Muscat Attractions: Best Places to Visit in Oman's Capital

Nestled among rugged hills, Oman’s capital is bustling with life. Muscat is the perfect spot among Oman's tourist attractions.

Muscat attractions spots are an amalgamation of the new and old world. You can experience many destinations, from beaches to forts to modern shopping malls and century-old souqs. This city has a rich cultural history. The Portuguese built forts, and vivid ancient souqs are a treat for history lovers.

Muscat attractions aren’t confined to land destinations only; they include beautiful beaches, scenic corniche, adventurous snorkeling, and fantastic dolphin-watching excursions.

This article will elaborate on everything you need to know about Muscat and its attractions.

Cultural and Historical Treasures

Mutrah Souq

Located just opposite the serene Mutrah corniche, this marketplace is one of the oldest markets in the Middle East. Wooden roof, small stalls, and cluttered alleys make you feel nostalgic.

Mutrah Souq is a treat for all the culture and heritage enthusiasts. Mutrah Souq is the best place to buy:

• Omani souvenirs.
• Traditional textiles
• Garments
• Jewellery 
• Incense
• Frankincense
• Pipes
• Pottery  
• Craftwork
• Souvenirs like Khanjars and coffee pots
• Bedouin jewellery, and clothing (dishdashas, kummas (caps), massar (turban), and khanjar for the men
• Surwal (trousers), lihaff (shawl) for the women

Al Alam Palace

Al Alam Palace is located near the coast of Muscat. The then-called Bait AL Alam Palace was built 200 years ago, but was demolished and reconstructed many times.

The now-standing palace was rebuilt in 1972 and renamed as Al Alam Palace, meaning Palace of the flag. This palace is included in the official royal residences of the Sultan.

Al Alam Palace is known for its characteristic blue and gold pillars. Its architecture combines Islamic heritage with Omani culture. The sultan and officials receive prestigious guests from across the globe at Al Alam Palace, a ceremonial place.

Al Alam Palace is closed to the general public and tourists; however, you can admire its outer beauty from the gates.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

This mosque was built by the country's most loved ruler, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, as a souvenir of 30 years of his rule.

This mosque is famous among the locals and tourists for its beautiful architecture and well-designed gardens. The expert artisans of this mosque have combined Islamic architecture with modern-day techniques. The gorgeous golden dome of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque shines bright against the blue sky. At night, this golden doom lights up and creates a magical aura. The lit-up dome is visible from a distance.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, as the name suggests, is spread over a large area and can house 20,000 worshippers at a time. The main prayer hall is fringed with the world's second-largest hand-woven Iranian carpet and a grand sparkling Swarovski chandelier.

There is a separate prayer hall for women. To enter the Grand Mosque, women must cover their heads, arms and legs. 

Bait Al Zubair Museum

Bait al Zubair Museum is a privately owned property in the old Muscat city. The Zubair family owns and funds it.

The ethnographic museum was founded in 1998 in a beautifully restored old house. It has several rooms displaying the rich art and cultural heritage of Oman. Bait al Zubair houses different items like:

• Cultural textiles
• Ancient weapons
• Intricate jewelry
• Household items used in ancient Oman

Most of the items are from the owner's private collection. Outside the building is a beautiful garden and cafe, mimicking the village life of Oman . You can sit in the cafe and absorb the olden life of the Omani village while sipping traditional Omani coffee . There is a gift shop as well, from which you can buy hand-picked crafts.

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Bait al Zubair Museum is the perfect location for history enthusiasts and people who want to learn about Oman’s history and culture.

The National Museum of Oman 

The National Museum of Oman is a state-of-the-art museum in the heart of Muscat city near the AL Alam Palace in a purpose-built building. This museum flaunts Oman’s heritage from prehistoric human settlements in the Omani peninsula to the present day. The massive building covers an area of 147,000 sq ft.

The National Museum of Oman features 43 digital immersive experiences, a learning center, conservation facilities, an ultra-high-definition cinema, and discovery areas for children. It has 14 permanent galleries, namely:

• The Land and the People
• Maritime History
• Arms and Armour
• Civilisation in the Making
• Aflaj
• Currency
• Timeline
• Bat, al-Khutm and al-Ayn
• Land of Frankincense
• Prehistory and Ancient History
• Splendours of Islam
• Oman and the World
• The Renaissance
• Intangible Heritage

Other facilities in the National Museum are:

• Learning Centre
• Conservation Facilities
• Temporary Exhibitions Gallery
• Collections Gallery
• Cafe
• Gift Shop

Qurum Beach

Looking for a spot to unwind without the hassle of traveling long distances? Then Qurum Beach is the impeccable spot for you. Located in the heart of Muscat city, at the edge of Qurum Nature Reserve, stretching for four km along the Muscat coastline is the Qurum Beach.

One of Oman’s most visited and famous beaches is the Qurum Beach.

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The sparkling water of the Gulf of Oman, combined with soft sand, makes it the perfect location for a picnic during a Muscat city tour.

You can spend your day lying on the beach, unwinding and relaxing or enjoying different beach activities like:

• Swim
• Surf 
• Kayak 
• Snorkl 
• Jet ski
• Fishing 

Muttrah Corniche

Mutrah Corniche is the seafront of the Muscat coastline, located opposite Muttrah Souq and covering over three km. The corniche has the Hajar mountains on one side and Oman’s port and harbour on the other.

