If you’re a tourist in Muscat, there’s a very good chance you’re going to spend a lot of time in Muttrah, the traditional harbour and marketplace of Muscat. In fact, if you’ve ever seen a picture of the capital, it’s most likely going to be a shot of Muttrah Corniche – that’s how synonymous the area is with Muscat.
The main draw of the area is undoubtedly the Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in the Middle East. Muscat was once an important port on the way to India and China, taking spices one way and bringing back silks and other goods on the return journey.
While the souq has been modernised and made more tourist-friendly over the years, it’s still a fascinating place to visit and is far more traditional than other markets you might encounter on your travels. Get lost among the narrow alleys and find yourself a bargain among the incense, spices and furniture. The nearby gold souq is also well worth a visit, although some of the pieces, such as bibs and other bridal jewellery, might not be to your taste.
Another great place to visit to get a real feel for the city is the Muttrah Fish Market (provided you’re not a vegetarian or very squeamish, of course). Located in the Sultan Qaboos Port, you’ll get to see the catch of the day being brought in before being sold to restaurants, locals and anyone else who wants to buy the freshest fish possible.
If you keep strolling along Muttrah Corniche, you’ll eventually find yourself in Riyam Park. This is another very recognisable part of Muscat thanks to the gigantic ornamental incense burner in the park. You can climb up to it for a better view point over the area.
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also a short hike between Riyam and Muttrah (marked route C38) that goes through the mountains and through a wadi.
Although most of the main museums are located in Old Muscat, there are two notable ones in Muttrah that you should visit. The first is Bait al Baranda, a museum inside a building that was once used by the American Mission in the 1930s. It gives a good introduction to the history and culture of Muscat, covering topics including geology and folk art, but it isn’t absolutely massive so you won’t find yourself getting overwhelmed by the amount to see.
Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art is more of an experience than a museum – it’s designed to look and feel exactly like the home of the former residents between 1950 and 1975. There aren’t too many labels explaining the objects in each room, but it does sort of feel like you’ve stepped back in time. At the back of the museum, there’s a small art gallery filled with modern Omani art which the name presumably comes from.
Feeling peckish? There are plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat in Muttrah, but be warned, they may be a little pricier due to their location. Bait al Luban is a great spot to experience traditional Omani food with views of the sea, while Kurkum offers up fantastic Indian dishes. If you’re just after a quick bite to eat, Corniche Café has some brilliant Middle Eastern dishes in an unbeatable location.
