting for tourists at the beginning of Terminal 1 and 2.
The travel time from the airport to the city center is about 25 minutes. Using a taxi is more expensive than city buses. Hello Taxis service provides safe and comfortable taxis for tourists. Normal taxis in Oman have white and orange colors, you can use these taxis for commuting in the city. Therefore, it is better to get a little discount when paying. Internet taxis are another transportation option in Oman’s urban system. You can book a taxi from two internet transportation service companies through Marhaba Taxi and Otaxi applications.
Keep in mind that the value of money in Oman is very high and the costs of traveling to this country are generally higher compared to other Arab countries.
The cost of sightseeing in Oman depends on the type and duration of the tour you select. This fee can vary depending on the services provided during the tour. If you arrange a private tour for yourself, the cost may be higher. Some tours may include additional services such as meals, transfers, entrances to attractions and guides, which can increase the cost.
Oman has local and luxury restaurants. If you don’t care about the cost of food and you don’t have any restrictions, you can eat in luxury restaurants in Oman. Dining in local restaurants is also less expensive, besides giving you the opportunity to taste the good taste of Oman’s local cuisine. You can eat delicious food in local restaurants with a low budget.
The cost of internet in Oman varies and depends on the type of connection, internet service provider and contract plan you choose. You can use mobile internet (mobile networks) in Oman. Normally, internet service providers in Oman offer different packages that have reasonable costs.
Note that Oman has two well-known telecommunications operators, Omantel and Ooredoo. For tourists looking to choose the best telecom operator when traveling to Oman, both of these operators provide acceptable network coverage throughout Muscat. However, in general, we can say that Omantel has better network coverage and more users.
It is better to contact different operators before traveling to Oman and get more detailed information about their offers and prices. Internet access is also often available in hotels, restaurants, and public places, but may incur separate charges.
Typically, at Muscat International Airport, three major operators, namely Ooredoo, Omantel and Renna Mobile, offer SIM cards for sale. You can buy a SIM card from these operators in the airport entrance hall. It should be noted that the cost of buying a SIM card and prepaid communication packages depends on the operator and the contract plan you select.
Before buying a SIM card, it is better to consult the operators about the packages, prices and terms of use in order to choose the package that best suits your needs. Also, make sure that the SIM card you buy can be used in your mobile phone and is compatible with the required communication frequencies.
To buy a SIM card in Oman, you need to present your passport, usually the passport number is registered on the SIM card. This registration process is usually done in stores or operator agencies.
After completing the process of registering and buying a SIM card, a new SIM card will be registered with your name and passport number. After a few minutes, the SIM card will be activated and you can use local communication services with it. If you need to use the SIM card for a long time, you may need to activate and register additional documents, which depends on the operator’s policy and relevant laws.
It is not bad to know that the most expensive hotels in Oman are located in an area called Salalah. This area is far from Muscat, and you must reach Salalah by plane. These conditions have led to an increase in room rental prices in Oman hotels.
At Muscat International Airport, there are shops that sell goods to tourists without charging taxes. These stores, which are also called Duty Free, sell goods in which no tax is charged. The products in these stores are more affordable than other stores in Oman. Therefore, shopping at Muscat International Airport’s duty-free shops is also considered a suitable option for buying souvenirs.
The Embassy of Oman was established in May 2017. After that, it was agreed to grant airport visas to Iranian nationals in order to carry out any immigration, touristic and educational affairs for the country of Oman.
The address of the Embassy of Oman in Tehran: No. 12, Tandis Alley, Africa St
Telephone number of the Embassy of Oman: 021 (021) 22056831
Oman Embassy working hours: from Saturday to Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Working hours may change on Saturdays and Sundays, so it is recommended to call or check the website of the embassy before visiting. Website address of the Embassy of Oman: You can see more information on the website of the Embassy of Oman at the following address:
Oman visa for Iranian citizens is considered as tourist visa, business visa and transit visa. Also, for each of these visas, there are regular and immediate options.
