Must-see places in Muscat; The emerald paradise of the desert

Muscat is a city with traditional texture located in Oman. Muscat’s attractions are a popular destination for tourists, especially tourists from the Middle East.

The sightseeing places of Muscat are so diverse that visiting each of them will open a new window of nature, history and culture of Oman. From beautiful beaches to natural pools, historical castles, museums, markets, etc., it will fascinate you.

Join us in this article from the tourism magazine so that we can travel together to the amazing attractions of Muscat and learn about the unique features of each one.

Natural attractions of Muscat

You might think that Muscat is nothing but a barren desert and we mean natural attractions only in the desert. In this case, we must say that you are very wrong.

Since Muscat is a port city, it has beaches and islands that inject peace into your soul. It also has valleys with clear and emerald waters in its heart, or mysterious mountains that await hikers.

Stay with us to introduce you to the natural attractions of Muscat.

Yiti Beach

Yiti Beach is located 28 km from the center of Muscat. This beach is one of the lesser known beaches in Oman. If you like to have a picnic by the sea, Yeti beach with small rocks and beautiful bays is an ideal environment for you.

The soft sand and clear waters of this beach will infuse you with peace. Fishing, swimming and camping are other activities that Yiti Beach provides for you.

There is also a fishing village near this beach. You can go there and interact with the locals. Or you can rent a boat and take a tour of the sea.

At sunset, take a walk on the beach and watch the sea bathe in red and orange colors. The sunrise is equally beautiful on this beach. Yiti Beach with all its beauty is included in the list of places to visit in Muscat.

Qurum Beach

Qurum Beach is located in the luxury neighborhood of Qurum, the beating heart of modern Muscat. This beach is one of the best places to visit in Muscat, Oman to escape from the heat and everyday life. It also offers a lot of stunning and classic scenery in front of your eyes.

You can sunbathe on this beach. Lie under the shade of a palm tree. swim ride a jet ski Walk on the boulevard among people. When you are tired and hungry, go to nearby coffee shops and restaurants and make a pleasant travel experience for yourself.

Wadi Shab

Wadi Shab is one of the most mysterious places to visit in Muscat. Wadi is an Arabic and Hebrew term. A valley that is filled with water during rain is called wadi.

Wadi Shab Muscat is also the same; A valley between the rocks in which clear blue water flows. To explore Wadi Shab, you need to board a boat. The boat will take you to one place and you have to walk from one place to the next.

It is easy to walk half way; But from one place to the next, the path becomes hard, slippery and narrow. You even have to jump from the rocks in some places. So don’t go there without a group, guide and equipment.

There are beautiful sights in Wadi Shab; Fields, waterfalls, caves full of water, etc. that you can visit.

Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams is one of the most famous attractions in Muscat. If you go to Jebel Shams, you will see the sea, the desert and the Hajar mountains together. That is why Jebel Shams is also called the roof of Oman.

The big valley is one of the sights you can see in the heights of Jebel Shams. Of course, reaching the top of Jebel Shams is not easy. You must know how to climb and be able to endure long walks.

It is forbidden to climb to the top of Jebel Shams due to the establishment of a military base. Mountaineers can only continue up to the mountain range before the summit. The height of this mountain range is lower than Jebel Shams.

Wadi Bani Khalid (Wadi Bani Khalid Province)

Wadi Bani Khalid is another wadi in Oman, whose emerald-colored ponds have water in every season of the year.

This valley is also known as Behesht Kavir. The existence of palm trees, clear waters and waterfalls is nothing but paradise in the heart of the desert. This is why Wadi Bani Khalid is included in the list of must-see places in Muscat.

In this valley, there are amenities such as restaurants and places to sit. Many also go to Wadi Bani Khalid for picnics and swimming.

Ad Dimaniyat Island

Dimaniyat Islands is one of the beautiful and sightseeing areas of Muscat, which is located 45 kilometers southeast of this city. This complex consists of 9 small islands.

Volcanic rocks, white sand and turquoise waters that surround the islands have given it an indescribable beauty.

Many tourists are attracted to these islands for diving. The underwater world of these islands is as spectacular as their outer world. Coral reefs, colorful fish, frogs, turtles, whales, sharks, etc. are among the secrets hidden in the waters of these islands.

Jebel Akhdar

Akhdar mountain is a part of Al Hajar mountain range, which is 150 km away from Muscat. Akhdar means green in Arabic. This greenery is manifested in the many valleys and gardens in the mountain.

This region has a mountainous climate, and for this reason, various agricultural products such as pomegranate, apricot, black grape, peach and walnut are cultivated there.

Mohammedan flowers are abundantly found in Mount Akhdar, which is known as Damascus rose, and they make the surrounding area fragrant.

To reach this mountain, you must go with a climbing group and a guide; Because the path is not smooth.

Sink hole (Hawiyat Najm Park)

Sink hole is one of the natural and scenic attractions of Muscat, which is about two hours away from this city. This hole is a popular attraction for locals and tourists.

Sink hole is actually a limestone rock that has clear turquoise waters in its heart. There is a staircase next to this hole where you can go down, enjoy the view and dip your feet in the water.

