Pristine Muscat, with its languid beaches, marvellous historic buildings, rugged mountains, and warm friendly people proves to be an excellent choice for a relaxed holiday. Many travellers, who catch flights to Dubai, often end up escaping to Muscat’s refreshing tranquillity when Dubai becomes a tad too overwhelming. However, Muscat is also emerging as a wonderful destination in its own right. Get acquainted with some of the most popular sights of the destination.
Bait al-Baranda
The Bait al-Baranda is another popular place to visit if you have booked flights to Muscat. Exciting creative and interactive exhibits take one through a tour of Muscat’s history. In fact, rich slices of Oman’s cultural and commercial life can also be witnessed at the Bait al-Baranda. Amongst the many exciting exhibits, a very popular one is the dinosaur. Bones fond from Muscat’s Al-Khoud area have been used for creating the dinosaur.
Mutrah Souq
Shopping is a primary tourist attraction in most holiday destinations. Muscat is also no exception. So, if you have painstakingly searched and booked cheap flights to Muscat, don’t skip the Mutrah Souq. It proves to be a rewarding experience to feel the ambience of a traditional livewire Arab market at the souq. Hardware, gold, textiles, and artefacts from India and Oman are some of the goodies on display. Bargaining is an absolutely normal affair at the souq. A visit to the souq also brings one in close proximity to the historic walled Shiite district of Al-Lawataya. Visitors are forbidden from entering the area.
Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
If you love military pomp and glamour, definitely keep the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum on your itinerary while booking your cheap flights to Muscat. The museum is also visited by foreign dignitaries. The museum serves as an excellent spot for picking up interesting information on Oman’s history, military competence, and international relations. Originally built as a royal summer residence, the place has mainly served as the armed forces’ headquarters.
Ghala & Al-Ghubrah
Give a little religious touch to your Muscat sightseeing by visiting the Grand Mosque or Ghala & Al-Ghubrah. This imposing mosque is richly decorated and has an immense main prayer hall. In fact, even the Persian carpet here is said to be the world’s largest carpet, which was woven over period of approximately 4 years. The mosque is just about 8 km from Al-Khuwair, where visitors can find a number of cheap hotels.
Al-Mirani Fort
If you have booked flights to Muscat, it would be a good idea to visit the Al-Mirani Fort. Although, you will not be allowed to enter, you can always click snaps from outside to add to your collection of Muscat holiday souvenirs. Built during the 16th century, this fort’s main claim to flame is the heart stirring legend behind it. The story goes that the commander of the Portuguese forces was smitten by a Hindu supplier’s daughter. The girl’s father was against the match but could not take on the might of the commander. Instead, he cleverly took the commander in his confidence and betrayed military secrets to Imam Sultan bin Saif, who stormed the fort. It is a fact that Muscat was freed of Portuguese rule quite soon after the incident.
Al-Jalali Fort
The Al-Jalali Fort is also not open for the general public. The fort hides gems of Omani heritage meant exclusively for the eyes of visiting dignitaries. However, if you are visiting during one of the military occasions, be sure witness the impressive spectacle of bagpiper bands performing atop the battlements of the fort. The royal yacht and dhow are also sailed and fireworks are let off.
Bait al-Baranda
The Bait al-Baranda is another popular place to visit if you have booked flights to Muscat. Exciting creative and interactive exhibits take one through a tour of Muscat’s history. In fact, rich slices of Oman’s cultural and commercial life can also be witnessed at the Bait al-Baranda. Amongst the many exciting exhibits, a very popular one is the dinosaur. Bones fond from Muscat’s Al-Khoud area have been used for creating the dinosaur.
Mutrah Souq
Shopping is a primary tourist attraction in most holiday destinations. Muscat is also no exception. So, if you have painstakingly searched and booked cheap flights to Muscat, don’t skip the Mutrah Souq. It proves to be a rewarding experience to feel the ambience of a traditional livewire Arab market at the souq. Hardware, gold, textiles, and artefacts from India and Oman are some of the goodies on display. Bargaining is an absolutely normal affair at the souq. A visit to the souq also brings one in close proximity to the historic walled Shiite district of Al-Lawataya. Visitors are forbidden from entering the area.
Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
If you love military pomp and glamour, definitely keep the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum on your itinerary while booking your cheap flights to Muscat. The museum is also visited by foreign dignitaries. The museum serves as an excellent spot for picking up interesting information on Oman’s history, military competence, and international relations. Originally built as a royal summer residence, the place has mainly served as the armed forces’ headquarters.
Ghala & Al-Ghubrah
Give a little religious touch to your Muscat sightseeing by visiting the Grand Mosque or Ghala & Al-Ghubrah. This imposing mosque is richly decorated and has an immense main prayer hall. In fact, even the Persian carpet here is said to be the world’s largest carpet, which was woven over period of approximately 4 years. The mosque is just about 8 km from Al-Khuwair, where visitors can find a number of cheap hotels.
Al-Mirani Fort
If you have booked flights to Muscat, it would be a good idea to visit the Al-Mirani Fort. Although, you will not be allowed to enter, you can always click snaps from outside to add to your collection of Muscat holiday souvenirs. Built during the 16th century, this fort’s main claim to flame is the heart stirring legend behind it. The story goes that the commander of the Portuguese forces was smitten by a Hindu supplier’s daughter. The girl’s father was against the match but could not take on the might of the commander. Instead, he cleverly took the commander in his confidence and betrayed military secrets to Imam Sultan bin Saif, who stormed the fort. It is a fact that Muscat was freed of Portuguese rule quite soon after the incident.
Al-Jalali Fort
The Al-Jalali Fort is also not open for the general public. The fort hides gems of Omani heritage meant exclusively for the eyes of visiting dignitaries. However, if you are visiting during one of the military occasions, be sure witness the impressive spectacle of bagpiper bands performing atop the battlements of the fort. The royal yacht and dhow are also sailed and fireworks are let off.
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