Muscat has 10 notable museums that help visitors understand both where the country began and the cultural values it holds today. These include museums dedicated to military history such as the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum inside the Bayt al-Falaj. This former 19th-century royal summer home now uses the lower rooms to showcase Omani historical achievements and the upper rooms to highlight its international relations as well as its military prowess. Try the Bait al-Baranda for a look at Muscat as it was from prehistory to the present, or the Oman Museum for its collection of artifacts and spectacular views of the sea. Other public museums worth exploring include the PDO Oil and Gas Exhibit, Omani-French Museum, Natural History Museum, National Museum, Bayt Az-Zubair and the Children's Museum.
Many of the major sights in Muscat are steeped in history. Some, such as the three forts guarding the port, are remnants of the 16th century Portuguese occupation. Al-Mirani and Al-Jalali protected the eastern harbor entrance while Mutrah guarded the western approach. None are open to the public, but the pictures are worth the visit. While visiting the eastern fortifications, stop by the Sultan's Palace by the harbor wall on Mirani St. between the two forts. The blue and gold mushroom pillars overlooking the sea, and the distinct architectural style are not easily forgotten. From there, take a taxi west to visit the city's main attraction, the Grand Mosque. This example of modern Islamic architecture was opened in 2001, and was designed to accommodate 20,000 of the faithful between the two prayer halls and the courtyard. Majestic archways, courtyards, arcades and white marble floors sit inside the walled compound, which boasts five minarets and a domed hall covered with a massive hand-stitched Persian carpet.
The Mutrah area of the city encompasses the western harbor and part of the old city. In centuries past, it was the commercial center of Muscat. It still retains its commercial feel with fishermen selling the fruits of their labors in the city's fish market down by the docks. However, it is the Mutrah Souq that draws people from far and wide to buy and sell local crafts and wares. According to Rough Guides, this traditional market is, "probably the single most popular tourist attraction in the country." The shops here sell everything from frankincense and myrrh to gold, spices and crushed rose petals. The main entrance is on the corniche and is a short 5 minute walk from end to end. However, the intriguing number of alleyways branching off in every direction with sights, sounds and smells of Oman tickling your senses from the countless stalls and shops lining the streets reveal a much larger complex than you might have realized at first glance. You can literally spend hours working your way through the whole thing.
Oman is proud of its seafaring history, and Muscat offers its visitors the chance to become part of that history through cruises on traditional Dhows, scuba-diving or even dolphin watching from modern vessels. Take a trip on one of the traditional Omani boats called dhows. These ancient wooden vessels bound together with just rope or nails last an incredible 60 to 100 years and have been cruising the Omani coast for centuries. Go snorkeling or scuba-diving with one of the surprisingly plentiful dive operators in the city. Explore the coral gardens at Bandar Jissah, Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island, or glide by the remains of the Al Munassir wreck at Bandar Khayran. The Omani coast also offers an incredible 90 percent chance of spotting spinner and sometimes bottlenose dolphins. Some lucky travelers even see whale sharks and humpback whales on occasion.
