Cheap flights to Muscat

There’s much dispute about where Muscat’s name comes from. Some say it’s Arabic for ‘safe anchorage’ or perhaps ‘hidden’. Others think it’s Old Persian, meaning ‘strong-scented’. All three fit the Omani capital so well that picking just one wouldn't do it justice. Stretching along the Arabian Sea near the Straits of Hormuz, Muscat has been a hotspot for sailors looking to escape high waves and heavy weather for thousands of years, and more recently, for holiday-makers heading out for an evening stroll on its postcard-perfect corniche. Hugged by dramatic cliffs, all-white lowrises glow under the gold Arabian sun. A swirl of smells, some sweet, some spicy, but all thick, lingers around the souk, luring visitors and staying with them long after they’re gone. As far as perfect winter getaways go, Muscat has been hiding in plain sight for quite some time – but probably not for long.

Fly to Muscat, Oman for:

Thanks to its key geographic location within the Arabian Peninsula, Muscat has been a bustling trading hub along the maritime Silk Roads, connecting Asia with Africa and Europe, for some two millennia. In fact, Oman’s maritime prowess dates back to the Bronze Age and was remarked on both by Greek astronomer and geographer Ptolemy and by Roman commander and encyclopedist Pliny the Elder in the 1st century. Needless to say, fame had its price. Following a Persian and then an Islamic conquest, the Portuguese captured the city in 1507 in an effort to further strengthen their position as a leading sea power. Two massive forts erected by the invaders during their one-and-a-half-century ‘stay’, Al Jalali and Al Mirani, still tower over the city, offering breathtaking views of the harbour and a glimpse into Oman’s military history.

Marble marvels, fine forts and magic carpets

In 1744, Oman was occupied for one last time and became a unified state under the Al Busaid dynasty, one of Arabia's longest-surviving royal families. During his nearly half-century rule, the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said not only steered his country into the modern age but also financed many of the capital’s iconic landmarks. With 45-metre-high domes and a minaret soaring to 91.5 metres, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is Oman’s tallest structure and largest mosque with room for roughly 20,000 worshippers. It’s also a must-see for its carpet alone. The 4,343-square-metre stunner took 600 Iranian women four years to hand-weave and contains some 1,700 million knots. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome but must observe visiting hours and rules. Pinched between the twin forts of Al Jalali and Al-Mirani, Al Alam Palace (‘Flag Palace’), Sultan Qaboos’s formar ceremonial residence is spectacular and quite impossible to miss. The gold-blue marble structure is a masterclass in contemporary Islamic architecture (cue the remarkably golf-tee-looking columns), but it’s actually a revamped version of a 200-year-old palace built by the monarch's great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather. Find the Royal Opera House on Al Qurum’s Sultan Qaboos Street. Combining Eastern and Western architectural styles, Oman’s premier arts and cultural centre is a commanding pure-marble structure with desert rose stone details, a high-tech feel, unparalleled acoustics and a manicured, 40,000-square-metre garden area.

At the crossroads of cultures, tastes and flavours

Steeped in trading history, Muscat’s cuisine is, by definition, fusion. Middle Eastern, Indian, Persian, North African and Mediterranean flavours, ingredients and spices come together in generous servings of majboos (spiced rice and meat dish), mashuai (king fish with lemon rice), shawarmas (meat marinated with spices and served in pita bread) and shuwa (slow-cooked lamb or goat laid on a bed of rice) in the city’s many cafés. Try the latter at Al Khuwair’s Bin Ateeq at its most authentic. Turkish House serves up the tastiest catch of the day the Muttrah market has to offer, as curated by the restaurant owner who happens to be a former fisherman. For a quick but memorable snack, hit Tea House to sip on the Arabian Gulf’s answer to Indian chai, called karak, a sweet, milk-based tea jazzed up with cardamom, clove, cinnamon or ginger.

Get lost in Muttrah to find the best bargains

Muttrah Souq is one of the oldest in Oman as well as on the entire Arabian Peninsula, and is Muscat's main attraction. And a quite intoxicating one at that. Don’t expect Marrakech-level bustle but a more traditional and intimate feel, plus a maze of incense-laden lanes stacked high with piles of gold jewellery and silver khajars (traditional Omani dagger), myrrh and bukhoor (wood chips soaked in perfume oils), antique Bedouin artifacts, colourful pashminas (shawl) and silky dishdashas (robe). Haggle for the fun of it but prepare for modest results. Recharge your batteries at the cosy Corniche café right at the market’s promenade-side entrance. Alternatively, Qurum’s shopping centre, Al Araimi Complex, stocks your regular clothing and accessories brands, from high-street to high-end.

Explore the Omani Grand Canyon and tan in style

Hiking enthusiasts will have a blast exploring Muscat’s vast backyard, aka the Al Hajar Mountains. Steep and rocky but utterly rewarding, hiking trail no. C38 trail starts from Muscat’s Riyam Park and descends into a tight wadi (riverbed), treating hikers to bird’s-eye views of the harbour, the sea and the twin forts. Or drive some 200 kilometres to reach Wadi Ghul, ‘The Grand Canyon of Arabia’. Sneaking its way through Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak at 3,005 metres, plunges around one kilometre down at its deepest point. Beach-lovers will also be spoilt for choice in Muscat, from golden and glam to tranquil and tucked away. Splurge on a day pass at Al Bustan Palace, aka Muscat’s Ritz-Carlton, to enjoy the hotel’s private beach and luxury amenities. Need a breather from big city life? Head to Yitti Beach, a secluded splashing spot set against jagged peaks.

Muscat weather

If you’re not a fan of temperatures hitting 40°C for days on end, avoid Muscat in the summer months, meaning March to September. Lasting from December to February, winters bring a near-Mediterranean climate with pleasant daytime temperatures and somewhat chilly nights. Transitional months (April and October) can also be ideal for a holiday in Muscat, while sea temperatures are comfortably warm all year long.

Muscat Airport

Muscat International Airport, formerly known as Seeb International Airport, is Oman’s principal international entry point. Located 32 km from the capital city, Muscat, in the district of Seeb, this airport offers flights to destinations across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Two terminals at this airport host more than ten cafes and restaurants. There is also a duty free section for a wide selection of cosmetics, snacks, jewellery, and souvenirs. The airport is known for its modernisation, comfort, and cleanliness and is accredited as a 4-Star Airport. For reaching the city, the bus stop is right outside the terminal; other alternatives are available in car hire and taxi services. The line 41 bus is the best way to travel, as the journey takes about 10 minutes. The cheapest is to drive, taking about 11 minutes. Other options include a bus via the Old Terminal (25 minutes), a taxi (11 minutes), and a town car (12 minutes).

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