If you planning holidays in Oman you most likely start or finish your journey in Muscat. And once you are there here is top 10 things to do and see in Muscat. After you spend a few days in the capital rent 4×4 and go to see the desert. Have a swim in Wadi Shab, go and see the turtles in Ras al Jinz and visit Jebel Akhdar.
1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
2. Royal Opera House Muscat
3. Mutrah and The Souq
Before oil was discovered in Oman, Mutrah was the commercial centre of Muscat. It is still a working port with a fresh early-morning fish market. To tourists and locals alike it is also a picturesque part of the city where you can go for a walk along the seafront or visit Mutrah Souq. Here you can try on an abaya and buy a lovely scarf or dressing-up things for the kids. Don’t forget to haggle – it’s expected. Later you can explore the narrow alleys in the connected gold souq. They are full of golden light reflected from rich window displays. Muttrah market is open every day in the morning from till 1pm and then later from 4pm till late evening. On Friday is open only in the afternoon from 4pm onwards.
4. Al Alam Palace
Al Alam Place in the old walled city of Muscat is one of six Royal residences in Oman. Word Al Alam in Arabic means flag. Unfortunately, you can only see Al Alam palace from behind the gate, but still its worth it. The Palace was built 200 years ago and the current blue and gold facade was made in 1972 when Sultan Qaboos became ruler of Oman. Next to the Palace are small beautiful manicured public gardens. It’s just opposite the new National Museum of Oman
5. The National Museum of Oman
Located opposite Al Alam Palace, The new National Museum of Oman is a beautiful new building opened in 2016 and aims to show the history of Oman from the earliest settlement up to present. Open Everyday from 10-17pm. On Fridays from 14 till 18 pm. Entrance fee – tourist 5 OMR ($13), residents 2 OMR. Kids and young adults free.
6. Al Shatti Beach
7. Dolphin Watching – Marina Bandar al Rowdha
If you want to see something else than museums and mosques, book a Dolphins Watching tour. It’s an amazing experience – we have been three times and every time we saw dolphins which were almost a heartsstopping expierience. Depending on the time of the year you can book a trip with snorkelling or without. While snorkelling or scuba diving you can see the native turtles in their ocean habitat and sometimes small sharks.After the trip, you can stay in the Marina and have a delicious lunch at the Blue Marlin restaurant and have a free dip in the swimming pool.
8. Armed Forces Museum
9. Amouage Perfume Factory
If you are a fan of strong Arabic perfume then for sure you have heard about Amouage perfume. Their factory is in Muscat and if you want to learn more about them or see how they are produced, you should visit. The factory is located in Al Seeb (close to the airport) and it is open daily from 8:30 am till 4:30 pm
10. Al Mouj – (Formerly the Wave)
If you want to see how and where the modern Middle East is going you should visit Al Mouj – It is now mature and home to thriving shops, cafes a marina and a golf course, as well as new hotels, and still being extended. Al Mouj centre has lovely pedestiran streets and a new waterside plaza with local markets during Weekends and a a relaxed evening walkabout-and-dine culture. Al Mouj has family events and even an annual marathon.
Other links to exploring Oman
Read our latest blog post if you are planing to spend more time in Oman with or without kids
Read our piece about Turtles in Oman if you planning to a visit them.
So many happy memories!
That’s true, I miss it as well