Muttrah is home to Muttrah Souq, one the oldest Arabian market. Exploring its vibrant traditional market, climbing up to its fort and strolling along the Corniche are one of the top things to do in Muscat.
Muttrah Souq
Muttrah Souq is a maze of narrow walkways lined with hundreds of small shops that sell everything from Omani Khanjar, frankincense, spices, jewellery, sourvenirs, clothing to household goods. The locals also frequent the market almost as much as the foreign visitors.
It has two entrances: its main entrance is on the corniche and the other entrance is at the back of the souq.
This is the entrance from the back. Walking in from the main entrance on the corniche, it’s possible to walk across the souq in about fifteen minutes.
During ancient times, Muttrah Souq was known as the ‘Souq of Darkness’, due to its closed off ceiling and dimly lit interior. This is how Muttrah Souq looks like during the morning before the shops open.
There is an intersection in the middle where you’ll find a single column supported the round wooden frame of a dome. Natural sun lights shine through the small windows of the dome to shed some light on the otherwise dark interior.
Of course, thanks to the wonder of electricity in modern world, it is now brightly lit anytime the market is open.
Souvenir shops outside the souq.
During the evening, Muttrah Souq came into life.
You can buy Omani traditional clothing in the souq.
You can haggle a bit for best price, it’s part of the fun of shopping in a traditional market. Cash is still preferred by sellers although cards are accepted in bigger shops selling expensive items.
Oman is famous for its frankincense which is considered the best quality in the world. Frankincense or its ceramic burner are popular souvenirs to get home.
Muttrah Souq is comparatively small in scale when compared to the Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Tehran Grand Bazaar that I’ve visited in the past. However, it is still larger than what it seems at first if you continue to explore the smaller alleys which head off in every direction.
Gold Souq is also nearby Muttrah Souq if you want to visit.
Muttrah Fort
Muttrah Fort is located on the mountain ridge overlooking both the city and the bay of Muttrah.
With its towers and ramparts, it was in an ideal position to protect Muttrah from attacks.
Originally an Omani fort built in 913AH, the Portugese later added two towers and a curtain wall. the fort underwent further development under Al Busaidi dynasty during the latter part of 18th century when the curtain walls were doubled and further towers added.
Opening hours of Muttrah Fort is 9am to 4pm (Sat - Thu), 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm (Fri).
Entrance fees is 500 Baisas for adult and 200 Baisas for child (6 - 12) or 100 Baisas with family.
In case you're wondering, 1 Omani Riyal equals to 1,000 Baisas.
Muttrah Corniche
The Corniche is a 3km long promenade which provides great views of the waterfront surrounded by majestic mountains.
You can also see the 16th century Muttrah Fort on top of the mountains.
The best time to walk along the corniche is in the evening before the sun sets. The fort, mountains and building along the corniche will be covered in bright orange hue then.
Apart from Oman Royal Yacht Squadron and visiting cruise ships, Sultan Qaboos Port is also permanent home to the retired Shabab Oman, a fully-rigged training ship.
The fish market is towards the end of Muttrah Corniche heading towards Sultan Qaboos Port. It is not really a tourist sight as per se, but it is worth a quick visit as it is still an active place where fishermen bring their fresh catch every morning.
Where to eat in Muttrah
The most famous restaurant at the Corniche is Bait Al Luban which offers an authentic Omani cuisine menu.
The restaurant name literally means ‘house of frankincense’.
The tables at the balcony has breathtaking views of the corniche and it is usually fully booked by reservation in advance.
We were a bit disappointed about not getting a table on the balcony but the traditional decorated interior is still nice to look at.
We ordered a date milkshake, an Omani shuwa (slow-cooked lamb with Omani spices) and Omani style grilled fish with rice. The food was delicious and we finished everything on the table despite the generous portion.
The bill came up to be 16 OMR, the most expensive meal we had in Oman but it’s quite worth it.
Where to stay in Muttrah
There are plenty of hotels along the Corniche. The hotel I chose to stay was Naseem Hotel which is near the roundabout and fish market. It is about 10-minute walk from the Muttrah Souq.
The hotel room with double bed is reasonably priced at approximately 51 euros per night.
Its room also has the waterfront view.
Overall, I would recommend to stay in Muttrah area if you're visiting Muscat.
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