You may be wondering where to stay in Muscat. Choosing the right place to stay can transform your trip from good to unforgettable.
Over the 4 years I have spent in Oman, I have lived in different parts of Muscat. I feel that this has given me a really good idea of the pros and cons of each district. Whether you seek beachside luxury, cultural immersion, or budget-friendly comfort, this detailed guide will indicate the vibe and top accommodations in each of the 9 best districts in Muscat.
Hostel: Legacy Hostel
Budget-friendly: Swiss-Belinn Airport Muscat
Mid-range: Intercity Hotel Muscat
Luxury: The Chedi Muscat
Rental: The Blue Gate
Unless you absolutely want to have breakfast in the hotel/hostel where you are staying, my advice is to have a traditional breakfast in a specialised place. See my blogpost on traditional Omani breakfast and check out my recommended places.
Muscat has been named as one of the most beautiful cities in the world – and understandably so. Its location combines beaches and a mountainous backdrop which is superb. However, finding your way around it can be a little confusing.
The first time I drove to Muscat, I looked for signs that said, ‘City Centre’…and found none!
Muscat is in fact one of 11 ‘governorates’ (regions) in Oman. It’s actually quite sprawled out and importantly made up of six very different districts or ‘provinces’ (wilayat), each one divided into neighbourhoods.
Staying in the Wilayat of Matrah is a great choice because it is near many key sites and will give you access to the sea. It is divided into 8 districts: Muttrah City, Greater Muttrah, Al Wuttaya, Ruwi, Wadi Addi, Darsait, Al Qurum, and the Port of Al Fahl.
Overview and Vibe: This is my favourite part of Muscat. Muttrah city is one of the oldest parts of Muscat. It carries a beautiful name as it comes from the Arabic “مطرح’ meaning ‘place of rest’. For centuries, it played this role for the many sailors and travellers who arrived here.
Bustling and historic. To me, this is the most emblematic part of Muscat as its beautiful arc-shaped corniche appears in all guides. I love its whitewashed houses built in traditional Omani style with their carved wooden doors, elegant balconies and Mashrabiya screens.
When I wander around Muttrah, I can feel that this has been a trading area for centuries. A key port for merchants who arrived from India, Persia and East Africa and sold their goods in exchange for frankincense, dates, and textiles.
Nearby Attractions: It includes Muttrah Corniche, Muttrah Souq (the marketplace), Port Sultan Qaboos. It also covers the area called Riyam – Riyam Park and the Incense Burner Monument – as well as a residential network of narrow, winding lanes.
One of its most famous landmarks is still the Souq, a maze of small vibrant shops selling all kinds of items such as perfumes, spices, and fabrics. Just walking around it will make you feel like you are travelling around the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Peninsula!
If you can, I recommend that you set yourself up in Muttrah at least for one night during your trip. It will give you the opportunity to wake up and go for an early morning stroll along the Corniche.
I always find it invigorating to see – and hear – the tens of seagulls flying around. It will also give you a chance to wander into the Fish Market and see local people haggling and joking together over a good deal.
The downsides are that Muttrah is far from the airport and the traffic along the Corniche gets very busy in the evening. There are also very few hotels that I would recommend in the area. Fortunately, in recent years, some AirBnB places have opened, giving visitors the extra option of renting full apartments which may be a better option for some.
Best for: Culture lovers, families, solo travellers.
Cultural Interest:
Location:
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No luxury hotels
Mid-range: Naseem Hotel – Small and friendly. Right on the Corniche, it offers great views on the sea and the mountains. But may be noisy if the room is facing the sea and the Corniche.
Budget-friendly: Mutrah Hotel
Rental: Muttrah Souq and Sea View. One-bedroom apartment with a fantastic sea view from the balcony.
Overview and Vibe: Ruwi has a buzz about it. It is one of the liveliest and most culturally diverse areas of Muscat. It has strong expatriate communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
Nowadays, it is defined as the commercial hub of Muscat.
