In which quarter house in Mascate?

Are you going to the Middle East to visit Oman? Discover our mini-guide of the neighborhoods where to stay in Mascate!

Where to stay in Mascate? Here’s a question you’ve been worried about since you got your plane ticket to Oman. Mascate, the capital of Oman, is home to nearly 1.1 million inhabitants. The city is bordered by the Gulf of Oman facing the Iran and is north of the country. It extends along the sea, between the mountains and the desert. It is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. Human activity would indeed go back to the sixth millennium before our era. Mascate has been known from the West since the first century. Despite the terrorist risk and the war in Yemen, the region has a bad reputation.

At first sight, going to the Middle East is rather seen as dangerous. It is nevertheless possible to visit Mascate without any particular risk. It is one of the safest countries in the world.

The practice of Islam is tolerant to citizens. As a Westerner, however, local customs and customs must be respected. Oman’s economy is flourishing. It is 90% based on oil export. It is therefore one of the richest countries in the Persian Gulf. In addition, Mascate houses many cultural and religious monuments to visit. Are you planning to visit the capital of Oman? Do you have a stop between two flights? Here is our presentation of the neighborhoods where to sleep in Mascate!

Old Mascate

The old town of Mascate is located at the eastern end of the city. It is a unique mix of new and old buildings. The neighbourhood is emblematic of the sultan's transition to modernity and democracy. The authorities have effectively modernized infrastructure to open the country, while preserving traditions. The old Mascate concentrates mosques, luxurious palaces and shopping centers. What to see in the old Mascate? Among other things, the district houses the Musée national d’Oman and the Musée franco-omanais. The National Museum retraces the history of the country since its first settlements, through more than 7,000 objects. The second museum has been dedicated to the history of Franco-American relations since the 18th century. It allows to determine the way of life of Omanis since the nineteenth century. You can also observe the Royal Palace of Mascate. But we can't visit him.

In the area, two historic buildings in Mascate are worth a look: Fort Al Jalali and Fort Al Mirani. They were built by Portuguese settlers in the 16th century. In the old town, enjoy the atmosphere: between traditions and modernity. Commercial centers adjoining mosques, two antagonistic worlds intermingling. To the west of the neighborhood, don’t miss Kalbuh Park. It has access to a charming little beach. The old town is a good choice of neighborhood where to stay in Mascate.

Mutrah

The Mutrah district extends along the cornice, from Al-Mina street to Al-Riyam. It faces the old merchant port of the capital of Oman. Uncontournable is the city’s most tourist area. From the cornice, take care to observe the sharp and arid mountains and minarets. Visit especially Mutrah for his famous souk. There you will find a plethora of various shops: incense, perfumes, oriental products, small cafes. This is the place to buy Oman’s memories!

Choosing to stay in Mutrah allows to make beautiful walks along the cornice. Moreover, it helps to enjoy a peaceful neighbourhood life. The seaside is set in a walk, several kilometres away. During Aïd, he was assaulted by hundreds of people who walked there. You can also climb at the top of the Riyam Inn to contemplate the city. In the morning, go to the fish market. He's packing the docks with his fresh fish. Continue with the visit of the souk and the lanes of alleys. Unveils an entanglement of typical Omani houses. Mutrah is definitely a good choice to stay in Mascate.

Ruwi

Are you looking to sleep in Mascate and where to eat for cheap? Don't look anymore. Ruwi is located south of Mutrah. The neighborhood “the little India of Oman”. It is a very commercial area. This is especially the best place to stay in Mascate to eat cheap.

Al Qurum

Do you want to go to a modern area to stay in Mascate? Al Qurum is a residential area, with some shopping centers. Qurum beach stretches for 8 kilometers. Very appreciated, it offers beautiful walks along the seafront. We don’t feel like we’re in a state capital. If you choose to stay in Al Qurum, you will be staying in a rather hupped area. The embassy district is located nearby.

Al Ghubrah

Finally, here is another interesting area where to stay in Mascate. Al Ghubrah is the district of the Great Mosque of Sultan Qabus. Uncontournable from the city, you can only visit it in the morning, between 8 and 11 hours. His entry is free. Careful, it's closed to tourists on Friday. It is the largest mosque in Mascate and Oman. She welcomes up to 20,000 faithful on Friday. Spots, chandeliers, stained glass windows, sublime gardens: the monument is a wonder of art and architecture. Visit the interior courtyard, the luxurious garden and admire the finesse of architecture. The main hall houses one of the world’s largest Persian rugs. It's 4,200 m2!

Al Ghubrah is a good place to stay in Mascate. It is a modern neighbourhood with shopping centres, hospitals, schools, hotels. The beach of Al Ghubrah offers a long band of sand where to stroll at any time. The many restaurants in the neighborhood reflect the cosmopolitan soul of the city. It includes Pakistani, Indian, Filipino, Lebanese, Arabic, Italian, Latin and Chinese cuisine. Indian influence dominates local cuisine. India is close, and Oman attracts many Indians. It must be said that foreigners represent 43% of the local population. Mascate symbolizes a multiculturalism that has forged the opening and hospitality of the Omani population!