Other types of visas are one-month visas
Please note that the validity period and exact conditions of each type of visa may be different. For more detailed information and to obtain a visa, it is better to contact the Omani embassy in Tehran or visit their website.
For detailed information and to send the necessary documents to obtain an Oman visa, it is better to contact the Oman embassy or the relevant travel agency. Here we list the usual documents for obtaining a visa:
Scan of the first page of the passport (the passenger’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the time of arrival.)
It is better to know that Oman visa is valid for one month at the airport.
The embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is located in the embassies area (Hay al-Sefarat) – Al-Khuwair in Muscat, which is responsible for following up on possible problems for Iranians traveling to Oman and other immigration-related tasks.
The working hours of the embassy are from 8:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00 and the consular section: 08:00 to 12:00 (customer reception and answering questions).
Contact phone: Phone: 24696944 and 00968- 24696947
Website address: oman.mfa.gov.ir
Oman has many sights, below we have put a list of the most famous sightseeing areas in Oman
Remember to check local laws and regulations before visiting these places, as some may require a permit or have special visiting hours.
In the following, I will prepare a list of the best hotels in Oman for you. These hotels will bring you a memorable experience of traveling to Oman due to their reasonable price and superior amenities:
|
Title |
Hotel class | Distance to the airport |
location |
|
Jumeirah Muscat Bay |
5-star hotel with spa and full services | 39 minutes | |
| Crowne Plaza Muscat | 4-star hotel with restaurant and bar | 13 minutes | |
|
The Chedi Muscat |
5-star hotel with swimming pool, private beach, spa | 11 minutes | |
|
Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat |
3-star hotel near Sultan Qaboos sports complex | 19 minutes | |
|
Levatio Suites |
4-star apartment hotel near Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque | 17 minutes |
If you want to know about the quality restaurants and good food in Muscat, it is better to know that the two cities of Salalah and Muscat have international restaurants with first-class food. As the first introduction of luxury restaurants in Oman, we mention the Iranian restaurant.
It is an Iranian food chain in Oman that offers delicious foods from other countries in addition to Iranian delicacies. The focus of Shabestan restaurant is on Iranian dishes with authenticity and authentic flavors. Among the famous and popular dishes of this restaurant, we can mention different kebabs, Iranian stews, rice and seafood. The taste and quality of the food in this restaurant is very good and customers can experience the unique pleasure of Iranian cuisine in this place.
Usually, due to the high quality and the use of quality raw materials, the price of Shabestan restaurant’s food is higher than other restaurants in the region. But considering the pleasure and quality of the food offered, it is worth the extra costs and for those interested in cooking and Iranian food, this restaurant is a good choice.
|
The name of the restaurant |
phone | address |
location |
|
Shabestan Restaurant |
+968246960000 | Syrian Embassy, Al-Uraimi Mosque، 3033 Al Saruj St, Muscat, Oman |
This restaurant is one of the local restaurants in Oman, where guests sit on the floor to serve food in a traditional style and enjoy the delicious taste of the food. The menu of this restaurant includes local dishes, soup and kebab.So, the interior of the restaurant is decorated with colorful cushions and creates a unique traditional atmosphere for you.
|
The name of the restaurant |
phone | address |
location |
|
Bin Ateeq |
+96824478225 | Bin Ateeq, Al-Khuwair Street, Muscat, Oman |
|
The name of the restaurant |
phone | address |
location |
|
The Beach Restaurant |
+96824524343 | The Chedi Hotel, North Ghubra 232, Way 3215, Street 46 Oman | |
|
Ubhar Restaurant |
+96824699826 | Al Kharjiyah St Muscat OM, 100 | |
|
Grand Hyatt Muscat |
– | G Hyatt Muscat OM, 133 | |
|
Duke’s Bar |
+96824660660 | Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat |
The transportation system in Oman, like other countries, includes taxis and buses.
Among the positive features of the urban transportation system in Oman, we can mention the cleanliness, security, and comfort of passengers. Also, most vehicles in Oman have adequate air conditioning and services related to the disabled.
