The 11 things to do in Mascate

The amazing capital of Oman’s Sultanat is a place worth the detour. Discover the monuments and essential activities to visit in Mascate.

Also known as Muscat Mascate is the capital of Oman, located southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. Although it is only a few hundred kilometres away Dubai Mascate offers a different face.

Indeed, despite the rise of its oil economy, Oman was able to preserve its traditional identity and its cultural heritage as natural. Today, the country uses this heritage to develop its tourism activity, and attracts more and more travellers who come to visit Mascate.

Far from stumbling towers United Arab Emirates Mascate keeps large-scale fishing village air. The skyscrapers were also forbidden to preserve the picturesque charm of the city.

Its clear buildings and minarets nest between land and sea and their silhouette detaches on the brown mountains that border the bay. But behind its modest surroundings, Mascate is a prestigious city that is full of monuments and museums. In addition, the city can rent its visitors and offer them a great choice of activities. To make you want to fly to Oman, here are the essential things to do or visit in Mascate.

1. The Royal Palace

A symbol of prestige if it is, the palace of the Sultan of Oman is a monument to be seen in Mascate. Built in 1972, it bears in Arabic the name Qasr al-‘Alam . Although it is the official residence of the sultan, it does not live there, but welcomes its branded guests.

The architecture of the palace is amazing, since it combines a modern style and traditional elements in a fairly new set. In addition, the place offers pleasant gardens where you can stroll and which open directly to the sea. Although it is not possible to visit the interior of the palace, it remains one of the most important attractions in Mascate.

2. The Great Mosque of Sultan Qabus

Another monumental jewel in Mascate, the Great Mosque of Sultan Qabus is also a modern monument built between 1995 and 2001. Inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, it has no less than five minarets, which represent the different pillars of Islam.

This is the largest mosque in the country , and its creators have seen things in great way in the interior decor. Indeed, the mosque houses the largest carpet woven from a single room in the world. This masterpiece weighs no less than 35 tons!

Another of his treasures is the splendid 14-metre high chandelier that sits in his heart. Finally, you will also have the opportunity to admire beautiful stained glass windows by visiting the Great Mosque of Oman.

3. Forts Al Jalali and Al Mirani

Thanks to its privileged position, Mascate has for millennia been a trade and cultural hub, with its epicentre port. The ramparts of the old port are a testimony of this long history, just as the two forts that watch over them.

Built in the 16th century, Fort Al Jalali was originally a prison. Today, its walls house a private museum. Perched on a promontory, it offers a superb viewpoint on the port, just like its twin, Fort Al Mirani. Built at the same time, it played an important role in the history of the city at the time it was in the hands of the Portuguese. Although it is not open to the public, it is also one of the places to see in Mascate.

4. Museums

Beyond the oil manna, Oman is now focusing its development on tourism and the valorization of its heritage. So it is quite naturally that Mascate offers interesting museums to visit during your stay.

Oman National Museum

The most essential is undoubtedly the National Museum of Oman, which recounts the history of the country and exposes more 10 thousand artifacts . You will discover the rich past of a country at the crossroads of Africa and Asia where there have been many influences. Moreover, the modern and monumental building of the museum is worth a look alone!

Other museums

Mascate also offers other historical museums such as Bait Al Zubair and Bait Al Baranda . The latter relates the millennium history of the city through interactive and thematic exhibitions. Finally, Mascate also houses the surprising Musée français d’Oman , which testifies to the strong relationship between the two nations.

5. The Royal Opera

The Royal Opera House is another monument to be seen in Mascate and a high place of culture for Oman. Built, like the Great Mosque, on the initiative of Sultan Qabus, it was inaugurated in 2011. Its spectacular room gathers up to 1100 spectators around quality programming.

We can only encourage you to book a show upstream of your stay to discover this beautiful place. But it is also possible to simply stroll around, as the complex also houses shops, restaurants and gardens.

