Muscat is a city in Oman that has preserved its traditional texture, and Muscat’s sights are a popular destination for tourists, especially Middle Eastern tourists.
The sightseeing places of Muscat are so diverse that visiting each of them opens a new window of nature, history and culture of Oman. From beautiful beaches to natural pools, historical castles, museums, markets, etc., it will fascinate you.
In this article from Alibaba Tourism Magazine, join us to travel together to the amazing attractions of Muscat and learn about the unique features of each.
Where is Muscat?
Muscat is a city in Oman and also the capital of this country.
What are the best nature tourism options in Muscat?
Yeti Beach, Qorum Beach, Wadi Shab, Jebel Shams, Dimaniyat Islands, Akhdar Mountain, Bimah Hole, Wahb Desert.
Where is the best shopping center in Muscat?
Oman Mall, Panorama, Al-Arimi Blvd., Matrah, Qorum City Center and…
What is the most famous natural attraction in Muscat?
Jebel Shams is the most famous natural attraction of Muscat.
What are the best historical places in Muscat?
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, Wadi Bani Khaled, Bayt al-Zubair, Qasr al-Alam, Al-Mirani Castle, Jalali Castle, Al-Khor Mosque, Gate Museum, National Museum of Oman, Palm Fort.
Natural attractions of Muscat
You might think that Muscat is nothing but a barren desert and we mean natural attractions only for sightseeing in the desert. In this case, we must say that you are very wrong.
Photo from: Flydubai website
Since Muscat is a port city, it has beaches and islands that inject peace into your soul. It also has valleys with clear and emerald waters in its heart, or mysterious mountains that await hikers.
Stay with us to introduce you to the natural attractions of Muscat.
Yeti Beach
Yeti Beach is located 28 km from the center of Muscat. This beach is one of the lesser known beaches in Oman. If you like to have a picnic by the sea, Yeti beach with small rocks and beautiful bays is an ideal environment for you.
Photo from: AustriaForum website
The soft sand and clear waters of this beach will infuse you with peace. Fishing, swimming and camping are other activities that Yeti Beach provides for you.
There is also a fishing village near this beach. You can go there and interact with the locals. Or you can rent a boat and take a tour of the sea.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
At sunset, take a walk on the beach and watch the sea bathe in reds and oranges. The sunrise is equally beautiful on this beach. Yeti Beach with all its beauty is included in the list of must-see places in Muscat.
Location of Yeti Beach on Google Maps
Qorum Beach
Qorum Beach is located in the luxury neighborhood of Qorum, the beating heart of modern Muscat. This beach is one of the best places to visit in Muscat, Oman to escape from the heat and everyday life. It also offers a lot of stunning and classic scenery in front of your eyes.
Photo from: Thrillophilia site
You can sunbathe on this beach. Lie under the shade of a palm tree. swim ride a jet ski Walk on the boulevard among people. When you are tired and hungry, go to nearby coffee shops and restaurants and make a pleasant travel experience for yourself.
Location of Qorum Beach on Google Maps
Photo from: Google maps site
Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is one of the most mysterious places to visit in Muscat. Wadi is an Arabic and Hebrew term. A valley that is filled with water during rain is called wadi.
Photo from: Followmeaway site
Wadi Shab Muscat is also the same; A valley between the rocks in which clear blue water flows. To explore Wadi Shab, you need to board a boat. The boat will take you to one place and you have to walk from one place to the next.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
It is easy to walk half way; But from one place to the next, the path becomes hard, slippery and narrow. You even have to jump from the rocks in some places. So don’t go there without a group, guide and equipment.
There are beautiful sights in Wadi Shab; Fields, waterfalls, caves full of water, etc. that you can visit.
Location of Wadi Shab on Google Map
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is one of the most famous attractions in Muscat. If you go to Jebel Shams, you will see the sea, the desert and the Hajar mountains together. That is why Jebel Shams is also called the roof of Oman.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Ghol Valley is one of the sights that you can see in the heights of Jebel Shams. Of course, reaching the top of Jebel Shams is not easy. You must know how to climb and be able to endure long walks.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
It is forbidden to climb to the top of Jebel Shams due to the establishment of a military base. Mountaineers can only continue up to the mountain range before the summit. The height of this mountain range is lower than Jebel Shams.
Jebel Shams location on Google Map
Wadi Bani Khalid (Wadi Bani Khalid Province)
Wadi Bani Khalid is another wadi in Oman, whose emerald-colored ponds have water in every season of the year.
