Provided by:
JPRichard/Shutterstock.com
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
The City
The guide was updated:
What were once three small villages of Muscat, Muttrah, and Ruwi, today constitute the modern, ever-growing, and very cosmopolitan Omani capital, with each of the three areas still preserving some of their individual flair.
Old Muscat, the historic heart of the city, contains some of the finest Arabian architecture and cultural heritage sites. Old Portuguese forts and historic buildings breathe the charm of the foregone ages. The opulent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a rather new addition to the local architectural landscape, has grown to become the country's major religious centre.
The scenic, vibrant port area of Muttrah is the place to be right before sundown. A promenade along its seaside Corniche lined with stylish hotels and eateries makes for a perfect kick-start to the evening, to be continued exploring the Muttrah Souq and Muscat's somewhat hushed, but very present nightlife.
Neighbouring Ruwi is best explored during the day when its dynamic business district reveals its unique character. This newly developed area offers a blend of modern commerce and traditional charm, with bustling markets, diverse shops, and an array of eateries.
Some distances might prove too long for walking but commuting between Muscat's historically detached areas is made easy by omnipresent minibuses and taxis, easily hailed down from any point in the city.
Old Muscat, the historic heart of the city, contains some of the finest Arabian architecture and cultural heritage sites. Old Portuguese forts and historic buildings breathe the charm of the foregone ages. The opulent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a rather new addition to the local architectural landscape, has grown to become the country's major religious centre.
The scenic, vibrant port area of Muttrah is the place to be right before sundown. A promenade along its seaside Corniche lined with stylish hotels and eateries makes for a perfect kick-start to the evening, to be continued exploring the Muttrah Souq and Muscat's somewhat hushed, but very present nightlife.
Neighbouring Ruwi is best explored during the day when its dynamic business district reveals its unique character. This newly developed area offers a blend of modern commerce and traditional charm, with bustling markets, diverse shops, and an array of eateries.
Some distances might prove too long for walking but commuting between Muscat's historically detached areas is made easy by omnipresent minibuses and taxis, easily hailed down from any point in the city.