#Muttrah Souk Within Muscat lies an abundance of opportunities to explore Omani history and culture. Beyond the twin forts mentioned above, Muttrah Souk provides insight into a way of life which has remained largely unchanged through the centuries – people still sell frankincense, silver jewellery, and Bedouin handicrafts in its many stalls. A visit to Muttrah is a must-do on any Oman holiday, with fragrances wafting through the air and the sight of Omani men in their traditional dishdashas sharing chatter over cups of qahlwa making for a truly immersive cultural experience. Elsewhere, Muscat’s streets are decorated with beautiful gardens bursting with colour year-round, a product of significant irrigation fed by desalinated sea water. Date palms feature heavily and are a reminder of the plantations which have been a part of local agriculture for thousands of years, while roundabouts and overpasses are all designed with typical Arabian flair. The streets themselves are immaculately maintained and well signposted. In the near future, Muscat will be home to the Royal Opera House, a stunning building which will house the country’s premiere cultural events. The city is already home to many fascinating museums unveiling the heart of Omani culture and mapping the nation’s path through history. Favourite museums in Muscat include Bait al Zubair and the simply titled Omani Museum, which also offers a commanding view over Muscat. Muscat also contains a cosmopolitan mix of restaurants and cafes, headlined by fine dining offerings in the city’s opulent five- and six-star hotels. There are also shopping opportunities for those so inclined, with generally favourable pricing compared to Australian and New Zealand stores. Muscat is a city of history, culture and natural beauty which immediately captures the heart of its visitors. It provides the perfect starting point for a journey into Oman.
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 03:53:17 +0000
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