Muscat Travel Guide - Attractions
As a sultanate, the city also boasts a luxurious collection of palaces and ornate mosques, many of which have been built in the past 40 years under Sultan Qaboos.
Grand Mosque:
Grand by name and grand by nature, this huge Islamic structure is currently the third largest mosque in the world and features the largest carpet on the planet, weighing a staggering 21 tonnes. The Grand Mosque was completed in May 2001, having taken more than six years to build on the orders of the country’s leader, Sultan Qaboos.
Grand by name and grand by nature, this huge Islamic structure is currently the third largest mosque in the world and features the largest carpet on the planet, weighing a staggering 21 tonnes. The Grand Mosque was completed in May 2001, having taken more than six years to build on the orders of the country’s leader, Sultan Qaboos.
Mutrah Souq:
Even those who avoid shopping at all costs should give this wonderful market-cum-labyrinth a go. Treasure hunters can sift through the mountains of jewellery and handicrafts on display and there is even a fish market laden with fresh seafood straight out of the Gulf of Oman.
Even those who avoid shopping at all costs should give this wonderful market-cum-labyrinth a go. Treasure hunters can sift through the mountains of jewellery and handicrafts on display and there is even a fish market laden with fresh seafood straight out of the Gulf of Oman.
Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace:
Flanked by Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, this grand palace is the main workplace of Sultan Qaboos. Visitors are barred from entering the building but can explore the outside and the entranceway beside the harbour.
Flanked by Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, this grand palace is the main workplace of Sultan Qaboos. Visitors are barred from entering the building but can explore the outside and the entranceway beside the harbour.
Matrah Corniche:
Formerly a fishing village, this attractive cove flanked by jutting cliffs has slowly melded into Muscat proper and makes a great place to explore on foot away from the business district. Avoid the Lawatiyah quarter on the western side however, as it has belonged to rich merchants for centuries and they generally turn outsiders away.
Formerly a fishing village, this attractive cove flanked by jutting cliffs has slowly melded into Muscat proper and makes a great place to explore on foot away from the business district. Avoid the Lawatiyah quarter on the western side however, as it has belonged to rich merchants for centuries and they generally turn outsiders away.