SmellsIn the middle of the Gulf and Gold Cities of the Persian Gulf, Muscat is a new air-in the true sense of the word. Here, the powerful mountains of Oman, the highest slopes in the Arabian Peninsula, meet with the soft sandy beaches where the wild turtles nest, and a 200 -year -old suck promises treasures. Yes, Muscat loves a little bit of glamor – just look at its brilliant palace – but this is a city that is proud of its traditions, hospitality and its rich marine history. Get ready for all the suitable reasons for stunning.
There are numerous ways to enter Muscat’s culture, whether in many museums or by exploring the old city, but it has not stuck in the past. From starred concerts in the magnificent royal home of Muscat to the discovery of wild dolphins on a sunset seafood, this is the best thing you do in Muscat, including where to eat, drink and buy.
The best time to visit
From October to March, Oman enjoys a lot of sunshine (20-30 ° C), although prices are at the highest, especially in Christmas holidays, Easter and semi-meters. The rate decreases in summer, but the temperature reaches its peak from June to August at 45-35 degrees Celsius.
The best to do in Muscat
Step into the “old Saudi”
For centuries, Muscat had one of the most important ports of the Middle East-a prize that attracted many wealth and invaders. In the rocks of your old city, you can see wall paintings by visiting the crew for 500 years (this book is “The Book of Visitors of the Sultan”), while the Hurratio of Nelson himself anchor in the 18th century.
One afternoon around the old town also shows the urban walls of the century, the watchdog and several museums in remarkable houses, including a good bait, with a good collection of traditional clothing, weapons, maps and curiosity. Tickets cost 3.2 Rials Oman or OMR (6.45 pounds).
At the National Museum near the Oman (£ 5 £ 10 for tourists), you can pore ancient coins, valuable calligraphy and jewelry, ampoules and scarves.
Getting a stars quality show
What is it about during your visit to Royal Opera House Muscat. From folk music with souls to the world’s famous singers and orchestras on the tour, this concert has everything. You can also be behind the scenes on a guided tour (from 3.15 OMR) and discover the roots of the Middle East music at the Music Arts Exhibition (3.15 OMR).
Stain the dolphins from a dhow
The warm and clean water of the Oman Gulf is not just the pleasure of a swimmer. They are also rich in wildlife, such as Hawksbill turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. The Persian Gulf divers is a PADI -based diving school based in Muscat that travels daily trips to rocks and ruins on a short trip to the city. Meanwhile, Star of the SEA offers sunset on traditional wooden Head Boats, dolphin watching and diving trips.
Tour of scary castles in the corner
To really get acquainted with Muscat, you need to stroll it. This long and historic waterfall travels between the fish market in the west and the Riam Park in the east, though you have to continue the whole way to the old city (5 km). You can spy on the royal yacht in the port, Mutra Souq, Mutra Castle and Muscat Gate Museum-ending with the Golden Alam Palace and the twin castles of the Al-Marani and Al-Jalali Sea.
Where to stay
With clean, contemporary and excellent value, Aloft Muscat is a suitable base for exploring the city, less than 10 minutes driving from the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque. It also has a splash pool, cocktail tape and dining restaurant all day.
On the shot of Elraum, W Muscat mixes the city’s energy (about 15 minutes driving from Mutra Souq) with flight degeneration and flap. Expect an infinite pool, five -star service and party space on the weekends.
In about 20 minutes of driving from the old city, in the Bay of Jesa Port, Jumeira Muscat combines a peaceful coastal place with abundant holidays-including three swimming pools, a kid’s club, plus five times and restaurants. Activities ranging from yoga to hiking trips in the Hagar Mountains.
Where to eat
With pleasures such as Curry Salona spicy chicken on steamed rice pillows, the lamb was roasted in an underground fire for six hours and fresh seafood is still drowning from the furnace, the menu in El Luban is a pleasant initiator in Omani cuisine. Situated in Corny, it has modeling it in an old home of Muscat-think of flashland lanterns, carved tables, and national clothing.