Nearby attractions: I strongly advise you to visit Ruwi Souq to get a feel for a traditional Omani market (less touristy than Muttrah Souq). It also has the Ruwi bus station which is practical seeing that many coaches arrive from other cities (such as Dubai).
The large expatriate population in Ruwi led to the establishment of places such as Sri Krishna Temple (built in the early 1980s) and Christian churches nearby. It also has Ruwi Mosque which is an important Islamic landmark.
Ruwi has a limited number of tourist attractions compared to other districts. It is also more of an urban setting (no sea views here) and can get very busy/noisy.
If you decide to stay in Ruwi, I am sure that it will give you a taste of Muscat’s international culture. You will be able to enjoy a large choice of restaurants and cafés from very diverse origins.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Ruwi is that some of its hotels and guesthouses offer good value for money. It’s also close to Muttrah and Old Muscat.
Best for: Solo travellers, travellers using public transport.
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Luxury: Sheraton Oman Hotel
Mid-range: Al Falaj Hotel
Overview and Vibe: Like many other parts of Muscat, this was originally a fishing village. It also was a mangrove swamp (actually, the word ‘qurum’ in Arabic translates to ‘mangrove’). Then in the 1970s and 1980s, when Sultan Qaboos bin Said came to power, things changed radically. Al Qurum became synonym with luxury living in Muscat. These days, you can still see some splendid villas and upmarket hotels.
Nearby attractions: Shatti Al Qurum, with its trendy restaurants and cafés, has become a popular beach spot for both locals and expats. During my first visit to Muscat, an Omani friend took me here and I loved its relaxed atmosphere.
Not far from there, you’ll also find the Royal Opera House where you can watch a performance of traditional and world music. Next to it is the elegant Opera Galleria. In it, you’ll find some luxury boutiques, cafés and restaurants. I must say that it’s very pleasant to enjoy a coffee with some friends at one of the café terraces during the winter months.
If you are looking for a beachfront location, this may be a good choice. However, prices of hotels tend to be higher here. Hotels here definitely cater to people looking for luxury in a beach location.
Best for: luxury travellers, beach lovers, families, couples and honeymooners.
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Luxury: Crowne Plaza Muscat. Best place in Muscat to watch the sunset over the sea.
W-Hotel. Well situated right next to the beach. Luxury with excellent catering.
No Mid-range accommodation
No Budget-friendly accommodation
Overview and Vibe: This is the administrative and ceremonial district of Muscat as it features Alam Palace (Arabic: قصر العلم Qaṣr al-ʿAlam, “Palace of the Flag”), the Sultan’s royal palace.
Elegant & Majestic. The area exudes grandeur, with well-manicured gardens, impressive government buildings, and beautifully maintained streets. Unlike the bustling neighbourhoods of Ruwi or Al Qurum, this area feels quiet and spacious, nestled between the mountains and the sea.
Nearby attractions: The first time I saw the Royal Palace, I was amazed by its striking blue and gold colours. It is not open to the public but you can see it through the surrounding gates. The area around it is also very impressive and the National Museum is worth a visit.
On the Eastern side of the palace, you will find Al Jalali Fort and on the Western side of the palace, you can see Al Mirani Fort. Both are perched on rocky hills and overlook the Gulf of Oman. They date back to the 16th Century when the Portuguese controlled the area and needed to protect the trading routes.
Best for: History and culture lovers, architecture lovers, and people seeking a peaceful location. Note that there is hardly any accommodation in this area.
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Holiday Apartment: Old Muscat
Overview and Vibe: Located about 25 kilometres from the centre of Muscat, Al Bustan (meaning ‘the garden’ in Arabic) is a stunningly beautiful area.
Al Bustan is a fisherman’s village with small white houses ideally situated close to the beach. It is peaceful and laid-back.
