Places To Visit In Muscat

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  • Shopping (6)
  • Forts & Palaces (3)
  • Beach (2)
  • Rocks & Canyons (2)

1. Mutrah Corniche

Mutrah Corniche
Top Attraction 4.3 /5

18 km
from city center
1 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Mutrah Corniche is a promenade stretching for 3 kilometres along the waterfront and is lined with restaurants, cafes, and markets. You can see the views of the Oman Port and harbour on one side and the beautiful rock formations of the Hajar Mountains and the Portuguese watchtowers on the other. The northern end of the corniche has a fish market and a dhow harbour. The eastern end of the harbour is dominated by the Mutrah Fort. The Fort is generally closed for visitors. However, its flank can be climbed for more great views of the harbour.

2. Grand Mosque Muscat

Grand Mosque Muscat
Top Attraction 4.2 /5

2 km
from city center
2 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is Oman's biggest mosque with an area of 416,000 m2 and has a capacity of over 20,000 worshippers; 8,000 people can fit inside and the courtyard can easily hold up to 12,000 people. This mosque is one of the few mosques in Arabia which allows entry for non-Muslim visitors. The mosque is a wonder of modern architecture and is a fusion of Omani, Islamic, and Middle-Eastern architectural styles.

3. Royal Opera House, Muscat

Royal Opera House, Muscat
3.7 /5

7 km
from city center
3 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

The Royal Opera House is Oman's premier destination for music, arts, and culture. The complex consists of a theatre, auditorium, landscaped gardens, an art centre, and cultural markets and can accommodate up to 1100 people. The Royal Opera House has been ordered to be built in 2001 by Sultan Qaboos of Oman, who is a huge enthusiast of classical music and art. The house officially opened in 2011 and serves as a centre for excellence in the arts and enriches its heritage by culturally diverse programs and events.

4. Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid

129 km
from city center
4 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Being one of the most famous Wadis of Oman, Wadi Bani Khalid is popular for its large pools of emerald green water surrounded by tall palm trees. Unlike other wadis in Oman that are dry in the summer months, Wadi Bani Khalid is known to have a constant flow of water throughout the year. The rocky canyon and cliffs of the Hajar Mountains make it breathtakingly beautiful and is often touted as the "desert paradise". Located just 2.5 kms from Muscat, this is a favourite amongst hikers and is also a famous picnic spot.

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5. Yiti Beach

Yiti Beach

29 km
from city center
5 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Located around 28 kms from the city centre Muscat, Yiti Beach is one of the secluded and lesser known beaches in Oman. It is well-known as a camping site outside the city of Muscat with small cliffs, coves, rocky edges, and a fairly isolated environment that’s ideal for parties or couples who’d enjoy their privacy. The beach has gorgeous soft sand and clear waters with fishing, swimming, camping, and simple day-trip picnic opportunities available.

6. Bait Al Zubair

Bait Al Zubair
3.8 /5

19 km
from city center
6 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Bait Al-Zubair is a private museum located in old Muscat city and contains relics from Oman’s military, social, and cultural past. It opened its doors to the public in 1998 and is founded and funded by the Zubair family. The family’s extensive collection of Omani artefacts such as weapons, khanjars, jewellery, household items and costumes are considered to be the finest privately owned collection that offers an insight into Arab and Omani heritage.

7. Al Alam Palace

Al Alam Palace

20 km
from city center
7 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Al Alam Palace, also known as Sultan's Palace and the Sultan Qaboos Palace, is one among the six royal residences of Sultan Qaboos located in Muscat. It looks out to the Gulf of Oman. The ruling monarch’s residence was built in 1972 which holds a history of 200 years. The palace is known for its flamboyant Islamic architecture which is surrounded by lush green garden and the Mutrah Harbour. This official residence is used to receive distinguished guests who visit the country.

8. Al Mirani Fort

Al Mirani Fort
3.7 /5

19 km
from city center
8 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Al Mirani Fort in Muscat was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It, along with neighbouring Al Jalali Fort, looks out to the Gulf of Oman and would guard the port of Muscat in the past. The Mirani Fort and Al Jalali Fort are located on either side of the palace. Although closed to the public, visitors can view this fort from outside. This fort was extremely instrumental in the downfall of the Portuguese. The fort has many ancient war tools on display.

9. Bimmah Sinkhole

Bimmah Sinkhole

91 km
from city center
9 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Also called Hawiyat Najm, Bimmah Sinkhole is located in the ‘Muscat governorate’ of Oman. Situated between the towns of Bimmah & Dibab, it is ideal for swimming and enjoying the beautiful landscape of the region. The local municipality has created the Hawiyat Najm Park that surrounds the Bimmah sinkhole as a form of protecting the attraction. Visitors passing through the area often stop here for a few hours of respite from the scorching sun.

10. Al Jalali Fort

Al Jalali Fort

20 km
from city center
10 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

The massive Al Jalali Fort, also known as Ash Sharqiya Fort, was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Interestingly it once used to be a prison which has been converted to a heritage private museum. Being located on the harbour, the Al Jalali Fort offers a beautiful view of the entire city of Muscat. The only entrance to this place is through a steep flight of stairs in the front. The entry to this fort is strictly by permit only. You can apply to the Ministry Of National Heritage through the contact page on their website.

