Between the main road and the sea, this traditional souq is housed under some makeshift awnings in a sandy-coloured complex of buildings just off the corniche, and is a fun place to explore. Selling camel ropes and walking sticks, piles of spices, fruits and vegetables, it's very much a locals' market, but there are a couple of shops selling bright-coloured headdresses that make good souvenirs. The wet fish market has its own building further west along the corniche.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Mutrah Souq
24.54 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…
Grand Mosque
14.73 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…
Sultan’s Palace
26.48 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…
Mutrah Corniche
24.41 MILES
Mutrah stretches along an attractive corniche of latticed buildings and mosques; it looks spectacular at sunset when the light casts shadows across the…
Bait Al Zubair
26.19 MILES
In a beautifully restored house, this much-loved privately owned museum exhibits Omani heritage in thematic displays of traditional handicrafts, furniture…
National Museum
26.47 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…
Sohar
28.09 MILES
Just outside Al Bustan Palace Hotel, opposite the imposing parliament buildings, a small roundabout is home to Sohar, a boat named after the hometown of…
Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
27.7 MILES
Apart from offering a full range of boating amenities, Marina Bandar Al Rowdha is a popular launching point for a range of water sports, including fishing…
Nearby Northern Coast attractions
1. Seeb Souq
0.61 MILES
One place to get a feel for local Omani culture is on the main one-way road that runs in an ellipse through the heart of Seeb. Wadi Bahayis St is flanked…
2. Seeb Corniche
1.32 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…
3. Marsa Plaza
6.47 MILES
The open-air heart of Al Mouj residential and tourism complex, this delightful shaded public space is by the marina and catches the sea breeze. The avant…
4. Al Sahwa Park
7.68 MILES
This perfectly manicured park offers a peaceful retreat from the city. The carefully trimmed trees offer shade, while fragrant shrubs make for a redolent…
5. Burj Al Sahwa
8 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…
6. Naseem Park
8.77 MILES
Off the main Muscat–Sohar Hwy, this large formal park has mowed lawns trimmed with flower beds and is shaded by mature trees. It makes a pleasant retreat…
7. Grand Mosque
14.73 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…
8. Natural History Museum
16.27 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…