Nearby attractions: Al Bustan’s main feature is Al Bustan Palace Hotel, which was originally built to host a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit and was later converted into an exclusive five-star hotel. It is located in a little piece of paradise, away from noise and traffic.
On site, you will find a private beach as well as a spa, swimming pools and a fitness centre. If you are looking for a luxury, secluded holiday in a place of outstanding natural beauty, this may be a good option.
However, the biggest downsides are that it’s far from Muscat’s city centre and, of course, it is extremely expensive. If you are looking for authentic experiences of Omani culture, this is not the place I would recommend as you will feel quite detached from local Omani life.
Best for: luxury travellers, beach and nature lovers, couples and honeymooners.
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Luxury: a reference in terms of luxury in Muscat: Al Bustan Palace Hotel
Mid-range Rental: The Blue Gate. A property offering 2 units (one that is a one-bedroom house and the other a two-bedroom-house). Both have a roof terrace and access to a swimming pool.
No budget-friendly accommodation
The Wilayat of Bausher (also written Bawsher) is also very central. It includes Al Khuwair and Al Ghubra.
Overview and Vibe: If you’re looking for a place that is less touristy, I would recommend for you to stay in this district. It is certainly less beautiful but will give you a glimpse of everyday life for Omanis as they go to work, go shopping or enjoy time with family and friends. The area offers a vibe of local authenticity and modern convenience. It has a bustling, urban feel.
Al Khuwair curves along Sultan Qaboos Street (the city’s main highway). This makes it a very convenient place to stay as everything is easily accessible. What’s more, the area is one of the more pedestrian-friendly districts in Muscat.
Nearby attractions: Here, you will find a choice of malls: Grand Mall, Avenues Mall, and Panorama Mall. You will also be able to sample a wide range of cuisines as the district has many Arabic, Indian, Pakistani, and international restaurants. Most of them are reasonably priced too.
Less of an up-market area, Al Khuwair offers a good choice of clean, comfortable and affordable mid-range hotels.
The downside is the traffic. Rush hour traffic can be a nightmare in this part of Muscat!
Best for: Mid-range and business travellers, local culture lovers, long-term travellers.
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Luxury: Fraser Suites Muscat. Big hotel with all the comfort and amenities necessary.
Mid-range: Intercity Hotel Muscat – One of my favourite hotels in Muscat. I have stayed there twice. Excellent service, small but comfortable rooms, and situated in a quiet location while being central.
Budget-friendly: Rozana Hotel. Beautiful rooms that are very clean. Good value.
Overview and Vibe: this area always feels laid-back although it is very central. Here you will find it residential with modern conveniences such as hospitals, schools and the beach. To some, it may feel a bit bland compared to districts such as Matrah or Al Qurum.
This area offers a mixed-range of cafés and restaurants. If you stay here, you will be opting for strategically located accommodation.
Nearby attractions: Al Ghubra is home to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Oman. I am always delighted by its stunning architecture. I particularly find it beautiful when it is lit up at night. This is a must-see and should be included in any visit to Muscat.
The Mall of Oman is also located in Al Ghubra. It is one of the largest shopping malls in Oman and features a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities, including a family entertainment centre and a cinema.
Best for: families, long-term travellers and digital nomads, beach lovers seeking a quiet vibe.
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Luxury: The Chedi Muscat Sophisticated elegance with a private beach. Very central.
Lana Villa. Very quiet location with direct access to the beach. Beautiful boutique hotel with personalised service.
Mid-range: The Frankincense Hotel. Beautifully designed rooms in a central location.
Hostel: Legacy Hostel. Male and female dormitory rooms (3 bunk beds per room). A 3-minute walk away from Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Very friendly and welcoming. It even has a garden.
Budget-friendly: Al Ferdous Hotel Apartment. Near the beach with excellent Wifi. Very good value for money.
Overview and Vibe: Al Mouj, also known as ‘The Wave’, is a luxurious and cosmopolitan district. It also feels quite community focused.