6. The beaches

Located by the sea and surrounded by mountains, Mascate offers of course also beautiful beaches where it makes a good bet. Inside the city, you can swim in the beach of Qurum , which is easy to access. Azaiba beach is another option, and closes a golf club that will delight lovers.

But it is by taking you away from the city that you will discover the most beautiful and quiet beaches. By boat, you can reach the sublime and wild Daymaniyat Islands , off Mascate. By car, the beach of Yitti or White Beach will offer to you.

7. The souk of Muttrah

Muttrah’s souk is one of the oldest markets in the Arab world. It is also one of the beating hearts of Mascate, to see if you want to immerse yourself in the daily life of the inhabitants. Tradition and modernity meet at the turn of its alleys, in a refreshing and vibrant atmosphere.

Within the souk you will find food and souvenirs of all kinds. And don’t forget to lift your head by sweeping you to admire the beautiful ceilings of some alleys.

8. Walk on the cornice

After your visit to the souk, continue to put yourself in the skin of a local while walking on the souk cornice of Muttrah . This waterfront promenade is one of the favourite places of the people of Mascate.

You will enjoy it especially at sunset, when temperatures cool down and the horizon looks beautiful colors. Maybe you'll even stop at one of the many coffee terraces to sip a refreshing mint-pressed lemon?

9. Fish market

To experience a more authentic experience during your visit to Mascate, direction the fish market in Mascate! The premises are pressed around fortune stalls to buy fish just caught. The sale is made in a joyous agitation.

But the place, recently rebuilt, also has a real architectural interest. Designed by Scandinavian architects, the immaculate canopy offers elegant volutes inspired by Arab calligraphy.

10. Boat trip

The call of the sea is constantly felt in Mascate, and making a boat trip is a nice experience. Widely preserved from pollution, Oman Bay offers an abundant marine life. Thus, we can only recommend excursions focused on snorkeling, or even dolphin observation.

By boat you can also reach the idyllic coves of the Daymaniyat Islands. In addition, traditional boat excursions are offered at sunset, to discover the coasts of Oman under a magical day.

11. Omani Heritage Gallery

When traveling, it is often difficult to find authentic local artisan memories. Muttrah’s souk itself suffers from industrialization and globalization. Fortunately, the Omani Heritage Gallery offers a beautiful showcase alternative to local crafts.

Indeed, this gallery exposes and sells local craft products. These include pottery, weaving, baskets, perfumes, jewelry, ideal if you want to bring gifts and souvenirs.

How to go to Mascate?

Mascate International Airport is located bordering the city . Since Paris, a few direct connections are proposed each month by the company Oman Air . But the choice is much wider if you also consider flights with stopover. In particular, you can find connections with stopovers at home Air France KLM .

However, many other companies can also provide port connections (in Dubai, Dammam , Istanbul ...) Paris and Mascate. Thus, to see all the possibilities available to you on the date you are interested in, the simplest is to use a Compare flights .

At Mascate Airport, you can easily rent a car to facilitate your further travel. If you prefer to go, you can use taxi services for your trips and excursions during the stay.

Where to stay in Mascate?

Mascate is an extended city, which forms a long and narrow ribbon between the sea and the mountainous chain. To facilitate your daily visits and trips, we advise you to stay instead in the east part of the city , opposite the airport.

Indeed, this is where most attractions and monuments are located. Log in Muttrah quarter , for example, will allow you to walk easily along the cornice and enjoy the animation of the souk on a daily basis.

If you would like to stay in a modern area and close to the beaches, you should prefer the neighborhoods of the Opera or The Great Mosque . Finally, if you want to experience a more authentic experience, Old town , located at the eastern end of the city, will bring you the change you dream of. Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find the accommodation that best suits you or opt, why not, for a Airbnb .

Destination still relatively unknown, Mascate still has many things to do and places to visit. This unique city of its kind will certainly leave you an unforgettable memory!

But it is also an ideal starting point for multiple excursions to Oman. You can go on the adventure of wadis , creeks and natural treasures of the country. But also discover the traces of its history, scattered in a territory that has several sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage.