Introduction
Muscat is the capital of Oman; a small nation located to the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. Though, not as old as the some other cities in Middle East, it has a character of its own and houses some fantastic attraction within its sphere. Stretching some 50 km in a linear direction from East to West, the city houses different districts.

What to do
Muscat is primarily a business centre although the many monuments it houses do give it a touch of age-old charm. A visit to the museums, monuments, and markets are essential to understand the character of the city. For the adventure seekers there is the added option to indulge in different water sport activities such as jet skiing, fishing charters, dolphin shows, and much more. City has a good nightlife and a visit to the nightclubs and discos of the city can be quite exciting.

City at a Glance

Latitude 23°40' N Longitude 58°38' E Population 635,000 Language Arabic Religion Islam Telephone Code 0968

History
The Portuguese were the first to occupy Muscat in the 16th century AD. They maintained a garrison in city till 1650 AD when they were expelled by the then Sultan of Oman. Sultans of Oman were on the zenith of their power during the 18th and 19th centuries during which period they controlled the trade posts as far away as Zanzibar, and along the African coasts. The present ruling dynasty of Al Busaid was started by Imam Ahmed bin Said in 1744 AD. The fortunes of this region changed for the good in the 20th century due to the exploration of oil. Today, Muscat is a vibrant modern commercial city and also one of the prosperous ones in the Middle Eastern region.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Weather conditions in Muscat vary throughout the year. Summers that last from April to July are extremely hot and humid. The temperature does come down in the winter season from October to March, which is the ideal time to visit Muscat.

Highlights/Attractions
Oman Museum
The Oman Museum, in Medinat Qaboos, just outside Muscat is also worth a visit. Covering the whole history of Oman's long and fascinating past, it has exhibits on Islam, the building and design of forts and shipbuilding in the country.

Forts
Jalali, Mirani, and Mutrah Forts around the Central Muscat are the major attractions in the city. Based on the Portuguese architectural pattern these were built in the 16th and 17th century AD.

Armed Forces Museum
Run by the royal army of Oman, this museum showcases the history of Oman in detail. Inside the museum there are many rooms dedicated to the history of Omani army and some of the great battles it fought. The museum is open on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday only.

Bait Al Zubair
Situated in Old Muscat, this place gives amazing glimpses of the lifestyle and traditions of ancient and modern Muscat.

Others
Other places that can be visited in Muscat are Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Marine Science and Fisheries Centre, and Natural History Museum.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Muscat Festival, organised annually in the months of December and January is one of the greatest attractions of Muscat. Sports, music, dance, exhibitions, stage performances, children's activities, everything is the part of this grand festival.

Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr are the most important religious festivals and celebrated with great fanfare.

After Hours
The best way to enjoy your evenings is to look for some good nightclub. Muscat has a number of them, some of the famous ones being: Al Harma, Par 19, Saba Nightclub, and Sur Nightclub.

SHOPPING
Corniche is the best place for shopping in Muscat. It showcases khanjars (traditional daggers), caftans, turbans, jewellery and leather items. The city also boasts some of the most modern shopping malls such as Al Araimi Complex, City Plaza, and Al Harthy Centre.

WHERE TO STAY
There are reasonable accommodation options available in Muscat. Some of the best international hotel chains like Hayatt, Crowne Plaza, and Hilton have their units here to suit the upper segment of visitors. Beside the city also provides for a number of economy class hotels to suit the requirements of budget travellers.

WHERE TO EAT

Muscat has number of restaurants that serve a wide variety of international cuisines, besides the mouth watering local delicacies. Seafood is another major speciality of Muscat. Once here your menu should include the deliciously prepared lobsters, crabs, and squids.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Muscat has its own Seeb International Airport, which is located around 40 kilometres west of the city centre. Regular flights from this airport connect Muscat to important cities in Europe, Middle East, and North America.

Land And Water
Taxis and intercity buses are the most commonly used means of transport used in this part of the world. Muscat also has a number of car rental companies like Eurocar, which rent out cars to tourists and locals at nominal rates.

Local Transport
City buses and taxi services are the best options to get around Muscat. These ply on all-important routes and are available during most parts of the day. Cars can be hired from the car rental companies that are scattered throughout the city.