Muscat, Oman – Lovely capital blending past and present

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Muscat, Oman – Lovely capital blending past and present

Arriving at Oman's capital city, you may be struck by the absence of skyscrapers, a deliberate choice to preserve a connection to the past. The many lovely modern buildings in the city, such as the fabulous Grand Mosque, are designed to blend in with traditional architecture.Muscat's rich history is still visible in the old town today. The 16th-century forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani recall its occupation by the Portuguese. Children will enjoy hands-on science exhibits at the Children's Museum or gazing at sea-life at the Omani Aquarium. To relax, why not check out the Qurum Natural Park and let the kids expend their energy at the playground.Take a trip into the mountains for some breathtaking views or head down to the seaside for some of the most gorgeous beaches in the region.

18°C

Clear Sky

86%

3.23 m/s

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Top Attractions in Muscat

Marvel at the Sultan's Official Residence – Al Alam Palace

A majestic example of modern Islamic architecture, the clean lines and delicate patterning of the Sultan's ceremonial residence form a strong contrast with the 16th-century forts that flank its bay. Built in 1972, the palace and its lush gardens provide an elegant location to receive distinguished guests to the country. Stroll along the pedestrian boulevard past ornate buildings and flowerbeds up to the palace's gates. Admire the central building‘s bold blue and gold mushroom columns and tiled archways standing out against the columns and arches of the palace wings and nearby government buildings.
A total cultural experience at the Royal Opera House

Shining white marble arches set against the bright blue sky and complemented by the garden's colourful flowers make Muscat's Royal Opera House a delight to behold.Inside, the stately beauty continues and state-of-the-art technology allows rapid stage transformation, accommodating ballets, jazz trios, philharmonic orchestras, oud players and more, and provides subtitles and other communications directly to each auditorium seat.Celebrating culture from around the world, this venue showcases renowned local and international artists, while outreach efforts, like Coffee and Dates with Stars, let you meet performers and gain insight into the performing arts.
Capture a sense of history at Al Jalali Fort

An isolated fortress, seemingly sculpted from the rocky outcrop, this imposing 16th-century structure overlooks the Sea of Oman. The interior is closed to the public, but you can get close and admire the rugged architecture. At night, the illuminated fort looks spectacular.Feeling adventurous? You can climb the stairs on the western cliff face for a closer look and a panoramic view of Muscat. Why not take a boat trip, perhaps on a traditional dhow, and cruise past, getting the best views of both the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, and the palace that sits between them?
Discover the past at Muscat's National Museum

With a wonderful view of the Sultan's Palace at the far end of a pedestrian boulevard, this contemporary museum presents a beautiful façade with its white walls, impressive arches and stylised resemblance to fortifications.Inside, the focus is on affording plenty of space to high-quality, interactive exhibits that tell the story of Oman's heritage from its first inhabitants to the modern day.You can feel a vibrant sense of history with the collections divided amongst the country's most important eras and milestones, and learn about the fascinating processes that artefacts go through prior to exhibition.

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