Exploring Muscat on a Shoestring Budget: A 7-Day Foodie Itinerary for Relaxation

Day 1: Historical Wonders

Muscat, Oman

8:00AM

Breakfast at local cafe

Start your day with a traditional Omani breakfast of flatbread, cheese, and chai before heading to Muttrah Souq.
Take a taxi or walk to Muttrah Souq.
OMR 5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Exploring Muttrah Souq

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this traditional market, filled with spices, fabrics, and souvenirs.
Wander through the market's narrow alleyways and interact with local vendors.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at local restaurant

Try shawarma or kebabs at a local eatery for an authentic Omani meal.
Find a local restaurant in the Muttrah area.
OMR 3, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Visit one of Oman's most iconic landmarks, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Take a taxi to the mosque.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Al Alam Palace

Stroll by the ceremonial palace of Oman's Sultan, capturing photos of its beautiful gates and views of the sea.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Al Alam Palace.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at local eatery

Indulge in a seafood dinner at a local restaurant along the Corniche as you watch the sunset.
Head to the Corniche area for dinner.
OMR 6, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Muscat, Oman

9:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of cultural exploration.
Relax at your accommodation before setting out for the day.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

10:00AM

Bait Al Zubair Museum

Delve into Oman's rich history and heritage through the museum's artefacts, traditional costumes, and exhibits.
Take a taxi or walk to Bait Al Zubair Museum.
OMR 2, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at local restaurant

Sample Omani biryani or machboos for lunch, traditional dishes bursting with flavour.
Find a nearby restaurant for lunch.
OMR 4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Exploring the Corniche

Take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, enjoying views of the sea, bustling souks, and lively cafes.
Stroll along the waterfront at your own pace.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Qurum Beach

Unwind at this popular beach spot, watching the sunset over the horizon and maybe even taking a dip in the sea.
Take a taxi or local bus to Qurum Beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at local restaurant

Try some traditional Omani sweets or opt for international cuisine for dinner in the Qurum area.
Explore nearby restaurants for dinner.
OMR 5, 2 hours
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Day 3: Desert Adventure

Wahiba Sands, Oman

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Wahiba Sands.
Have breakfast at your accommodation.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Wahiba Sands

Embark on a road trip towards the stunning desert dunes of Wahiba Sands for a day of sand dune bashing and camel rides.
Rent a car or hire a guide for the journey to Wahiba Sands.
OMR 20 (car rental), 3 hours drive

12:00PM

Lunch in the desert

Enjoy a picnic amidst the golden sands and silence of the desert, savouring the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Set up your picnic spot in Wahiba Sands.
OMR 4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sand Dune Bashing

Experience the thrill of driving over the dunes with a local expert, feeling the adrenaline rush on this desert adventure.
Join a guided dune bashing tour.
OMR 15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Camel Ride at Sunset

Embark on a serene camel ride across the desert as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the sands.
Arrange for a camel ride experience in Wahiba Sands.
OMR 10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner under the Stars

Enjoy a traditional Omani barbecue dinner under the starlit sky, relishing the flavours of grilled meat and fresh salads.
Experience a desert dining set-up for dinner.
OMR 8, 2 hours
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Day 4: Relaxation Day

Muscat, Oman

9:00AM

Late Breakfast at Trendy Cafe

Start your day a bit later with a relaxed breakfast at a trendy cafe in Muscat, sampling local pastries and coffee.
Discover a popular cafe for breakfast.
OMR 6, 1 hour

11:00AM

Spa Day at the Hotel

Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa session at your hotel, indulging in massages and treatments to unwind.
Book a spa appointment at your accommodation.
OMR 30, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant, trying fresh salads or sandwiches for a healthy meal.
Find a nearby eatery for lunch.
OMR 4, 1 hour

4:00PM

Beachside Relaxation

Spend the afternoon lounging at the beach, reading a book or simply basking in the sun's warmth.
Head to a nearby beach for relaxation.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Local Market Exploration

