Top 10 things to do in Muscat

National Museum

The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, established by royal decree in 2013 and opened July 30, 2016. The National Museum is housed in a big impressive building opposite Al Alam Palace. It is filled with many items and stories about Oman, its history and its culture.

Mutrah Corniche

Mutrah stretches along an attractive corniche of latticed buildings and mosques; it looks spectacular at sunset when the light casts shadows across the serrated crescent of mountains, while pavements, lights and fountains invite an evening stroll or a bike ride.

The Corniche is the best part. It is a walk way by the water which sweeps all along the bay where Mutrah is located. You can also walk all the way along the corniche from Mutrah to Old Muscat.

Al Jalali Fort

Guarding the entrance to the harbour to the east, Al Jalali Fort was built during the Portuguese occupation in the 1580s on Arab foundations. The fort is accessible only via a steep flight of steps. As such, it made the perfect prison for a number of years, but now it is a museum of Omani heritage. Admission is strictly by permit only – apply to the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, through the contact page on the ministry website.

During palace military occasions, bagpipers perform from the fort battlements, and the royal dhow and yacht are sailed in full regalia into the harbour. With fireworks reflected in the water, it makes a spectacular sight.