Places

Excavated ruins that hint at how people lived here thousands of years ago. Signage is limited: read up before visiting.

Leading contemporary art space in Muscat promoting emerging Omani artists. Regular exhibitions, talks, and cultural events.

Al Amerat Public Park spans 30,000 square meters on the highway opposite the satellite station in Al Amerat, Muscat. Every year it becomes home to the Muscat Festival's Heritage Village, where Bedouin tents, farming tools and coastal exhibits bring Oman's desert, agricultural and seafaring traditions to life alongside craftspeople and Omani chefs. Outside festival season the park remains a favourite for local families seeking open green space.

Wadi Al Mayh winds through the historic village of Al Mayh in Al Amerat, Muscat, spread across five districts including Al Raj' and Al Qabil. Its best known falaj, Al Raj', still runs clear beneath date palms and green orchards, while Jabal Al Hanaqi rises above the valley, once known for its honey, gazelles and ibex. The combination of flowing water, old stone architecture and mountain views makes it a popular hiking spot for people from Muscat.

Darsait Park sits in the Darsait neighbourhood of Muscat, offering shaded walkways and mountain views across a spacious green setting. Families come for the children's playground, seating areas and clean facilities, making it a popular stop for an afternoon outing. The park is open from early morning until late at night, with parking available for visitors.

Jebel Sifah is a coastal destination beside As Sifah village in Muscat Governorate, about 45 minutes from the capital and known as one of the top weekend getaways for Muscat residents. It centres on a marina with dozens of berths along a shoreline of several kilometres, offering diving among coral reefs, jet skiing, fishing, and yacht trips, alongside golf, horse riding, and dune buggy outings in the surrounding hills. Restaurants, beach clubs, and the Sifawy Hotel round out a spot that mixes adventure with leisure by the turquoise waters of the Sea of Oman.

Al Naseem Park lies between Seeb and Barka, roughly 60 kilometres from central Muscat, and ranks among the oldest family parks in the area. Its grounds hold a fish pond, a lake, a waterfall, a maze and separate Arabic and Japanese style gardens, alongside a playground for children. Entry is free, and the park is at its best from November to February when its gardens are in full bloom, often coinciding with Muscat Festival activities.

Al Zawawi Mosque stands in the Al Khuwair district of Muscat, along Sultan Qaboos Street. Omar Al Zawawi built it in 1985 in memory of his father, Abdul Mun'im Al Zawawi, and gave it to the people of Oman as a gift. The mosque is known for its golden tones, its single minaret and dome, and the Quranic verses inscribed on metal panels set into walls built from wood and marble.