Top 6 things to do in Muscat

To visit Muscat is to discover a faraway land, surrounded by mountains and deserts. Situated opposite the Gulf of Oman, the city is particularly famous for its historic monuments: sumptuous palaces and gigantic opera houses with impressive architecture. But there are also plenty of souks where you can buy a whole host of traditional items, and stroll through the markets offering quality products with an oriental flavour. If you don’t know where to start, or which monuments to visit first, don’t worry! Navaway has got you covered. We’ve put together a short list of the top six things to do in Muscat, the capital of Oman.

What to do in Muscat

1. The Royal Palace

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Welcome to Al Alam Palace… The Middle East is home to many imperial palaces with architecture unlike any other. Muscat is no exception, to say the least. Built in 1972, it is the Sultan’s official residence, although he does not live here. He only stays there exceptionally, when he welcomes his high-ranking guests. The palace of the Sultan of Oman is a modern-looking building, surrounded by colourful gardens: you can also see the watchtowers that quietly line the hill, as well as the ramparts of the Old City. There’s nothing old about the palace: on the contrary, its exteriors are clean and the marble shines, giving it a chic feel. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to visit the inside, but there’s plenty to see from the colossal exterior! Its rather modern style, mixed with a few traditional local touches, gives it an original look.

2. Muscat Royal Opera House

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Visiting the Muscat Royal Opera House in the “Shati Al Qurm” district means venturing into a place with a complex style, both in terms of appearance and acoustics. Built under the orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman, it is here that you can admire the splendid contemporary architecture of Oman. You’ll love it! Having opened its doors recently, in 2011 to be precise, the opera house can be visited every morning: inside, the décor is a blend of wood, glass and gold. The exterior of the façade is sober, while the interior is bursting with colour and detail, which is what makes the place so unique, and what amazes visitors every time. If any of our readers are architects, you’ll be fascinated by the complex interplay of volumes and levels. Everything has been done with care, which is what makes the opera so important, and what makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Middle East.

3. The Fish Market

Category: €/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description : Many people don’t realise that the best way to immerse yourself in the everyday life of a country, so that you can rub shoulders with the locals and learn more about their customs and traditions, is to go to the market. That’s where all the stalls come alive and where the locals like to come and do their shopping. In Muscat, it’s to the fish market that you should head. Before you get there, you’ll almost certainly pass the fruit and vegetable stalls. This is the perfect time to do your shopping and concoct a little local recipe, which the shopkeepers will be happy to explain to you. They love to give advice and show off their catch! The freshly caught fish is varied: tuna, sardines, small sharks, seafood… And plenty of other local species. The best time to go is early in the morning, when there aren’t many people around, so you can wander between the little stalls without queuing forever. A great activity to do with the whole family, to get to know Muscat as well as possible.

4. Mutrah Souk

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: You should allow at least two to three good hours to visit the Mutrah Souk in its entirety, as there are so many things to see. Clearly, this is the place to pick up some bargains and take home some great souvenirs. If it’s your first time in a souk, you’ll have the vague impression of entering a fourth dimension. A veritable Ali Baba’s cave, the Mutrah souk is a favourite with visitors: many describe it as THE best place to visit in Muscat. You’ll find incense, stuffed animals typical of the Middle East, clothes, jewellery, shiny objects… and plenty of other things for you to discover. You can also make friends and meet the locals, who are always happy to see new faces arrive. You can spend some time in one of the oldest souks in the world, isn’t it magnificent?

5. A stroll along the Mutrah Corniche

Category: €€/Sporty

Description: Once you’re out of the zouk, it’s impossible not to take a stroll along the Mutrah Corniche: a real beauty. Stretching for almost 10 kilometres, you can even go for a run to get some exercise. Bonus: the corniche offers an absolutely breathtaking view of the sea and the mountains that make Muscat so beautiful. This walk is an excellent activity for couples who enjoy admiring the lovely Indian houses along the way, which bear witness to Oman’s history and its comings and goings as cultural exchanges over the years. What’s more, you’ll be able to admire the various traditional sailing boats, most of which are made of wood. You’ll even be able to find out more, as boat trips are regularly organised to see the city from a different angle. Finally, stay long enough on the corniche to admire the majestic sun as it makes its bow, in piercing shades of yellow, orange and red.

6. The National Museum of Oman

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Visiting a city means visiting at least one of its museums: to learn more about its history, traditions, geography, way of life and customs. To do this, we suggest you visit the National Museum of Oman, which tells the story of the country and exhibits some ten thousand artefacts. Get your camera ready! This beautiful, fairly new building is located just opposite the Sultan’s palace, mentioned earlier at the top of the list. Omani culture is explained in detail here, with the possibility of visiting the rooms reserved for the centuries-old dhows, as well as admiring the period costumes. What’s more, you can watch a film (in English and Arabic) that perfectly sums up the richness of this country. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm, except Fridays when it is open from 2pm to 6pm.