The Best Travel Guide to Muscat

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Oman

Muscat

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Asia Oman Muscat

Overview

Muscat The guide was updated: 2022-10-11

Nestled between the imposing Al Hajar Mountains and the salty waters of the Arabian Sea is Muscat, the cosmopolitan Omani capital. Now home to almost half the country's population, the city is an expat's darling and has a lot to offer in the way of historical sights, culture, and entertainment. Muscat has managed to remain relatively concealed from the touristic eye and retains a sense of inwardness and an unspoiled quality long lost by some of its Emirati neighbours.

Facts

Population:	Wilayat: 31,409 (2021) Governate: 1.3 million (2021) Metro: 1.7 million (2021)
Currency:	Omani Rial (1 Omani Rial = 2.29 Euro)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police/Fire/Ambulance: 9999
Newspapers:	Oman Daily Observer Oman Tribune Muscat Daily TheWeek (published Wednesdays) Times of Oman
Opening hours:	Most governmental offices and government-run facilities (including post offices and museums) open and close early (7.30am - 2.30pm). Commercial establishments and local businesses have longer working hours and often operate late into the night, but often close for mid-day break between 3pm and 6pm.
Tourist information:	Ministry of Tourism Call Centre: +968 80077799 Phone: +968 22088000 Sun - Thu 7.30am - 2.30pm P.O. Box 200, P. C. 115 Madinat Al-Sultan Qaboos Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

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Section in Muscat

Muscat's geographical positioning in close proximity to the sea, desert and mountains provides visitors with an endless list of possible activities. With natural beauty, beach resorts, an emerging cultural scene (facilitated much by the recently constructed Royal Opera House) and historical relics, the nation's capital is guaranteed to keep travelers busy both on land (mosques, forts and souqs) and at sea (dolphin-watching tours and snorkeling, to name a few).

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Inaugurated just over a decade ago, this contemporary Islamic mosque is, perhaps, the capital's greatest attraction and largest place of worship. The handwoven prayer hall carpet alone is a site to take in - its 1,700,000,000 knots took 4 years and 600 craftswomen to weave, and the carpet's total weight exceeds a staggering 21 tons. English-language tours are available to visitors.

Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House is a relatively recent, yet critical addition to the Omani cultural scene where the Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said himself is a regular. Sleek on the outside, the white-stone building boasts elaborate inner décor that serves as backdrop to some of the world’s finest performances.

Muttrah Corniche

Muttrah Corniche

The corniche of Muttrah, one of Muscat’s administrative districts and its main port area, is an attractive, scenic stretch of land perfect for evening promenades by the water. The local Fish Market and many souqs are just a stone’s throw away from here, too.

Bait Al Zubair Museum

Bait Al Zubair Museum

This privately-run museum belongs to the Zubair family, who have over the years carefully put together and maintained a unique collection of Omani cultural artefacts, ranging from coins and household items to ancient weapons and clothing pieces. Souvenirs are availble at the adjacent gift shop.

Qurum Beach & Natural Park

Qurum Beach & Natural Park

The family-friendly Qurum Natural Park along with the nearby outstretched beach make for a wonderful summertime day trip. The park is well-maintained, and features kids’ play areas aimed at various age groups. Food stalls are scattered around the park, and a few restaurants operate in close proximity to the beach.

Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

The museum offers a complex insight into Oman’s past and showcases the country’s military prowess by displaying all sorts of military equipment, including vehicles, aircrafts and even boats. All visitors are assigned soldier escorts, who are often English-speaking and knowledgeable in military history.

Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre

Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre

The museum is packed with interactive and informative exhibits, and offers unique insight into Oman’s gas and oil production that both kids and adults will find fascinating. Entry is free, and explanations in Arabic and English accompany the displays.

Sultan’s Palace

Sultan’s Palace

Although no tours are offered inside the palace, the building (one of Sultan Qaboos' residences, now used primarily for ceremonial purposes) is worth a quick stop by when touring the nation's capital. Two 16th century forts (Mirani and Jalali) are located on both sides of the palace.

Al Jalali and Mirani Forts

Al Jalali and Mirani Forts

The historic forts of Al Jalali and Mirani date back to the 16th century, and (although closed for entry to the general public) define the cityscape of the Omani capital. The forts were formerly used as defense fortresses, and were constructed by the Portuguese during the colonial period. Come at sundown to capture the best views.

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin Watching

A few local companies offer dolphin-watching tours, which take travelers on short morning trips out into the sea, where wild dolphins roam free and sometimes present themselves to curious visitors. Some companies also offer fishing and/or snorkeling tours. Sidab Sea Tours P.O. Box 131, PC 114

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