This valley is also known as Behesht Kavir. The existence of palm trees, clear waters and waterfalls is nothing but paradise in the heart of the desert. This is why Wadi Bani Khalid is included in the list of must-see places in Muscat.
Photo from: Neverendingvoyage website
In this valley, there are amenities such as restaurants and places to sit. Many also go to Wadi Bani Khaled for picnics and swimming.
Location of Wadi Bani Khaled on Google Map
Dimanyat Islands
Dimaniyat Islands is one of the beautiful and sightseeing areas of Muscat, which is located 45 kilometers southeast of this city. This complex consists of 9 small islands.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Volcanic rocks, white sand and turquoise waters that surround the islands have given it an indescribable beauty.
Photo from: Walkmyworld site
Many tourists are attracted to these islands for diving. The underwater world of these islands is as spectacular as their outer world. Coral reefs, colorful fish, frogs, turtles, whales, sharks, etc. are among the secrets hidden in the waters of these islands.
Location of Dimanat Islands on Google Map
Mount Akhdar
Akhdar mountain is a part of Al Hajar mountain range, which is 150 km away from Muscat. Akhdar means green in Arabic. This greenery is manifested in the many valleys and gardens in the mountain.
Photo from: NawafirTours website
This region has a mountainous climate, and for this reason, various agricultural products such as pomegranate, apricot, black grape, peach and walnut are grown there.
Mohammedan flowers are found in abundance in Mount Akhdar, which is known as Damascus rose, and they make the surrounding area fragrant.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
To reach this mountain, you must go with a climbing group and a guide; Because the path is not smooth.
Location of Mount Akhdar on Google Map
Moonless Hole (Hoye Najm Park)
Bimah hole is one of the natural and scenic attractions of Muscat, which is about two hours away from this city. This hole is a popular attraction for locals and tourists.
Photo from: Thrillophilia site
Moonless hole is actually a limestone rock that has clear turquoise waters in its heart. There is a staircase next to this hole where you can go down, enjoy the view and dip your feet in the water.
Photo from: Google maps site
There is a type of fish called gara rufa in the water of this hole that eats the dead skin of the feet and is one of the reasons for attracting tourists there.
Location of moonless hole on google map
Wahab desert
If you are interested in desert adventure, Wahhab desert will be an attractive option for you. There are many sand dunes in this desert, each of them has a shape and turns golden under the sunlight.
Photo from: Audleytravel website
Photography with the pristine background of the desert, safari and camel riding are among the activities available in the Wahhab desert, one of the must-see places in Muscat.
This desert is the habitat of animals such as desert birds, scorpions and snakes. Also, shrubs such as nettle and hardy grasses grow in the desert.
The location of Baban Wahb on Google Maps
Historical attractions of Muscat
Muscat has seen many events throughout its history. When you visit the historical attractions of this city, you will get to know the stories that will take you back hundreds of years.
If you are a history buff, visit Muscat’s historical attractions. Stay with us to introduce you to these attractions.
Photo from: YakymourWordpress site
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, besides being one of Muscat’s must-see places, is listed as the largest grand mosque in the world and is one of the outstanding examples of modern Islamic architecture.
Photo from: Worldarchitecture website
The architecture of this mosque is very spectacular and magnificent. It is interesting to know that Iranian artists built this mosque in Neishabour with the help of Omanis.
Qur’anic verses, marble surfaces, wall paintings, windows with colored glass, beautiful gardens, exquisite carvings and decorations have given the mosque a beautiful splendor.
Photo from: Google maps site
There is one of the largest hand-woven Iranian carpets and crystal chandeliers in the world in this mosque. There is also a library in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which contains old and valuable books. Step by step, this mosque is full of beauty, culture and glory.
Location of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on Google Map
Photo from: Google maps site
Royal Opera House
As a symbol of Omani culture and art, the Royal Opera House is one of the sights of Muscat. This complex has sections such as gardens, concert and theater halls, lecture halls, stylish restaurants and craft shops, etc.
Photo from: Culturetourist site
All kinds of shows such as concerts, theaters, ballets and scientific meetings are held in this complex with advanced visual and optical systems.
The location of the Royal Opera House on Google Maps
Beit al-Zubair
Bait al-Zubair is an old museum in Muscat, which is included in the list of places to visit in Muscat due to its beautiful architecture and the objects it houses.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Bait al-Zubair complex has several buildings, the Bait al-Bagh building is its main building. Beit al-Dalali is another building in this complex, which is decorated in the style of Omani houses of the 6th century. Betelwood is also a building that shows the life of the merchants of that time with the works inside such as photos, miniatures, engravings, etc.
