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Amid the sky-scraping, gold-obsessed cities of the Gulf, Muscat is a breath of contemporary air – actually. Right here, Oman’s mighty Hajar mountains, the best vary within the Arabian Peninsula, meet soft-sand seashores the place wild turtles nest, and a 200-year-old souk guarantees treasures galore. Sure, Muscat loves slightly glamour – simply take a look at its glittering Al Alam Palace – however it is a city that takes delight in its traditions, its hospitality, and its wealthy maritime historical past. Put together to be dazzled for all the correct causes.
There are numerous methods to delve into Muscat’s tradition, whether or not in its many museums or by exploring the previous city, however this metropolis isn’t caught up to now. From star-studded live shows on the magnificent Royal Opera Home Muscat to recognizing wild dolphins on a sundown cruise, these are one of the best issues to do in Muscat, together with the place to eat, drink and store throughout your keep.
Greatest time to go to
From October to March, Oman enjoys plentiful sunshine (20-30C), although costs are at their highest, particularly throughout the Christmas, Easter and half-term vacation durations. Charges fall in summer season, however temperatures peak at 35-45C from June to August.
Learn extra on Middle East travel:
Greatest issues to do in Muscat
Step into ‘previous Arabia’
For hundreds of years, Muscat had one of the crucial sought-after harbours within the Center East – an accolade that attracted riches and invaders aplenty. On the cliffs of its Previous City, you may see graffiti daubed by visiting crews throughout 500 years (it’s dubbed the “Sultan’s guests ebook”), whereas Britain’s personal Horatio Nelson docked right here within the 18th century.
A day’s mooch across the Previous City additionally reveals centuries-old metropolis partitions, crumbling watchtowers, and a number of other museums in notable homes – together with Bait Al Zubair, with its nice assortment of conventional gown, weaponry, maps and curios. Tickets price 3 Omani rial, or OMR (£6.30).
Pop into the Zafran Cafe for a mint lemonade earlier than heading over to the close by National Museum of Oman (free entry), the place you may pore over historic cash, priceless calligraphy, and a bounty of jewelry, amulets and headdresses.
Catch a star-quality present
Go behind the scenes of the Royal Opera Home Muscat
(iStock/Journey Faery)
Verify what’s on on the Royal Opera House Muscat throughout your go to; from soul-stirring Omani people music to world-renowned singers and orchestras on tour, this live performance venue has all of it. You too can snoop behind the scenes on a guided tour (from 3.15 OMR), and discover the Center East’s musical roots within the Exhibition of Musical Arts (3.15 OMR).
Spot dolphins from a dhow
The nice and cozy, gem-clear waters of the Gulf of Oman aren’t only a swimmer’s delight. They’re additionally wealthy in wildlife, comparable to hawksbill turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. Gulf Divers Oman is a revered PADI-affiliated dive college primarily based in Muscat, which runs day journeys to the reefs and wrecks inside a brief journey of town. In the meantime, Star of the Sea gives sundown jaunts in conventional wood dhow boats, dolphin-watching cruises and snorkelling journeys.
Tour fearsome forts on the Corniche
Stroll the Corniche of Mutrah
(Getty Photographs/iStockphoto)
To essentially get to know Muscat, it is best to stroll its corniche. This lengthy, historic waterfront runs between the fish market within the west and Riyam Park within the east, although it is best to preserve strolling all the best way to the previous city (round 5km complete). You’ll spy royal yachts bobbing within the harbour, Mutrah Souq, Mutrah Fort and the Muscat Gate Museum – ending with the gold-trimmed Al Alam Palace, and the dual sea-facing forts of Al-Mirani and Al Jalali.
The place to remain
Aloft Muscat lodge opened in early 2023
(Aloft Muscat)
Clear, up to date and wonderful worth, Aloft Muscat is a well-placed base for exploring town, lower than 10 minutes’ drive from Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It additionally incorporates a splash pool, cocktail bar and all-day eating restaurant.
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Get pleasure from five-star service and a celebration ambiance at W Muscat
(W Muscat)
On Shatti Al Qurum seashore, W Muscat blends metropolis power (it’s round a 15-minute drive from Mutrah Souq) with fly-and-flop decadence. Count on an enormous infinity pool, five-star service and a celebration ambiance on weekends.
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Round a 20-minute drive from the Previous City, within the bay of Bandar Jissah, Jumeirah Muscat Bay combines a peaceable beachfront location with plentiful vacation perks – together with three swimming swimming pools, a youngsters’ membership, plus 5 bars and eating places. Actions vary from SUP yoga to mountaineering journeys within the Hajar mountains.
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The place to eat
With delights comparable to spicy rooster salona curry on pillows of steaming rice, lamb shank roasted for six hours in an underground firepit, and contemporary seafood nonetheless scorching from the grill, the menu at Bait Al Luban is a tasty primer in Omani delicacies. Situated on the corniche, it’s modelled on an previous Muscat home – suppose twinkling lanterns, hand-carved tables and waiters in nationwide gown.
