10 of the Best Places to Visit in Muscat, Oman

Stretching around 3 km, the Mutrah Corniche is the pulse of Muscat City. Dotted with cafes, markets and restaurants, this is a perfect place to stroll in the evening. Right from the modern buildings to the older forts, the Corniche gives you a chance to see the unique skyline of the city. Sunset is the most magical time to visit Mutrah Corniche.

The largest mosque in Oman, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the only mosque in the country that is open to non-Muslims.

An amalgamation of Omani, Middle-Eastern and Islamic styles of architecture, the Grand Mosque looks regal and breathtakingly beautiful. The mosque houses the second largest Persian carpet in the world, which was hand-woven by 600 women.

Simple on the exteriors and opulent on the interiors, the Royal Opera House is the most beautiful building in Muscat. A major cultural center, the Royal Opera House is a favorite spot for lovers of art and culture. World-renowned singers and musicians have performed here since its inauguration in 2011.

If you seek few precious hours of solitude, head to Yiti Beach, 28 km from Muscat city center. Complete with jagged rocks, small cliffs and isolated coves, this is a perfect place to relax with your partner or party with your friends. Yiti Beach is also known for camping, fishing, swimming and family picnics.

Built in the 1580s by the Portuguese, Al Jalali Fort is also called Ash Sharqiya Fort. Once a prison, today it has been converted into a heritage private museum. If you wish to explore the museum, you need to get an online permit through the official website of Ministry of National Heritage.

Located inside a renovated ancient Omani house, Bait Al Zubair is a private museum that displays cultural, social and military past of the country. The museum is home to innumerable Omani artifacts, including khanjars, costumes, weapons, jewelry and household items.

One of the most unusual museums in Muscat is the Amouage Perfumery, which is infact the factory of Amouage Perfumes. Apart from getting to see how Amouage perfumes are made from scratch, you also get to test a few and buy your favorite ones from the in-house shop.

Go back to the historic and pre-historic times of Oman through the interesting and interactive exhibits of Bait Al Baranda. Right from knowing how the Omani Mountains were formed to learning about the 750-million year old history of Oman through maps, this museum is a house of knowledge.

When you are tired of all the sightseeing, head to Qurum Natural Park, either for your daily dose of exercise (walking or jogging) or to relax. The park is connected to the Qurum Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Muscat. You can indulge in water sports (kite surfing) and beach games (volleyball) here.