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The City

What were once three small villages of Muscat, Muttrah, and Ruwi, today constitute the modern, ever-growing, and very cosmopolitan Omani capital, with each of the three areas still preserving some of their individual flair.

Old Muscat, the historic heart of the city, contains some of the finest Arabian architecture and cultural heritage sites. Old Portuguese forts and historic buildings breathe the charm of the foregone ages. The opulent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a rather new addition to the local architectural landscape, has grown to become the country's major religious centre.

The scenic, vibrant port area of Muttrah is the place to be right before sundown. A promenade along its seaside Corniche lined with stylish hotels and eateries makes for a perfect kick-start to the evening, to be continued exploring the Muttrah Souq and Muscat's somewhat hushed, but very present nightlife.

Neighbouring Ruwi is best explored during the day when its dynamic business district reveals its unique character. This newly developed area offers a blend of modern commerce and traditional charm, with bustling markets, diverse shops, and an array of eateries.

Some distances might prove too long for walking but commuting between Muscat's historically detached areas is made easy by omnipresent minibuses and taxis, easily hailed down from any point in the city.

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Do & See

Muscat's geographical positioning in close proximity to the sea, desert, and mountains provides visitors with an endless list of possible activities. With natural beauty, beach resorts, an emerging cultural scene, and historical relics, the nation's capital is guaranteed to keep travellers busy both on land (mosques, forts and souqs) and at sea (dolphin-watching tours and snorkelling, to name a few).

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Dining

Omani cuisine is halal meat-dominated, with Arabian and Indian influences easily traceable. Some of the typical local dishes include grilled meats, Shwarma, and Biryani. Muscat's seaside location makes for a heavy emphasis on seafood in local cuisine as well.

Restaurants in Muscat are often located on hotel premises and cater primarily to expats and tourists (most locals favour cafés over fine dining).

The variety of cuisine choices is, however, certainly impressive and ranges from traditional Omani to Indian, Pakistani, European, and Asian.

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Cafés

Western-style restaurants are a foreign import to Oman, while cafés enjoy a much higher popularity among locals and often make for dining experiences no less tantalising.

Shwarma is, perhaps, the most popular local eat, and is made with roasted beef or chicken wrapped in bread with salad and vegetables. Grilled meats (or 'kebabs') are another local speciality, often served with flatbread and hummus. Another dish typical of the area is Biryani which often simply means chicken leg with rice and spices.

Cafés normally offer a variety of fresh juices to go with a meal, along with coffee ('gahwa') spiced with cardamom and cloves.

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Bars & Nightlife

Muscat is an unexpectedly vibrant and photogenic city by night. Taking a stroll along the Corniche or wandering through the Muttrah area may offer a glance into local life hidden from sight during daytime. Those interested in smoking shisha will not find themselves at a loss—cafés that serve shisha are widely available throughout the city.

When it comes to bars and clubs, most local nightlife is limited to hotel premises due to restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the country. However, some hotels do pack a punch, and finding a suitable venue should not pose much difficulty.

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Shopping

Visitors to Muscat are free to choose between an authentic shopping experience in the souqs and modern, air-conditioned shopping malls established in recent years (primarily in central Muscat and its upmarket suburb of Qurum).

The souqs in Muscat and Muttrah are a vibrant, lively experience fit for those ready to haggle and actively pursue great bargains. Clothing, leather goods, local art and handicrafts, ceramics, gold and jewellery are some of the items on sale in the city's windy souqs.

Western-style shopping malls, on the other hand, sell primarily international brand clothing and accessories, and often house grocery stores, food courts, and entertainment venues.

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Tourist Information