Place

Bait al Zubayr

This museum was opened in 1998 in the house of Az-Zubair, which dates back to 1914. The museum showcases the heritage of Muscat and of Oman. Beautiful photographs are on display that highlight the traditional Omani lifestyle, and the museum also features handicrafts and furniture, jewelry, costumes and weaponry exhibits. A traditional Omani House is also located here along with a gift and book shop. Outside, you will also find a reconstructed, full-scale Omani village and souk.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Timings: Saturday- Thursday 9 am - 1 pm & 4- 7 pm Admission: 1 OMR (Foreigners); 500 Baisas (Omanis); 250 Baisas (Children) Address: Al- Saidiya Street, Old Muscat Tel: 24 736688

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What to do with Children in Tow in Muscat

Activity

Children’s Museum

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Omani French Museum

Museum

Nostalgia about an era gone by (the 19th century in particular) is evoked in this rather interesting museum. Tourists are able to learn from the exhibits and galleries showcasing Oman’s unique relationship with France, a former colonial power. The pictures of early French diplomats are also on display along with an interesting collection of postage stamps. This museum was opened in 1992 in a house almost 200 years old, which once served as the French Consul.

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Muscat Gate Museum

Museum

The original gates to the city of Muscat are located here. Tourists are able to visualize the old city of Muscat, where these gates served to protect the city from external aggression and invaders. Tourists are transported back in time and are exposed to the history of the city. Visitors also get a good view of the palace of the Sultan from this point. Remnants of old mosques, houses, wells and springs are also preserved here.

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The Watchtower

Tower

This is another remnant of the Portuguese occupation of Muscat and has been recently restored. It is a sight to behold, especially at night, when it is illuminated amidst the fountains that dot the surrounding area. The climb up is worth the energy, as tourists are treated to a beautiful view of the sea. Stairs to reach the tower can be accessed from behind Al-Inshirah Restaurant.

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Mutrah Souk

Market

This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Muscat, and is perhaps the biggest attraction within the city. It is located next to the Mutrah Corniche and is a perfect blend of Oman’s ancient culture and its modern transformation. The stalls are housed in a modern building but still maintain the hustle and bustle of a traditional Arab Market. There are a number of gold shops; others sell handicrafts and antiques. Walking through the market is a great way to learn about the Omani way of life and the cultural heritage of this city.

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Mutrah Fort

Fortress

This fort is yet another legacy of the Portuguese occupation of Muscat dating back to the latter half of the 16th century. While the fort is closed to visitors, it is a wonderful photop opportunity and is within view from the Mutrah Souk and Corniche.

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Bait al Baranda

Museum

This “bait” (house) was converted into a museum in 2006, and now showcases the history of the city of Muscat and of Oman dating back to pre-historic times. The interactive exhibits are both interesting and educational and international collections are frequently on display here. One of the museum’s most unique features is the dinosaur bones on display, which were excavated in Al Khoud near Muscat. The museum takes you through the various stages of Omani history; 10000 B.C to the early Islamic period, Muscat as conceived of by travelers and historians, the Said Dynasty, Muscat as a port and harbor, and Muscat in the 21st century.

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Al Mirani Fort

Fortress

This fort, like its twin, the Al-Jalali Fort, was also built in the late 1500s during the Portuguese rule of Muscat. The fort tops the Western rocks of Muscat Bay and flanks Al-Alam Palace. Inside, you will find a complex and confusing maze of hallways, topped off by a nearly 30 meter oval-shaped artillery tower. Turquoise blue waters that lap the shore at the foot of the fort make this an enchanting place to view. This fort, along with others found in Muscat (not to mention the mountains) made it very difficult to penetrate the city.

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Al Jalali Fort

Fortress

This twin-towered fort, which sits atop a gigantic rock, was built in the 1580s when Muscat was occupied by the Portuguese. It served as a bastion to protect the harbor from invaders and also served as a prison for many decades. It is currently a museum showcasing Omani culture, history and heritage. It is not, however, open to the general public. Only foreign dignitaries and heads of state are allowed to enter the fort. The public is, however, welcome to view the fort from outside and are allowed to take photographs. We recommend that visitors make an effort to see the fort at night, when the structure is magnificently lit by surrounding lights. Even if you do not have the opportunity to see the fort, you will certainly here it-canons are fired from the fort to announce the beginning and end of each day.

