A Guide to Neighborhoods in Muscat (2023) - Towards the Compass (2023)

John Torres3 commentsLast updated: April 24, 2023

This guide will help you make your choicewhich area to live in Muscat, including a list of the best hotels in Muscat by city area, with local gems for every taste and budget.

The capital is the old coastal city of Muscats Omanomand is the heart of culture, history and commerce.

It's a place with something for everyone - culture lovers will love visiting mosques and museums, adrenaline junkies will enjoy water sports along the coast, and shoppers will love exploring the ancient markets and modern malls.

Spread over an area of ​​3,500 km² and with 1,720,000 inhabitants,nutmegit's not a small town, so it's best to ask ahead of time to decide exactly where you want to go and what places you want to visit. It is a city that has extremes of both old and new, and accents of everything
cultures that passed through its walls throughout history.

Best places to stay in Muscat: map

Click on the image to view the interactive map

1 –Mumble: Best place to visit Muscat

Home to the most famous attractions and the most affordable hotels in Muscat, this is the place that will attract the most travelers.

If you want to explore historic architecture, taste delicious local cuisine and shop in the famous Muttrah Souk, this is the best place to stay in Muscat.

Originally the bustling commercial center of the city, Muttrah is arguably the most beautiful part of Muscat. Stroll along the winding coastal paths of Mutrah Corniche, peer through the gates of Al Alam Palace, learn about local history and culture at the many local museums, and bargain up a storm at the famous souk.

Best neighborhood to live in Muscat if:

• You don't have time and you are only in Muscat for a day or two
• You are interested in the most famous monuments in the city
• It's also close to the sea, so it gives you the chance to combine culture with a bit of water - the perfect combination!

Not a good place to stay in Muscat if:

• If you are only on a short break and need to be close to the airport, it may be a bit far for you (35 minutes drive from Muscat International)
• It is also not an area for those who want to experience the lively, modern side of the city. It definitely depends on what you want to see.

The cheapest hotel in Muttrah

Hotel Riyam–Just a 10-minute walk from the waterfront, Hotel Riyam is one of the most affordable hotels in Muscat, ideally located for exploring the old city and at the end of a long day kick back and take a dip in the outdoor pool. While this is a great option for those on a budget, you can still get a sea view room if you're lucky.

Best value for money in Muttrah

Hotel Naseem–Those looking to be within walking distance of Muttrah will be perfectly happy with this hotel, which is less than two minutes' walk from the center of the action. It is also ideally located between the mountains and the sea, offering guests wonderful views of both.

The best boutique hotel in Muscat

Pansion Fort–The most traditional hotel in Muscat. If you want to enjoy the historical atmosphere of old Muscat, Fort Guest House is right on your doorstep. Arched windows and four-poster beds reflect the area's historic past and take you back in time. You're also well placed for sightseeing here, just a few steps from the old watchtower and a short walk from some of Muttrah's most famous museums.

2 –Ruwi: The best place to stay in Muscat for travelers on a budget

It is often calledLittle India, Ruwi may not have the same clout as Old Muscat when it comes to historic architecture, but it's actually one of the city's oldest districts, home to some of Muscat's most affordable hotels.

If you scratch just below the concrete surface, you'll discover lots of charm underneath - markets and traditional shops still await
outdoors, local restaurants will lure you in with enticing aromas and after dark you will see Ruwi come alive and become one of the best places to stay in Muscat.

Best place to stay in Muscat if:

• You travel on a budget
• A must for foodies, offering some of the city's best culinary offerings, including Indian and Pakistani dishes.
• It's a good base for exploring the rest of the city (and beyond) thanks to excellent transport links.
• Visit the colorful Souk Ruwi street, filled to the brim with colorful shops and plenty of trinkets worth bartering for.

