Muscat: things to do and sights to see
Muscat serves as the capital of both Oman and Muscat Governorate. The city borders the Gulf of Oman, close to the Strait of Hormuz, with the Hajar Mountains forming a prominent part of its views.
City tours in Muscat
The private Muscat city tour for cruise ship passengers lasts 4 hours and includes a private vehicle with air conditioning, a professional guide at every stop and WiFi in the vehicle.
Muttrah and its souq
On Muscat's northeastern edge, the port district of Muttrah has a harbour and corniche. Muttrah developed as a trading port, while Muscat served naval purposes. Muttrah Souq, known locally as Al Dhalam, is one of the oldest marketplaces in the Gulf. Traditional Omani artefacts are sold in many of the markets in Muttrah.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The inauguration of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque took place on 4 May 2001, celebrating 30 years of the Sultan's reign. More than 6,500 worshippers can fit inside the main prayer hall, where the central dome reaches 50 metres above floor level. Faustig, an Italian company, produced the main chandelier, which measures 14 metres in height.
The guided tour of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat lasts 1 hour and 35 minutes and includes a certified local guide, guided access to the main and women's prayer halls, library and Dawa Center, photography guidance within the complex and books available free from the Islamic Dawa Center.
Al Alam Palace and the forts
Al Alam Palace hosts official occasions, including receptions for visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries. Gold and blue columns feature on its facade. The palace occupies the northern end of an arcaded plaza measuring 250 metres, opposite the National Museum of Oman. Al Mirani and Al Jalali, forts built by the Portuguese, stand on either side of the palace. Al Jalali dates from the 1580s and occupies a rocky outcrop on the east side of Muscat harbour. It now houses a museum devoted to Omani cultural history, without public access.
Museums, architecture and Qurum
Bait Al Zubair is a museum in Old Muscat. The design of the Royal Opera House Muscat expresses modern Omani architecture. Qurum Beach, Qurum Natural Park and Qurum City Centre are among the attractions in Qurum. The Qurm Nature Reserve, a protected coastal wetland of grey mangroves, can only be entered with a permit.
Wadi Shab and a desert tour
The private day tour from Muscat to Wadi Shab with lunch lasts 6 hours and includes private return transport from Muscat, a professional guide who speaks English, a traditional lunch and a boat crossing at the entrance to Wadi Shab.
The private desert camel ride and sunset tour in Oman lasts 7 hours and 30 minutes and includes private return transport from Muscat, a professional licensed guide, a camel ride at Wahiba Sands, a visit to a Bedouin family with Omani coffee and dates, and a swimming stop at Wadi Bani Khalid.
Muscat airport
Seeb is the location of Muscat International Airport, 32 km from the old city. Oman Air and SalamAir use the airport as their hub.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Muscat?
Muscat is on the Gulf of Oman, close to the Strait of Hormuz.
What is the local name for Muttrah Souq?
Muttrah Souq is known locally as Al Dhalam.
How high is the dome at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque?
The central dome reaches 50 metres above the prayer hall floor.
Is Al Jalali Fort open to the public?
Al Jalali Fort houses a museum of Omani cultural history without public access.
Where is Muscat International Airport?
The airport is in Seeb, 32 km from the old city of Muscat.