Tourists often visit Mutrah Corniche for a relaxed walk in the evening. At night, the Muttrah Corniche dazzles with lights, casting beautiful shadows on the rocks. Lamp posts and benches at regular intervals add to its charm and convenience.

Small food stalls and ice cream shops line the walkway. Locals also stroll the corniche at night.
At the end of the corniche is a fish market and Portuguese-built forts. People usually come here in cool evenings to enjoy the cinematic landscape of the sun setting behind the golden horizon and traditional dhow ships.

Visiting the Mutrah Corniche on a Muscat city tour is highly recommended.

Oman tourist attractions stretch from the turquoise sea to the glorious mountains and jaw-dropping deserts, and all along this journey, you will find majestic forts and castles. 

These castles and forts are architectural marvels and witness Oman’s history of battles, culture, trade, craftsmanship, and resilience.

Here, I will discuss two principal forts included in the Muscat city tour itinerary.

• Al Jalali Fort
• Al Mirani Fort

Al Jalali Fort

Al Jalali Fort is located on the east rocky outcrop of Muscat harbour. Its glorious presence can be appreciated from the Mutrah corniche.

This lonely fort beside the seafront appears insignificant, but it was strategically important in the past. In the 16th century, the Portuguese built Al Jalali fort to defend the Muscat harbour from attacks by the Persian and Ottoman empires.

The ancient Al Jalali fort has stood against many wars and violence. It also played a pivotal role in Oman’s civil war. Later, Al Jalali Fort was converted into Oman’s central prison for many years.

In 1983, it was restored and converted into a private museum of about Oman’s long-standing history, accessible only to dignitaries.

Items displayed in the museum include:

• Canons
• Old muskets
• Matchlocks
• Maps 
• Rugs 
• Other artifacts

Al Mirani Fort

While striding along the promenade of Muttrah Corniche, you will see the grandiose Al Mirani Fort on the rocky outcrop overlooking the sea.

This centuries-old fort tells the story of the valor and resilience of Oman. Al Mirani Fort is even older than Al Jalali Fort and the Portuguese invasion. It was already present when the Portuguese invaded the region. 

Al Mirani Fort was rebuilt in 1587 by the Portuguese ruler. It was the first fort where cannons were used in Muscat.

Although its premises are out of the reach of tourists, its candid location along the sea makes it perfect for photography.

Royal Opera House

The Muscat city tour itinerary often includes visiting the Royal Opera House. Art and architecture lovers visit this place to admire the beauty of traditional Omani architecture mixed with modern-day amenities.

The Royal Opera House was built in 2011. It can accommodate an audience of 1100 people.

The Royal Opera House’s architecture is impressive and intricately detailed. Tourists often admire the beauty of marble work, well-crafted wooden carvings, and eye-catching gardens. Many visitors take a guided tour of the Royal Opera House to see the backstage manoeuvres, fantastic decor, and architecture.

The Opera House building has many areas for specific purposes. For example:

• Theatre 
• Auditorium
• Landscape gardens 
• Art center
• Cultural markets
• Gourmet restaurant 
• Luxury brands 

Oman Avenues Mall

Indulge in a luxury shopping experience in the heart of Muscat. Oman Avenues Mall is one of the largest malls in Oman. It has many attractions for visitors, who come here for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The Oman Avenues Mall houses many retail stores for everyday needs, luxury purchases, fine-dining restaurants, and fast-food chains. It also has a food court with both fine-dining restaurants and fast-food chains. Oman Avenues Mall also has a play area for kids and adults.

Oman Avenues Mall is undoubtedly the go-to location for families and tourists for a fun evening.

City Centre Muscat

City Centre Muscat, also known as Muscat City Centre, is one of the locals’ most popular shopping spots. It is a last-minute shopping destination for travelers because it is just 3 km from the Muscat International Airport.

City Centre Muscat opened in 2001 at Seeb, Muscat. It has almost 142 brands, including luxury and affordable options from international and local outlets. City Centre Muscat has 18 cafes, restaurants, and fast food outlets. The seating area can accommodate over 1000 people. In addition, the City Centre Muscat has a cinema for your entertainment fix.

All these amenities make the City Centre a well-loved and visited spot for shopping and entertainment among locals and travelers.

Amouage Perfumery 

Amouage Perfumery is a luxury fragrance brand. Founded in 1983 as a subsidiary of Omani SABCO Group, managed by Oman Perfumery LLC. Their factory is located in Seeb, near Muscat.

Amouage perfumery offers tours of its factory to visitors. People who love fragrances and are interested in Oman’s perfume-making craft might find this destination worth visiting.

The tour lets you see how perfumes are made from scratch, from obtaining ingredients to final packaging. Visitors are also allowed to create their own custom fragrance.

This unique olfactory experience is a treat for scent enthusiasts.

Conclusion

• Muscat has attractions for everyone, from history lovers to nature enthusiasts.
• Travellers can enjoy beaches, coasts and the corniche for leisure hours.
• Forts and Muttrah souq are a treat for history lovers.
• The world-class malls will cater to all your shopping needs.
• Overall, Muscat is a perfect blend of modern and ancient Arabia, making it one of the most popular travel destinations for 2025.