List of Places to See in Muscat – Highlights for the Sightseer

On the eastern extremity of the present city of Muscat you will find the interesting Old Town. This part of the city is renowned for its appealing forts which date to the 16th century and the impressive Al Alam Palace which is situated on the waterfront. You will see that the pair of forts, namely Al Jalali and Al Mirani, which are positioned on nearby cliff tops, are placed so as to look over the striking Gulf of Oman. The locality referred to as Old Muscat features a bustling port and an intriguing combination of old and more recent architecture that will strike the imagination of the sightseer.

The appealing Muttrah Corniche will capture the eye of the discerning sightseer with its picturesque appearance. You will see that the Al Bahri Road, which runs along the coast, will take you on an attractive scenic route that is flanked by the towering forms of the Al Hajar Mountains and the gleaming waters of the Gulf of Oman. You will have the opportunity to commence your exploration of the area at the harbour, at which you will be able to observe the traditional dhow vessels seemingly jostling for room with the more modern crafts. Your tour will take you past the well-known local fish market, the souk and the Al Lawatiya Mosque.

Nature lovers should make it a point to visit the intriguing expanses of the well-known Wahiba Sands which is a beautiful sandy stretch of desert. This locality which is named after a tribe of Bedouins who make their home in the area, has acquired the status of a popular attraction due to its captivating features. You will see that the sand dunes in this area are immense, reaching a height of up to 100 m. The Wahiba Sands will provide you with the opportunity to experience the authentic desert environment, where you will have the chance to camp under the starlit sky and perhaps go dune bashing, sandboarding or quad biking.

No sightseeing tour of Muscat would be complete without visiting the distinctive Al Alam Palace. This splendid palace presents an eye-catching sight with its striking blue and gold pillars that resemble funnels, and the single flagpole extending upwards from its roof. The Al Alam Palace which dates to 1972 is considered to rank amongst the most impressive examples of modern Islamic architectural design to be seen in Oman. Although the actual buildings of the palace are not accessible to the public, you may still experience the entrancing views from the adjoining areas. An accommodation choice that you can consider from which this attraction would be within easy reach would be Al Falaj Hotel, which may be regarded as one of the centrally located Muscat Oman hotels.

By visiting the well-known Bait Al Zubair Museum you will have the opportunity to obtain an authentic insight into the engrossing cultural legacy of the nation of Oman. This museum opened its doors to the public in 1998 with the objective of displaying artefacts that formerly belonged to a prominent Omani official. Today this compound which has acquired a place amongst Muscat's significant cultural attractions includes a number of buildings featuring a model village, an art gallery, a souk and traditional houses. At this museum, you will find historical photographs, old maps, traditional furniture, craft creations, clothing, Omani weapons and more.