Job Discussion Forums

Rin · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 173 Location: Doha

My friend and I are going to Muscat this weeked for (unfortunately) only two days. I have checked tourism sites but I want to know from the people that live there, what are the things I absolutely HAVE to do in Muscat if I am never going to go there again (which isn't true of me, but is true of my friend, since she is only in Qatar for 2 months and than is going back to Canada again).

Very Happy

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Can you rent a car? It is the best way to see the country. The roads are good and you can see a lot in a couple of days driving. I'd try to see Nizwa, Jabrin, Rustaq, Bahla, if I could...

If you can't leave the Muscat area, head for the Corniche and visit the souq there. There are some good antique shops selling interesting items - Omani or not.

Check out a bit of Old Muscat (little is left...) but there are a couple of forts and one of the Sultan's Palace - looks like giant golf tees to me. The old city is in a lovely setting. Drive out to the posh Al Bustan Hotel and have tea. There is a museum, though I have to admit that I never made it there even though I lived not far from it. (isn't that how it always goes)

Muscat is actually a collection of 'villages' which are now rather like suburbs spread along the sea from Old Muscat city to the airport. It is easy to drive around because you can't really get lost. There is only one main highway from one end to the other.

Get yourself a good map and just explore during the day. I can't remark on the nightlife as I never took advantage of it. There are always the hotels.

VS

Rin · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 173 Location: Doha

We aren't really interested in the nightlife. What we are interested in is the natural beauty I guess, Wadi's and things like that. We might rent a car or find a driver through the hotel. Are there any Natural sites close to Muscat? All the Wadi's seem to be down farther South.

And thanks VS, I'll defintely check out the Corniche and Souks, and old Muscat.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You can't miss the scenery... just follow any road heading towards the mountains. Cool

There are good guidebooks and maps available and it's easy to get to many of the places. If your hotel doesn't have the books, find a Family Bookstore. A 4WD is needed for most of the best wadis, of course, but with only two days, you can still see quite a bit - staying only on the nice highways and checking out some of the villages along the way.

VS

KiteBiker · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:45 pm Post subject: a driver

If you get your hands on the Maverick's Guide to Oman, it's written by a fellow named Ochs. He is actually a tour host and driver in muscat who knows all the ins and outs of the area. Well worth the money. In 2000, he was working for Bahwan Travel. Try to hunt this guy down. He's worth it!