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
Al Jalali Fort
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.
Muscat
Sultan’s Armed Forces 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.
Muscat
National Museum
This museum showcases Omani culture and history by featuring various exhibits. Showpieces range from jewelry, Omani dress and costumes to carpets, furniture, dowry chests, murals, and boats. Also housed within the National Museum’s walls are portraits and paintings of the Al-Abu-Said rulers as well as ancient manuscripts and letters, the most remarkable of which is a letter by the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) inviting the then ruler of Oman to embrace Islam. The museum was opened in 1978.
Muscat
Omani Museum
This museum is delightful, more so because of the spectacular view that it affords of the surrounding city and sea. Omani architecture and other relics are showcased here. The exhibits include stone jewelry, stone farming tools, stone tombs and soapstone, some of which date back to pre-historic times.
Muscat
Natural History Museum
This museum is small and only a few collections are on display, but they are a must see. The museum sheds light on Muscat and Oman’s geography and geology. Plants and animals common to the area are on exhibit with a specific hall devoted to marine species and wildlife. An amazing exhibit is that of a skeleton of a sperm whale found in Muscat about 30 years ago. The botanical gardens are also lovely to walk through.
Muscat
Children’s Museum
This museum was opened in 1990. It is a unique structure easily differentiated from its surroundings by its twin domes. The Children’s Museum is primarily a science museum with a focus on the environment and nature. For tourists travelling with their children, this is an ideal stop. The interactive exhibits are fantastic and children are able to participate in virtual tours.
Muscat
Al-Riyam Park
This park is a haven of greenery within the city limits of Muscat. The park is just pass the Mutrah Fort, along the Corniche. Its most recognizable featured is the gigantic, ornamental incense burner that stands near its center. The views of the city from the park are truly stunning-tourists should take a moment to appreciate the scene from here while in Muscat.
Muscat
Fish Market
This attraction will certainly heighten your senses-particularly the sense of smell. Mutrah is the central port area of Muscat, and as a result is a prime location for the sale of the daily catch. Early risers (or fish lovers) might enjoy this market, which will throw you head first into Omani culture and tradition.
Muscat
Sultan’s Palace
The Sultan’s Palace is one of the more prominent features in the city, specifically within the Old Muscat region. The blue and gold mushroom pillars are among the more distinctive features of the palace. There are several locations in the nearby area where you can get a good view of the palace, most notably the roundabout on the inland side. The palace is undergoing some rennovations to increase its grandeur, but is definitely worth glimpsing while in Muscat. The palace is located down the street from Bait al Zubayr and Sohar.
Muscat
Qurum Park
This lively and beautiful park is a great haven for those looking to relax on their visit to Oman. The park is carefully planned and features beautiful landscaping, with ponds, plenty of shade, and a modern village exhibit to entertain those walking throughout the premises. Kids will enjoy this destination, especially the Ferris wheel within the park’s grounds. At night, the park is filled with Omani families, who view this location as a central gathering point for spending time with the family at night.
Muscat
Al-Bustan Palace Hotel
Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the sea, the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel is a sight to behold. The hotel has won numerous awards, many of them labeling it the best hotel in the Middle East. The hotel is famous for its enormous domed atrium, and the interior design begs a visit.
Muscat
Sohar
Though a bit removed from the city, this destination is worth a visit for tourists interested in naval history. It is located just around the corner from the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel. Sohar is a replica of a boat that sailed from Oman to Guangzhou, China under the command of 8th century sailor Abdullah bin Gasm. The boat is an incredible feat of architectural design, as not a single nail was used in its construction. A crew of Omani sailors successfully duplicated Bin Gasm’s voyage in 1980 in a journey that took eight months.