Women-Friendly Travel in Muscat
The Muscat women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Muscat
Omani Heritage Gallery
Omani handicrafts, including baskets made from desert palm and leather, indigo dyed products, pottery, silver, frankincense burners and weavings are available here. Prices are excessive but the products are of good quality.
Muscat
Bait Muzna Gallery
This shop is famous its traditional and contemporary Omani goods. While the larger pieces of furniture such as wooden carved chests and doors would be difficult to transport back home, tourists are sure to find fabulous pieces of Bedouin jewelry here. These high quality products are expensive but make great souvenirs. Address: Al Saidiya Street, Old Muscat
Muscat
Khimji Megastore
This is a famous shopping center in Muscat that sells a diverse range of products. Both international and local brands are represented here, including leading names in fashion, accessories, footwear, perfumes, and cutlery and more. These include Chanel, Jaeger, Nina Ricci, Noritake, Edinburg crystal, Rolex, Cartier, Piaget and Chopard.
Muscat
Al Araimi
This is a famous shopping arcade in Muscat which sells a diverse range of products. Both International and local brands are represented here. Leading names in fashion, accessories, footwear, sports gear, electronics furniture, perfumes, music and electronics are located here. These include Versace, JC Penny, Giordano, Mexx, Bata of Italy, Rolex, Kenwood, Bose, Bosch, Carlton Cards and Acer.
Muscat
Capital Stores
The Capital Stores near Sabco has a nice selection of luxury brands in clothing and accessories.
Muscat
Al Khamis Plaza
This two level mall is located in the Qurm shopping district. The mall features a range of stores, though most venues within are designer apparel retailers. The mall has a cafe, among other eating establishments, and those looking to purchase textiles will find a well priced Indian store on the lower level.
Muscat
Mutrah Souk
This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Muscat. The market is busy and popular amongst locals and tourists. It is arguably the most well known of Muscat’s markets. Numerous stalls are housed under one roof selling anything and everything. Silver and gold jewelry, antiques and other arts and crafts are on sale here.
Muscat
Capital Commercial Center
Various items are sold in this mall from carpets to electronics to music, clothes, shoes, perfumes and accessories. Also located within the center is a small souk where tourists will be able to find traditional Omani handicrafts and souvenirs.
Muscat
Muscat City Centre
This mega mall is hard to miss. Occupying a 44,000 square meters area, the enormous complex houses numerous shops carrying both local and international labels. There is also huge Carrefour supermarket within the complex.
Muscat
Sabco Centre
Tourists must stop at this shopping center, where they are sure to find something beautiful at a reasonable price. There are many stalls owned by Indian, Pakistani and Iranian merchants in the center where you can buy lovely pashmina shawls and stoles, fabric handicrafts, silver jewelry, watches and leather goods. There are number of outlets such as the Body Shop and Amouage as well, in addition to a wonderful flower shop that sells new or dried and perfumed flowers. Prices are negotiable in some shops.
Muscat
Markaz Al Bahja
This massive mall is designed to bring the finest quality in international products to Oman at a competitive price. You will also find many local stores, providing a range of products that make this a popular and must visit mall for those looking to shop in Muscat. Designer stores, a Toys “R” Us, and the food court (the first to bring several outlets to Muscat) are all located within.
Muscat
Bhaja Shopping Mall
This three floor mall houses a number of shops and the prices range from inexpensive to expensive and is located near Seeb International Airport.
Muscat
Omani Craftsman's House
For handcrafted items that are guaranteed to be made in Oman, stop by Omani Craftsman’s House across from the Sabco Centre.
Muscat
Bateel
The edible delights sold here are expensive but worth it. The shops specialty is chocolate dates, which are distinctly Arabian and would make for a perfect gift for loved ones.
Muscat
Omani French 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.
Muscat
Muscat Gate 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.
Muscat
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.
Muscat
The Watchtower
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.
Muscat
Mutrah Souk
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.
Muscat
Mutrah Fort
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.
Muscat
Bait al Baranda
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.
Muscat
Al Mirani Fort
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.