Introduction
Unlike its flashy neighbours, the sleepy demeanour of the Sultanate of Oman's capital, Muscat, means there are no cranes filling the horizons working on the world's glitziest buildings. Instead, this Arabian town's clear blue skies are adorned with the camel-coloured Al Hajjar mountains, which become a beguiling burnt orange when the sun sets. Long stretches of clean beaches are idyllic spots for diving and swimming.
More from Muscat PDF VersionEssentials
- English is widely spoken but a little Arabic goes a long way.
- Omanis are welcoming and polite. Expect to be invited in for coffee.
- The Indian Ocean gives Muscat slightly cooler climes but the best time to visit Oman is between October and April.
- It's the land of the Queen of Sheeba, Sinbad the Sailor and Vasco da Gama's famous navigator Ahmad Ibn Majid.
- When introduced to a woman, wait for her to offer her hand.
Two-hour tour
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Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque — Home to the world’s second-largest Persian carpet, this is still one of the most decorative houses of worship in the region and open to non-Muslims from 08.00 to 11.00, Saturday to Wednesday.
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Muttrah Souk — A good spot for picking up Arabian attars (essential oils).
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Royal Opera House Muscat — Take a look around the Sultan's lavish new opera house, the first in the Gulf.
Shatti Al Qurum
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Hotels
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Al Falaj Hotels
Ruwi
+ 968 2 470 2311
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The Chedi
North Ghubra 32 18th November Street, Al Khuwair
+ 968 2 452 4400
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Grand Hyatt Muscat
Shatti Al Qurm
+ 968 2 464 1234
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Dining
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Food and Juice Centre
Muttrah Corniche
+ 968 2 432 0750
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The Restaurant at the Chedi
Al Ghubra
+ 968 2 452 4400
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Kargeen Caffe
Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos
+ 968 2 469 9055
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Bait Al Bahr
Shangri La?s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
+ 968 2 477 6565
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Qurum Beach
Stretches from the Crowne Plaza Hotel to Al Ghubrah
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D'Arcys Kitchen
Jawharat Al Shatti Complex
+ 968 2 460 0234
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The Beach Pavillion
Al Bustan Palace, Muttrah
+ 968 2 479 9666
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Shiraz Restaurant
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Qurum Street
+ 968 2 466 0660
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Mumtaz Mahal
Way 2601 near Qurm Nature Reserve
+ 968 2 460 5907
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Shahrazad
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Qantab
+ 968 2 477 6565
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The Arabian Courtyard at the Chedi
Al Ghubra
+ 968 2 452 4400
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Left Bank
Al Qurm, near to Mumtaz Mahal
+ 968 2 469 3699
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Trader Vic's — (until 01.45 Fri-Tue, until 02.45 Wed-Thu)
Intercontinental Muscat, Al Khariya Street, Al Shati
+ 968 2 468 0000
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Sama Terrazza
Park Inn by Radisson, Sultan Qaboos Street, Al Khuwair
+ 968 2 450 7888
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Shopping
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Gap — where to buy shirts, socks and underwear
City Centre Muscat
+ 968 2 455 8095
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Twinkle
Behind Al Qurm Complex
+ 968 2 456 4427
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Amouage — Flagship store of niche luxury fragrance house.
Sabco Centre, Al Qurm
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Bait Muzna Gallery — Contemporary artworks from Oman and the region.
Saidiya Street, opposite Bait Al Zubair museum
+ 968 2 473 9204
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Muttrah Souq — Locally baked Omani halwa sweets
Basics
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Muscat Pharmacy
Al Hail (open 24 hours)
+ 968 2 481 4501
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Transport
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Car rental — Avoid overpriced taxis. There are several rental car companies at the airport.
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Limousine/car
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Sixt Car Rentals — Taxis can overcharge, so be sure to haggle a decent rate before setting off. Book taxis through hotels or restaurants, as street pick-ups are usually hard to come by.
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Fitness
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Club Olympus — Non-guests pay 10 rials (€20) for use of gym, or 15 rials for gym and pool.
Grand Hyatt Muscat
+ 968 2 464 1234
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Nizwa Souq — Just an hour's drive outside of Muscat is this sensitively renovated traditional village, selling hand-produced items worked by the local craftsmen of the area. Book a taxi through the hotel to get there.