Visit a local market to browse handicrafts, souvenirs, and spices, picking up unique gifts to take home.
Walk or take a taxi to a nearby market.
Depends on purchases, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant, savouring the freshest catch of the day with ocean views.
Dine at a seafood eatery along the coast.
OMR 10, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Mountain Retreat

Jabal Akhdar, Oman

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Jabal Akhdar, Oman's majestic mountain retreat.
Have breakfast at your accommodation before setting off.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Jabal Akhdar

Embark on a scenic drive to the 'Green Mountain', revelling in the cool climate and stunning views along the way.
Rent a car or join a guided tour to Jabal Akhdar.
OMR 25 (car rental) or OMR 40 (guided tour), 3 hours drive

12:00PM

Explore the Mountain Village

Stroll through the picturesque villages of Jabal Akhdar, discovering traditional mud-brick houses and lush terraced farms.
Walk around the village to mingle with locals and witness their way of life.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch with a View

Dine at a local restaurant offering panoramic mountain vistas, savouring Omani dishes infused with local produce.
Choose a restaurant with a view for lunch.
OMR 8, 1 hour

3:30PM

Nature Walk in the Lush Greenery

Embark on a nature walk amidst the cool mountain air, marvelling at the terraces of pomegranate and walnut orchards.
Follow hiking trails in the area for a scenic walk.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Afternoon Tea at a Cafe

Relax at a local cafe with a cup of Omani coffee or refreshing mint tea, soaking in the peaceful mountain ambience.
Find a cosy cafe for a relaxing tea break.
OMR 2, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

End your day with a delicious dinner at your hotel, enjoying a buffet of international and Omani dishes.
Head to your hotel's restaurant for dinner.
OMR 12, 2 hours
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Day 6: Culinary Exploration

Muscat, Oman

9:00AM

Breakfast at Local Market

Indulge in a traditional Omani breakfast at a local market, trying dishes like ful medames or harees.
Visit a bustling market in Muscat for breakfast.
OMR 4, 1 hour

11:00AM

Cooking Class at Local Kitchen

Engage in a hands-on Omani cooking class, learning to prepare dishes like kabsa or halwa from skilled local chefs.
Join a cooking class at a local kitchen.
OMR 15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch with Your Creations

Feast on the dishes you've cooked during the class, enjoying a personalised Omani culinary experience.
Sit down to lunch in the kitchen where you took the cooking class.
Included in the cooking class fee, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit a Date Plantation

Explore a local date plantation, learning about Oman's date industry and sampling fresh dates straight from the trees.
Take a short drive to a nearby date plantation.
OMR 3, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Spend the late afternoon relaxing at your hotel, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or enjoying a massage.
Return to your hotel and unwind.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at local eatery

Delight in a fusion dinner, mixing Omani flavours with international cuisines at a trendy eatery in Muscat.
Discover a modern restaurant for dinner.
OMR 10, 2 hours
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Day 7: Farewell Muscat

Muscat, Oman

8:00AM

Breakfast at A Local Bakery

Start your last day in Muscat with a selection of fresh pastries and Arabic coffee at a local bakery.
Visit a nearby bakery for breakfast.
OMR 3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Souvenir Shopping

Explore Muttrah Souq once more for any last-minute souvenir shopping, picking up items like frankincense or silver jewellery.
Take a short walk or taxi ride to Muttrah Souq.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a final meal in Muscat with a hearty Arabian feast, delighting in hummus, falafel, and grilled meats.
Select a traditional restaurant for your farewell lunch.
OMR 7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

Explore Oman's military history and artefacts at this unique museum, honouring the country's armed forces.
Take a taxi to the museum.
OMR 2, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at the Seaside Park

Savour your last moments in Muscat by relaxing at a seaside park, watching the waves and feeling the gentle sea breeze.
Head to a waterfront park for a tranquil evening.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Beachside Restaurant

Savour a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant, bidding farewell to Oman with the taste of the ocean on your tongue.
Dine at a scenic restaurant by the beach.
OMR 12, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability