Muscat

Al Ansab Wetlands

Nearly 300 avian species have been spotted here, some during migrations and others living here year-round. Guided tours bookable on website.

Best in the early morning or late afternoon. Tours run 7am to 2pm only

Al Bustan Public Beach

Named after the hotel, this beach has a good view of the mountains behind.

Free

Al Ghubrah Public Beach

This is a family-oriented beach, with picnic benches and shaded areas. In the evening near the desalination plant there are several food trucks which offer good and inexpensive fare, including grilled meat and fish, lentil soup, and potato salads.

Free

Al Jalali Fort

Built as a prison in the rocky mountains in the 1580s during the Portuguese occupation, now converted into a museum devoted to Omani heritage. Unfortunately the fort is only opened to visiting dignitaries and heads of state and not open to the general public, but it's still possible to climb the steep stairs up to the top and to enjoy the view.

Al Mirani Fort

Built at the same time as Al Jalali Fort which it faces across the harbour. This fort has also been converted to a museum which is closed to the general public, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside.

Al Tarboush

Al-Tarboosh

Fast Arabian/Lebanese-style food available for takeaway or eat-in on the first floor.

Al-exandria

The best Rotis (Indian Bread). Try the chicken Jalfrezi and Paneer aloo (potato).

Amouage Perfume Factory

Amouage perfume is the most expensive perfume in the world, and visitors can learn about its production. It is recommended (but not required) to call beforehand to ensure that someone is available to show you around.

Sat-Thu 8:30AM-4PM

Automatic

Cuisine - Lebanese. Try the Hummus (chickpea paste), Fatoosh (salad), Mutabel (eggplant paste), Falafel and mint tea. Even the waiters are not sure why the restaurant is named automatic. There is a branch of Automatic located on the side of the Sabco Centre facing away from the central car park. There are also branches in Ruwi, Al Khuwair and elsewhere in Muscat.

Bait Al Bahr

Traditional Omani seafood. Reservations strongly recommended; smart casual, nonsmoking.

Daily 7-11PM

Bait Al Makham

Bait Al Magham

A fortified house built at the beginning of the 20th century, now restored and with excellent views from the top of the building.

Sat-Wed 8AM-2PM·500 Bzs

Bait Al Zubair Museum

The museum features displays on Omani social history, while tours are frequently run of the neighbouring reconstructed townhouse.

Sat-Thu 9:30AM-6PM

Bait Muzna Gallery

A gallery representing primarily Omani artists, and a few Oman-based western artists.

Bait al-Baranda Museum

This renovated house from the 1930s has exhibits illustrating the history of Muscat. The lower level is devoted to pre-history and palaeontology, while the upper level is devoted to human history and ethnography.

RO 1 (adults), RO 0.500 (children)

Bawshar Fort

A large, photogenic ruined mud-brick fortress in a scenic location. Behind the fortress are scattered ruins and a long rampart wall, still unexcavated. Along the ridgeline in the hills are some prehistoric beehive graves.

Free

Bin Ateeq

This place is mentioned in various guidebooks as the only 'authentic' Omani restaurant in town - and its fame means that this is now popular with tourists. The food is acceptable, if a bit pricey.

Daily 9AM-2AM

BlueZone Diving

This center offers diving trips, as well as a full range of PADI courses.

Carrefour Hypermarket

There is another Carrefour located in Muscat city centre (see listing above).

Churches

52 Christian denominations share this plot that is densely packed with their houses of worship. It gets particularly busy on Thursday nights and on Fridays if you want to peek into some of the services held in a variety of languages.

free

City Centre Muscat

Contains a lot of shops including a large Carrefour Hypermarket.

Sat-Wed 10AM-10PM Thu Fri 10AM-midnight

Corniche

The renovated corniche area is a popular place for a walk and also for its many not-so-expensive eating places. There are also good view of the fishing dhows in the harbour.

Fish market

fish souq

Visitors can watch fishermen unload and sell the catch of the day.

Daily 6-10AM

Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art

This museum is made up of a cluster of houses with furnishings and displays appropriate to an Omani house between 1950 and 1970, i.e. before the accession of Sultan Qaboos. There is also a small modern art gallery.

Sat-Thu 9:30AM-6PM·RO 2 (adults 12+), 500 Bzs (children 6-12)

Jawahir Oman Jewellers

Sells prized Omani silver, crafted into contemporary jewellery and gifts in a Muscat workshop.

Left Bank

Known for good drinks as well as good food. Reservations recommended if you come here for dinner. Expensive.

Sat-Thu noon-3PM, 6PM-2AM; Fri 2PM-1:30AM/2AM

Marjan Public Beach

PDO Public Beach

This beach is quiet during the day, and more lively in early evenings. There are some small, excellent coral reefs just a short distance from the shore, suitable even for novice snorkelers. Clown fish, parrot fish, sea cucumbers, and occasionally sea turtles and rays can be spotted here.

Free

Mumtaz Mahal

Indian cuisine. Smart casual dress, reservations and credit cards accepted.

Daily noon-3PM, 7PM-midnight

Muscat Gate Museum

This museum marks the location of the old city wall, and has the original city gates which were used until the 1970s. The location offers good views of Old Muscat and the palace.

Sat-Thu 8AM-2PM

Museum of Omani Heritage

This small museum has a good collection of archaeological exhibits, and is worth visiting for the excellent views.

Sat-Wed 9:30AM-1:30PM, Thu 9AM-1PM·500 Bzs

Mutrah Fort

Built by the Portuguese in the 1580s, this fort is not open to the public, but visitors are permitted to climb up the hill to the outside for a good view of the area.