Joanna James
The capital of Oman, Muscat has much to offer travellers who take time to explore this enchanting port city. From sightseeing and shopping to some fun at the beach, there's much to look forward to on a holiday here. These are some of the top attractions well worth adding to your itinerary.
The country's largest mosque and amongst the finest in the region, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an inspiring architectural masterpiece. One of the most famed attractions in Muscat, the mosque features a fascinating combination of elements including Middle Eastern and Omani design styles. This sacred site can accommodate around 20,000 people and the main prayer hall is truly stunning. Highlights include the 14 metre-long chandelier with its Swarovski crystals and gold plating as well as a huge Persian carpet; it was woven by 600 Iranian women and took four years to complete!
If it's some retail therapy you are after, then plan a visit to the Muscat Grand Mall. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a modern shopping experience and features over 150 shops and stores catering to all kinds of shoppers. Fashionistas will find brands like Aldo, Charles & Keith and DKNY, while footwear from the likes of Sketchers, Nike and Adidas are available at stores such as Athlete's Co. The mall which features quite a picturesque oasis also offers electronics, perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery, watches and toys along with a range of dining options too.
When it comes to a more traditional shopping experience, one of the best things to do in Muscat is to explore the Mutrah Souq. Amongst the Arabs world's oldest markets, this lively locale with its winding alleys and countless stalls is a must-visit; nearby properties such as Al Falaj Hotel even provide complimentary transfers to and from the souq. So what can you find here? Headscarves, embroidered clothes, antiques, spices, jasmine, frankincense, craftwork, plenty of gold jewellery and more!
Within easy reach of the souq is another key place to visit; stretching along the waterfront for around three kilometres, the Mutrah Corniche with its many cafes and restaurants is a wonderful place to take a relaxed stroll. At one end you will find a harbour where you can enjoy the sight of traditional boats known as dhows; you can also look forward to taking in views of the Oman Port and Mutrah Fort. Nearby is the Old Quarter which you can further explore and plan visits to the historic Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts.
Those looking for some fun in the sand and surf can head to Qurum Beach which is a popular place for families to visit. Located beside the Qurum Nature Reserve, this idyllic stretch of shore is bordered by relatively shallow waters that are well suited for those with young ones. The active type can look to take part in water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing and kayaking or even book diving and snorkelling excursions too.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