There is a type of fish called gara rufa in the water of this hole that eats the dead skin of the feet and is one of the reasons for attracting tourists there.

Wahab desert

If you are interested in adventure in the desert, Wahhab desert will be an attractive option for you. There are many sand dunes in this desert, each of them has a shape and turns golden under the sunlight.

If you are interested in adventure in the desert, Wahhab desert will be an attractive option for you. Photographic sand dunes with a pristine desert background, safari and camel riding are among the activities available in the Wahhab desert, one of the must-see places in Muscat.

This desert is the habitat of animals such as desert birds, scorpions and snakes. Also, shrubs such as nettle and hardy grasses grow in the desert.

There are days in this desert, each of them has a shape and turns golden under the sunlight.

Historical attractions of Muscat

Muscat has seen many events throughout its history. When you visit the historical attractions of this city, you will get to know the stories that will take you back hundreds of years.

If you are a history buff, visit Muscat’s historical attractions. Stay with us to introduce you to these attractions.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, besides being one of Muscat’s attractions, is listed as the largest grand mosque in the world and is one of the outstanding examples of modern Islamic architecture.

The architecture of this mosque is very spectacular and magnificent. It is interesting to know that Iranian artists built this mosque in Neishabour with the help of Omanis.

Qur’anic verses, marble surfaces, wall paintings, windows with colored glass, beautiful gardens, exquisite carvings and decorations have given the mosque a beautiful splendor.

There is one of the largest Iranian hand-woven carpets and crystal chandeliers in the world in this mosque. There is also a library in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which contains old and valuable books. Step by step, this mosque is full of beauty, culture and glory.

Royal Opera House (Sultanieh Opera House)

As a symbol of Omani culture and art, the Royal Opera House is one of the sights of Muscat. This complex has sections such as gardens, concert and theater halls, lecture halls, stylish restaurants and craft shops, etc.

All kinds of shows such as concerts, theaters, ballets and scientific meetings are held in this complex with advanced visual and optical systems.

Bait Al Zubair Museum

Bait al Zubair is an old museum in Muscat, which is included in the list of places to visit in Muscat due to its beautiful architecture and the objects it houses.

Bait al Zubair complex has several buildings, the Bait alBagh building is its main building. Beit al-Dalali is another building in this complex, which is decorated in the style of Omani houses of the 6th century. Betelwood is also a building that shows the life of the merchants of that time with the works inside such as photos, miniatures, engravings, etc.

The objects that you will find in the collection of Beit Al-Zubair Museum include the following:

• Ancient weapons such as swords, daggers and firearms
• Local men’s and women’s clothes
• Coins and medals
• Old household appliances
• Library, Manuscripts, and Other Ancient Materials

Qasr al-Alam Palace

In the past, Qasr al-Alam was the royal palace of Sultan Qaboos and is considered one of the outstanding examples of modern Islamic art. Sultan Qaboos used to host important guests from different countries (such as Queen Elizabeth of England) in this palace.

This palace is located in a beautiful area surrounded by lush gardens and a view of the sea. The architecture of Qasr al-Alam is very spectacular. Blue and golden columns, artistic carvings, arches and marble surfaces have made the palace very luxurious and eye-catching.

Al Mirani Fort

Mirani Fort is a historical castle built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. This fort is one of the must-see places in Muscat. Al-Mirani Fort, which has a magnificent view over the Gulf of Oman, was built to protect Muscat in the past.

There are different parts in Al-Mirani Castle that were previously used as warehouses, prisons, and mosques.

If you enter the castle, you will see all kinds of weapons such as cannons, military uniforms, coins, etc., which will introduce you to the history of this country.

Al Jalali Fort

Jalali Fort is another magnificent castle in Muscat, located in the old part of the city. This castle was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, like the Al-Mirani Castle, and today it is one of the must-see places in Muscat.

Jalali Castle was initially used as a defense tower, but gradually its use changed and became a prison, a military barracks and a royal residence. Of course, it was changed again later and was used as the main prison of Oman.

Today, this castle has been restored and turned into a private museum. Entering it is possible only with the permission of the Ministry of National Heritage.

Al Khor Mosque

Al-Khor Mosque is another historical attraction and sightseeing place in Muscat. This mosque is also a beautiful example of architecture. The architecture of Al-Khor Mosque is a combination of Iranian, Arabic and Indian art.

The golden lines of the Holy Quran on the walls, the beautiful turquoise dome, tall minarets and colored glass of the mosque create an eye-catching combination of this building; Especially that the mosque is located on the sea side.

Muscat Gate Museum

Gate Museum is a museum in Muscat that offers a beautiful view of the city.

GateMuseum is one of the must-see places in Muscat, and the objects in this museum represent the history of Oman. One of the most prominent things you will find in Gate Museum is the irrigation system called Aflaj, which existed in this country and gives you interesting information.

National Museum of Oman

The National Museum of Oman is one of the new museums in Oman and one of the must-see places in Muscat. It is true that this museum was established in 2013, but it was able to attract many people to old objects and works that reflect the history, culture and tradition of Oman.

