The Muttrah area is famous for its Corniche and Souq. Plan some time to discover those 2 Muscat highlights, mix with the locals and explore this busy part of the Omani capital city.
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Muttrah Corniche and Souq
One of the top things to do in Muscat, the Souq and Corniche have a long history.
Locally named Al Dhalam, the Souq with the nearby harbor is one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab World. It was indeed strategically located on the way to China and India.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to Muttrah
- Muttrah also written Mutrah is located in a cove East of Muscat. The main road (road 1) goes through it
- I recommend getting there via taxis, as the main road is often congested and parking not easily available
Visiting the Muttrah Corniche and the Souq
- The corniche is a nice area for easy walking with nice views and the breeze from the see
- The area is very touristic area (the Souq is considered one of the most visited place in Oman) and restaurant terraces are often full
- Most of the goods you will find in the Souq are actually imported
- The Souq is not traditional anymore (from mud and palm leaves), it has been modernized and decorated to attract tourists and provide comfort to shoppers
- Bargaining is expected but not significant. Cards are now accepted in most shops but sellers prefer cash.
- You get easily lost in the Souq but head down and you will reach the water.
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Corniche
The 2 km long corniche is an easy walk with nice views of the Sultan's boat and the Muscat Fort. Take time to look at the water for schools of fishes. And if you really take your time you might see some birds fishing them.
The Shiite Settelment
My guide took me to the Shiite settlement of Al-Lawataya, above the Souq. Apparently there is a sign that visitors should not enter, but I was follwoing my guide so I did not notice. Lonely Planet make it sounds like it is dangerous, but it is more of a privacy question. I had no idea at the time. However everyone was smiling at us. We stopped at a bakery, they allowed me to take pictures and we ate some delicious freshly baked bread...
Gold Souq
Not as impressive as the huge Dubai Gold Souq, the Muttrah one has some charms. It is located at the west end of th Souq near the corniche.
But I am more of a silver girl...
Exploring the Mutrah Souq
I noticed that locals come to the Souq as much as visitors.
In the Muscat Souq you can find: household goods, shoes, ready-made garments, frankincense, perfume oils, fresh jasmine and spices, Omani posts, Hookah pipes and so much more. However, I am going to reapeat myself, many items are imported.
It gets busier at night.
I was there during the long weekend of the National Day so the Omani flag was everywhere
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