Sights and landmarks in Muscat

Sights and landmarks in Muscat

1. See

   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.

2. See

   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.

3. See

   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

4. See

   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

5. See

   Bait Muzna Gallery

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

6. See

   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)

7. See

   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

8. See

   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

9. See

   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.

10. See

    Fish market

    fish souq

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

    Daily 6-10AM

11. See

    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)

12. See

    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

13. See

    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

14. See

    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.

15. See

    National Museum

    This large museum tries to illustrate the history and customs of Oman from the Stone Age to the present day. Obviously huge effort is being put in the presentation, there are many 3D printed detailed models of Omani architecture and beautifully presented artifacts. There's also a curious exhibition of (largely kitsch) presents from foreign dignitaries on the top floor.

    Sat-Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri 2PM-6PM·RO 5 (adults), free (children)

16. See

    Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre

    This private museum has six permanent displays explaining the formation of, and modern extraction of oil and natural gas.

    Sat-Thu 8AM-3PM; closed on public holidays·Free

17. See

    Old souq watchtower

    This Portuguese watchtower has also been restored, and although the tower is closed to the public, the hill can be climbed for some great views of Mutrah and the Corniche. There is no clearly-defined path to the top; the easiest access is from the northwest.

18. See

    Old waterfront watchtower

    This restored Portuguese watchtower on the waterfront is a good place to catch views of the sunset.

19. See

    Omani French Museum

    This small museum has displays detailing the relations between France and Oman, with many colonial objects from the 19th century.

    Sat-Wed 8AM-1PM, Thu 9AM-1PM·RO 0.500

20. See

    Planetarium

    A full-dome digital system, which can accommodate up to 60 visitors. Two shows a week are presented in English; call or email to confirm times and to make reservations.

    Sun-Thu·Free

21. See

    Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace

    This is the office of Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. This beautiful palace stands on the head of a natural deep water harbour and is guarded on either side by the twin forts of Mirani and Jelali. Visitors are not allowed to visit the palace, but they are allowed to take photographs at the entrance of the palace.

22. See

    Qurm National Park

    Qurum Natural Park

    Has extensive rose gardens, a large manmade waterfall, a lake and an amusement park which is a must to visit during the Muscat Festival.

23. See

    Riyam Park

    This park also has a small funfair with rides. Great views can be had from the giant incense burner perched on the hillside. Visited in The Amazing Race 9.

24. See

    Sohar boat

    This boat was built in the dhow yards of Sur, south of Muscat. In 1980 Tim Severin and a crew of Omanis sailed in this vessel from Oman to Guangzhou, China in an effort to recreate the legendary voyages of Sindbad. Severin wrote about the undertaking in his book 'The Sindbad Voyage'.

25. See

    Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

    This is the third largest mosque in the world and most of the complex is open to non-Muslim visitors; ladies are however expected to keep their heads, ankles and wrists covered while visiting the mosque. Must-sees in the mosque include the Swarovski crystal chandelier, the second largest hand made Persian carpet in the world, and the marble panelling.

    Sat-Thu 9-11AM (for non-Muslims)

26. See

    Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

    This curious museum is housed in a building built in 1845 as a royal summer home. The lower level has displays on Oman's history, and the upper level praises Oman's international relations and military history and weaponry; including a cluster bomb that is banned by international treaties (that Oman is not a signatory of.) An outdoor section presents some decomissioned heavy military machinery. All visitors are given a mandatory military escort.

    RO 2

27. See

    Aquarium and Marine Science and Fisheries Centre

28. See

    Children's Museum

    2601 Way

    Sat-Wed 9AM-1:30PM, Thu 9AM-1PM

29. See

    Natural History Museum

    Sat 9AM-1:30PM; Sun 8AM-1:30PM, 4-6PM; Mon-Wed 9AM-1:30PM; Thu 9AM-1PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Muscat (CC BY-SA 4.0).