A city of traditional architecture and friendly people, Muscat Oman was one of many highlights of our travels around the world. The capital of the Sultanate of Oman, the city is an eclectic mix of modern and old world charms. Wandering the city with a camera, I was able to capture the culture in this series of Muscat Oman photos.
Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. Humans are believed to have lived in Oman for at least 106,000 years, making it one of the oldest human-inhabited places on earth.
It was when we stepped off the beaten path with a camera that we were able to capture more of the culture. I hope you enjoy these Muscat Oman photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Muscat Oman Photos
Visiting the traditional fish market is one of the many things to do in Muscat. Fish is one of four trades that dominate the Omani economy.
Al Jalali Fort and Al Mirani seen from across the water.
Men (and not women) gathering was a common sight on the corniche.
Across the Corniche was this fast food shop.
Two men in traditional Omani dress.
Tours of Muscat Oman
If you are not a wanderer, or if you find yourself a bit intimidated in unfamiliar countries where you don’t speak the language, there are plenty of great tour options. For many people a tour is a great introduction to a city, for others, they prefer to always have a guide.
Our Favourite Tour Outside of Muscat Oman
We opted to enjoy Muscat on our own, but we chose to hire a private guide when we went towards the interior to Nizwa and the Grand Canyon of Oman and for our (failed) turtle tour to the south. While we could have done it all on our own, our guide offered a historical and local perspective that we would have missed. Plus, I am not sure how we would have faired in the flash floods without a guide.
⇒ Check pricing and availability for a Private Tour: The Grand Canyon of Oman and Jebel Shams Day Trip or Buy Now
More Muscat Oman Photos
Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace is home to Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. He is the longest-serving ruler in the Middle East and is considered to be the person behind the modernization of Oman.
Manufacturing and selling clothing, this shop is one of many inside Mutrah Souq, a large market and shopping area in the heart of Muscat. It is a must see on almost any list of things to do in Muscat.
Walking the back roads gave us more of an insight into daily life.
Where to Stay in Muscat
After reading tons of reviews, we made a great choice and stayed at the opulent Tulip Inn Muscat. Our suite was plush and lovely, with regional decor, modern conveniences, and an affordable price tag. We liked it so much we stayed twice, first when we arrived in Muscat, and then we rebooked to stay again after touring the country a bit.
⇒ Click here to check pricing and availability at the Tulip Inn Muscat OR Book Now
If Tulip Inn isn’t available, or you prefer to stay somewhere else, click here to see other Muscat accommodations options at Booking.com OR Use HotelsCombined to see a price comparison across booking sites.
This is one of many mosques we saw in Oman, although none compare to the Opulent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, also located in Muscat.
Up to 12,000 worshippers can utilize the courtyards at the Grand Mosque Oman.
A crystal clear bay along the city’s coastline is one of my favourite Muscat Oman photos.
We watched dune bashing on a hill just outside of town.
Another structure on the backroads.
The modern opera house in Muscat Oman is one of my two personal favourites that we have seen to date. The other is the world-famous Sydney Opera House in Australia.
This hand-built wooden ship is one of many interesting boats in the bay. When we travelled south we visited a boat builder.
Driving in Oman
In general, driving appears comfortable on modern roads with few other vehicles. Even the dirt roads, like the one to the Grand Canyon, appeared to be solidly packed and well maintained. If we return to Oman, we will probably choose to drive ourselves, and will definitely use Rentalcars.com. They are an aggregator and will present us with cars from multiple companies, as well as comparisons and ratings. Best of all, they are there for support in English, if needed, and to date have been extremely responsive when we have requested assistance.
A typical road in Muscat. While still inside the city limits, we are heading north.
Now you know how to say stop in Arabic.
More on Visiting Oman:
- Muscat is Oman’s largest city and the country’s capital.
- Oman is located in the southeastern quarter of the Arabian Peninsula on the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (with a small portion on the Persian Gulf). It borders UAE and Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen to the south-west.
- Oman has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the world.
- We did have a bit of drama entering the country and encountered some rare desert flooding, but beyond that, Oman was a comfortable place to be.
- In addition to Muscat, we travelled to the south, to a fort and castle in Nizwa, and to Oman’s Grand Canyon.
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indah nuria says
The landscape, the colors, the vibe…what an adventure!
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, it is one of my favourite places to date.
Kreete says
Wow Rhonda, you keep surprising me with all the exotic destinations you have been to! I am getting more and more jealous! Does going to these kind of arabic countries change your perspective at all? Just something I always wonder would happen to me..
Rhonda Albom says
Difficult question. I guess it would depend on your attitude before you travelled. I found the people of Oman to be relaxed, welcoming, and friendly.
Leigh says
Oman was never on my radar until about a year ago when some friends visited and piqued my curiosity. Your photos are beautiful!
Rhonda Albom says
It wasn’t on my radar either, but a travel agent friend suggested it. And, Emirates had air passes at the time, so it was super cheap to get to.
Sandy N Vyjay says
The photographs are truly amazing. From palaces to ruins and luxuries to the daily routine, you have captured it all. Muscat facts were great as well. I am intrigued by Muscat.
