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    • Muscat

    Muscat travel guide

    View Oman travel guide

    Overview

    Muscat is the capital and largest city in Oman, but tourists will find that the mundane activity of the busy modern capital is easily forgotten among the exotic delights of bustling markets, cannon-guarded forts, ornate palaces and historic city harbour. The once important maritime city underwent a resurgence in the 1970s, when the Sultan Qaboos bin Said began to develop museums, mosques and palaces, and worked to restore relics of Muscat's history.

    Muscat is made up of three cities grown together: the original walled city of Muscat (home to the royal palaces); the former fishing village of Matrah with its maze-like souq; and the commercial and diplomatic area of Ruwi. These areas, along with other districts further from the city centre, each have their own distinct personalities and attractions.

    Although Muscat is a popular destination for sightseeing tours, many of the attractions are primarily regular fixtures of Omani life. The mosques are important religious sites, the ancient forts are still operated by the military and the sultan's palace is the seat of Oman's government.

    The beauty of the city is what makes Muscat so alluring, especially near the harbour. The smooth, curved stone architecture is a transition from the rocky landscape to the inviting water of the harbour. Many new buildings have continued with classic Arabic architecture, further protecting the city's legacy from the ravages of the modern world. Muscat is one of the safest, most cosmopolitan and most open-minded cities in the entire Gulf Region and fast becoming a Middle East tourism hotspot.

    Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

    One of the largest mosques in the world with a capacity of 20,000, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a recent yet architecturally-classic building. The interior is grand and the prayer hall is home to a handwoven Persian carpet weighing over 21 tons on the prayer floor, while an exquisite 46-foot (14m) chandelier hangs from the ceiling. While offering English tours, this remains a religious site rather than a tourist destination so visitors need to be respectful of the rules. Muslims can visit any time of the day, but tourists of other faiths should only come during visiting hours. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and women are required to cover their hair.

    Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat Richard Bartz
    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. While the Old Muttrah Souk is popular with tourists, locals shop here too, giving authenticity to the market and mixing ornamental souvenirs with household products and delicious food.

    Old Muttrah Souk in Muscat Old Muttrah Souk in Muscat Shawn Stephens
    Bait al Baranda

    Even for those without an interest in Muscat's history, the Bait Al Baranda Museum presents a fascinating story of the region stretching back some 750 million years. 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.

    Website: baitalbaranda.mm.gov.om
    Bait Al Baranda Bait Al Baranda Ji-Elle
    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 are now 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 displays of ancient war memorabilia such as armour and weapons. 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.

    Fort Jalali dominating Muscat Harbour. Fort Jalali dominating Muscat Harbour. Brian Harrington Spier
    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 photograph.

    Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace Ji-Elle
    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.

    Fish Market Fish Market dlisbona
    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 beaches offering diving, kite-surfing and jet-skiing. There has also been a huge spike in luxury beach resorts up and down the Oman coastline, offering air-conditioned retreats from the blazing heat. Some of Oman's best beaches include, perfectly set up for family vacationers with picnic areas and shady palm trees, and Qantab, with its sheltered coves and sea-caves. Marjan Beach features small coral reefs ideally suited to novice divers and snorkelers while also boasting a great nightlife, with several restaurants and hotels frequented by expats in Oman. Western swimwear is fine but cover up when you're on your way to and from your hotel or beach resort.

    White sandy Beaches of Oman White sandy Beaches of Oman Martyna Zambrzycka Millspaugh

    Phrase Book

    English Pronounciation

    Despite being on the coast, the weather in Muscat can be unbearably hot. The best time to visit the arid climate is between December and March, when the more temperate winter season provides less extreme temperatures with average highs of around 77°F (25°C). February is the coolest month. The rest of the year, temperatures can be well over 104°F (40°C). Sudden rain can cause flash floods, although precipitation is unusual.

    Traditional Omani cuisine is based around spiced and marinated fish, and lamb and chicken dishes like soups and curries. Typical dishes include mashuai (spit-roasted kingfish with lemon rice), maqbous (spicy saffron-tinged meat and rice) and muqalab (tripe spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, garlic and nutmeg). Visitors should note that many restaurants are closed during the day in the Ramadan period and plan accordingly by buying food ahead of time or making reservations at hotel restaurants that cater to tourists.

    Muscat International Airport
    Location: The airport is located 20 miles (32km) west of Muscat city centre.
    Time: GMT +4.
    Getting to the city: Public buses run by the Oman National Transport Company stop on Sultan Qaboos Highway outside of the airport complex.
    Car Rental: Car rental facilities are available in the airport.
    Airport Taxis: Taxis from Muscat International Airport can be found outside the arrivals hall. They have a convenient fare chart for major hotels. Taxis are also available for transport to other cities inside Oman.
    Facilities: The airport is currently being enlarged. There is a currency exchange bureau, food courts in the arrivals and departures sections, a large, well-stocked duty-free shop in both arrivals and departures, and a book shop. There are public telephones, a prayer room and left luggage facilities.
    Parking Short and long-term parking facilities are available in front of the terminal building for a fee.
    Website: www.omanairports.com

    Shopping in Muscat is a rewarding experience for travellers, with a range of goods available from local (markets) and shopping centres. It is acceptable to ask for a discounts or a 'last price' from independent outlets, while supermarkets and shopping centres or malls display fixed prices. Most shops are open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 9pm, Saturday through Thursday; the Sultan Centre is open 24 hours a day. The Muscat city centre is the primary shopping hub, and nearby Muttrah is also quite popular. Best buys include folk art and craft such as (carpets), wall hangings and pottery, while frankincense and myrrh are also very sought after Omani souvenirs. Silver and gold jewellery and accessories (priced by weight) are also a good buy, as well as the sought-after Amouage perfume, made at a Muscat factory open to visitors. Muscat shopping centres include the Muscat City Centre mall, the Sultan Centre and the Al-Zakher Centre, hosting big-name brands such as Zara and Gap, as well as computer shops, book stores and furniture shops. The Sabco centre is a collection of half a dozen shopping centres that are popular with locals, including a souq-like collection of shops; however the best to visit is the large one in Muttrah, considered one of the best in the Gulf region, where bargaining is expected.