For a good rotation of food Shua -Slowly cooked pickled meat, such as lamb or goat-al-Aqam, in the royal home of Muscat Opera, where it is injected with delicacy and delicate spices and injection of cardamom. Chlua (A sweet dessert) make a memorable dinner before showing.
Meanwhile, the top of the place has been awards in the Qur’an since 1984 for its Mongol and Punjabi food. Vegetarians have a good way, with a slow -paced, slow -paced tendor and tomato cheese.
Where to drink
Alcohol is served only in the cafes and restaurants of the Oman Hotel – and even at that time, many institutions are still suitable. But for the sunset cocktails, the Zale and Lounge terrace is a vibrant place, and its happy clock offers include My Tis and Wamitus from 2.5 OMR, daily from 6-8 pm. In the Blu Pool and Garden Bar, you can broadcast a champagne, good wine and “mule mango” replicas on the beach with a view of coastal cliffs beyond it.
A few steps from the Millionaire Yachi in Marina Bandar Al Ruda, Fresco Al Marina serves fresh fruit juice and smoothies, while CAFE BATEEL on Al Mouj begins your daytime surfing QahavaArabic coffee that has grown in the Yemeni mountains.
Where to buy
For fashion, technology and holiday supplies, downtown Muscat or Aman Aman Tap the city center: The latter has 3,000 brands under its roof, with Middle Eastern designers and high street names alike. For Omanis, buying an evening entertainment – between the boutiques, they stop for dinner, meet with their friends with coffee, or film in one of the multiplexes. These centers are buzzing from 8pm onwards, especially on the weekend.
For a more timeless experience, visit Mutrah Souq 200 years old-a cave and aroma on the outskirts of Mutra Port. The eastern part sells wholesale products, while the western part is retail treasures, from beautiful silver coffee pots and gems Normal (Traditional daggers) Remember the Omani dates and chocolates of the Milk Camel-Remember to barely grapple. This comes after the dark, so visit the best 5-9 pm (full week), though shops are open from 8.30 to 12:30 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
The best beaches of Muscat
The beach is an oasis in the heart of the city with palm trees, soft sands and mild waves. The visit is free and is clean and safe for bathing. Visit the Beach Waterfall Center at the Crown Plaza Muscat Hotel for renting jet ski, boards and kayak.
There are several magnificent private beaches in the east of the city (a 20-30-minute drive), in the likes of the Al-Bostan Palace and the Shangri-La Bar Al Jisa, which are also repeated by the nesting of wild turtles. If you are not a hotel guest, there are daily crossings for the beach, pool and facilities.
Highlight Architecture
Each inch from the Great Sultan Qaboos is a work of art, from white white arches, all of which are skillfully engraved with sophisticated patterns, to a large crystal chandelier in the main prayer hall, especially by Swarovski. This is a place of worship, but non -Muslims also welcome free entry (Saturday to Thursday).
Frequently
What currency do I need?
Omani Rial.
What language do they speak?
Arabic, though English is wide.
Should I have a tip?
There is no obligation to hit the hotel restaurants, but 10 % is always appreciated.
What is the time difference?
GMT+4.
How should I get away?
Taxis are abundant, cheap and easy to hail-but they always make sure the meter is working. Oman -based taxi companies include Otaxi and Mwasalat by government.
Muscat is not very friendly pedestrian. To eliminate multiple attractions in one day, the big bus tour – from 66 pounds – is very convenient. If you travel out of town, consider hiring a car. The roads are excellent and rental companies can deliver vehicles to your hotel.
What is the best view?
If you are taking a taxi or a tour, ask the driver to call Old Muscat City View (specified in Google Maps) where Vista is beyond the old city including the Al -Islam Palace, traditional houses, mosque minarets and port and sea castles.
Are you notice?
Whether you can give you a cup of spicy Arabic coffee, as an old sign of welcoming, you can be souvenirs in Mutrah Souq or check at a new hotel. If you like to fill again, gently make the cup when the coffee pot is offered. To refuse, cover the cup with your own hands. Your host will appreciate your cultural intelligence – which can be useful when the dagger.
Reach there
Oman Air flies directly between London Heatro and Muscat International Airport several times a week. The flight time is seven hours and it takes 20-40 minutes to drive from the airport.
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