Muscat

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The jewel in the crown is of course Muscat, starting point for most visitors to explore Oman. From the heart of the city, Muscat sprawls through mountains and along the coast, including in its urban environment the fishing port and markets of Muttrah, the Ruwi commercial district, the government and embassy area of Al Khuwair and the bays of Al Bustan and Barr Al Jissah.

Getting there

Seeb International airport is conveniently located on the eastern outskirts of the capital and less than 40km from the city centre and Muscat Old Town.

Flying times to Muscat from:

  • London Gatwick ≈ 8 hours
  • London Heathrow ≈ 9 hours
  • Manchester ≈ 9 hrs 45 mins

Oman Air also provide 3 daily connections to Salalah and four flights to Musandam per week from Seeb International airport.

Orientation

The capital of Oman since 1783 is in fact more than one city, divided in to Muscat, Ruwi, Muttrah, Al Qurum, Al Khuwair and Madinat Qaboos.

Muttrah is Muscat's oldest residential area, networked by narrow lanes, with a fine corniche, atmospheric fish market and arguably the best souk in the region.

Curving corniche, atmospheric fish market, bustling souk and historic houses with their fretwok trellis balconies, terraces and heavy wooden doors. Visited just as the sun begins to sink and the souk comes to life, Muttrah is an Aladdin's cave of attractions - frankincense pervades the air, elderly masked women berate stall holders for the best bargains, gold and silverware gleams dully behind grimy window, an invigorating paint-box of colours entice a diversion in to an allyeway of textile stalls, tribesmen from the hills cradle their khanjars and antique weaponry as they discuss the day's events, and temptations for shoppers include souvenir paintings, wooden furniture, brassware, T-shirts, pashminas, silver, spices and scents. Locals call out greetings, joggers ply their routes along the corniche, dhows slip anchor to silently set sail in to the Indian Ocean and a mint tea and murmuring chat prolongs the magic moment of dusk. This authenticity is perhaps key to the attraction of Oman as a destination.

The Old Town of Muscat was once a thriving trading centre. Today, however, it is more tranquil as Oman's spiritual home, home to the Sultan's Palace, the Jalali and Merani forts and several museums.

The old town of Muscat was once a thriving trading centre. Today, however, it is more tranquil as Oman's spiritual home, home to the Sultan's Palace, Al Alam built on the seafront in the 1970's, Jalali (can only be visited by VIPs with special permits) and Merani forts / Museums: Bait Fransa (Omani-French Museum), Bait Al Zubair and Muscat Gate Museum.

The capital's commercial operations have moved to Ruwi. The town boasts the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum in the Bait al Falaj Fort and all manner of shops along Souk Ruwi Street.

Al Qurm is also a residential and commercial entity with its palm and coconut-lined beaches, Muscat's main shopping malls, several museums and the Qurum Natural Park which includes a boating lake and fountain.

The embassy district of Al Khuwair also features the Natural History Museum, two shopping malls and an ice skating rink.

An authentic Omani experience can be gained in the Bait Adam Museum at Madinat Qaboos and lush sea views from the hilltop location at the Museum of Omani Heritage.

Highlights

What to see

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: a splendidly proportioned building, containing the world's largest chandelier and a magnificent carpet - in fact, five hand-sewn together to form the biggest on the face of the earth. Open to non-Muslims every morning except Thursday and Friday.

What to do

Dhow cruise: Al Nabaa Dhow casts off for a sunset cruise, every Wednesday and Saturday evening, offering guests a truly unique Omani experience with an attractively different view of Muscat. Prices from £20 per adult and £11 per child (under 12 yrs old).

Dolphin watching: Majestic wild dolphins viewed from one of our organised sea trips is a thrilling way to start the day. You may even spot one of the many species of whales that swim just a few kilometers from Muscat's rugged coastline.

Shopping

Muttrah Souk: an Aladdin's cave of attractions - temptations along the narrow lanes include souvenir paintings, wooden furniture, pashminas, gold and silverware, spices and scents.

Activities

Diving

There are many different dive and snorkeling sites around Muscat offering superb conditions to view dramatic underwater scenery for beginners and experienced divers and snorkelers alike. The Oman Dive Centre offers scuba dive training to the highest level by multilingual PADI instructors.

Horseriding

Operators in Qurum Natural Park and The Royal Stables at Seeb offer riding lessons and outings in small groups.

Explore

Tours

Oman First can pre-arrange a number of excursions including a tour of Muscat, taking in the Grand Mosque, Muttrah souk and a musuem, or days out to visit the best of the Portuguese forts and the oasis town of Nizwa.

Desert Safari

Experience the Wahiba Sands on a day trip or with an overnight camp under the stars. You are transported by 4x4 vehicle via the Hajar mountains with a stop at Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful oasis, then arrive at Wahiba Sands in time for lunch. You can experience dune bashing in the 4WD and have a go at sandboarding.

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