Rhonda Albom says
I tried. Thanks.
Ruth Johnston says
Rhonda – Ive been wanting to read this for a few days but we’ve had terrible wifi.
Such great photos. We flew here with a night in Doha, Oman and I so wanted to go exploring.
Now you really make me want to see this country!
Rhonda Albom says
I hope you get a chance to explore one day.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says
Great shots Rhonda! Dune bashing sure looks like a ton of fun! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
We only watched the dune bashing.
Nisha says
I was recently in UAE, ,however Oman looks quite different . Dune bashing of course is always a must in the Saharas. I never tire of it.
Rhonda Albom says
We visited UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) directly after Oman, and yes they were quite different. Oman has an old world charm, where UAE had a new money elegance
Juergen | dare2go says
The Middle East, and particularly Oman, are high on our list of ‘want-to-experience’ destinations. I always hear (or read) that people in Oman are among the friendliest Arabs you can come across. We will probably ship back to Europe later this year, change base vehicles and go east towards Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, and (maybe) Oman – if the shipping isn’t too expensive…
BTW: that road sign still doesn’t tell me how to ‘say’ Stop! Only how to write it in Arabic. LOL #WeekendWanderlust
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – the road sign comment was meant to make you smile. As for your plans, they are exciting. I would love to go back to the region and visit Qatar, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Romania and Bulgaria.
Jenna says
Gorgeous photos! I love getting a peek into Muscat–it looks like a fantastic spot to explore. That bay looks absolutely amazing, too! Interesting facts at the end as well. I didn’t realize Oman was one of the oldest human-inhabited places on earth!
Rhonda Albom says
While I was surprised when I learned about its age, thinking about it a bit more and it makes sense that the middle east would be where humans began.
Elaine J Masters says
I so love your pictures and the sense they provoke of what it’s like to experience Oman. Such a rich and varied place! I long to see it for myself.
Rhonda Albom says
I hope you get there. It was such a good experience, and a raw beauty that is difficult to explain.
Kat says
Lately, I have been seeing travel articles on Oman. I didn’t know that they have beautiful coastlines! Had always thought their landscape was just desert. Your photos are amazing – I’m definitely adding Oman to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing, Rhonda, cheers! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Rhonda Albom says
I didn’t really know what to expect from Oman, but it sure exceeded any expectations I had.
Megan Jerrard says
Incredible photos Rhonda! I would love to get to Oman, between the landscapes, the people, the history and the architecture, it seems like a really unique and authentic travel experience. One of our greatest joys while traveling is people watching and taking shots of fascinating people, I think we would love it here!
Rhonda Albom says
It really is. Unique and authentic are perfect words to describe Oman.
Paul F. Pietrangelo says
Hi Rhnda. I think I’m back but we’ll see. Interesting photos. My old blog came back to life. cruisinpaul.blogspot.com and the cruisinpiet.blogspot.com doesn’t. Weird isn’t amazing? Oh well. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom says
Welcome back Paul.
Gokul Raj says
You have captured the real beauty of a Muslim country in your photos….Keep it up….these are views you don’t get to see anywhere else.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Gokul.
Van says
I have to admit, Oman has never really been on my list, nor do I know anything about the country but your post made me really curious! It seems like such an interesting place!
Rhonda Albom says
Off the beaten path was part of its attraction.
Cat | For Two, Please says
Great photos! The coast of Muscat looks like a beautiful place to spend some time in! What exactly is desert flooding?
Rhonda Albom says
I would love to spend some more time there too. As for the flooding, we were outside the city during a rare storm. The wadis filled, the desert flooded, and sadly six people died that day.
Lyn@aholeinmyshoe says
Oman looks like such an interesting place, and you increased my desire to go there with your gorgeous photos. I’d love mooching around in the Fish Market. The Royal Palace also looks interesting.
Rhonda Albom says
The Royal Palace was interesting. It’s not my favourite architecture in the city, but I love the bright colors.
maegan white says
I love photo assays! (pictures speak 1000 words and such). I was surprised to see a paved road at the end because of all the sand and stone towns.
Rhonda Albom says
That is my goal, to tell my story with photos.
Marcus and Mel says
Some great pics of the waterfront, souks and coastline of Oman. It looks a fascinating place, a real taste of Arabia.
Rhonda Albom says
It is, and it was a wonderful place to visit.
David says
Looks like a lot of fun, in such an iconic place! Can’t wait to see the Golden Gate in person one day!
Rhonda Albom says
It is one of my favourite places. I hope you get a chance to enjoy it too.
David @Travelsewhere says
Not sure what’s going on with my comments as that other comment was meant to be for a completely different blog…
Anyway, you keep stoking my desire to visit Oman, especially with photos like these. Think I’ll have to make it a priority for this year because it just looks and sounds fascinating.
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – I answered it from a long list of all comments, and didn’t even notice it wasn’t on a SF post.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
I am enjoying your posts on Oman – I have never been although some of the photos remind me of Egypt. Sounds like a very interesting place!
Rhonda Albom says
I haven’t been to Egypt. I imagine Oman to be less crowded and generally cleaner, but I don’t really know.