Nearby attractions: It is popular among expats and wealthy Omanis for its modern houses and apartments, easy access to a marina, and high-end restaurants and shops.
It offers a wide range of sophisticated and expensive hotels with spas, gyms and guaranteed comfort.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an authentic experience of Omani culture, this is probably not the best place for you to stay. Cafés and hotels are also often over-priced.
Best for: luxury travellers and comfort seekers, business travellers.
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No Budget-friendly accommodation
Mid-range: Studio M. A new hotel situated near Al Mouj. Modern and comfortable. With a swimming pool.
Luxury: Mysk Al Mouj One of my favourite hotels in Muscat. Superb location and breakfast buffet. Very comfortable rooms.
The Kempinsky Hotel Muscat. A reference in terms of luxury. Beautiful rooms with a fantastic view on the sea. High quality food served.
Overview and vibe: If you are looking for a quieter and more local option, staying in Seeb may be a good choice. Seeb city feels like a residential area with many families living here.
Nearby attractions: Here, you will find an easier access to local Omanis, in particular in places such as Seeb Souq (an excellent place to buy local products such as incense, spices and dates). This will definitely give you a more authentic and easy-going experience of shopping in Oman.
Seeb will give you access to more budget-friendly options compared to central Muscat. It is also close to Muscat International Airport.
On the other hand, Seeb is far from places such as Matrah or Old Muscat (30 to 40 minutes away by car without traffic).
Best for: Mid-range and budget travellers
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Mid-range: Season Inn Hotel Al Hail
Boulevard Hotel. Comfortable and modern. Situated next to a mall with a lot of restaurants.
Have you visited Muscat? Share your favourite neighbourhood and accommodation in the comments below!
WELCOME to JOUSSOUR to OMAN
Hello and welcome to Joussour to Oman! I’m Christine van den Hogen, a Franco-British writer, teacher and watercolourist. I’ve been living in the Middle East for 7 years and 4 years in Oman.
I’m passionate about helping independent travellers interested in cultures create immersive journeys.
Joussour to Oman is my cultural travel blog and it’s my hope to share my first-hand experience as someone who lives here as well as insights from local people. I want to share insiders’ tips with you so you can plan your trip to Oman efficiently and truly EXPERIENCE Omani culture when you come.
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It depends on your budget and interests. But I would suggest Muttrah or Al Khuwair in the Ministries section (central but quiet location).
Although Muscat has a fairly low key nightlife, I would suggest you go to a central area such as Al Khuwair or in a beach district such as Al Qurum.
I would say that an excellent area for a family holiday in Muscat is Al Qurum. You have a beautiful beach there and it is still fairly central.
Christine is a Muscat-based writer, watercolourist and teacher. She's been living in Oman for 4 years and she's also lived in Jordan and Dubai. She shares resources and stories to help independent travellers plan creative trips and truly experience Middle Eastern cultures.
7 responses
Merci Christine pour ce temps passé à nous décrire comment se sentir comme chez toi, chez nous !
J’ ai voyagé encore !
À bientôt ✈️
C’est un plaisir, Anne. Vraiment!
Wow❤️
Thanks. If you need more information about accommodation in Muscat or other aspects of travelling in Oman, don’t hesitate to ask.
Hi Christine, thank you so much for the restaurant recommendation. I loved the food, the atmosphere and the place in general. I also talked to Khaled, the supervisor. He says hi. Thank you again. Tomorrow is my last day in Muscat. Any last minute must- see places?
Saliha from Algeria
Hello Saliha, Glad to hear you enjoyed the restaurant. In terms of Muscat, there are many options but some must-sees are Muttrah (the Corniche, Souq and Fort), Al Qurum (Shatti Al Qurum with its beach, the Opera building), and Old Muscat (the Royal Palace and gardens around, the Bait Al Zubair museum). I hope you get to see some of these. Have a great day!