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MUSCAT TRAVEL GUIDE
Muscat is the largest city in Oman as well as its capital. With a population of just under 400,000 it is a melting pot of Islamic Arabs, British, Dutch and American. As a matter of fact, English is a common language spoken in this country. Muscat actually consists of three smaller townships (namely Muscat, Matah and Ruwi) that have merged together. Muscat, also called the “walled city” is home to the royal palaces. Matah is home to an incredible souq and was formerly a fishing village. Ruwi combines the commercial industries with the diplomatic centres. Today’s Muscat is one of the more culturally tolerant and diverse cities in the Arab world.
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MUSCAT WEATHER - When To Go
Muscat is basically hot and dry all year round with a minimal amount of rain. Summer, June, July and August can get especially hot with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Humidity is also quite intense. Stick to indoor sites that have air conditioning. The best time to visit the city is winter, October through March when temperatures are much cooler and the air is less humid. Temperatures during the winter average 20 degrees Celsius. The nights can even get cool enough to warrant a light sweater or jacket.
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MUSCAT ATTRACTIONS - Things to See & Do
Focus on the sites in the individual cities of Muscat, Matah and Ruwi as this is the easiest way to tour all of Muscat.
- The sites in Muscat proper begin with the Al-Jalai Fort that guarded the east entrance to the harbour. It was built by the Portuguese during the late 1500s. A steep set of stairs take the visitor to the entrance. It was formerly a prison but it now houses a museum that focuses on Oman history. It is only open to visiting dignitaries. Guarding the west side of the harbour is the Al-Mirani Fort, also built by the Portuguese. This fort is not open to the public either but pictures of the outside of the fort are permitted. Sitting in between the two forts is the Sultan’s Palace. With its blue and gold mushroom-like pillars, the palace is the jewel of the city. It was built over the former British embassy. It is not open to the public either. A museum that is actually open to the public is the Bayt Az-Zubair. This museum tells the story of the history and cultural heritage of Oman through photos, historical crafts and furniture. It is located in a restored historical Omani home. The Omani-French Museum is only open from October through March and focuses on Oman-French relations during the 19th century.
- Matah (Mutrah) is the second township to make up the city of Muscat. Begin a tour of this area with a little fun and stop off at the Al-Riyam Park. The park features a giant incense burner and a small amusement park. To get a look at the history of Muscat visit the Bait al-Baranda Museum located in an Omani home built in the 1930s. There are some fun exhibitions for the children to participate in such as an interactive display that involves assembling a dinosaur. Another set of exhibits focuses on the cultural heritage of Oman. For a sunrise trek visit the Fish Market near the Marina Hotel. Here the visitor can enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of a true fish market. For a pleasant sunset stroll take a walk in Kalbuh Bay Park that borders the ocean. One of the most popular areas in Mutrah for visitors and locals alike is the Mutrah Souq. This traditional Arab market sells gold, textiles, antiques and other Arab and Indian goods. The vendors do expect some haggling although do not expect to walk away with an item for a very cheap price. About a 10-20% discount is all that can be expected. The final point of interest in this township is the Watchtower set on a piece of land that juts out into the sea. There is a lovely fountain that lights up at night. This is a popular place to catch the cool sea breezes in the evening.
- The final township to explore is Ruwi. Begin with a trip to the National Museum. This museum pays homage to the country’s sea-going history. There are also exhibits featuring local costumes and jewellery. Another museum that is worth a visit is the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum. The museum is located in the Bayt al-Falaj built in 1845. This is the summer home of the royal family and home to the armed forces. The museum displays a history of Oman along with its military strengths. Expect a military escort when touring this museum.
- Muscat also has some quite enjoyable activities the visitor can participate in. There are safaris into the dessert at night as well as rock climbing, camel racing and horseback riding. Ocean activities are also very popular. Scuba diving is a favourite pastime and there is dive centre at Bandar Jissah. Boat tours are also available for turtle and dolphin watching.
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MUSCAT - Eating Out & Nightlife
Dining in Muscat is relatively inexpensive. The souqs will have the cheapest food available although it is a good idea to ask for bottled water and avoid drinking tap water. Or try the Halib, tea with milk or Sulaimani, black tea. The locals, mostly men, stay entertained at night by visiting coffeehouses, sipping tea and coffee, smoking tobacco and talking amongst themselves. There is very little alcohol and drinking. For a night of fun the visitor is best off sticking to the international hotels that house bars, pubs and nightclubs.
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MUSCAT - Getting Around & Local Transport
The primary way to get around Muscat is by taxis. The orange and white taxis are a bit more expensive but the drivers do expect to haggle on the price. Maxi Taxis are best-acquired near on-ramps to main highways. These larger taxis carry quite a few people so do not expect to travel alone. Another option for getting around the city is renting a car. There are numerous car rental agencies scattered throughout the Muscat.
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MUSCAT FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
A number of flight options are available from the UK to Muscat, normally involving at least one stop-over, either in the Middle East or in Amsterdam (if you use KLM).
British Airways provides flights to Muscat leaving from London.
Emirates fly from London with a stop-over in Dubai.
Quatar Airways fly from London with a stop-over in Doha.
Gulf Air and Etihad are other flight options. A good overview of all flight options from your regional airport is available via the big online flight-booking websites such as Expedia.co.uk or ebookers.
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