Location: Muscat
Top Things to do in Muscat
Top 10 Things to do in Muscat, Muscat Governorate
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
5.0 based on 5,994 reviews
Reviewed By PNEPete - Leyland, United Kingdom
Visited as part of a tour from cruise ship, It was absolutely stunning, the architecture, chandeliers, carpet, etc etc. Well worth a visit although for non muslims you cannot visit during prayer times. Ladies must be appropriately dressed, with hair/head covered, shoulders and arms to the handsand legs covered to the feet. Men generally wear normal casual wear, shoes must be removed before entering the Mosque rooms. Definitely a must to visit just to admire the sheer splendour inside and out.
2. Wadi Bani Khalid
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 814 reviews
Reviewed By NataK103
It's a really unique and beautiful pool formationq in a gorge with turquoise water. You have to walk 2 - 3 meters through a muddy path so don't bring your best shoes. The pools where you can swim are wonderful. A must if you are in Oman!
3. Royal Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,455 reviews
Reviewed By huwp179 - Muscat, Oman
We had the privilege of seeing Placido Domingo perform here which was excellent. Even a visit to the building if a performance isn’t on is worth it to see the opulence of the building and surroundings. Tickets for performances range from 10 OMR (£20 approx) which for a first class performance from world renowned artists is very good value for money in my opinion. There are lots of cafes and restaurants in the Opera House complex so even if you only go there for a walk around the building as a coffee stop it is well worth a visit.
4. Bait Al Zubair
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
Reviewed By TheOExpress - Hong Kong, China
...as the varying art and artefacts on show there are even better than the main part. I particularly liked the modern art, wonderful photography and architectural recreations in those parts.
5. Wadi Al Arbeieen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 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
Reviewed By rangeview - Muscat, Oman
Within an easy and scenic drive of Muscat Wadi Al Arbeieen provides the perfect balance between a picturesque walk, great place to swim and jump/dive off rocks and wonderful drive through a 10 km canyon to the coast. Well worth shortlisting on any visit to Oman and Muscat. Its also en-route to the Bimmah Sinkhole
6. Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By ZB262
This mosque is visible from a distant as you drive into Muscat from the airport. It is absolutely beautiful with the white marble finish and amzing 3 large dome. And the Chanderliers inside the main prayer room are amzing. the imam who led the Jum'aah prayer was not too bad either.
7. The National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
The National Museum - Sultanate of Oman, established in 2013, is the Sultanate's flagship cultural institution, showcasing the nation's heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula some two million years ago through to the present day. As a national institution with global outreach, the museum is dedicated to ensuring Oman's cultural heritage is understood and appreciated not only within the Sultanate, but also internationally. Further, it aims to provide opportunities for cultural expression, innovation and the transfer of traditional skills and knowledge from one generation to the next. The museum is located in the heart of Muscat in a magnificent purpose-designed building. The total area of the building is 13,700 square metres (147,000 sq ft), including 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft) allocated for 14 permanent galleries - The Land and the People Gallery, Maritime History Gallery, Arms and Armour Gallery, Aflaj Gallery, Currency Gallery, Prehistory and Ancient History Galleries, Splendours of Islam Gallery, Oman and the World Gallery, Intangible Heritage Gallery and Renaissance Gallery, among others. A further 400 square metres (4,300 sq ft) are allocated for temporary exhibitions. The National Museum houses 5466 objects and offers 43 digital immersive experiences, a fully equipped Learning Centre, state-of-the-art conservation facilities, a UHD cinema and discovery areas for children. It features an integrated infrastructure for special needs and is the first museum in the Middle East to adopt Arabic Braille script for the visually impaired. It also houses the region's first open-plan museum storage concept, where visitors can learn about the various processes that artefacts go through before they are put on display.
Reviewed By T-SGlobetrotters - Preston, United Kingdom
The museum opened in 2016 stands on a purpose built site at the opposite end of the boulevard to the Al Alam palace. As you might expect the building itself is spectacular. It features displays covering of all aspects of Omani cultural and natural history housed over two floors. it is beautifully curated and each artefact has English commentary. There are super life size models of large fishing boats, the bronze age beehive tombs found at Al Ayn, intricately carved doors, as well as amazing mosaic pieces, ancient pottery, jewellery, traditional costume styles plus much more. There is also a 15 minute film on the history of Oman which alternates between Arabic and English. Entry fee is five Rials per person for tourists but the entry fee is worth it. At the time of our visit they were also offering a 20% discount in the adjacent restaurant, we had lunch the.re and it too was excellent. Need to allow two hours for the visit to fully appreciate the displays.
8. Bimmah Sinkhole
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 699 reviews
Reviewed By alstondm - Mumbai, India
A natural wonder to be seen something differnt from just seas and mountains. It's around 4 floors below ground level one comes to blue water, its lovely to swim in also in one corner due to its depth one can even dive with caution. For those who dont like to get wet can sit on the rocks with their legs in water and fish will come nibbling on ones legs. The park above has a small play area for little kids. This place is all perfect for a lovely day picnic.
9. Qurum Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,461 reviews
Reviewed By 666abbasz
Beautiful soft sandy beach with beautiful sunset A must see Take in a coffee or a meal on the beach Watch people walk run play beach football or make sand castles ... It's an incredibly beautiful place for everyone
10. Muscat City Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By patriciafW9393KC - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Beautiful country, very clean, safe, perfect weather and friendly people everywhere you go. The old city market small but very nice, outside the city Muscat Hills is a great place to spend the day by the beach. Lived the country