For a fine-dining spin on shuwa – slow-cooked marinated meat, comparable to lamb or goat – ebook Al Angham, on the Royal Opera Home Muscat, the place delicately spiced curries and cardamom-infused halwa (a candy dessert) make a memorable pre-show supper.
In the meantime, Mumtaz Mahal has been scooping awards for its Mughlai and Punjabi delicacies in Qurum since 1984. Vegetarians are well-catered for, with the likes of tandoor-charred aubergine and slow-simmered tomato paneer.
The place to drink
Alcohol is barely served in Oman’s lodge bars and eating places – and even then, many institutions stay teetotal. However for sea-breezy sundown cocktails, the terrace of Zale Club and Lounge is a full of life spot, and its joyful hour gives embody mai tais and mojitos from 2.5 OMR, each day from 6-8pm. At Blu Pool and Garden Bar you may sip champagne, nice wines and “mango mule” mocktails on the seashore with views of the coastal cliffs past.
Just a few steps from the millionaires’ yachts in Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Fresco Al Marina serves contemporary fruit juices and smoothies, whereas Cafe Bateel in Al Mouj will kick-start your day’s sightseeing with qahwa, Arabic espresso grown within the Yemeni mountains.
The place to buy
For vogue, know-how and vacation necessities, hit City Centre Muscat or Oman Avenues Mall: the latter options 3,000 manufacturers beneath its roof, with Center Jap designers and high-street names alike. For Omanis, purchasing is a night pastime – between boutiques, they’ll cease for dinner, meet buddies over espresso or catch a film in one of many multiplexes. The shops are buzzing from 8pm onwards, particularly on weekends.
Head to Mutrah Souk for a standard purchasing expertise
(Getty Photographs)
For a extra timeless expertise, go to the 200-year-old Mutrah Souq – the cavernous, frankincense-scented warren on the sting of Mutrah Harbour. Its japanese part sells wholesale merchandise, whereas the western half is chock-full of retail treasures, from elegant silver espresso pots and gem-studded khanjar (conventional daggers) to Omani dates and camel-milk chocolate – keep in mind to haggle laborious. It involves life after darkish, so go to 5-9pm (all week) for one of the best expertise, although outlets are additionally open 8.30am-12.30pm from Saturday to Thursday.
Greatest seashores in Muscat
With its palm timber, gentle sands and mild waves, Qurum Seashore is an oasis within the coronary heart of town. It’s free to go to, and is clear and secure for bathing. To lease jet skis, boogie boards and kayaks, go to the beachfront watersports centre on the Crowne Plaza Muscat lodge.
There are a number of wonderful personal seashores to the east of town (a 20-30-minute drive), on the likes of Al Bustan Palace and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat – that are additionally frequented by nesting wild turtles. Should you’re not a lodge visitor, day passes for the seashore, pool and amenities can be found; the latter is priced from 20 OMR per grownup, which features a 15 OMR eating credit score.
Architectural spotlight
Head to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque for divine structure
(iStock/Sharrocks)
Each inch of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a murals, from its hovering white-marble archways, all deftly carved with intricate patterns, to the huge crystal chandelier in the primary prayer corridor, which was made particularly by Swarovski. It’s a place of worship however non-Muslims are very welcome, too, with free entry (open Saturday to Thursday).
FAQs
What forex do I would like?
Omani rial.
What language do they converse?
Arabic, although English is widespread.
Ought to I tip?
There’s no obligation to tip in lodge eating places however elsewhere 10 per cent is at all times appreciated.
What’s the time distinction?
GMT+4.
How ought to I get round?
Taxis are plentiful, low-cost and simple to hail – however at all times make sure the meter is operating while you hop in. Oman’s app-based taxi companies embody Otaxi and the government-owned Mwasalat.
Muscat will not be very pedestrian-friendly. To tick off a number of sights in at some point, the Big Bus Tour – from 26 OMR – may be very handy. If travelling exterior town, think about hiring a automotive. The roads are wonderful, and rental firms can ship automobiles to your lodge.
What’s one of the best view?
Should you’re taking a taxi or tour, ask the driving force to name at previous Muscat metropolis view (it’s marked on Google Maps), the place the elevated vista over the previous city encompasses Al Alam Palace, traditional-style homes, mosque minarets, and the harbour fortresses and sea past.
Insider tip?
Whether or not you’re haggling for souvenirs in Mutrah Souq or checking into a brand new lodge, because of Oman’s deep-rooted hospitality, you’ll possible be provided a cup of spiced Arabic espresso, as an age-old signal of welcome. Should you’d like a refill, gently “waggle” the cup when the espresso pot is obtainable once more; to refuse, cowl the cup along with your hand. Your host will recognize your cultural smarts – which could possibly be helpful when haggling.
Getting there
Oman Air fly direct between London Heathrow and Muscat Worldwide Airport a number of occasions every week. The flight period is seven hours, and the drive from the airport to Qurum takes 20-40 minutes.
Need extra inspiration? Learn our evaluations of the best hotels in Dubai
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