11. Amouage Perfumery, Muscat

Amouage Perfumery, Muscat

12 km
from city center
11 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

At Amouage Perfumery and Visitor Centre in Muscat, you’ll get a chance to witness how this world-famous company creates their amazing fragrances from scratch. Starting from obtaining ingredients from their in-house facilities to distilling, filtering and packaging, this tour will give you a close-up look at everything that goes behind producing Amouage’s signature products. The factory tour is free and quite informative. After the tour, you’ll also get to visit the Amouage factory’s own shop that allows you to sample their large range under one roof and even get to purchase some Amouage Perfumes.

12. City Centre Muscat

City Centre Muscat

16 km
from city center
12 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Muscat City Centre, also known as City Centre Muscat, is a shopping mall located on Sultan Qaboos Road, Seeb, Muscat. It houses 142 international and local brands offering a wide variety of products and services, providing you with multiple shopping options. It is one of the leading destinations for shopping and lifestyle in Oman. The Muscat City Centre is located 3 km away from Muscat International Airport, giving you easy access for your last minute shopping!

13. Qurum Beach

Qurum Beach

9 km
from city center
13 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Qurum Beach, at the edge of the Qurum Nature Reserve, stretches for four kilometres along the Muscat coastline, in the heart of Muscat city. Its shallow waters and comparatively longer duration of high tides make it a family friendly location. The clean waters of the Gulf of Oman are perfect for rejuvenation and relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

14. Al Araimi Boulevard

Al Araimi Boulevard

24 km
from city center
14 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Al Araimi Boulevard is a destination for leisure shopping that has been designed in the lines of Westfield, London. The mall occupies a large area measuring 187,000 square meters spread over two floors in the prime location of Al Khoud within Muscat. More than 200 retail stores are open for business here at present with a family entertainment centre occupying the remaining 6,000 square meters. A 10-screen cinema greets the movie buffs inside the mall with 4D cinema being the main draw. Families find it convenient to do their household shopping at the Carrefour hypermarket and to drop into any one of the casual restaurants to enjoy their dinner.

15. Mutrah Souk

Mutrah Souk
4.5 /5

17 km
from city center
15 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in the Arab world. This antiquity has perhaps increased its beauty, magic and allure. Mutrah Souk or Al Alam Souk has been named after darkness because the crowded stalls and lanes do not allow the sun rays to infiltrate through during the day and the shoppers need lamplights to see where they were going. The market used to be a source of supply for Omanis where they could buy their needs in the 1960s for simpler life requirements.

16. City Centre Qurum

City Centre Qurum

9 km
from city center
16 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

City Centre, located just off Al Illam Streetin Muscat, is one of the top shopping destinations for residents of Qurum. Termed as a ‘lifestyle destination,’ City Center first opened its doors in Qurum in 2008 and has been witnessing a steady stream of visitors ever since.

17. Muscat Grand Mall

Muscat Grand Mall

1 km
from city center
17 out of 17
Places To Visit in Muscat

Situated in the heart of Muscat city, the Muscat Grand Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the city. It has been designed to witness a convergence of modern brands and departmental stores and other outlets along with traditional Arabic souk at the place. The panoramic oasis present at the centre of the mall makes up for a good photography spot. Being close to the Arabic Sea, one can clearly observe a panoramic view of the sea from the top floor of Grand Muscat Mall.

FAQs on Muscat

What are the top activities in Muscat?

The top activities in Muscat are [SALE] Muscat City Half Day Tour, Wahiba Safari & Wadi Bani Khalid Full Day Tour from Muscat, [SALE] Wadi Shab Off Road Day Tour from Muscat, Nizwa Day Tour from Muscat, Jebel Akhdar Green Mountain Day Tour from Muscat, Rustaq Day Tour from Muscat.

What are the top shopping places in Muscat?

The top shopping places in Muscat are City Centre Muscat, Al Araimi Boulevard, Mutrah Souk.

What are the top sightseeing places in Muscat?

The top sightseeing places in Muscat are Mutrah Corniche , Grand Mosque Muscat, Royal Opera House, Muscat, Wadi Bani Khalid, Yiti Beach, Bait Al Zubair.

How can I commute within Muscat?

Taxis and Cars are by far the most popular choices to get around the city. There are public buses that are well connected through the city. Bus fares start at OMR 3 per ticket. 
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Can you suggest an itinerary for Muscat?

Day 1: Start the day with a mandatory visit to the beautifully ornated Grand Mosque and the Sultan's Palace, after which you can visit the beautiful Al Jalali Fort in the sea. Then take a break for lunch at one of the city's best eateries and then head to the majestic Al Mirani Fort located on the cliffs. In the evening, you can head to the Mutrah Corniche for a peaceful stroll and proceed for dinner at many of the restaurants around the area and try out some traditional Omani cuisine too.

Day 2: Get an early start to the day and head for some adventure at the Bimmah Sinkhole. Drive back to the city of Muscat and spend a more relaxing day shopping at some of the city's best malls and souqs. Visit the Muscat City Centre and have a nice meal at the vast food court there. Head to the famous Al Mutrah Souk. In the evening, visit the popular Qurum Beach for some fun under the sun. Post sunset, visit the beautiful Royal Opera House after sunset to view it all lit up. 

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