Location: Muscat
Top Things to do in Muscat
10 Things to Do in Muscat That You Shouldn't Miss
Muscat (Arabic: مسقط, Masqaṭ pronounced [ˈmasqatˤ]) is the capital and largest metropolitan city of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. Muscat is also considered as a Global City. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total population of Muscat Governorate reached 1.28 million as of September 2015. The metropolitan area spans approximately 3,500 km (1,400 sq mi) and includes six provinces called wilayats. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians, the Portuguese Empire and the Ottoman Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians and the Balochis. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.
Restaurants in Muscat
1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By CJW913 - De Pere, Wisconsin
This is one of the largest and most spectacular mosques in the Gulf region (the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi actually outshines this one). Constructed of marble, sandstone and wood, the minimalist modern Islamic style of Muscat's mosque features five minarets that represent the five pillars of Islam. It was a gift from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of reign.
Compared to its chaste exterior, the interior is "a riot of opulence." The central Swarovski crystal chandelier in the main prayer hall, with its 1,122 lights, is breathtaking. The floor carpet is supposedly the world's second largest, taking between 400-600 female Iranian workers four years to make. (The number depends on the travel guide you read.)
Our Omani travel guide told us that this in the only mosque in Oman open to non-Muslims. As such, we were grateful for the opportunity to visit.
2. Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By babafly2017 - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Very beautiful mosque, a must sea from inside and out and nice reciting by the Imam who reads like Abdul Baset abdulsamad
3. Wadi Al Arbeieen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
E un'oasi nel deserto in Oman a circa 150 km SE da muscat, con percorso fuoristrada, laghi naturali, oasi e piccoli villaggi che ti lasciano un ricordo indelebile del vero Oman. assolutamente da vedere
4. Royal Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Christie A - Doncaster, United Kingdom
Worth a tour, apparently the first theatre to provide transmitted translation of shows to Arabic, to every seat.
5. Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By latawiec2 - Toronto
Great place to visit in Muttrah. Watch out for their opening hours because they're limited. They provide you a personal military guide who will walk you through the whole museum. All aspects of the history of Oman and its military are very well displayed throughout many rooms. There are outdoor displays of everyday military life and bigger military equipment (planes, tanks, ships). You can also see the Cadillac limo used by His Majesty the Sultan. The small entrance fee is well worth it. You need at least 2 hours to see all the exhibits. The museum is run by Omanese military personel in a professional way. Recommended for everyone.
6. Bait Al Zubair
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 767 reviews
Reviewed By CJW913 - De Pere, Wisconsin
Our group of 22 had a whirlwind tour of the ground floor of this privately owned museum. It is light, airy and spacious. Displays include a selection of Omani weapons, jewellery, coins, costumes, household items and old photographs.
There is also a cafe located onsite where several members of tour bought coffees.
My spouse and I did not find anything remarkable about this place other than how airy it was.
7. Qantab Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By lolabug - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With the closure of the main public beach due to the new housing development, this section of beach in the main village of Qantab is now the best place to find the little fishing boats to take you out on a ride down the coast to Shangri-La and back. While not at all luxurious (and you will have to get your feet a little wet climbing in and out from the beach) it is a wonderful ride with amazing views of the coast and rocky outcrops. Going through the natural tunnels is very picturesque. I have taken these boats more times than I can remember and they have always been a highlight of the trip. I don't know if it is a good price but, I usually pay 10 OMR for the ride.
8. Qurum Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
9. Yiti
Overall Ratings
4 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By IvekFiume - Rijeka, Croatia
Yiti is kind of stil not very crowded place just about 40 km from Muscat. To get there by car is very easy. Stay late on the beach to watch beatutiful sunset. No fancy cofee shops or restaurant, so take with you enough water and food.
10. Qurum Natural Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 292 reviews
Reviewed By VinuC_13 - Muscat Governorate, Oman
This is a calm and quiet park at Qurum where you can spend a couple of hours with your family. The kids can even enjoy the small park in house available. The place is clean and neat and well maintained always. The park also have ample car paring as well as an ATM outside
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