Things to do in Muscat
A climb up to Mirani Fort offers views over Muscat Old Town's harbour. Historic costumes, jewellery and paintings are showcased in the collections at Bait al Zubair, Muscat's newest museum. Muttrah's souks, harbour and Corniche are perfect to explore on foot, while discreet dress is required to visit the huge Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Ruwi. Museums charge nominal entry fees, but more for overseas visitors. Opening hours vary, but all close Fridays.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Bait al Zubair - Cultural Omani collection
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In a traditional whitewashed Old Town Muscat dwelling, Bait al Zubair's displays include household implements, embroidered costumes and silver khanjars (daggers) from a single family collection. A full-scale replica Omani village, souq and irrigation system stand in the grounds.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Baz500; under-12s Baz100
Opening Hours
Sat-Thu 9.30am-1pm & 4pm-7pm
Address
As-Saidiya Street, Old Muscat, Muscat 111
Telephone
+968 24 736 688
Transport
Taxi
2. Ministry of Heritage Museum - Ornate silverwork and weaponry
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The Ministry of Heritage Museum in Muscat Old Town has an outstanding collection of the spoils from five Omani sultans spanning the Al Said dynasty. Priceless filigree silverwork, traditional costumes, textiles, paintings and photographs sit side by side with rare historical documentation.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Baz500; children Baz100-Baz250
Opening Hours
Sat-Wed 8am-1.30pm; Thu 9am-1pm
Address
Above Islamic Library, off A'Noor Street, Way 3123, Ruwi, Muscat 112
Telephone
+968 24 701 289
Transport
Taxi
Attractions
Expand all3. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - Inspiring Islamic religious architecture
Show more Ruwi's gleaming Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque spreads over 40,000 square metres. The prayer hall can accommodate 20,000 worshippers, and is illuminated by a sparkling Swarovski crystal chandelier and adorned by a hand-woven Iranian carpet that took four years to make.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free to enter
Opening Hours
Muslims: daily; Non-Muslims (in modest dress): Mon-Thu 9am-12pm
Address
Ghubrah, Ruwi, Muscat 112
Transport
Taxi
4. Mirani Fort - 16th-century ramparts
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The landmark red-stone Mirani and Jalali forts rear up on the ramparts above Muscat harbour and flank the old walled city. Built in the 1580s by Portuguese colonists as defence against Turkish warships, they are today occupied by the Omani army.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
24 hours (interior closed to the public)
Address
Qasr Al Alam Street, Muscat 111
Transport
Taxi
Special Things to do
Expand all5. Ocean Blue Sailing Trips - Dhow trips
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Floating along on a traditional dhow is the most spectacular way to admire Muscat's fractured, indented coastline. Ocean Blue offers full-day sailing trips to spot bottlenose dolphins, romantic twilight cruises and deep-sea fishing trips, departing from Marina Bandar al-Rowdha.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Various, depending on trip
Opening Hours
Sat-Thu 8am-6pm
Address
Marina Bandar al-Rowdha, Muscat 113
Telephone
+968 24 737 818
6. The Corniche - Sociable seaside strolls
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Lights from the merchants' houses lining the Corniche at Muttrah flicker off the sea as Muscat comes out to play in the cool evening air. Meandering groups greet friends and family, chatting loudly over super-strong black coffee in promenade cafés.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
24 hours
Address
Muttrah, Muscat 125
Transport
Taxi
