Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Muscat

Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport

Daily Budget: $37-100 per day

Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Muscat

$15-40 per night

Budget hostels, basic guesthouses, shared accommodations, or simple hotels in local areas

$12-25 per day

Local restaurants, street food, traditional Omani cafes, self-catering from markets and grocery stores

$5-15 per day

Public buses, shared taxis, walking, occasional private taxi for longer distances

$5-20 per day

Free attractions like beaches and mosques, occasional museum entry, self-guided walking tours

Currency: OMR Omani Rial (prices shown in USD for reference - 1 OMR typically equals 2.6 USD)

Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style

Eat at local Omani restaurants and cafeterias instead of hotel restaurants - typically 60-80% cheaper

Use public buses and shared taxis instead of private taxis - can save 70-85% on transportation costs

Visit free attractions like Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Brazzaville waterfront, and public beaches

Shop at traditional souqs and local markets rather than shopping malls - generally 40-60% lower prices

Book accommodation outside the main tourist areas of Qurum and Shatti Al Qurum for 30-50% savings

Travel during shoulder seasons (March-April, October-November) for 20-40% lower accommodation rates

Prepare some meals yourself if staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public transport - can triple your transportation costs

Eating only in tourist areas and hotel restaurants - typically costs 100-200% more than local establishments

Not negotiating prices at traditional markets and for tours - missing potential 20-30% savings

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season - can cost 50-100% more than advance bookings