Photo from: Google maps site
The objects that you will find in the collection of Beit Al-Zubair Museum include the following:
- Ancient weapons such as swords, daggers and firearms
- Local men’s and women’s clothes
- Coins and medals
- Old household appliances
- Library, Manuscripts, and Other Ancient Materials
The location of Beit al-Zubair on Google Maps
Photo from: Google maps site
Qasr al-Alam
In the past, Qasr al-Alam was the royal palace of Sultan Qaboos and is considered one of the outstanding examples of modern Islamic art. Sultan Qaboos used to host important guests from different countries (such as Queen Elizabeth of England) in this palace.
Photo from: Expedia website
This palace is located in a beautiful area surrounded by lush gardens and a view of the sea. The architecture of Qasr al-Alam is very spectacular. Blue and golden columns, artistic carvings, arches and marble surfaces have made the palace very luxurious and eye-catching.
Qasr Al Alam location on Google Map
Almirani Castle
Mirani Castle is a historical castle built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. This fort is one of the must-see places in Muscat. Al-Mirani Fort, which has a magnificent view over the Gulf of Oman, was built to protect Muscat in the past.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
There are different parts in Al-Mirani Castle that were previously used as warehouses, prisons, and mosques.
If you enter the castle, you will see all kinds of weapons such as cannons, military uniforms, coins, etc., which will introduce you to the history of this country.
Location of Al Mirani Castle on Google Map
Photo from: Google maps site
Jalali Castle
Jalali Castle is another magnificent castle in Muscat, located in the old part of the city. This castle was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, like the Al-Mirani Castle, and today it is one of the must-see places in Muscat.
Photo from: Google maps site
Jalali Castle was initially used as a defense tower, but gradually its use changed and became a prison, a military barracks and a royal residence. Of course, it was changed again later and was used as the main prison of Oman.
Photo from: Google maps site
Today, this castle has been restored and turned into a private museum. Entering it is possible only with the permission of the Ministry of National Heritage.
Location of Jalali Castle on Google Map
Al Khor Mosque
Al-Khor Mosque is another historical attraction and sightseeing place in Muscat. This mosque is also a beautiful example of architecture. The architecture of Al-Khor Mosque is a combination of Iranian, Arabic and Indian art.
Photo from: Oastatic site
The golden lines of the Holy Quran on the walls, the beautiful turquoise dome, the tall minarets and the colored glass of the mosque create an eye-catching combination of this building; Especially that the mosque is located on the sea side.
Location of Al-Khor Mosque on Google Map
Muscat Gate Museum
Darwaza Museum is a museum in Muscat that offers a beautiful view of the city.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Darwaza Museum is one of the must-see places in Muscat, and the objects in this museum represent the history of Oman. One of the most prominent things you will find in Darwaza Museum is the irrigation system called Aflaj, which existed in this country and gives you interesting information.
Muscat Gate Museum location on Google Map
Photo from: Google maps site
National Museum of Oman
The National Museum of Oman is one of the new museums in Oman and one of the must-see places in Muscat. It is true that this museum was established in 2013, but it was able to attract many people to old objects and works that reflect the history, culture and tradition of Oman.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
The architecture of the museum is modern and includes the following works:
- Pottery
- Traditional tools
- Historical documents
- Artistic masterpieces
- stone pieces
- Multiple galleries
The location of the National Museum of Oman on Google Maps
Photo from: Google maps site
Palm Fort
Palm Fort is one of the historical forts of Oman. Since this fort is surrounded by palm trees, it was named Palm Fort. Of course, the presence of palm trees around the castle has also created a beautiful landscape.
Photo from: Projectexpedition site
The date of the Palm Fort dates back to 1000 years ago. This castle has been used as a defensive structure against war in the past. Today, this fortress has been reconstructed.
The location of Palm Fort on Google Maps
Muscat’s entertainment attractions
If you like to have fun while traveling, this section is for you. There are many recreational attractions in Muscat, which we will introduce you to below.
Raised Cornish
Matrah Corniche is a port-commercial area with very beautiful views. Stroll along the Corniche to watch the ships moored in the harbour, or go to the Corniche in the evening and walk under the orange light of the sun.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
The famous traditional market is located near the Corniche. You can visit this market after your walk and visit the traditional products of Muscat amid the bustle of people.
Around the Corniche there are cafes and restaurants that are a good option for a traditional meal as well as an international one.
Photo from: Google maps site
The famous Corniche with all its beauty is included in the list of places to visit in Muscat.
