Things to do in Muscat
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Meknes Restaurant
If Bin Atique didn't appeal, try nearby and newly opened Meknes for a more comfortable Arabian ambience. Serving excellent Moroccan dishes in a tiled interior with brocade armchairs, this is a good place to sample tajine (lamb stew) with potatoes and green olives and mint tea poured with relish from silver kettles.
reviewed
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Watchtower
The restored Portuguese Watchtower on a promontory out to sea, half way along the corniche, affords a lovely view out to sea. Access to the staircase is from behind the Al-Inshirah Restaurant. The area is a popular place to catch the evening breeze and is decorated with colourful fountains at night.
reviewed
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Oman Museum
In addition to the small displays of artefacts and interesting rooms on Omani architecture, the Oman Museum is worth trying to find for its view over dazzlingly white suburbs and sea, though it's not always open as stated. A taxi from Qurm up the steep 1.3km climb costs about around OR1.
reviewed
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PDO Oil & Gas Exhibition
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is responsible for much of the rapid growth of infrastructure throughout the country, as outlined in the PDO Oil & Gas Exhibition. To reach it from Qurm, follow the signs for the Crowne Plaza Hotel and turn at the first right along Sayh al-Malih St.
reviewed
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Sabco Centre
A surprisingly comprehensive little souq inside the Sabco Centre sells crafts (mostly from India and Iran), pashmina shawls and Omani headdresses. Bargaining is recommended, although prices are reasonable. The souq's excellent cobbler can repair any leather item.
reviewed
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Al-Ahli Coffeeshop
The best place for delicious, layered fruit juices of pomegranate, custard apple and mango is Al-Ahli Coffeeshop in the middle of Mutrah Souq. There is a traditional coffeehouse, on the left, just inside the souq, where Omani elders (men) trade news.
reviewed
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Al-Boom
This small restaurant, with large windows overlooking the harbour, is a good place to get a feel of Muscat's age-old relationship with the sea. It is in an ideal location for breakfast (from 07:30 to 10:30) after visiting the Fish Market opposite.
reviewed
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Bait Muzna Gallery
Beautiful collectors' pieces, such as mandoos (wooden, brass-fitted dowry chests), Omani doors, Bedouin jewellery and contemporary paintings are sold in this gallery opposite Bayt Az-Zubair. Prices are high, but the quality is assured.
reviewed
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Tche Café
This stylish and modern venue, near to Starbucks, has one of the few seafront views in Muscat. It is on the pricy side but the locally caught fish on the menu will probably tempt you to savour the ocean for longer than the intended iced latte.
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Planetarium
The Planetarium is open for two shows per week in English (at 19:00 Wednesday and 10:00 Thursday) but book one day ahead. To reach it from Qurm, follow the signs for the Crowne Plaza Hotel and turn at the first right along Sayh al-Malih St.
reviewed
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Trader Vic's
When it comes to cocktails (try the Samoan fogcutter), nowhere competes with this fun and lively Polynesian-style venue. With live Latin music and wafts of Mongolian barbequed lamb chops, you'll probably be seduced into staying for dinner.
reviewed
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Omani-French Museum
With galleries detailing relations between the two countries, the Omani-French Museum provides an interesting snapshot of mostly 19th-century colonial life in Muscat. From October until March, the museum is also open from 16:00 to 19:00.
reviewed
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Fastfood 'n' Juice Centre
Left of the entrance to the Mutrah Souq, with tables on the pavement, this thoroughly typical, local-style restaurant is an ideal place to people-watch over a shwarma and a 'chi lipton' (tea-bag tea with sweet condensed milk).
reviewed
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Natural History Museum
The Ministry of National Heritage houses the small but lovely Natural History Museum. The museum is a must for anyone interested in the local flora and fauna, and there are also some excellent displays on Oman's geography and geology.
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Mutrah Fort
Built by the Portuguese in the 1580s, the Mutrah Fort dominates the eastern end of the harbour. Used for military purposes, it is generally closed to visitors although you can scale the flank of the fort for a good view of the ocean.
reviewed
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Private 4x4 Desert and Wadi Safari - Wahiba and Wadi Bani Khalid
9 hours (Departs Muscat, Oman)
by Viator
Your 4x4 vehicle will take you through the fascinating Hajar Mountains, and the town of Ibra to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis (dry river…Not LP reviewed
from USD$156.67 -
Private 4x4 Safari - The Green Mountain
10 hours (Departs Muscat, Oman)
by Viator
You start your private tour in the morning and drive from Muscat to Fanjah. You will stop at Wadi Fanjah and continue to Birkat Al Mawz. Passing the Fort that…Not LP reviewed
from USD$156.67 -
Al-Daleh Restaurant
Nervous Omani hospitality students practice their culinary and waiting skills at this exceptionally good-value restaurant. Menus comprise mostly top-notch international dishes. Ring to book a table as it gets busy.
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National Museum
With displays of jewellery, costumes and dowry chests, the National Museum has its moments. A mural and collection of boats celebrating Oman's seafaring heritage are probably the best part of a tired collection.
reviewed
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Omani Heritage Gallery
For guaranteed 'Made in Oman' crafts, try the Omani Heritage Gallery, a nonprofit organisation set up to encourage cottage industries through the sale of handicrafts. Prices are high, but so is the quality.
reviewed
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Amouage
It sells the most expensive (and exquisite) perfume in the world, produced from frankincense, musk and other exotic ingredients in premises near Rusayl. You'll find the ultimate Arabian gift here.
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John Barry Bar
Named after the raised ship and its booty of silver treasure that made the fortunes of the Hyatt's owner, this bar is a sophisticated setting for some live piano music and a cocktail.
reviewed
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Private Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa
9 hours (Departs Muscat, Oman)
by Viator
The tour starts with a spectacular drive through the Hajar mountains via the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz, to reach Nizwa and the impressive 17th century…Not LP reviewed
from USD$89.53 -
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Fish Market
Despite being the capital's main port area, Mutrah feels like a fishing village. The daily catch is delivered to the Fish Market, by the Marina Hotel, from sunrise.
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Al-Riyam Park
Beyond the Mutrah Fort, the corniche leads to the leafy Al-Riyam Park , with fine views of the harbour from the giant, ornamental incense burner and small fun fair.
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