As the natural entry point for the vast majority of trips to Oman, Muscat is a nice spot for a day or so to rest before or after a long flight. The walk by the Corniche with its fish market and Mutrah Souk; the walk along the pretty beaches where many of the nice hotels are based; and a trip to the National Museum to learn some of Oman’s history are all great for a couple of hours or so . . . but I wouldn’t suggest really any amore than that if it means sacrificing time in the other Omani highlights.
If have a day, I’d aim for:
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- Morning – Corniche. A morning walking the short distance along the Corniche where you start at the fish market and end at the Mutrah Souk. Have lunch there – Bait Al Luban (Omani) and La Brasserie (International) were nice.
- Early afternoon – Old Muscat. Take a cab (don’t, as the Lonely Planet advises, walk – its a nice view of the water but its a dull 1 hour walk in the heat by a road) to the “Old Muscat” (which feels a little like a Disney set). There have a look at the Sultan’s Palace and give yourself 1-2 hours in the National Museum to see.
- Late afternoon – beaches for sunsets. A walk along one of the many lovely beaches for the sunrise. We stayed at the W Hotel, which was on a great beach, with nice restaurants nearby (top floor bar or W was nice, as was the traditional Omani Ubhar Restaurant nearby), and the Opera House right next to it is also worth checking out.