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Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum

Museum

Any tourist visiting Muscat must stop at this fantastic museum, which is located within the 150-year old Bait-al-Falaj fort, the original headquarters for Sultan Said bin Sultan’s armed forces. It displays Omani weapons and armory and also gives tourists an insight into Oman’s history, politics and relations with other international states and powers. All visiting heads of state take a trip to this famous landmark.

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Tuscany

Though expensive, the food served at Tuscany certainly lives up to the bill. The restaurant has won numerous awards and is considered to be the best Italian restaurant in Muscat. The menu changes with the season, but all dishes are prepared fresh and in classic Italian style. You will not regret dinner here!

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Capri Court

Capri Court is another excellent destination for those seeking Italian food during their stay in Muscat. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out these high quality dishes, and you will always find a range of choices on the menu. Starters include poached lobster and other salads, main courses include a variety of risottos, lamb, chicken and beef dishes and dessert includes tiramisu, whipped mascarpone cream and blackberry cream caramel.

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Al Tanoor

This lovely, sophisticated restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. The food is pricey but worth it. Customers can choose to be seated inside or outside, but either way, you should make reservations in advance. The décor is wonderful with Arabian tents and pottery, and you can see the chefs as they prepare your meal. A wide range of Arabian, Turkish, Mediterranean and Persian dishes are offered at this scenic restaurant, which is located twenty minutes outside of the city by car. Dessert includes traditional baklawa and the fresh juices are particularly delightful.

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Bait al Bahr

Bait al-Bahr is known for their seafood dishes. The restaurant looks out onto the beach providing a breath-taking view of the sea; the seafood also has a distinctly Omani taste, which adds to the unique experience of dining here. Starters include poached crab and tamarind dumplings,while main courses include dishes such as sautéed kingfish and prawns in tomato stew and fried squid. Desserts include date pudding and bitter chocolate cake with bruleed Omani honeycomb.

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Sultanah

For the ultimate fine dining experience, tourists should stop at this extravagant restaurant. The interior is beautifully decorated in a contemporary style, and the service is fit to match. The dishes served here include grilled shari and seafood risotto starters and beef tenderloin, lime glazed duck breast and seared kingfish as main courses. Dessert is not to be missed- the triple chocolate truffle is fantastic.

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Restaurant

This simply named eating establishment is one of Muscat’s better known restaurants. It is no wonder, as mouth-watering dishes are served here- both international as well as local. The sampling of local seafood is particularly excellent-ask for the “hamour” dish. Also, don’t miss out on dessert; the French chef makes some wonderful pastries and other delights.

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Mumtaz Mahal

This is the most famous of Muscat’s Indian restaurants-for those who love spicy food this is the place to be! North Indian Mughal cuisine is the specialty here, and the atmosphere is very soothing with dim lighting, low tables and traditional Indian instruments being played live. Many consider this to be Muscat’s best Indian restaurant, especially given the sophisticated choices available here (like the snake coffee!). The beautiful view overlooking Qurm Natural Park only adds to the allure of this venue. Note that prices are borderline expensive, with the average meal costing about OMR 15.

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Meknes Restaurant

Those looking for a fine meal are unlikely to be disappointed with Meknes Restaurant. This venue is known for its fantastic stews (particularly the lamb) and its vintage Moroccan tea. You will also enjoy the atmosphere here, including the armchairs in which you will enjoy your meal.

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Al-Daleh Restaurant

This destination will ensure you get the most for your money as dishes are of excellent quality and are served at more than reasonable prices. The dishes listed on the menu are international so all customers are bound to find something they will enjoy. The restaurant also has a little twist-many of the chefs and waiters are students of the hospitality institute. Given the popularity of this restaurant and its limited operation schedule, we recommend that you book in advance before visiting.

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D’Arcy’s Kitchen

Eat your fill of delicious pastas, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, smoothies and other fresh juices here. You will also find traditional American cuisine, like (beef) bacon and steak and fries. The food is of excellent quality, the service is first-rate and the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. All of this might might have something to do with the fact that this restaurant is a short walk from the beach.

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The Chedi Muscat

The Chedi Muscat, a member of “The Leading Hotels of The World” and Oman’s first contemporary hotel, opened its doors in 2003. The resort offers understated elegance and a perfect mix of Omani architecture and a profound Asian Zen-style.