Sally's Tips 4 Trips says
What a fascinating and interesting country. Looks like such a diverse range of things to see and do striking scenery, interesting architecture, and action adventures.
Rhonda Albom says
We only spent about a week there. I wish we stayed longer.
Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld says
I love the photos, caught up in the right moment. Oman is really an interesting destination for me, which I would love to visit someday. Oh, and that crystal clear bay is amazing.
Rhonda Albom says
I could have stood there all day and enjoyed that bay.
Ruth says
It is good to learn more about this country that seems to be exotic (at least to me). It is very beautiful. I hope I can visit one day (I am into places like this). #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
Oman is quite different from my home country too. I hope you can visit here too, it’s really special.
Lexa Cain says
The opera house is just lovely! I’ve never been to Oman, so I really appreciate seeing your pics. Have a great weekend!
Rhonda Albom says
The opera house was pretty new when we were there, and they were quite proud of it.
Gordon says
Excellent that Oman has such a low crime rate; have always read about the long long roads there
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, we took a long, long road when we travelled south out of the city. Muscat wasn’t too bad.
Anda says
Like always, your pictures perfectly catch the atmosphere of the places you photograph. Very interesting place!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Anda.
Cindy Collins says
Beautiful pictures, it looks like such a nice place to visit. Can’t wait to get there one day. Thanks for sharing.
Rhonda Albom says
I hope you get there, it is so fascinating.
shere says
I love the pictures Rhonda! It seems like the market would smell a bit like fish 🙁
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – yes, even being outdoors there was a strong odor of fish in the air.
Pat --Mille Fiori Favoriti says
I loved seeing your photos of life in Muscat, Oman, Rhonda. I was surprised to see English seems to be their second language. The fish market looked so interesting. What wonderful adventures you have been on. I love to travel to see life around the world and to realize we are all the same and want the same things from life, plus to see beautiful scenery!
Rhonda Albom says
Me too Pat. It is the people that often interest me the most when we are somewhere new.
Kat says
I feel like the list of places you haven’t been is shorter than where you have been! As always, your photos are gorgeous and really capture Oman.
Rhonda Albom says
LOL We have only been to 54 countries, that leaves 142 left to explore 🙂
Kat says
Bahahaha “only”.
Rhonda Albom says
😉
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Quite the variety in just one area.
Rhonda Albom says
I think there usually is in a city, once you venture off the beaten path.
Comedy Plus says
Weird looking coastline. Not very inviting. I had no idea.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom says
Remember, this is the largest city. Although the clifftop shot, where the catamaran was anchored, would be well protected but probably with no place to come ashore.
Christine @ The Journey of Christine says
Wow what a beautiful part of the world, love the all the different contrasts… old/new, polished/rugged. Lovely photos!
Rhonda Albom says
That is one of the things that really struck me in Oman. Ancient and modern all together.
L. Diane Wolfe says
Reminds me of watching dune buggies run across the sands outside of Florence, Oregon.
That fort almost looks like a sand castle.
Rhonda Albom says
Traveling through Oregon last year was pretty incredible. It’s got a little bit of everywhere, a bit like New Zealand.
Suze says
My parents have been to Oman and loved it, they said how friendly the people are. Did you buy any souvenirs?
Rhonda Albom says
I travel super light, so I generally don’t buy souvenirs. I do take lots of photos. However, in Oman, I did buy a tiny genie lamp. I just couldn’t resist.
Paula McInerney says
Favourite photo – 2 men in traditional dress. What a great capture
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Paula.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields says
I am really enjoying your throwback posts. The only place I have been in the Middle East is Egypt Egypt was fantastic, but I would love to see some of the other middle eastern countries.
Rhonda Albom says
LOL- I am enjoying writing it quite a bit. For me, it really is a throwback, an opportunity to relive all these wonderful adventures. I would like to see more the middle east as well. There is so much history there.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Rhonda – amazingly beautiful – the only one I didn’t like was the dune bashing … but that’s me! Gorgeous … and interesting they’ve got more going on than their oil rich neighbours … the stop sign – looks like a good sleeping time! Cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom says
The dune bashing was interesting to watch. The dunes were so tall and steep. I wouldn’t have liked doing it, but watching was quite interesting.
Photo(Geo)grapher says
What a colourful and remarkable country. The truly great and beautiful journey. Stunning photos, too
Rhonda Albom says
It’s one of my favourite places. Somewhere I hope to return someday.
Lolo says
Oman definitely looks interesting! I wouldn’t mind visiting one day! #wkendtravelsinpiration
Rhonda Albom says
It is interesting and different around every corner.
Trekking with Becky says
Fascinating. How exactly do you say stop in Arabic, btw? 🙂
I love the fort! Did you get to go inside?
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – you mean you can’t read the Arabic? We did walk closer to the fort, but it wasn’t open to tourists. According to Wkipedia, “Fort al-Jalali was restored in 1983 and converted into a private museum of Omani cultural history that is accessible only to dignitaries visiting the country.”
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
I have been hearing more of Oman lately. It is beautiful! I like how diverse its landscape is and all that great architecture! Beautiful photos and truly inspiring.
Rhonda Albom says
Oman was our first middle eastern country, and we loved it.