Location: Muscat
Top Things to do in Muscat
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What to do and see in Muscat, Muscat Governorate: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Majlis Al Henna
3. 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.
4. Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By ZB262
This mosque is visible from a distant as you drive into Muscat from the airport. It is absolutely beautiful with the white marble finish and amzing 3 large dome. And the Chanderliers inside the main prayer room are amzing. the imam who led the Jum'aah prayer was not too bad either.
5. Mutrah Geotrek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By aislinnd90 - County Clare, Ireland
Whilst living in muscat, I would do this trail quite frequently and bring visitors. If you don't like to hike, it's worth the 20min walk up to the flagpole (flag no longer there) for views and pictures of Mutrah. This walk is mainly steps. I've seen locals do this barefoot or in sandals but id recommend running or walking shoes. The trek is about 1hr or so in duration and is labelled with flags painted on the rocks so be very vigilant. Starting point: opp Al riyam park, walk behind yellow Villa and you will see the steps. Finishing point : near the old market in Mutrah, you will come out an alleyway near Al riyam park (10min walk) There are views of the Sultan's yachts, the large Incense burner, the sea port and the mountains.
6. Bimmah Sinkhole
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 699 reviews
Reviewed By alstondm - Mumbai, India
A natural wonder to be seen something differnt from just seas and mountains. It's around 4 floors below ground level one comes to blue water, its lovely to swim in also in one corner due to its depth one can even dive with caution. For those who dont like to get wet can sit on the rocks with their legs in water and fish will come nibbling on ones legs. The park above has a small play area for little kids. This place is all perfect for a lovely day picnic.
7. Muscat Gate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Yiti
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By lucianetokarski - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Yiti is a beautiful desert beach near a fisherman’s village. It’s quiet and peaceful, and the drive there is also nice, driving through the mountains and seeing plenty of donkeys and goats on the way (a highlight for kids). It’s possible to do a picnic there. We really enjoyed the place.
9. Bait Al Maqham Castle
10. Mutrah Fort
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