This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Muscat.
Muscat, Oman is the capital city of Oman, located on the Gulf of Oman. Good food, friendly locals, nice markets, and a pleasant boulevard should be good reasons to visit Muscat.
Muscat is a very spread-out city. All the sites worth seeing are in a range of thirty kilometres from each other. Each of the quarters is pretty much a city within the city. When a local speaks about Muscat, they typically refer to the quarter around the Sultan’s Palace in the far east of the city. Considering the distance and the limited public transport, the location of your Muscat, Oman hostel is rather important.
There are very limited choices for hostels in Muscat, Oman, so it is more likely you will end up booking an apartment or hotel room. Cheap hotel rooms are few if you are traveling solo, so booking in advance is recommended. There are not many backpackers staying in Muscat and you won’t often find a hostel vibe anywhere in Muscat.
If you intend to spend a lot of time at the beach, then Al-Qurm is the best area to find your accommodation. You can find many hotels of international chains near the beach.
If you intend to spend more time exploring cultural sites, then Mutrah and the Corniche area are your best bets. The Corniche is a long boulevard along the sea leading all the way to the Sultan’s palace. Here you can find most cultural sites and here you will use your camera the most to capture the stunning views and architecture. There are many nice restaurants and the best souq in Muscat. Mutrah is in walking distance from the Corniche area, but will feel less touristy. The prices of accommodations are lower and you can find more local bakery and shops. Mutrah is also in walking distance from the bus to Dubai. Other places worth seeing in Muscat include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Opera. Day trips into the desert, wadis, and ancient cities can also be done from Muscat.
Written by local enthusiast for Muscat hostels
Martin Straatman
