Muscat travel guide

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a new yet architecturally classic building completed in 2001, and is one of the largest mosques in the world with a capacity for 20,000 worshippers. The interior is grand and the prayer hall is home to a hand-woven Persian carpet weighing over 21 tons on the prayer floor, while an exquisite 46-foot (14m) chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

This is a religious site rather than a tourist destination so visitors need to be respectful of the rules, although English-speaking guides are available to help navigate the visit. Muslims can visit any time of the day, but tourists of other faiths, while very welcome, should only come during visiting hours. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and women are required to cover their hair.

Old Muttrah Souk

Old Muttrah Souk is the most popular traditional bazaar in Muscat. The market is a small maze of narrow alleyways formed by adjoining stalls. Tourists can bargain with stall clerks over the prices of gold and silver jewellery, antiques, and other traditional goods. The market has a less forceful air than others, so visitors are free to wander at their leisure without overt pressure from touts. Although the Old Muttrah Souk is popular with tourists, locals shop here as well, giving authenticity to the market and mixing ornamental souvenirs in between household products and food.

Bait al Baranda

Even for those without an interest in Muscat's history, the Bait Al Baranda Museum presents a fascinating if long (750 million years) story of the region. The interactive exhibitions take visitors through tectonic plate shifts to recent folk art with an adherence to detail and historical fact. Instead of simply housing artefacts, the Bait Al Baranda's dynamic exhibits often require audience participation. The museum is situated in a remodelled historic building which also periodically features local contemporary art exhibits.

Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts

The Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts were built during the Portuguese colonial rule of Oman during the 16th Century and now are beautiful windows into that era. Situated on either side of a palace, they give a fortified appearance to Muscat's harbour. The forts are examples of traditional architecture, with Al Jalali bedecked with traditional doors, rugs, and pottery.

Both Al Jalali and Al Mirani have ancient war memorabilia such as armour and weapons on display. Their strategic position on a mountain overlooking the harbour gives tourists commanding views of the city and Arabian Sea below. Opening times can be fickle but many undeterred tourists enjoy the scenery from outside their walls.

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace is the working office for Sultan Qaboos. Built in 1972, it is flanked on each side by the ancient Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, making an impressive and well-fortified greeting to ships entering Muscat's harbour. Tourists are not allowed inside the classically-styled building for obvious security reasons, but it remains a popular area to walk around and to photograph.

Muttrah Fish Market

An attraction that offers visitors a wonderful taste of local produce is a trip to the Muttrah fish market. Every day, the market turns out a vast selection of ocean-fresh fish, squid, and crab to choose from. Visit the neighbouring vegetable market for any other fresh produce required to put together a delicious feast.

Beaches in Oman

With a coastline stretching 1,060 miles (1,700km) along the Arabian Sea, it is unsurprising that Oman boasts a stunning array of sunny, swimmer-friendly beaches. As the Omani government seeks to promote tourism throughout the country, its beaches have become focal-points for this exercise, with more and more fun beach activities such as diving, kite-surfing, and jet-skiing being offered on its shores.

There has also been a huge spike in the development of luxury beach resorts up and down the Omani coastline, offering visitors an air-conditioned retreat from the blazing sun and sand. Some of Oman's best beaches include Qurum Beach, which is located in Muscat below the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It's a beach which is perfectly set up for family vacationers, featuring picnic areas and shady palm trees.

Qantab Beach, located a short drive from central Muscat, has an established local fishing trade, and tourists are strongly encouraged to take a trip out with one of the local fishermen to explore some of the area's sheltered coves and sea-caves. Finally, Marjan Beach features small coral reefs ideally suited to novice divers and snorkelers. It also boasts a lively nightlife, with several restaurants and hotels often frequented by expatriate workers in Oman.

Tourists don't need to worry unduly about the dress-code for Omani beaches: western swimwear is perfectly acceptable while you're on the beach. Just make sure to cover up appropriately when you're on your way to and from your hotel or beach resort.