Location: Muscat
Top Things to do in Muscat
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Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Muscat (Arabic: مسقط, Masqaṭ pronounced [ˈmasqatˤ]) is the capital and largest metropolitan city of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. Muscat is also considered as a Global City. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total population of Muscat Governorate reached 1.28 million as of September 2015. The metropolitan area spans approximately 3,500 km (1,400 sq mi) and includes six provinces called wilayats. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians, the Portuguese Empire and the Ottoman Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians and the Balochis. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.
Restaurants in Muscat
1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,994 reviews
Reviewed By PNEPete - Leyland, United Kingdom
Visited as part of a tour from cruise ship, It was absolutely stunning, the architecture, chandeliers, carpet, etc etc. Well worth a visit although for non muslims you cannot visit during prayer times. Ladies must be appropriately dressed, with hair/head covered, shoulders and arms to the handsand legs covered to the feet. Men generally wear normal casual wear, shoes must be removed before entering the Mosque rooms. Definitely a must to visit just to admire the sheer splendour inside and out.
2. The Spa at the Chedi Muscat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Our 800 square metre relaxation and fitness haven, the largest spa in Muscat, offers the personalised, discreet service of the region's finest wellness professionals. Balinese therapies, Indian Ayurveda and indigenous rituals are amongst the highlights on the spa's comprehensive menu, delivered in thirteen meditative spa suites that combine dramatic Omani architecture with calming Asian interiors. For those that want to maintain their fitness regime or simply want to stay active during their stay there is also a modern and well equipped gym. Guests will find the 400 square metre Health Club one flight below, with experienced personal trainers, state-of-the-art gym equipment, free weights and Pilates equipment.
Reviewed By Cledion - Muscat, Oman
We are back for a treatment yesterday. I and my wife had couple massage (together in one room), my late valentine gift. I must say that they remind us of our experience 8 years ago. I usually don’t snore during any theraphy but the calmness of her hand sliding through my muscles is hypnotic. We were ask first to choose from the three massage oil, the aroma of which were all good that it’s difficult to choose. I opted for the hint of lavender which has the calming effect. Then we are led to their treatment room where both the foot bath and massage bed co-exist. Contrary to other treatment, they pay importance to the footbath just as they do with the body. Rubbed with a mixture of ginger, lemon and salt, we know we are in for a Balinese trip. Ambar and Intan are not just from Bali, they brought with them the ancient Balinese technique which we instantly recognized the ritual with the gentle hovering of their fingers all over the body before the massage. This is contrary to other techniques where the therapists started to assess the tension we had in our body. What follow was their immaculate execution of fingers and hands sliding as if they had more than two, very relaxing. Being treated in the same room with my wife is one of the most romantic gift a man can give to his wife for I will know how she is delighted with my present. I strongly recommend to go straight to The SPA at the Chedi for more of the best authentic Balinese massage, it’s ancient!
3. Spa Cenvaree at Centara Muscat Hotel Oman
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
You will enter a world of absolute relaxation and pampering at the modern and tranquil spa at Centara Muscat Hotel Oman. Our intimately-sized spa offers you a wide selection of therapeutic skin treatments and massages incorporating Thai and Arabian techniques, as well as packages designed for couples set in a relaxing treatment room complete with Jacuzzi. Our therapists undergo extensive training in anatomy and physiology as well as facials, massage and body treatments, taking pride in offering you the very best of spa services.
4. AWAY Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Rejuvenate and relax at AWAY® Spa Muscat. With our 10 treatment rooms, sauna, experiential showers, hammam and a steam room, guests are welcomed to a design inspired by the ancient ritual of stargazing under the night's sky as well as the intimacy of cave-like comfort. AWAY® Spa also features a Beauty Bar for touch-ups, ‘Quick Fix' treatments, and a couples' treatment room.
Reviewed By TheSadz
The massage was perfect, Samar (the therapist) did a great job... feeling much relaxed after my massage I needed it Her pressure was just perfect, untied the knots I had in my neck.. Loved everything about my massage experience
5. Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Ghalyas Museum of Modern Art is now known as Place & People Museum. It invites visitors to explore Oman’s past, present and future aura, being welcomed not by one person, or several people, but by a whole culture. The display of modern works, in conjunction with the historic life of the 50s and 70s is intended to create a feeling that the “inner” Omani continues forever unchanging. With a permanent collection of heritage, culture, tradition and art, Place & People Museum serves as a museum and a showcase.
Reviewed By 28katea - Melbourne, Australia
This little unassuming museum of modern daily life in Muscat-Oman is a terrific introduction to how people lived. The country is in the midst of massive change and it is good to be able to consider where it is coming from. Highly recommended.
6. Big Bus Tours Muscat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,464 reviews
Big Bus Tours Muscat is a hop-on / hop-off tour starting at the historic Muttrah Souk. The sightseeing tour will take you past all the sights from the Royal Opera House to the Sultan’s Palace, and through terrain as diverse as the mountain pass, Marina and Qurum Beach. A fun and informative recorded commentary is available in a choice of 6 languages, featuring fascinating tales from Muscat’s colourful history, information on the ways and workings of the modern-day city.
7. Royal Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,455 reviews
Reviewed By huwp179 - Muscat, Oman
We had the privilege of seeing Placido Domingo perform here which was excellent. Even a visit to the building if a performance isn’t on is worth it to see the opulence of the building and surroundings. Tickets for performances range from 10 OMR (£20 approx) which for a first class performance from world renowned artists is very good value for money in my opinion. There are lots of cafes and restaurants in the Opera House complex so even if you only go there for a walk around the building as a coffee stop it is well worth a visit.
8. Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By PeterGarrett78 - Pewsey, United Kingdom
I decided to visit this place on a recommendation and was so pleased I did! The museum is only open until 1330hrs each day so a morning schedule is crucial. There is plenty of parking available which is free, the museum itself costs 1 OMR for entry which at the time of writing is £2; this is absolute value for money and I would encourage you to leave a larger donation. We were given a member of the Sultans Royal Guard to escort us round, whilst he left us to read the information boards he was more than happy to answer any questions we had obviously having a great knowledge of the museum and the history of the armed forces. The museum is set across 2 floors and is quite large, there are a number of different rooms that are split into categories which makes learning about the different subjects very easy. All information boards are in English as well which is great with automatic lights bringing the rooms to life as you enter. The displays are very good indeed with a few being interactive, there is also a large outdoor area where you can see an actual retired Omani naval ship both modern and ancient as well as a whole host of other vehicles, bunkers and equipment including a retired Sultans armoured limo. This is a fantastic museum, based on this visit I think you would really be missing out if you left it off your list. I can’t recommend it enough.
9. Bait Al Zubair
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
Reviewed By TheOExpress - Hong Kong, China
...as the varying art and artefacts on show there are even better than the main part. I particularly liked the modern art, wonderful photography and architectural recreations in those parts.
10. Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By Onewheelers - Inverness, United Kingdom
The oil and petroleum section was good but not all exhibits functioning - still worthwhile, but best suited adults and older kids/teenagers. The best bit is the energy and sustainability section where we had great fun with very high quality interactive exhibits that younger children - say age 5 upwards would also be able to enjoy. Both very informative and enjoyable. Free entry.
