The history of Muscat, the capital of Oman, dates to ancient times.
It is more than 2,000 years old. One early mention of Muscat includes when Ptolemy called the location the hidden port.
The location of Muscat made it an important place for people who lived in what was then a fishing village.
Starting with the time when it was ruled by the Achaemenids to modern times, Muscat became known for its culture and as a bustling city and an important trading hub.
Today, Muscat is a destination that many travelers visit every year.
Oman welcomed nearly four million visitors in 2024.
Travelers who visit Muscat represent a large part of Oman’s visitors.
Seeing the natural beauty of Muscat and engaging in various activities are some things that travelers often look forward to when planning their trip.
Although the number of people who visit Muscat continues to grow, other people may wonder if it is safe to visit the capital city.
Learning about safety risks, safe places to visit, and places to avoid can help travelers visit Muscat and have a wonderful time without safety risks that may affect them.
Warnings & Dangers in Muscat
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Muscat is generally a very safe city. Travelers who visit the beautiful city still need to follow the tips that help to keep them safe.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Taxis are not metered in Muscat, so tourists need to agree on the price before they get into the taxi. The official taxis are orange and white. Public transport, including buses, can be tricky for some travelers who discover that Google Maps is not reliable for bus schedules in Muscat.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
There are not many incidents of pickpockets in Muscat. The government may issue severe punishment to people who commit petty crimes.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Muscat is free of the risk of most natural disasters. There is some risk of heavy rains that can lead to flooding, including flash flooding. Cyclones can also occur in Muscat.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Local officials take crime very seriously. Harsh punishments may be one reason that mugging is not much of a safety risk for travelers who visit Muscat. Tourists should still not display wealth or carry a lot of cash on them.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
There is a high risk of terrorist activities in and around Muscat, partly because of its location. Visitors should stay away from large crowds, public protests, and demonstrations. These things can occur suddenly, which requires tourists to stay alert to these things. Getting away as quickly as possible can help travelers stay safe.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There is not much risk of scams that target tourists, compared to many other areas around the world. That does not mean that they cannot happen. Travelers need to be alert to anyone who offers them tickets to events or attractions. They should also take care to exchange money and use ATMs at designated locations.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women usually do not have to worry about their safety when they visit Muscat or other areas of Oman. The minimal safety risk applies to women who travel in groups and solo women travelers. Women should follow rules such as wearing modest clothing.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Many locals may drink the tap water in Muscat, but travelers should drink bottled water or filtered water. Oman treats drinking water, but there are issues such as minerals being in the water, and various contaminants that can easily affect the tap water. Some risks associated with tap water may include parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
Safest Places to Visit in Muscat
Muscat has many sites and attractions that visitors can enjoy year-round.
The natural beauty of Muscat, along with its deeply rooted culture and history, are some things that draw travelers to visit each year.
The people are often friendly and welcoming to travelers, which can help visit an enjoyable experience.
Experience the local culture at the Mutrah Souq.
It is a vibrant market that is one of the oldest markets in the country.
The architecture is charming, as are the people who sell things at the marketplace stalls.
Find silver jewelry, hand-crafted items, textiles, dates, sweets, and even daggers.
Qurum Natural Park is a family-friendly park that is also an ideal place for solo travelers to visit when they want to see the sites of Muscat.
The park has picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, and winding pathways with lush foliage.
Another thing that draws people to this park is the peaceful lake that attracts various species of birds.
The park becomes quite lively on weekends.
Visitors can enjoy many activities and events that are hosted by the park.
Learn about the history of Muscat by visiting one of the old forts.
The Al Mirani fort and the Al Jalali fort helped to control trade routes and protect Muscat.
Tourists can admire the architecture from the outside, since people cannot go inside these forts.
Travelers sometimes climb nearby hills to take photographs of these forts.
Many people go hiking in Muttrah, which is a popular tourist destination.
It is easy to take a self-guided hike since local people and previous visitors have marked the direction to go on rocks.
The short hike ends near the Muttrah Fort.
Tourists can get a panoramic view of Muscat as they gaze at the Muttrah corniche and the Arabian Sea from atop the cliff.
Visit the National Museum of Oman.
The museum, located in Muscat, features many artifacts and exhibits that showcase the ancient history of Oman.
See pottery, clothing worn by people who lived in the area throughout history, and other things, including weapons.
People who prefer to see modern exhibits will likely enjoy the contemporary artwork on display at the museum.
It also has interactive displays and videos to help people learn more about Muscat and Oman.
Tourists can visit the Al Alam Palace, which is the official residence of the Sultan of Oman.
Visitors are not allowed to enter the palace, but they can marvel at its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Some other safe things to do in Muscat include visiting the vibrant markets, enjoying traditional food at the many restaurants, swimming in the Bimmah Sinkhole, and going on a dolphin tour.
Consider visiting beaches, the Oman Children’s Museum, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Places to Avoid in Muscat
The punishment for committing crimes of any sort can be severe in Muscat and in all of Oman.
The harsh punishment may be a reason that Muscat is much safer than many other places.
Travelers still need to exercise some caution to protect their safety.
Do not show any signs of wealth while walking around Muscat.
Criminals may think that you are an easy target.
Travelers need to avoid deserted areas or places that are outside the areas that are frequented by tourists.
Tourists are not targets for criminal acts nearly as much as in other places around the globe, but it can happen if they do not follow basic safety tips.
People sometimes camp out in neighborhoods around Muscat.
Avoid this scenario that could pose safety risks, especially at night.
