Budget-Friendly Relaxed 5-Day Oman Trip: Culture, Nature & Food from Affordable Stay

Day 1: Arrival & Easy City Intro

Muscat, Oman on September 23, 2025

1:00pm

Check-in at Centro W Muscat

Stay at Centro W Muscat, a more affordable Marriott Bonvoy property offering clean and modern rooms at a budget-friendly price for four guests. It provides good access to key areas, with lower rates than central hotels.
OMR 25-30 per room/night approx., 1h

2:30pm

Late Lunch at Al Angham Traditional Restaurant

Try local Omani dishes served in a traditional setting near Muscat's old town, with reasonable pricing and tasty offerings.
OMR 5-8 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Muttrah Corniche and Souq

Enjoy a relaxed walk along the scenic Corniche followed by browsing affordable handicraft and souvenir shops in Muttrah Souq, ideal for light shopping and soaking up the atmosphere.
Free entry, shopping costs vary, 1h30m

7:00pm

Budget Dinner at Al Fairouz Café

Opt for delicious and inexpensive Middle Eastern cuisine popular with locals, perfect for a casual and affordable dinner.
OMR 4-6 per person, 1h
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Day 2: Green Mountain Escape

Jebel Akhdar, Oman on September 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the included breakfast at Centro W Muscat to start the day well.
Included with stay, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Jebel Akhdar

Take a private or shared transfer (~OMR 20-30 per person if shared) to Jebel Akhdar, a 2 to 2.5-hour journey to explore cool mountain landscapes.
OMR 50-60 private car rental or OMR 20-30 per person shared, 2h30m

12:00pm

Exploration & Light Hiking

Walk around accessible trails and take in views of terraced farms, pomegranate orchards, and local villages like Al Ayn without strenuous exertion.
Free, 3h

3:00pm

Lunch at local café

Enjoy reasonably priced, simple Omani-style dishes at a local mountain café.
OMR 6-8 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Muscat

Drive back to Muscat to rest ahead of evening activities.
Included in transport, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Turkish House, Muttrah

Affordable grilled dishes and mezze in a casual setting, popular among locals and visitors alike.
OMR 6-9 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Desert Day

Wahiba Sands, Oman on September 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with the hotel's included breakfast.
Included with stay, 1h

9:30am

Depart to Wahiba Sands Desert

Choose budget-friendly shared tour or private car rental to Wahiba Sands (approx. 2 hours) for immersive dune experiences.
OMR 30-50 per person for shared tour, 2h

11:30am

Desert Exploration and Bedouin Visit

Experience a gentle 4x4 dune drive or camel ride, then visit a Bedouin camp to learn traditions and enjoy simple desert hospitality.
OMR 15-25 per person activity fee, 3h

2:30pm

Desert Lunch at Camp

Savour a budget-friendly Bedouin-style lunch with local ingredients in a camp setting.
OMR 7-9 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Muscat

Travel back to the city with opportunity to rest and refresh.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Al Mawal Restaurant

Enjoy affordable authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern food, relaxing for the evening meal after a desert day.
OMR 5-8 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: City Culture & Shopping

Muscat, Oman on September 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast included at Centro W Muscat before the day’s city activities.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Royal Opera House Walkaround

Free to explore outside the Opera House; for indoor tours, check advance booking for budget options or free external views as admission can be costly.
Free external visit, 1h

12:00pm

Shopping at Muscat Souq and City Centre Mall

Visit affordable shops to pick up souvenirs and gifts, mixing traditional market atmosphere with modern stores to keep costs down.
Free entry, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Mumtaz Mahal

Taste economical Indian/Omani fusion cuisine with satisfying meals at wallet-friendly prices near the mall.
OMR 6-9 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Relax or Optional Low-Cost Hammam Visit

Consider a traditional hammam/spa for a relaxing treat without heavy expense, or rest at the hotel.
OMR 10-15, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Ghazal Restaurant

Enjoy last evening Omani dishes at this local favourite with modest prices and genuine flavours.
OMR 6-9 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Departure

Muscat, Oman on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Have a relaxed breakfast and check out from Centro W Muscat.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Transfer to Muscat Airport

Affordable taxi or arranged hotel transfer to airport for flights back to home destinations.
OMR 8-12, 30m
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