Open on the whim of the gatekeeper, this fortified residence buried in a plantation in Bawshar is worth visiting for the location. Close to the city's last remaining sand dunes, the fortified residence is a surprise find at the crease of the Hajar Mountains. New houses are slowly encroaching, but for now this little castle presents a fascinating glimpse of Muscat's once-common plantation life. Park opposite Rashan Shopping Centre and follow the signs to avoid getting wedged between narrow plantation walls.
Bait Al Maqham
Muscat
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
12.47 MILES
Many people come to Mutrah Corniche just to visit the souq, which retains the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market albeit housed under modern…
3.4 MILES
Quietly imposing from the outside, this glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of…
14.08 MILES
If you stand by the harbour wall on Mirani St, the building to the right with the delightful mushroom pillars in blue and gold is the Sultan’s Palace. On…
12.43 MILES
Mutrah stretches along an attractive corniche of latticed buildings and mosques; it looks spectacular at sunset when the light casts shadows across the…
13.75 MILES
In a beautifully restored house, this much-loved privately owned museum exhibits Omani heritage in thematic displays of traditional handicrafts, furniture…
13.9 MILES
Housed in an imposing new building in the heart of Old Muscat, the National Museum makes a fitting consort for the Sultan's Palace opposite. The emphasis…
21.3 MILES
Beyond Mutrah, the headland close to Muscat shatters into a series of khors (inlets) and bandars (natural harbours), the most extensive of which is Bandar…
18.03 MILES
This 2km corniche, to the west of Seeb, has a landscaped area for walking, enjoying sea views, sniffing drying sardines and watching the fishermen mending…
Nearby Muscat attractions
3.4 MILES
Quietly imposing from the outside, this glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of…
4.85 MILES
The Ministry of National Heritage houses the small but quaint Natural History Museum. The museum is illuminating about the local flora and fauna, and…
7.96 MILES
Protecting a rare stretch of mangrove, this reserve is closed to visitors. That said, it's possible to sit in adjacent coffee shops and do some…
7.98 MILES
Children love this small museum (in a well-signposted domed building near Qurm Park) as it has been designed to be specifically intuitive and tactile with…
8.43 MILES
A road runs along the edge of Qurm Nature Reserve towards the Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel, giving access to a long, sandy beach – a popular place for…
8.5 MILES
This large and attractive park boasts a lake and shade for picnics. A fun park called Marah Land sits alongside, inviting families to make a day of it.
8.74 MILES
Set inside the attractively landscaped Qurm Park, this funfair (with Ferris wheel and an ever-growing number of rides) is a local favourite. Restaurants,…
9.55 MILES
Marking the approach to the capital's main military camp, this attractive roundabout with its seafaring murals and proud clock tower has become a major…