Muscat, Oman Hotels and City Guide

Experience the Arabia that is a perfect blend of history and progress, past and future. The Oman city of Muscat is a beautiful example of the riches a city can possess as long as it possesses the greatest wealth of all: a proud, compassionate, and accepting people. This is the Arabia that we picture in fairy tales and epic stories of heroes and magic. The city is magic, and it is waiting for you to discover its treasures.

Muscat is a unique port city in Oman, rich in history and diverse in its culture. Three small towns, each with their own distinct identities and strengths, merged to form this “walled city.” The original town of Muscat was home to royal palaces, while neighboring Mutrah was a small fishing village. The third town, Ruwi, would become a diplomatic and commercial hub of the newly merged city. Together, they formed a thriving port that still today retains its sense of heritage and its prominence is Oman.

Architecture in the area, regardless of its date of origin, must reflect the customs and tradition of the region with domes or arabesque windows that have made the city so unique. This uniformity creates a beautiful and picturesque environment so visitors can see the elegance of Muscat for themselves.

The name Muscat literally translates to mean "safe anchorage,” an homage to the sea, reflecting its importance to the people of Oman. Still, while the architecture is stunning and the sea provides a gorgeous backdrop to the city, it is the people that most visitors will remember long after their visit is over. Sudanese Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the languid pace of the city, enhanced by long afternoon naps, and warm chats over coffee and a sheesha. Since being opened to the modern world by Sultan Qaboos in 1970, Muscat has continually grown as a city, and as a tourist destination. Its clean streets and pristine beaches are inviting and beckon visitors to enjoy the charms of the city.

Muscat Facts

Muscat Population: 630,000
Oman Population: 2.9 million
Muscat Area: 3500 square kilometers
Telephone Area Codes: International country code +968
Currency: Rial Omani (RO)
Time Zone: GMT +4
Language: Arabic
Electricity: 220/240 volts, 50Hz. Grounded British BS-1363 style plugs.

Muscat Districts

Many visitors to Oman, and to Muscat in particular, are struck by how very genuine the people and the place really are. Muscat is a city that welcomes its guests and has built a thriving industry around tourism, and yet, they are primarily concerned with keeping their strong heritage and faith alive. As a result, a visitor will notice that while the city is very friendly, it is not fake. It is not a tourist trap, and the many wonderful attractions are typically related to the history, heritage, and legacy of Muscat. In other words, because Muscat strives to remain true to itself, tourists have the rare opportunity of seeing the culture and its remarkable people in action.

The city was originally formed when three smaller towns merged their strengths and peoples. Today, those divisions remain somewhat: the three core districts of Muscat are Muscat, Mutrah, and Ruwa – the three original towns. To experience the full and real Muscat, make sure to visit each wonderful district during your travels.

Old Muscat
An important historical core of the incorporated city of Muscat, Old Muscat is the “Walled City.” You will find gates, walls, and forts dating back to Medieval times. Less than 1.5 kilometers long by 1 kilometer wide, Old Muscat provides a compact look back in time. For centuries, the gates around the city were locked at sunset. The gates had an immense role in the city, besides protection, they were a form of public communication. Important decrees were posted by the Sultan on the walls. It is truly a different world, and visitors can step back through the centuries and discover it for themselves. Walk through the carved gates of Al Kabir, AL Mathaib, and Al Sagir, soaking in the incredible story of this city. While in Old Muscat, visitors should look at the Muscat Gate House Museum.

Mutrah
Mutrah is near the port, and visitors are treated to some of the most incredible views in the city. Nothing is more lovely than a clear blue sky and the dazzling sea. The Mutrah district is home to one of the largest ports in the region and is an important center of commerce in Oman. The main attraction for most visitors, though, is the bustling, exciting Mutrah Souk, a traditional bazaar where one can find the perfect Omani souvenir to take home or take advantage of the chance to do some people watching.

Ruwi
Ruwi is the center of business and commerce in Muscat. This is one of the oldest sections of the city, and you will see the history in the narrow streets and old buildings. Modern buildings were built in the 1970s, but the area retains its sense of heritage. There are several churches and Hindu temples in Ruwi. The views are incredible. It looks like the city has been carved into the mountains, and the white of the buildings provides a stark and lovely contrast to the brown hills that surrounds it. While in Muscat, take some of the day tours around Ruwi. It is a fascinating area.

Hotels in Muscat, Oman