Sunset in Muscat

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Mutrah Corniche

Top choice in Muscat


Mutrah stretches along an attractive corniche of latticed buildings and mosques; it looks spectacular at sunset when the light casts shadows across the serrated crescent of mountains, while pavements, lights and fountains invite an evening stroll or a bike ride.

The initiative to relocate the industrial elements of the port and redevelop the dockside for tourism is well underway with the refurbishment of the fish market complete. The port will provide a permanent home for Shabab Oman, the country's magnificent fully rigged training ship, which is soon to be retired now that its replacement has been commissioned. In the meantime, the harbour is home to His Majesty's dhow, visiting cruise ships and assorted naval vessels.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Muscat attractions

1. Mutrah Gold Souq

0.1 MILES

A visit to Mutrah Souq wouldn't be the same without a stroll through the narrow alleys that house the glittering gold shops. The bridal gold, worked into…

2. Bait Al Baranda

0.15 MILES

Housed in a renovated 1930s residence, this museum traces the history – and prehistory – of Muscat through imaginative, interactive displays and exhibits…

3. Mutrah Souq

0.16 MILES

Many people come to Mutrah Corniche just to visit the souq, which retains the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market albeit housed under modern…

4. Fish Market

0.21 MILES

Despite being the capital's main port, Mutrah feels more like a fishing village. The daily catch is delivered to market, by the Marina Hotel, from sunrise…

5. Mutrah Fort

0.29 MILES

Built by the Portuguese in the 1580s, this fort dominates the eastern end of Mutrah harbour. Used for military purposes, it has at long last reopened to…

6. Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art

0.36 MILES

This delightful little museum, which encompasses both a modern art gallery and an old furnished house, encapsulates something of the excitement of the new…

7. Al Riyam Park

1.04 MILES

Beyond Mutrah Fort, the Corniche leads to the leafy Al Riyam Park, with fine views of the harbour from the giant ornamental incense burner. There is a…

8. Watchtower

1.06 MILES

The restored Portuguese watchtower on a promontory out to sea, halfway along Mutrah Corniche, affords a view of the ocean and the grand sweep of Mutrah's…