Tourists who visit Muscat need to stay away from any areas where there are protests, demonstrations, or the risk of terrorism.
Things can quickly change, so travelers should stay alert to these kinds of risks.
Stay alert to dangerous road conditions and obstructions that may affect travel on some roads.
Some roads are not in very good condition.
Do not be shocked if you see wandering livestock along the roads in Muscat.
The areas to avoid in Muscat are not in the heart of tourist areas.
Travelers who choose to venture away from areas that are popular with tourists should avoid Ghala, Al Seeb, and any areas that require a long journey to get there.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Muscat
- Do not carry drugs or interact with any drug dealers. All of Oman has strict laws related to drug use and selling drugs. Do not carry drugs or use drugs or communicate with anyone who offers to sell you drugs. Oman has zero tolerance for drug-related crimes.
- Use ATMs at banks. Do not use ATMs on the street or in small businesses or shops. Use them at inside locations like banks.
- Lesbian, gay, or bisexual travelers need to avoid showing their sexual orientation. Oman criminalizes gay, bisexual, and lesbian sexual contact, even if it is consensual. Avoid the risk of a jail term of six months to three years by not revealing or displaying your sexual orientation.
- Watch your language. Using vulgar language is criminalized in Muscat and throughout Oman. Using vulgar hand gestures can also result in travelers having personal defamation charges against them.
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Violent crime is rare in Muscat, as are petty crimes. Protect yourself against the risk of becoming a crime victim by staying aware of your surroundings. Stay alert to anyone who seems to be following you.
- Do not meet up with anyone you communicate with on a dating app or site. Protect your safety by not meeting anyone in person that you communicated with on a dating site. Avoid making yourself a target for potential criminal activity.
- Do not drink alcohol outside designated locations. People are not allowed to drink alcohol in public. It is restricted to certain bars, restaurants, and international hotels.
- Women should follow the dress code. Women need to cover their shoulders and knees. Dressing modestly avoids unwanted attention and respects the culture.
- Make copies of your travel documents. It is important for visitors who travel to Muscat to make copies of their travel documents in case they are lost or stolen.
- Do not walk alone at night. Although Muscat is usually a safe place to visit, avoid walking alone at night. This is especially true for women travelers.
So... How Safe Is Muscat Really?
Muscat is one of the safest places to visit, compared to many other cities.
Oman is safer than many other countries around the world.
There is a low risk of any crimes that target travelers, especially violent crimes.
There are also very few petty crimes that target travelers, likely because of the stiff penalties for criminal behavior.
The attractions, sites, and public places, such as parks, are safe for tourists.
The many family-friendly places to visit make Muscat a popular place for families to visit.
There is likely more of a risk associated with drinking tap water than with being the victim of a crime.
Staying alert and not displaying signs of wealth also helps tourists to stay safe in Muscat.
How Does Muscat Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
 Muscat |
85 |
 Cadiz | 74 |
 Hickory | 68 |
| Charlottesville | 68 |
| West Lebanon | 79 |
| Laconia | 74 |
 Zapopan | 70 |
Useful Information
Visas
Travelers need to purchase a tourist visa upon their arrival at the airport or by applying for one in advance at the Royal Oman Police E-Visa website.
Currency
The official currency in Oman, including in Muscat, is the Omani rial.
Weather
The weather in Muscat is hot for about six months of the year. Rain can sometimes lead to flash flooding.
Airports
The Muscat International Airport is the country's main international airport. It is close to the city center.
Travel Insurance
Travelers should purchase travel insurance before they visit Muscat. Check with your travel insurance provider to learn about the best policy for your needs.
Muscat Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
25 | 26 | 29 | 34 | 39 | 40 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 35 | 30 | 26 |
| Low °C |
17 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 27 | 24 | 21 | 18 |
| High °F |
77 | 79 | 84 | 93 | 102 | 104 | 102 | 100 | 99 | 95 | 86 | 79 |
| Low °F |
63 | 64 | 70 | 75 | 82 | 86 | 86 | 84 | 81 | 75 | 70 | 64 |
Oman - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Muscat | 85 |
Pretty safe and beautiful
The Oman coast-line is indeed very beautiful and I highly recommend night safari while here. It’s just too fun to not do it. I wasn’t sold on Oman overall and Muscat in particular before coming here but now I added it to my to-go-again list. The only downside is the terrorism risk which is higher than in many other places. Nothing bad happened while I was there but who knows? And considering there is this risk, why does this have a 75 on the safety index?
Jewel of the Arabian Peninsula
After spending the better part of a year in Oman, I came away with a very positive impression and fond memories.
The land and seascapes are amazing and the people are very friendly. Known as the “Switzerland” of the Middle East, the Sultanate strives to be an exemplary world citizen.
As a consequence, Omanis are welcoming and tolerant of others but expect visitors to respect their laws and customs.
Wedged between Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iran, there is always some chance of terror, but probably less so than other countries in this tough neighborhood. Oman is not as flashy as UAE or some other Persian Gulf destinations, but it has so much more to offer than luxury shopping and golf. I can’t wait to return.
I had such a great time wandering through the vibrant markets of Muscat; the mix of cultures and the stunning coastline really made the experience unforgettable.
Not sure if I’d trust my luck with camel racing, but the views along the coastline are definitely worth it!
Reading this brought back memories of wandering through the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, feeling completely in awe of its beauty and the calm it brings.
Strolled Muttrah Souq at dusk and the sea breeze by the forts made me feel surprisingly relaxed and safe.