The architecture of the museum is modern and includes the following works:

• Pottery
• Traditional tools
• Historical documents
• Artistic masterpieces
• stone pieces
• Multiple galleries

Nakhal Fort

Nakhal Fort is one of the historical forts of Oman. Since this fort is surrounded by palm trees, it was named Palm Fort. Of course, the presence of palm trees around the castle has also created a beautiful landscape.

The date of the Nakhal Fort dates back to 1000 years ago. This castle has been used as a defensive structure against war in the past. Today, this fort has been rebuilt.

Muscat’s entertainment attractions

If you like to have fun while traveling, this section is for you. There are many recreational attractions in Muscat, which we will introduce you to below.

Raised Cornish

Raised Corniche is a port-commercial area with very beautiful views. Stroll along the Corniche to watch the ships moored in the harbour, or go to the Corniche in the evening and walk under the orange light of the sun.

The famous traditional market is located near the Corniche. You can visit this bazaar after walking and visit the traditional products of Muscat amid the bustle of people.

Around the Corniche there are cafes and restaurants that are a good option for a traditional as well as international meal.

The famous Corniche with all its beauty is included in the list of places to visit in Muscat.

Aquarium of Oman

This aquarium is one of the must-see places in Muscat, which is located inside Muscat Passage. With three floors, the Oman Aquarium has earned the title of the largest aquarium in the Middle East.

The remarkable thing in the Oman Aquarium is the adventures of a seafarer named Ahmad bin Majid in the 15th century. The creatures that live in the Oman Aquarium are the ones that this sailor had seen on his trip.

The main tank of the aquarium is in the form of a tunnel. You can walk along the tunnel and see the fish up close. Marine creatures such as fish, turtles, crabs and penguins live in this aquarium.

Oman Aquarium with all its beauty is one of the must-see attractions in Muscat.

Qurum Natural Park

Qurum Natural Park is one of the must-see places in Muscat that captures the heart of every tourist. The landscaping of this park is very beautiful. Colorful flowers, fountains, night lighting, all add to the beauty of this park.

There is also a theme park in Qorum Park, which is very attractive for everyone, especially children.

Shopping malls in Muscat

In addition to visiting Muscat’s sights, many travelers like to visit the markets to get to know the variety of goods there. For this reason, we will introduce you to some shopping centers in Muscat.

Muscat city center

City Center Muscat shopping center was opened in 2001 in this city. This shopping center has 200 stores with various local and international brands.

The price of goods in this shopping center is expensive.

Among the facilities of Muscat City Center, we can mention a parking lot with extensive infrastructure, a cinema hall, a cafe and a restaurant.

Al-Araimi Boulevard

Al-Arimi Boulevard shopping center is a modern shopping center whose architecture is inspired by the natural treasures of Oman.

This shopping center is built on two floors with an area of ​​187,000 square meters. There are currently more than 200 stores in this shopping center; Also, a family entertainment center with an area of ​​6000 square meters.

There are more than 10 cinema screens in this mall, of which 4D cinema is the main part. It also has many food courts where you can sit and eat delicious food.

Qurum City Center

The most important feature of Qurum City Center is the huge Carrefour hypermarket, which occupies most of the shopping center. Food, vegetables and household items are the main things that are sold in this hypermarket.

Qurum City Center has more than 80 stores. There are also facilities such as restaurants, cinemas and amusement parks in this shopping center that you can use in addition to shopping.

Matrah Bazaar

Matrah Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Oman and one of the must-see places in Muscat, which is located in the city. This bazaar consists of several rows, where you can get to know the culture and traditions of the Omani people by walking through them.

Goods such as Indian handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, textiles, shoes, women’s clothing, handicrafts, etc. are sold in this market.

The interior of the market is also interesting in its own way. The shops are lined up next to each other under a wooden roof and each has their colorful products hanging from the door and walls.

Panorama shopping center

Panorama Mall is one of the most popular shopping and dining centers in Muscat. This shopping center has facilities such as cinema, playground, cafe and restaurant.

In the stores of this shopping center, you can find brands such as Gabel, Sports Gallery, IBSAR, zarinIran, Spinneys, and Ishop.

The most prominent attraction of this shopping center is the laser runner or laser paintball, which attracts fans.

Oman Mall shopping center (Oman Avenues Mall)

This shopping center is one of the largest shopping centers in Oman and also one of the branches of Lulu International Group. There are many stores for clothes, cosmetics, toys, electronics, stationery, etc. in this shopping center.

In addition, facilities such as dining, indoor amusement park, cinema, children’s education and entertainment center, Oman snow collection, virtual reality area and… It can also be seen in Oman Mall shopping center.

Tourismassist’s recommendations for a memorable trip to Muscat

The heat and humidity in Muscat reaches its peak during the summer and makes it difficult for you to visit the attractions. For this reason, it is better to travel to Muscat in autumn and winter when the weather becomes cooler.

When traveling to Muscat for walking and visiting attractions that do not have a smooth path, be sure to bring suitable shoes with you.

You can rent a car to explore the attractions outside the city.

Respect the beliefs and traditions of the people of this city.