A few weeks ago I traveled to Muscat and I have to say that this place is freaking amazing. The people, the food, the landscape and nearly everything was unbelievable nice. So I decided to write a little travel diary to share my favorite places and suggestions with you.
Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman and only 40 minutes via plane from Abu Dhabi. So my friends and I decided to do a little trip during our 4 days off and went to lovely Muscat. As mentioned, the flight was very short and comfortable and we were very happy when we reached the Omani capital. 10 degrees less and lovely people welcomed us at the airport. Already our taxi driver was very friendly and explained us on our way to the hotel the history of Muscat and the most important things about the Oman and its inhabitants.
Hotel:
My friends and I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, which is located very close to the city centre and also directly next to the beach. So for the locations I would rate it with 5 of 5 stars. The staff was friendly and the price was OK. The rooms very quiet big and clean.
Not very nice were the pool and the other guests.
Some people of cruise ships stayed there as well and were all super drunk and flirty, talking and touching. This was way too much. It was loud at the pool and you didn’t had any chance to relax at all, so we were very happy we could leave the place and were mostly busy to spend the day somewhere else.
Due to their behavior the pool was also not very clean and very sandy, so it didn’t made you feel well to swim in it and we all preferred to go into the sea instead.
Rating: For 4 days it was OK and the price was quiet good. However if we compare this hotel with other 5 stars hotel in Abu Dhabi it’s difficult for this one to keep up with them.
More information about: Grand Hyatt Muscat
Recommendations and Suggestions
Muscat has a lot of other beautiful hotels to offer, which we would love to introduce to you here:
Shangri – La
The Shangri – La Hotel is located a little bit outside of the city center but the location is absolutely stunning. From this place you overlook the sea and the mountains and it makes you more than speechless. If you visit Muscat definitely check it out. It’s even nice to drive there for a coffee or drink. Absolutely amazing!
More information about: Shangri -la Muscat
The Chedi
This is a new Boutique Hotel in the heart of Muscat. Perfect for design lovers and minimalists. The pool is big, clean and super new. The rooms are lovely and inspired by the Asian Zen Buddhism.
More information about: The Chedi
Al Bustan Palaca / Ritz Carlton
Al Bustan Palace by Ritz Carlton is a real palace. Once built for Sultan Quaboos it’s now an amazing Ritz Carlton Hotel. Full of luxury and surrounded by the fabulous Omani landscape. This was one of my favorite hotels and always a place I would go back to when in Muscat.
More information about: Al Bustan Palace / The Ritz Carlton
Sightseeing
Mosque
A must see when in Muscat is definitely the mosque. It’s very big and very beautiful. Next to a few tourists, you also find a lot of Omani people there which are visiting it for prayers but also for meetings and for studies, as it has next to its prayer room as well lots of other facilities such as a library for example. Everyone is invited to visit the mosque and ask everything you always wanted to know about Islam and the culture in Muscat. While sitting on cozy couches and consuming Arabic coffee and dates the Islamic teacher is more than happy to explain you everything about their religion and faith.
Please note that you wear long clothes and cover your hair. If you didn’t think about this, its also possible to rent an Abaya right at the entrance for around 4 Euros per piece. Men should also wear long clothes and no shorts.
More information about: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Mutrah Souk
Also very nice, when in Muscat, is the Mutrah Souk. It’s a colorful and inspiring place where you can buy nearly everything. From Caftans to jewelry, spices and oils, here you find all you need and for a very good price.
More information about: Mutrah Souk
Bait Al Zubair Museum
We also visited the Bait Al Zubair Museum where you can lean everything about the culture of Oman and it’s capital Muscat. From traditional clothes, history photographies to furniture, Art and various interesting things.
More information about: Bait Al Zubair Museum
Restaurants
Muscat is well known for it’s fabulous sea food. With more than 3000 km of coast it s surrounded by sea and fresh fish and other nice and delicious things. We don’t wanna hide the best places to eat and are introducing them to you here.
1. Bait Al Luban Restaurant
This is a traditional restaurant in the heart of Muscat. Even the location is already quite impressive. It is located in a traditional house not very far from the Souk and quietly hidden. So open your eyes and step into the world of Omani food and culture.
More information about: Bait Al Luban
2. Kargeen Caffe
This is my personal favorite place in Muscat. While sitting in a green garden under beautiful lighten up trees with little lanterns it’s just amazing. But not only the location is gorgeous also the food is absolutely perfect. I ordered a traditional seafood platter and was speechless after I received it. I got my own little grill for the table where they served 2 different fish, gambas and crab on a banana leave. The taste was amazing and so fresh and it was so far the best seafood I ever ate here in the Middle east.
More information about: Kargeen Caffe
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