Featured Cornish location on Google Maps
Oman Aquarium
This aquarium is one of the must-see places in Muscat, which is located inside Muscat Passage. With three floors, the Oman Aquarium has earned the title of the largest aquarium in the Middle East.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
The remarkable thing in Oman Aquarium is the adventures of a seafarer named Ahmad bin Majid in the 15th century. The creatures that live in the Oman Aquarium are the ones that this sailor had seen on his trip.
The main tank of the aquarium is in the form of a tunnel. You can walk along the tunnel and see the fish up close. Marine creatures such as fish, turtles, crabs and penguins live in this aquarium.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
Oman Aquarium with all its beauty is one of the must-see attractions in Muscat.
Location of Oman Aquarium on Google Map
Qorum Natural Park
Qorum Natural Park is one of the must-see places in Muscat that captures the heart of every tourist. The landscaping of this park is very beautiful. Colorful flowers, fountains, night lighting, all add to the beauty of this park.
Photo from: GulfInsider site
There is also a theme park in Qorum Park, which is very attractive for everyone, especially children.
The location of Qorum Natural Park on Google Maps
Photo from: Google maps site
Shopping malls in Muscat
In addition to visiting Muscat’s sights, many travelers like to visit the markets to get to know the variety of goods there. For this reason, we will introduce you to some shopping centers in Muscat.
Photo from: Airmasasri website
Muscat city center
City Center Muscat shopping center was opened in this city in 2001. This shopping center has 200 stores with various local and international brands.
Photo from: Citycentremuscat website
The price of goods in this shopping center is expensive.
Among the facilities of Muscat City Center, we can mention a parking lot with extensive infrastructure, a cinema hall, a cafe and a restaurant.
Location of Muscat City Center on Google Maps
Al-Arimi Blvd
Al-Arimi Boulevard shopping center is a modern shopping center whose architecture is inspired by the natural treasures of Oman.
Photo from: Alamana site
This shopping center is built on two floors with an area of 187,000 square meters. There are currently more than 200 stores in this shopping center; Also, a family entertainment center with an area of 6000 square meters.
Photo from: Google maps site
There are more than 10 cinema screens in this mall, of which 4D cinema is the main part. It also has many food courts where you can sit and eat delicious food.
Qorum City Center
The most important feature of Qorum City Center is the huge Carrefour hypermarket, which occupies most of the mall’s space. Food, vegetables and household items are the main things that are sold in this hypermarket.
Photo from: Myguideoman site
Qorum City Center has more than 80 stores. There are facilities such as dining, cinema and amusement park in this shopping center that you can use in addition to shopping.
Location of Qorum City Center on Google Map
Matrah Bazaar (Souk Matrah)
Matrah Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Oman and one of the must-see places in Muscat, which is located in the city. This bazaar consists of several rows, where you can get to know the culture and traditions of the Omani people by walking through them.
Photo from: Google maps site
Goods such as Indian handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, textiles, shoes, women’s clothing, handicrafts, etc. are sold in this market.
The interior of the market is also interesting in its own way. Shops are lined up next to each other under a wooden roof and each one has their colorful products hanging from the door and walls.
The location of the popular market on Google Maps
Photo from: Google maps site
Panorama shopping center
Panorama Mall is one of the most popular shopping and dining centers in Muscat. This shopping center has facilities such as cinema, playground, cafe and restaurant.
In the stores of this mall, you can find brands such as Gabel, Sports Gallery, IBSAR, zarinIran, Spinneys, and Ishop.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
The most prominent attraction of this shopping center is the laser runner or laser paintball, which attracts fans.
Location of Panorama Shopping Center on Google Maps
Photo from: Google maps site
Oman Mall shopping center (Oman Avenues Mall)
This shopping center is one of the largest shopping centers in Oman and also one of the branches of Lulu International Group. There are many stores for clothes, cosmetics, toys, electronics, stationery, etc. in this shopping center.
Photo from: Google maps site
In addition, facilities such as dining, indoor amusement park, cinema, educational and entertainment center for children, Oman snow collection, virtual reality area and… It can also be seen in Oman Mall shopping center.
Location of Amal Mall shopping center on Google Map
Photo from: Google maps site
Alibaba’s recommendations for a memorable trip to Muscat
The heat and humidity in Muscat reaches its peak during the summer and makes it difficult for you to visit the attractions. For this reason, it is better to travel to Muscat in autumn and winter when the weather becomes cooler.
When traveling to Muscat for walking and visiting attractions that do not have a smooth path, be sure to bring suitable shoes with you.
You can rent a car to explore the attractions outside the city.
Respect the beliefs and traditions of the people of this city.
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