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Inter-continental Hotel Muscat

Luxury Hotels

A 35-acre oasis in the diplomatic quarter of Muscat, the InterContinental Hotel is a luxury hotel close to many of the city’s famed attractions. The spacious and beautifully decorated rooms all have stunning views of the beach, gardens or Hajjar Mountains. Six restaurants located within the hotel and by its pool offer a range of cuisines and serve everything from fresh seafood to Mongolian barbeque and traditional Omani food. For recreation, the Palm Beach Club has two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, tennis court, squash courts and an aerobics studio. Families traveling with young children have playgrounds and convenient babysitting options. With its world-class amenities, location and service, InterContinetal Hotel is an excellent choice for business travelers, vacationers and families.

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Grand Hyatt Muscat

This lavish hotel has a delightful interior. The décor takes into account Omani culture and the hotel also sheds light on Muscat’s history with a bar named after a ship that was found here containing within it sunken silver treasure. The view from the bed rooms is breath taking. Tourists are treated to beautiful views of the surrounding beach. Tuscany the Italian restaurant located within the hotel serves delectable culinary delights. Hotel facilities are plentiful and include a restaurant, a nightclub, a bar, a sauna, swimming pools including one for children, dry cleaning/ laundry services, babysitting services, a business centre, currency exchange, an ATM machine, wireless internet, a health club, a library and 24 hour room service.

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Al Bustan Palace Hotel

This lavish hotel is world famous. The rooms, the restaurants and the service are excellent. The view from the bedrooms is stunning, as these look out onto the surrounding bays and mountains; the hotel also comprises of beautiful gardens an excellent place for visitors to unwind. Many world leaders and delegations have stayed at this hotel, which was originally built in 1985 for the Gulf Cooperation Summit. The only drawback for those wishing to stay close to the city’s main attractions is its distance from the city centre. However, the location is much more peaceful and serene. Hotel facilities are plentiful and include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, including one for children, a children’s playground, a fitness centre, a private beach, water sports and dry cleaning/ laundry services. The lobby will also dazzle you from the moment you walk in.

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Shangrila’s Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa

Tucked into Al Jissah Bay and right on the beautiful beach and sparkling waters, Shangri-La’s three hotel resort provides the perfect getaway. The hotels are integrated into 124 acres of nature against a unique mountain and desert backdrop. The date trees by the swimming pools evoke an oasis, the theme of Al Waha. Al Bandar is the central hotel, with spacious guest rooms, 11 meeting rooms and a 1,056 square meter ballroom. For the most luxurious facilities the resort has to offer, stay at the Al Husn, with its infinity pool and private beach. The elegant hotel decor incorporates beautiful Omani art and design and lives up to the impeccable standards of the Shangri-La name.

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Al Falaj Hotel

Moderate Hotels

With a central location in Muscat close to major tourist attractions and the business district, the 4-star Al Falaj provides everything a traveler needs for a comfortable and relaxing stay. There are tennis and squash courts, two outdoor pools and two fitness centers, each with a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Guests in the 140 rooms have a restaurant, business center, laundry/dry cleaning, beauty salon, currency exchange, tour desk and shops for their use.

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Coral Hotel

Expensive Hotels

This is a charming, nautical-themed hotel in the Hayy As Saruj neighborhood of Muscat. With its staff dressed as deckhands and the rooms decorated to look like the inside of a ship, the Coral Hotel is a hotel with character in addition to the convenient facilities and fine amenities they provide. These include satellite television, laundry and valet services, wireless internet, beauty salon, conference room, restaurants and car rental services.

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The Treasure Box

Moderate Hotels

This boutique hotel in the quiet Al Ghubra area is close to the Grand Mosque and Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex and a short drive from the Muscat Airport. A great value, the rooms have great views, an LCD Satellite TV and WiFi and bathrooms with sleek design features and a rain shower. For a clean and comfortable room and friendly and attentive staff, The Treasure Box makes a wonderful choice for your trip to Muscat.

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Majan Continental Hotel

Moderate Hotels

Overlooking the sea and city, the Majan Continental has 159 spacious and comfortable rooms. Hotel facilities include restaurants with European cuisine, internationally themed buffets and live entertainment and a coffee shop and a swimming pool, a sauna, a gym and a steam room.

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Crowne Plaza Hotel

At the tip of Qurum Beach and not far from Muttrah Souk and the diplomatic district, the Crowne Plaza Hotel has 205 rooms, 7 restaurants and a recreation facility that includes a tennis court, squash court, outdoor pool and fitness center.