View of the waterfront coast with mountains in Muscat, Oman
SWING LIKE A SULTAN

Cruisereise til Muscat, Oman

In Muscat, Oman's attractive capital, you'll find a city steeped in the medieval heritage of the Middle East. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront Mutrah Corniche, with the brilliant blue sea on one side, eastern-style white buildings lining the street on the other and the arid Hajar mountains in the background. Stop at the Mutrah souq, a traditional Arab market (closed in the afternoon) where you can buy Omani and Indian artifacts and antiques. Don't miss the stately Grand Mosque — the immense Persian carpet in the main prayer hall took a whole four years to weave. Cruise to Muscat and check out the Al Alam Palace with its blue and gold facade, and see the sand-colored 16th-century Portuguese forts nearby.
Nasjonalt språk Arabic
Valuta som godtas Omani Rial (OMR)

Things To Do in Muscat

Impressive twin forts called Fort Al-Jalali at the entrance of Old Muscat's harbor near Sultan Qaboos palace in Muscat, Oman

Portuguese Past

Impressive twin forts called Fort Al-Jalali at the entrance of Old Muscat's harbor near Sultan Qaboos palace in Muscat, Oman

Impressive twin forts called Fort Al-Jalali at the entrance of Old Muscat's harbor near Sultan Qaboos palace in Muscat, Oman

Portuguese Past

The Portuguese occupiers built the impressive Al Jalali and Al Mirani Fort in the 16th century. Although they're closed to the public, they're a stunning backdrop for stroll along the harbor. The forts are on both sides high on the cliffs guarding the city's entrance.

Impressive twin forts called Fort Al-Jalali at the entrance of Old Muscat's harbor near Sultan Qaboos palace in Muscat, Oman

Play Sultan

Impressive twin forts called Fort Al-Jalali at the entrance of Old Muscat's harbor near Sultan Qaboos palace in Muscat, Oman

Impressive twin forts called Fort Al-Jalali at the entrance of Old Muscat's harbor near Sultan Qaboos palace in Muscat, Oman

Play Sultan

Visit the Grand Mosque (open in the morning), a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos and a mix of Omani, Islamic and modern architecture. It can accommodate 20,000 worshippers and has a rich prayer hall, an elaborate chandelier and a huge Persian carpet that took four years to weave.

The National Museum entrance in Muscat, Oman
The National Museum entrance in Muscat, Oman

Picturesque Heritage

Learn more about Oman's past in the elegant New National Museum in Old Muscat. Browse the beautifully presented archaeological artifacts, manuscripts and ship models during your Muscat cruise. When you're done, snap a photo of the Al Alam Palace with its blue and gold pillars opposite the museum.

A traditional arabic meal with rice, meats, and sauces
A traditional arabic meal with rice, meats, and sauces

Local Cuisine

The traditional dish of Oman is majboos (also called kabsa), basmati rice with spicy beef, chicken or fish — typically local-caught lobster, mackerel or red snapper — served with yogurt sauce. Perk up with a cup of kahwa, the local coffee mixed with cardamom powder, served alongside dates and sweets after a meal.

Beautiful and colorful decorative lamp shade lanterns being sold at the Muttrah Square in Muscat, Oman
Beautiful and colorful decorative lamp shade lanterns being sold at the Muttrah Square in Muscat, Oman

Shopping

Head to Mutrah Souq, Muscat's oldest market and one of the most characterful souqs in the region. Cruise to Muscat and browse a variety of goods and souvenirs like frankincense, perfumes, gold and silver jewelry, Omani hats and ornate decorative lamps with traditional geometric patterns. You can also shop in The Avenues or one of the other big modern malls for more modern retail therapy.

Innsidetips
Innsidetips
1 Muscat's non-airport taxis are orange and white and don't have meters. Agree on the rate before you get in.
2 There are numerous ATMs throughout Muscat where you can get Omani Rial (OMR).
3 Cover your legs and shoulders outside beach and pool areas to respect the local customs.

My Personas

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