Things to do in Oman

2 destinations in Oman, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Oman

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Muscat: The cheapest months to fly to Muscat are June through August (Oman's brutally hot summer), when fares can drop 30-40% below peak season; for a balance of good weather and reasonable prices, late April or early October offer mild temperatures with fares roughly 15-20% lower than the prime November-March tourist season.
Salalah: Flying outside the peak Khareef season (July-August) cuts fares by roughly 30-40%; the best value flights land in October-November or March-April when the landscape is still beautiful and prices are lowest. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently run $20-50 cheaper than weekend flights on Gulf carriers.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Muscat: Mutrah Corniche Stroll A gorgeous waterfront promenade with mountain backdrops, traditional wooden dhows, and sea breezes, perfect at sunset.
Muscat: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Visit Non-Muslims can tour the stunning interior Saturday-Thursday mornings, making it one of the best free experiences in the Gulf.
Muscat: Al Qurum Beach A clean, safe, well-kept public beach popular with locals, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and people-watching.
Salalah: Ayn Razat Springs A verdant natural spring oasis with gardens, picnic spots, and abundant birdlife free to explore any day.
Salalah: Al Mughsail Coastal Drive The scenic coastal road west of Salalah rewards drivers with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and camel sightings.
Salalah: Salalah Beach Walk (Al Haffa Corniche) Stroll the seafront promenade at sunset alongside fishing boats and local families for an authentic slice of Omani life.

Ubhar Restaurant in Muscat, Shuwa (slow-roasted lamb) with Omani bread and rose water lemonade Plates $6-12
Mutrah Souq Food Stalls in Muscat, Harees (wheat and meat porridge) or fresh samosas with masala chai Plates $1-4
Automatic Restaurant (Ruwi) in Muscat, Mixed shawarma plate with hummus, fattoush, and fresh-squeezed juice Plates $3-7
Al Maha Restaurant in Salalah, Chicken Mandi (slow-roasted rice and chicken) Plates $2-5
Salalah Cafeteria Row (near Al Haffa) in Salalah, Omani flatbread with honey and cream (Khubz with Qamar al-Din) Plates $1-4
Al Nawras Restaurant in Salalah, Fresh grilled hammour fish with rice and salad Plates $4-8