Muscat (Arabic: مسقط Masqaṭ) is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman and its most important and populous city (1.7 million in the metro area in 2021). It has been inhabited since at least 1000 BCE and for centuries was an important trading port on the Maritime Silk Road. It is home to a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, and receives the largest number of foreign visitors to the country.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Wedged between the Arabian Sea and the rugged Western Hajar Mountains, the city referred to as Muscat is in fact several smaller towns which have grown together over time. These include old Muscat (also known as the 'walled city'), site of the royal palace; Mutrah (also spelled Matrah or Matruh), once a fishing village and home to the labyrinthine Mutrah Souq; and Ruwi, which is the commercial and diplomatic quarter of the city.
The app O Taxi is available for Muscat so you don't need to haggle for a standard taxi. There are maxi taxis, which are also known throughout the expat community as baisa buses. They are white minibuses with an orange taxi sign on the top. They operate between Seeb in the west and the Corniche area in the east. They only go on the highways. The best place on a highway to wait for them is at the on-ramps of a junction, near a local bus stop and/or where you see a few people waiting for one. Flag down a maxi taxi and tell the driver to which destination at a highway you want to go to.
1 Al Jalali Fort, Qasr Al Alam St. Built as a prison in the rocky mountains in the 1580s during the Portuguese occupation, now converted into a museum devoted to Omani heritage. Unfortunately the fort is only opened to visiting dignitaries and heads of state and not open to the general public, but it's still possible to climb the steep stairs up to the top and to enjoy the view. 2 Al Mirani Fort, Al Mirani St. Built at the same time as Al Jalali Fort which it faces across the harbour. This fort has also been converted to a museum which is closed to the general public, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside. 3 Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace.
1 Royal Opera House Muscat, Al Kharjiyah St, ☏ +968 24 403300, fax: +968 24 403322, info@rohmuscat.org.om. This stunning building is the venue for a wide range of performing arts, including western classical music, classical Arabian music, jazz and flamenco, and ballet and modern dance. Muscat Festival. Held annually from late January to early February, this month-long event celebrates Omani culture and traditions with demonstrations, food, dance and music performances, and other entertainment.
Food is relatively cheap in Muscat, a meal can cost just a couple of rials. For inexpensive Indian food, there are many restaurants catering to Indian guest workers in Al Khuwayr. In Mutrah you can walk down the waterfront in the Corniche area to catch a cool sea breeze, and treat yourself to some sandwiches and Halib (tea with milk) or Sulaimani (black tea) at one of the wayside restaurants. A cup of tea costs about RO 0.100. 1 Al Haikal Restaurant, 2996 Way (near bus stand, Ruwi). Pakistani food. (updated Sep 2022) 2 Oman Express, 4359 Way, ☏ +968 24 7731329. Delivers Lunch. (updated Sep 2022) 3 Saravana Bhavan Restaurant, Ruwi Street (Ruwi, opposite OC Centre), ☏ +968 24 704502.
Every road, street corner or little collection houses, huts or businesses has a 'Coffee-Shop' – basic but worth a go. Fresh fruit juices are delicious and available from a number of stalls and cafes in Muscat. Expect to pay between RO 0.500-1.500 for these juices depending on type and size. 1 Al Ahli Coffeeshop (Mutrah Souq), ☏ +968 24 713469. Also has fresh fruit juices. 2 Fast Food N Juice Centre, Al Bahri Rd (Mutrah). You can watch the world go by from the outside tables. 3 Starbucks Coffee (Al Qurm). Located on the beach road that goes between the Crown Plaza Hotel and the Intercontinental Hotel. It is so close that if you cross the road, you are on the beach.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Muscat typically sees ~38°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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