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Muscat is essentially a collection of small cities and towns separated by serrated ridges.
In total it stretches along perhaps 25 kilometres of the coastline.
Exploring Muscat
At its heart is old Muscat, a walled city with a natural harbour watched over by the twin fortresses of Jalali and Mirani, where the Sultan has his palace. Nearby, the historic commercial district of Muttrah spreads along the shore of a wide bay and it is here that you’ll find the old souq and the fish souq.
The houses have delicately styled balconies that betray the influence the Portuguese once had in the area. Qurm is a largely residential area where most of the hotels can be found.
Centred on the sculpted contours of Qurm Natural Park it has a long stretch of beach to enjoy. Between Qurm and the airport at Seeb is a long ribbon of residential suburbs, one of which is home to the modern Sultan Qaboos Mosque, a beautiful piece of architecture combining traditional Arab and Persian influences with a dash of modernity.
Speak to someone
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Muscat by contacting one of our Oman specialists
- 01993 838 430
- Make an enquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Muscat
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Muscat, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Muscat
- The Batinah Plain 64 miles away
- Nizwa 80 miles away
- Jebel Akhdar 87 miles away
- Sur 95 miles away
- The Wahiba Sands 100 miles away
- Ras Al Jinz 116 miles away
- The Musandam Peninsula 221 miles away
Photos of Muscat
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![Men's caps in souq, Muscat]()
Men's caps in souq, Muscat -
![Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat]()
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat -
![Muscat, Oman]()
Muscat, Oman -
![Muscat, Oman]()
Muscat, Oman -
![Birkat Al Mauz]()
Birkat Al Mauz -
![Muscat]()
Muscat -
![Arabian lamps at Muscat souq, Oman]()
Arabian lamps at Muscat souq, Oman -
![Wild donkey]()
Wild donkey
Accommodation choices for Muscat
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Muscat. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat]()
Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa
Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa sits in seclusion on its own private bay amid a dramatic landscape of cliffs and white sand beaches and offers the best of Omani hospitality and ultimate Arabian luxury.
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![The Long Pool, Chedi Muscat]()
The Chedi
Set on the beach, yet close to the centre of the city, The Chedi provides a truly luxurious option from which to explore Muscat. The hotel is set apart by its world-class facilities and its beautifully modern accommodation.
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![Pool, Al Bandar, Muscat]()
Shangri-La Al Bandar
The Shangri-La Al Bandar in Muscat offers world-class service and facilities, and good views of the Arabian Sea.
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![Crowne Plaza, Muscat]()
Crowne Plaza
The rooms of the Crowne Plaza in Muscat offer a good degree of comfort and enjoy views over the Arabian Gulf. It also features its own private beach and a range of cafés and restaurants.
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![Grand Hyatt, Muscat]()
Grand Hyatt
Smart and comfortable with spacious rooms and a good location in central Muscat, the Grand Hyatt hotel is a great place to relax and soak up the Arabian sun.
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![Radisson Blu, Muscat]()
Radisson Blu
Based in the heart of Muscat, the Radisson Blu's rooms are contemporary and colourful, with modern facilities and good levels of comfort.
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![Pool, Al Bustan Palace, Muscat]()
Al Bustan Palace
Featuring one of the grandest lobbies you'll ever see, the Al Bustan Palace in Muscat also offers lovely gardens, pools and a private beach.
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![Pool, Al Waha, Muscat]()
Shangri-La Al Waha
With a wide range of restaurants, attentive staff, children's pool and club, the Shangri-La Al Waha at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort is great for families.
Ideas for experiencing Muscat
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Muscat, and which use the best local guides.
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Muscat City Tour ![Lanterns at Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Oman]()
Muscat City Tour
Muscat City Tour
Begin at Sultan Qaboos Mosque, completed in 2001, it is an enormous place of worship. With a large men's prayer hall, an adjacent women's prayer hall and further space in the courtyards and passageways, a total of 20,000 worshippers can gather at one time, making this one of the largest mosques in the world.
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