Cheap Flights to Muscat Jazeera Airways Tickets

Discover Muscat

Oman’s capital is an ancient and extraordinary city filled with cultural attractions, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of markets, souqs and boutiques to explore. Populated for over 2,000 years, Muscat manages to balance its historical importance with a modern, vibrant economy built on trade and commerce. It’s not filled with skyscrapers or huge fountains, but it does have that laid-back, relaxed vibe that makes it so attractive to visitors of all ages. Luxury hotels abound, there are plenty of green spaces to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and the natural wonders of Oman are just a short drive away.

Oman is home to around 1.3million residents, and covers an impressive 3,500 km², so hiring a car to get around is a must. It sits on the coast and has been a hugely important port for nearly all of its 2,000 years. That strategic importance made it an attractive prize to a succession of invaders from the Persians to the Portuguese and the Ottoman Empire, all of whom have left their mark on the city. 

That varied history makes it an eclectic and unusual destination where surprises greet you around every corner. Markets and boutiques are filled with exquisite traditional Omani handicrafts, while the city’s restaurants take you on a gastronomic tour of the globe, as well as offer you the chance to try some local delicacies too. If you can, time your visit for the Muscat Festival, held in January and February, which showcases Omani culture, music, dance and heritage.

Mutrah Corniche and Souq

The centre of trade and commerce in Muscat for hundreds of years, Mutrah Souq is chaotic, boisterous, noisy, and incredible. Part of the Mutrah Corniche which stretches along the waterfront, this is the place to come to experience the real character of the city. During the evening, the Corniche is lively and a spectacular sight as the sun sets, throwing the bright lights of the Corniche in sharp relief against the surrounding mountains.

Mutrah Fort

The Portuguese left Muscat some of its finest military buildings including several forts, demonstrating just how strategically important the port was. The 16th-century Al Mutrah Fort, which dominates the eastern end of the harbour. It’s a fabulous location to catch those dramatic sunsets and is the place to get some amazing panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. 

The Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque, once home to the largest Persian carpet in the world, is an imposing building that inside houses a serene and tranquil space for contemplation and prayer. That incredible carpet took 600 craftspeople four years to weave, and is 70m x 60m. Bear in mind that this is a place of worship, so please dress modestly.

Shopping

Shoppers in Muscat are spoilt for choice. As well as the fabulous Mutrah Souq, the city is full of stores, shops and boutiques down every alleyway. The Gold Souq in Mutrah Souq is a dazzling must-see, where goldsmiths still produce traditional Omani wedding jewellery that’s intricately detailed. For a less crowded but no-less sensory experience, visit Souq Ruwi Street. 
If you’re looking for something a little more modern (and air-conditioned to escape the heat) then Muscat’s malls are plentiful, especially around Qurm. The Muscat Grand Mall is home to more than 150 shops, while the luxurious Oman Avenues Mall is your destination for high end goods.

Food And Drink

Food is cheap and plentiful in Muscat, as well as delicious. Local dishes such as Shuwa – which is lamb or goat slow-cooked with spices and served with rice – are full of flavour. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous then camel curry is a popular and surprisingly tasty dish.

Street food for those on-the-go snacks centre around Mishkak, which are kebabs of marinated fish or grilled meat eaten with a spicy tamarind or chili sauce. If you prefer something sweeter then the most authentic Omani sweet you can eat is Halwa, which is flavoured with rosewater, saffron and nuts. Both tea and coffee are popular, with the coffee being a little weaker than in other parts of the region, while the tea is strong and flavoured with cardamom or ginger.