    Buses are the cheapest way to get around in Muscat. Modern buses travel major roads with specific bus stops. For more out of the way destinations, Baiza buses are common and zigzag through the back roads effectively, although the buses themselves are sometimes a bit dilapidated. Taxis are widely available and an easy way to get to and from the airport. Insist that the driver uses their meter unless there isn't one, in which case agree on a price before getting into the car. Taxis are expensive but convenient when you can't find a bus or don't want to wait in the sun, while some travellers decide to rent a car and drive themselves around for flexible travel.

    There is no shortage of things to see and do in Oman's bustling capital. Visitors can wander the maze-like souqs of Mutrah and wonder at the massive and beautiful palaces, forts, and mosques that serve as reminders of the city's culture and history.

    Along with the architectural wonders, visitors can learn about Muscat at a number of museums in the city, including the National Museum, the Children's Museum, the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum, the Omani French Museum and the interactive Bait al Baranda Museum.

    Muscat offers a number of active pursuits too, and the numerous tour companies in the city facilitate activities like scuba diving, rock climbing, camel racing, horseback riding, turtle and dolphin watching, trekking and night safaris.

    To enjoy the natural beauty of Muscat, travellers can take a walk in any of the city's parks, ranging from small neighbourhood spaces to the enormous Qurum National Park, which boasts beautiful rose gardens and manmade waterfalls, a lake and an amusement park. Another spectacular natural site is Wadi Shab, located about 62 miles (100km) southeast of the city and home to vivid emerald green pools with dramatic caves and cliff faces.

    Bahla

    Bahla is an ancient city in the northern part of Oman, not far from Muscat. It was founded at an oasis for caravans and travellers to stop at and rest on their desert journeys, and was the capital of Oman between the 12th and 17th centuries. The famous Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to 1,000 BC and remains the city's most popular attraction. Bahla has a rich tradition of pottery and you can still see potters working at their kilns and haggling over their wares.

    Bahla Fort Bahla Fort Francisco Anzola
    Al Hajar Mountains

    The Al Hajar Mountains stretch from Muscat, through northern Oman and into the United Arab Emirates. While they initially appear inhospitable and arid, they are becoming an increasingly popular destination for adventure travel. The picturesque range offers dramatic vistas of canyons, gorges and plateaus, while the rich colours of the igneous rock formations make for unforgettable sights. Highway 15 winds up the mountains to the old city of Nizwa, home to an impressive 17th-century fort and an early-morning goat market. Nizwa makes an excellent base to explore the mountains from, including traditional villages, mudbrick towns and date plantations. There are a number of trekking routes ranging from three hours to multi-day hikes, and travellers can visit the famous rose gardens of the Saiq Plateau.

    Al Hajar Mountains Al Hajar Mountains Mark Hills
    Nizwa Fort

    Oman's most-visited tourist attraction, the Nizwa Fort stands as a monument to architectural ingenuity. The fort's underlying structure dates back to the 12th century, though it was completed by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yaarubi in 1668. Historical interest in the Nizwa Fort is significant, representing a major advancement in military engineering in the early days of mortar-based warfare. Its drum-like tower reaches 98 feet (30m) into the air with a circumference of 118 feet (36m), with 24 openings for mortar fire. Visitors to the Nizwa Fort are allowed to freely explore the area, which consists of maze-like stairways and corridors leading to high-ceilinged rooms and terraces which afford great views of the city of Nizwa and its surrounding plains.

    Nizwa Fort Nizwa Fort yeowatzup
    Sharqiya Sands

    The Sharqiya Sands is a surprisingly biodiverse area of 4,800 square miles (12,500 sq km) near the northeastern coastline. In addition to its natural gifts, the area is home to traditional Bedouin tribes increasingly marginalised as the modern world exerts its influence over Oman. 4X4 vehicles are required to navigate the dunes and summer heat makes the months between April and October a dangerous time to get lost. A far more popular option is to book a trip with one of the ubiquitous tour organisations based in Muscat. Travellers can also enjoy the Sharqiya Sands on the sealed road from Al-Ashkara to Shana'a, which is still unique and memorable.

    Wahiba Sands Wahiba Sands Andries Oudshoorn
    Salalah

    The capital of the southern-most Omani province of Dhofar, Salalah makes for a wonderful contrast to the hot, dry desert conditions predominating the country's interior. Its monsoon season between June and September, known as the Khareef Season, causes the land to become lush and green, surprising visitors with the sight of herds of cattle calmly grazing in verdant fields. Its cooler climate makes Salalah a great family holiday destination in Oman. Known for its perfume, frankincense trees line the roads and it is unsurprising that most visitors to the region leave with an assortment of fragrances safely packed away in their luggage. Notable sights in Salalah are the traditional al-Hisn Souq, Al Alam Palace and a gorgeous coastline offering wonderful bird watching opportunities and occasional swimming and diving.

    Salalah Salalah A Vahanvaty
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    Companies flying to Muscat

    British Airways

    Oman Air