3 Nights in Muscat: Why I Left Oman Wanting More

Sometimes the side trip is better than the main trip.

In March of 2025, I had a trip to Dubai planned and wanted to visit another nearby country beforehand. I had heard great things about Oman, and it seemed like an “approachable” choice.

It was my first time in the Middle East, and while I already knew that 99% of what US propaganda says about the region isn’t true, visiting any new area of the world will require an adjustment period. Dubai & Muscat seemed like the right places to “ease into it.” I wasn’t scared, I was unfamiliar and unsure of what to expect. That’s normal.

Why Oman

In Anthony Bourdain’s book, World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, Tony seemed especially enthusiastic about Oman. He said he really wants people to visit. Whatever you say, Tony! I also watched a handful of YouTube videos of women visiting solo and reported feeling very safe and enjoying their stay. Anytime people ask if I was scared to visit the Middle East (yes, people really did ask), I said, “Well, no… But I know it’ll be really different from anywhere I’ve been before.” I was so right.

I booked 3 nights in Muscat as a chill side trip… If only I knew just how much I would love it there. I liked it better than Dubai, I’ll tell you that. I left wanting SO much more. Even on a short trip, I can say that Oman truly touched me. I usually like most places I travel to. I can find beauty anywhere, but It’s rare to visit somewhere and think, “now THIS place is special.” That’s Oman. A gorgeous country full of such kind, hospitable people. A country where the traditional and modern ideas blend together beautifully. A country with architecture as stunning as its mountains, beaches, deserts, and wadis. It would be easy for Oman to build skyscrapers and try to compete with their gulf coast neighbors, but Oman insists of staying true to itself. And that’s what makes it beautiful.

I’m so happy to be sharing my short but incredibly sweet trip to Oman’s capital city, Muscat.

Flying to Oman

I booked a round trip flight from Seattle to Dubai via Emirates (really nice airline, by the way). From there, I booked a connecting round trip to Muscat through Oman air (also a decent airline, but their baggage fees are ridiculous).

After a 14 1/2 hour flight to Dubai, it’s a relief that getting to Muscat only takes about an hour. I landed in Muscat late at night, so I took a taxi to my hotel (it was around $25 USD) then called it a night.

The Hotel

Staying beachfront is a perfect way to do Muscat. I chose the Crown Plaza & had the most incredible experience. By the way, I visited Oman during Ramadan (I’ll talk more about that experience below), so prices were low! I enjoyed a beachfront view for about $135/night. What amazed me most is that inside my room, some DELICIOUS chocolate and dates were waiting for me. Plus, there was a card offering me a complimentary fruit basket to be delivered to my room. I was already feeling the Omani hospitality.

The Crowne Plaza has a private beach, a gorgeous pool, excellent restaurants, and really everything I could ever want! Couldn’t recommend it more!

Should you Visit Oman During Ramadan?

Something I didn’t plan for was visiting the Middle East during Ramadan. If you aren’t familiar, Ramadan occurs every year for a month and from sunrise to sunset, you do not eat anything, drink anything, chew gum, etc. It’s basically a fast, but with spiritual intent. It’s also a time to spend more time with loved ones, to donate to those in need, and to strengthen your relationship with God. I think it’s really wonderful.

As a non-muslim, I was not required to fast during Ramadan, but I was expected to be respectful and to not eat or drink in public during the day (it’s usually fine at hotels, just not out in public!).

Does visiting during Ramadan take away from the experience? It’s hard to say. I didn’t feel like I missed out at all, but I think another visit to Oman during a regular time of year would give me a better idea.

I will say I found Omanis to be very kind and accommodating during Ramadan (and they really don’t have to be). A highlight of the trip was attending an Iftar at my hostel, which is the fast-breaking feast. There was a huge buffet filled with amazing food and tea. I loved eating, but I especially loved being able to observe the people (surprisingly, there were a lot of locals at the hotel dinner) enjoying their time with friends and family. The energy was so positive and peaceful.

Dimaniyat Islands: One of My Favorite Traveling Days Ever

When you think of white sand beaches and clear blue water, does Oman come to mind? Well, it should.

The DImaniyat islands is about an hour-long boat ride from Muscat, and it’s incredibly underrated. This NEEDS to be on more people’s radar!!!!!

I took a tour of the islands to do some snorkeling and to enjoy the beach. When I got in the water to start snorkeling, the guides kept pointing me in a direction saying, “go there! go there!” I couldn’t believe what I saw..

AT LEAST 15 sea turtles!!!!!!

Young, old, and in between. Sea turtles really aren’t afraid of humans, so they were swimming alongside me. I did my best not to touch them. I saw a few sea turtles while in Bali, but this was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Not to mention all the gorgeous fish I saw. Just wow. What a day! I have since purchased an underwater camera, but I didn’t have one at the time. You’ll just have to take my word for it.

And it wasn’t even over yet.

On our way back to Muscat, the guide said he was going to head to a specific location for something special. Oh how right he was!

They said there was a possibility of seeing dolphins. I thought it’d be cool to see one or two. I couldn’t even imagine that we’d see a dolphin migration, but that’s exactly what happened! HUNDREDS OF DOLPHINS. In all directions. Simply unbelievable.

Another case of not getting great pictures, so I’ll just tell you this: visit Oman & take a DImaniyat Islands tour. It’s one of my favorite travel experiences I’ve ever had.

Muscat City Tour

Because Muscat is very spread out, I thought it would be a good idea to take a guided city tour so I could also learn more about Muscat.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Unfortunately, the inside of the mosque was closed, which is a bummer since I was really looking forward to it. We were still able to walk around the outside and it’s definitely beautiful.

Sultan Qaboos was Oman’s leader for 50 years, and he made a significant impact on the country. This includes a development of some masterpiece-level architecture, including this mosque.

Royal Opera House

Completed in 2011, the Royal Opera House is an unbelievably stunning venue. Not a single detail was spared during construction.

I hope to see a show here one day.

Mutrah

Mutrah is arguably the most picturesque part of Muscat. It’s there you can find the popular Mutrah Souq and the most amazing sweet shop I’ve ever visited. Something that really stands out while at that sweet shop is how inviting the worker was. He allowed us to sample everything (and I repeat: we were there during Ramadan. He really didn’t have to). I had no idea Oman had such incredible desserts, but it’s honestly one reason why I’m so excited to return.

Wandering around Mutrah felt a little extra special because an almost identical photo can be found in the Oman section of the atlas that sparked my fascination with traveling the world. It’s one of those full circle moments that make me feel grateful for following my childhoods dreams!

Royal Palace

The sultan sure has a nice place, huh? Complete with a private beach!

My Next Trip to Muscat

My first trip to Oman was way too short and I can absolutely guarantee that I will return. There is so much more I’d love to see & do- Both in Muscat and around the country.

I knew Oman would be aesthetically pleasing, but I had no idea the people would be so kind, I would feel so respected, and the culture would be so fascinating.

My side trip to Oman taught me that sometimes, the places you have low expectations for are the ones that absolutely blow you away. They remind you why you love traveling so much. You can only wonder why more people aren’t visiting, but you also kinda love seeing what a place that hasn’t quite been impacted by overtourism looks like (though Oman is starting to see more crowds). I felt that Omanis truly appreciated my visit and gave me a very warm welcome. If they are even half as welcoming during my next visit, I am in for a very special trip.