WORLD ASIA OMAN MUSCAT


Muscat

Understand


The city referred to as "Muscat" is in fact three smaller towns which have grown together over time. They are:
  • Muscat - often referred to as the "walled city", Muscat proper is the site of the royal palaces.
  • Matrah (Matruh) - originally a fishing village, and home to the maze-like Matrah Souq.
  • Ruwi - generally considered the commercial and diplomatic centre of the city.


  • This tripartite division will sometimes cause the visitor an inconvenience, as distances between sites (and accommodation) can be very long and involve trips on the ring road.

    As an alternative to the main CBD area that is considered as these three areas there is plently of places to go and things to see along the main highway that heads North East out of these areas. This main road, The Sultan Qaboos Highway, goes past many areas on it's way out to the Airport and further still to Seeb, Sohar and eventually the northern most tip of Oman.

    Heading along this road you pass the districts of Qurum, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Al Khuwair, Bausher, Al-Hail and Seeb. Each one has a range of sights to see and places to stay.

    There is also a very long beach road from Qurum to Seeb, some 50km. Situated along this are some of the large international hotel chains but more importantly you discover the true beauty of the Oman coast-line. Km's of beaches, fisherman with drag nets and open space to walk for hours.

    Eat

    Food is cheap in Muscat and for about a Rial you'll get a meal for two persons.

    Budget
  • Al-exandria, Fanja House, Near Sabco Centre, Ruwi, Tel - 561611

  • :The best Rotis (Indian Bread). Try the chicken Jalfrezi and Paneer aloo (potato)
  • Automatic, (Cuisine - Lebanese)

  • :Try the Hummus (Chickpea paste), Fatoosh (Salad), Mutabel (Egg Plant paste), Falafel and mint tea. Even the waiters are not sure why the restaurant is named automatic.
  • Al-Haikal, Near Bus Stand, Ruwi (Cuisine - Pakistani)
  • Al-Hanan, Ruwi (Cuisine - Indian)
  • Al-Shaheen, Honda Road, Ruwi (Cuisine - Pakistani)
  • Anand Bhavan, Off Ruwi High Street, Ruwi (Cuisine - Indian)
  • Bella-Pais, MAM roundabout, just off the Nizwa turn off (Cuisine - Greek + Other)
  • Gujrat Bhojan Shala, Ruwi High Street, Ruwi (Cuisine - Indian)
  • Oman Express, Tel - 7731329

  • :Delivers Lunch - 18 rials for a month including Fridays or 15.6 Rials excluding Fridays
  • Subway, City Centre, Seeb, Tel - 542225

  • Mid-range
  • Haffa House Hotel, Ruwi


  • Splurge
  • Costa Coffee, Oasis by the Sea, Tel - (Cuisine - Coffee)
  • Chedi Hotel, On the coast road (Cuisine - 4 open kitchens from across the world)
  • Mumtaj Mahal, (Cuisine - Indian)
  • Passage to India, PO Box 385, Jibroo, Wadi Adai, Hatat House Compound, Tel - 568480 (Cuisine - Indian)
  • Starbucks Coffee, Jawharat Al-Shati Plaza, Tel - 601406 (Cuisine - Coffee)
  • Samarkhand, Oasis by the Sea, (Cuisine - Indian Peshwari)


  • ...



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    Hotels in Muscat
    Majan Continental Hotel Score 5.45 from 8 reviews
    Muscat 5.45/10
    Our rooms present all the comfort and luxury one would desire. Our personal touch and unparalleled hospitality will instantly make you feel at home. ... more
     
    Al Shiraa Hotel Apartments Score 3.5 from 1 reviews
    Al Ghubra 3.5/10
    Al Shiraa is craved to offer best possible services and relaxing stay at the Sultanate of Oman. We are located in the heart of the city (10 min from the Muscat International Airport). Al Shiraa is compact, cozy and comfortable. All the rooms are air conditioned. With special facilities created to take care of the different needs of all our guests, We assure corporate and tourist a comfortable stay. We assure you that through your stay with us, we will endeavor to meet the high standards of comfort. ... more
     
    Pearl Villas Score 0 from 0 reviews
    Sultan Qaboos Street 0/10
    Brand New Luxury Villas located in the Center of the City. ... more
     
    Hotel Golden Oasis Score 6.05 from 34 reviews
    Al Wadi Al Kabir 6.05/10
    The hotel is accessible for wheel chairs; we have a ramp at the entrance. We don't have special rooms for the disabled. ... more
     
    Al Falaj Hotel Score 0 from 0 reviews
    Al Mujamma Street, P.O. Box 2031, Ruwi, Pc : 112 0/10
    Al Falaj Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Muscat with easy access to both the business district as well as tourist attractions. A pleasant 30 kms drive from the Muscat International Airport will bring you to the Hotel, an ideal meeting point for business or pleasure. It is managed by the Aitken Spence Hotels portfolio and offers everything a traveler need - exotic cuisine, conference facilities that are the best in the city, courteous staff, and a choice of recreational activities that will help you unwind. ... more
     
    More hotels in Muscat

    Dhow trips

    One of the best way to get a perspective of the country, especially the Muscat Bay. Most tour operators organize dhow trips.

    type:general


    Private 4x4 Safari - The Mountain of the Sun 9 hours

    Nizwa - 17th Century Fort

    Enjoy a great day out driving through the fascinating Hajar Mountains and the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz.

    In Nizwa you will visit the famous 17th century fort and the souk with its excellent Bedouin jewelry. Continue to Misfah, a village seemingly hewn out of rock.

    Your next stop will be in the picturesque Al Hamra, one of the last loam villages in Oman. From Al Hamra the path leads to Jebel Shams, the "Mountain of the Sun", from a height of nearly 9,843 feet (3,000 meters) you will have an outstanding view deep into the "Grand Canyon of Oman".

    A stop for a picnic lunch will be made en-route.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    Muthrah souq

    This meandering maze of the shops offers unique sights and smells. The entrance to this souq is off the Corniche.

    type:general


    Private Day Tour of Rustaq - Voyage into the Past 9 hours

    Nakhal Fort

    Your private tour starts with a visit to the fish market and souk in Barka and a visit of Bait Na'am, a fortified house where the Imams used to overnight during their journey to the interior.

    From Barka the drive continues along the famous Batinah plain, the main agricultural area of Oman. Then on to Al Hazm, where you visit the impressive fort before stopping for a photo at Rustaq Fort.

    The tour passes along picturesque wadis (dry river beds) and you will reach the oasis of Nakhl, with time for a visit of Nakhl Fort. Before returning to Muscat you will visit the natural warm springs of Thowarah.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    For a complete scuba diving guide with great articles and more destination information, visit Divepilot.com
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