Things To Do in Muscat

Crowds flock to Oman's famous Muttrah Souk or barter at the fish market. Muscat City Centre and the shopping malls of the Qurm district are the designer shopper's destination of choice. Souvenir-hunters head to the galleries in Muscat Old Town's winding streets or the Omani Heritage Gallery for filigree silverwork, woven baskets and ceramics. Malls open daily 10am-10pm but close on Friday mornings. Independent stores open around 9am-1pm, 4pm-9pm and close on Fridays.

Muscat's sedate nightlife begins and ends with hotel bars and clubs such as the Al Maha Piano Bar in Muttrah's luxury Al Bustan Palace Hotel. Most hotels are found around Ruwi, Qurm and Al Khuwair, serving alcohol to a sophisticated mix of locals and expats. The cafés of Muttrah's Corniche fill nightly with local families socialising. Smoking is widespread but no longer allowed indoors. Most cafés close around midnight, while hotel bars and clubs might stay open until 2am.