Not a good place to stay in Muscat if:

• If you're looking for beautiful historic buildings, Ruwi might not be the place for you, as the area underwent a major renovation in the 1970s and has lost some of its old-world charm.
• The CBD has the flashy skyscrapers you'd expect and doesn't scream "resort".
• Apart from restaurants and lovely shops, there is nothing else to discover in this district.

The cheapest hotel apartment in Ruwija

Apartments Hotel Jasmin–This affordable place has everything you need for a budget stay. The air-conditioned apartments will cool you down on hot days in the city and are an excellent base for exploring Ruvia.

Best value for money in Ruwi

Headington Ruwi Golden Tulip–In the heart of the action, this modern 4-star resort offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of nature. After a busy day on the streets, return to the Golden Tulip Headington Hotel and relax by the rooftop pool while admiring the sights of the city.

The best luxury hotel in Ruwija

Sheraton Hotel i Oman–The cheapest five star hotel in Muscat. Stroll through the hotel's gardens, enjoy treatments in the hotel's spa, have a drink or two in the Turbine & Taps Bar and cool off in the outdoor pool. Your taste buds will be spoiled for choice with numerous dining options, from sumptuous buffets at Courtyard, finer meats at Asado South American Steakhouse and elegant afternoon tea at Tea Library.

3 –Plaza Institution: The best beach hotels in Muscat

If you are looking for the best beach hotels while in Muscat, Qurum Beach is the best place to stay.

Stretching along 4 km of coastline, it is the perfect place to escape from the heat of the city. Visitors can cool off, enjoy water sports or go to one of the many local restaurants.

However, it is not only the beach that attracts tourists to this area, music lovers will be delighted by a famous beach.Royal driver Muscatwhich offers excursions and good live music.

Lazily swaying palm trees, sparkling blue waters and world-class performances, Qurum has a lot to offer.

Best neighborhood to live in Muscat if:

• You want to be close to the best beach in Muscat
• It also offers an elegant coastal area to see and be seen, with clean palm-lined walkways and fine Western restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine.
• Visit the world famous Royal Opera House Muscat

Not a good place to stay in Muscat if:

• You are price sensitive
• This is not the place to soak up the city's culture. This clean, modern oasis can seem a bit whitewashed compared to characterful Muttrah.
• The restaurants dotted around the area cater well to the Western palate (in part because it's a popular destination among expats), but come
  with a high price

The cheapest hotel on the beach in Qurum

Institution strandhotel–This place may not offer the attractions of nearby luxury properties, but if you're looking for an affordable place on this sparkling stretch of beach, this is the place for you. The air-conditioned rooms provide a cool escape from the humidity, and the restaurant offers local delicacies and live entertainment. In our opinion, this is one of the best hotels to stay in Muscat, Oman.

The best budget five star hotel in Qurum

Grand Hyatt Muscat–Located directly on the beach, Grand Hyatt Muscat is the perfect place if you want to be close to this sandy beach and the calm blue sea. And with more than just a hip location, this five-star property will ensure your needs are more than met with a spacious outdoor pool, spa, a choice of four indoor restaurants, three bars, a tea room and a shop.

The most luxurious beach hotel in Qurum

Muscaten–The face of modern Muscat, this luxury hotel offers world-class accommodation in an enviable beachfront location. The bright interior references the Arabian heritage, and the modern facilities ensure you don't miss a thing. Dine at one of the five restaurants, enjoy a cocktail on the glamorous WET Deck, or watch the sunset over the ocean in the Siddharta Lounge. The sea views, pool and relaxing spa will be an oasis to escape to after a day exploring the wonders of Muscat.