Taxi: The system of transportation and transfer of passengers by taxi in Oman is online and traditional. The taxis in this country have special stops to stop and are painted orange and white, and in addition, you can also use the services of internet taxis for commuting.
Muscat Metro: The routes of the Muscat Metro, the first mass transit network across Oman’s capital city, have been finalized to provide world-class urban transportation. The study for the construction ofBousher-Al-Amerat tunnel is under consideration.
Bus: Public bus service in Oman connects all parts of the country from the port city of Sohar in the north to Salalah over 1,000 km (620 miles) in the south. Buses in Oman are cheap, comfortable and very safe. This bus covers several main and secondary areas in the capital. Buses are common and preferred for citizens and tourists.
Buses operated by Mwasalat, Oman’s state-owned transport company, are really affordable. Service, connectivity and affordability contribute greatly to encouraging long-distance travel in Oman.
Be sure to check the companies’ route map online or call their call center in advance.
Various companies in Oman rent cars to travelers and locals in Muscat. Many car rental companies in Muscat offer car rental services to travelers. Some of these companies provide services to their customers with the best price and customer care regardless of their holiday schedule. Book a vehicle to explore more of Oman. To have fun and travel with a luxury and stylish car.
| Company name | contact number |
website |
|
Marina Rental Car Service |
+96894887597 | |
|
Budget Rent a car |
Combining modern architecture with Omani styles, Oman shopping malls provide a great shopping experience with international and local brands. These shopping centers offer unique spaces that use modern architectural elements and details that match Oman’s culture and identity, offering a beautiful and pleasant atmosphere to shoppers.
In addition to shopping spaces, Oman shopping centers also have food courts that offer a variety of international and local foods. These food courts are a good place to enjoy a variety of foods and eatables in a comfortable and pleasant environment. Also, there are entertainment centers in Oman shopping centers that provide more opportunities for fun and entertainment. These centers include cinemas, video games, amusement parks and other recreational activities that are suitable for families and those interested in fun and entertainment.
In general, Oman’s shopping malls combine modern architectural elements, Omani styles, international and local brands, food courts and entertainment centers to provide an excellent and enjoyable shopping experience that is very attractive to families and dear visitors.
Oman Avenue mall is the largest shopping center in Oman, which hosts the best brands of clothing, dining, beauty and entertainment, covering an area of 72,000 square meters. The most prominent feature of this mall is its indoor playground, where children love to sit and relax with their family and friends.
|
The name of the shopping center |
phone | location |
website |
| omanavenuesmall | +96822005400 | Oman Avenues Mall |
Opened in 2001, Muscat City Center Mall is one of Oman’s oldest shopping malls and is truly a shopper’s paradise with a selection of over 200 retail outlets.
This shopping center has local and international brands. Leading brands and stores in this mall include Carrefour Hypermarket, Home Centre, Centrepoint, Max Fashion, Emax, Zara and Zara Home, Marks & Spencer, H&M, Sun & Sand Sports, Magic Planet and Gap.
|
The name of the shopping center |
phone | location |
website |
| Muscat City Center | +96880078786 | Muscat City Center |
Muscat City Center |
*Get to know more about shopping centers in Muscat*
This airport with an area of more than 5000 hectares is the main airport of Oman. This airport is located 30 km from the main city of Muscat. It started with just one band. It also has cargo storage facilities. Due to the growing number of passengers, the Omani government renovated the entire airport. Renovations in 2017 added amenities such as a new terminal, dozens of arrival gates, check-in desks, and a new air traffic control tower. The new renovation includes a special lounge for business and first class passengers and a minimum number of toll-free announcements and services. You will surely have a premium experience at this luxury airport.
At Oman airport, you will have access to these facilities:
Hotel for rest, parking, possibility to order food, virtual tour, map of sightseeing places, etc. that you can use.
Muscat airport flight information
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With its many natural and historical attractions and its fascinating culture, Muscat is a great travel destination. We hope that by reading this article, you have obtained enough information about the sights of Muscat, Muscat airport and other things needed to travel to this beautiful destination.
