This short article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Muscat's low-rise architecture, warren-like souks and advanced arts offerings integrate to make it among the most captivating cities in the Gulf area. The Omani capital provides an easygoing piece of conventional Arabia with all the convenience and benefit of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, however with a creative, traditionalist core that sets it apart from a number of the Gulf's other huge cities.
Much of Muscat's modern cultural life is played out in its high-end hotels, and The Chedi, ignoring a personal beach in the Ghubrah area, is among the finest in the Middle East. Appear for the extravagant breakfast served in a palm-shaded yard ignoring the sea– attempt balaleet, a meal of omelette served with sweet, spiced vermicelli– and remain a while to walk through the pavilion-dotted gardens.
9 am: Marvel at the Grand Mosque
Every early morning other than Fridays, non-Muslims have the chance to check out the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, among the most gorgeous structures in the Gulf. It's at when amazing and downplayed, functioning as the peak of the modern Islamic architectural design followed by all brand-new structures in Muscat. Friendly and helpful, complimentary guides offer fascinating insights such as the story of the prayer hall's large Persian carpet, hand-stitched in Iran and weighing 21 tonnes.
11 am: Explore Muttrah
Drive 15 minutes east to Muttrah, the old heart of Muscat. Make the brief climb to Muttrah Fort, developed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, for stunning views over the rugged shoreline, then come down to the climatic labyrinth of historical Muttrah Souk, searching for gold, wedding event chests and more. Muttrah was initially a fishing town and its seafaring spirit can still be discovered in the contemporary fish market at the western end of the corniche.
1 pm: Lunch in Ruwi
Simply south of Muttrah is Ruwi, referred to as Little India. This is Muscat at its most mercantile– a hectic district loaded with souks and jewellery shops. Head to Oman Express, a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop off Souq Ruwi Street, to delight in lunch as the Indian expat population does, with steaming glasses of masala chai and endless thalis– vegetarian plates of curry, dhal and chapati. Stroll off your meal with a walk through the enjoyable park that sits at the base of the neighboring Ruwi Clock Tower.
3 pm: Discover Muscat's history
Going back to the coast, head east towards Old Muscat, the ritualistic seat of the Sultan of Oman. Here you'll discover a collection of magnificent federal government structures, consisting of the captivating Al Alam Palace. It's closed to the general public, however you can appreciate its pharaonic gold and blue columns from outdoors. Next door is the dazzling Oman National Museum, opened in 2016, informing the nation's history through exhibitions of standard clothes, design dhows and old currency. The Aflaj Gallery, showcasing Oman's historical and World Heritage-listed water management systems,