4 –Al Khuwair: The most functional area to live in Muscat (Oman)

Al Khuwair is not a must-see destination, but a convenient location that perfectly places you between the city's attractions and the airport, making it the best place to stay in Muscat for those short on time. The lack of local museums and cultural hotspots does not mean that there is nothing worth recommending here. This lively area has many excellent restaurants and shopping centers - plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Why it's worth staying here:

• You are looking for a base that will give you easy access to the airport, but at the same time close enough to the action
• It's a lively neighborhood and popular with expats, which means you'll find restaurants to suit everyone's tastes
• Those looking for a therapeutic retail hit will be equally pleased with the large number of malls where they can while away the afternoon.
• It is close to Qurum Beach, perfect for those who want to stay nearby but don't want to pay beachside prices.

It is not good if:

• Look for local culture and historical sites
• Don't worry, Muttrah is about a 15-minute drive away, so you'll still have plenty of time to explore the area.

The most affordable hotel in Al Khuwair

Hotel Muscat Plaza–One of the cheapest hotels in Muscat. It's an affordable stay that offers everything you need: air-conditioned rooms to keep you cool, a hearty breakfast all day, and a restaurant if you don't want to look any further for dinner.

Best value for money in Al Khuwair

Park Inn by Radisson Muscat–Al Khuwair may not be the cultural center of the city, but guests will not be bored at this hotel. You can enjoy a cocktail in the sky bar while admiring the view of the city, laze all day by the rooftop pool or relax in the sports bar. The hotel's restaurant serves a hearty continental breakfast that you can use while you shop until you reach the local malls.

The best 4 star hotel in Al Khuwair

Hilton Garden Inn Maskat Al Khuwair–this mid-range wonder offers cool, stylish interiors (a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the damp streets) and the decor echoes local architecture with modern,Middle Easttalent. The juice bar will delight health lovers with cocktails and snacks, while the two (yes two) swimming pools on the roof will delight all sun lovers.

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5 – Best hotels near Muscat Airport

You can find yourself popping in and outfrom Muscatwith only a few hours to spare, in which case it's best to stay close to the airport to catch a flight a little easier. It might sound a little depressing, but there are great places to stay nearby and the main attractions are only a 30-minute drive away, so you can still explore or enjoy a delicious dinner.

NearAl Moujis an elegant seaside town with much to recommend it, with waterfront restaurants, a shopping mall, a marina and even an 18-hole golf course.

Best area to live in Muscat if:

• Only if you want to stay near the airport. There are really nice hotels nearby, of all kinds.

Not a good place to stay in Muscat if:

• There is not much to do within walking distance, so it is not a place for travelers who like to explore the area on foot.

The cheapest hotel near Muscat airport

Modern hotel ski apartment OYO 109 Al Thabit- Less than 4km from the airport, you'll find these practical self-catering apartments with everything you need for a quick stopover in Muscat. You can enjoy not only the proximity of the airport, but also only 5 minutes by car from the beach.

The best mid-range option near Muscat Airport

Novotel Muscat Airport–Although this hotel is only 10 minutes from the airport and is located in a busy area, inside it will prove to be an oasis of peace. Nowhere more so than by the rooftop pool surrounded by palm trees - bliss! The gym will help you work through post-flight contractions, and with three on-site restaurants, you'll have plenty to choose from.

Best beach hotel near Muscat airport

Hotel Mysk Al Mouj- If you walk in front of the hotel and pass Al Mouj Pier, you will hardly believe that you are only 5 km from the international airport. You might stay here because of the convenient location, but there are plenty of reasons to extend your trip - an 18-hole golf course, rooftop pool, beautiful marina views and plenty of delicious restaurants to tempt you.

The best luxury hotel near Muscat Airport

Hotel Kempinski i Muscat–Kempinksi may be close to the airport, but this award-winning five-star resort is a destination unto itself. The design is modern and elegant with a reference to the city's Arabic roots, two pools invite a dip and there is even a bowling alley for those looking for a bit of fun. There are so many restaurants and bars that you need to stay several days to visit them all - so we recommend trying as many restaurants as possible, as each one has its own delicious and different offer.

They were in my opinionthe best neighborhoods and places to live in Muscat. Do you have suggestions for another area or hotel? Let me know in the comments section.