Muscat Tourist Places
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Al Jalali Fort and Al Mirani fort
The Portuguese constructed this fort when they took over Oman in 1507 until they were ejected in 1624. It is said to have been erected earlier by the Sassanid Persians. The two twin forts are placed on opposite sides of the ocean, one on a rocky outcropping. The fort was originally a prison and had a bad reputation that made many people afraid. Today, they are utilized by the Royal Oman Army, and access is restricted. However, they can be appreciated from the outside, and photography is permitted!
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Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace
This 200-year-old palace, with its golden arches and blue-dyed façade, was renovated and redesigned in 1972. It's surrounded by tall trees and lovely fountains. Visitors are not permitted to enter the palace because it is a royal residence, but they are permitted to walk about the complex and take as many photographs as they choose.
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Corniche Area
The pedestrianized promenade, known as "Corniche" in the neighborhood, runs from the bustling fish market to Kalbuh Park.
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Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Non-Muslim tourists are welcome to visit the entire compound. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. every day except Friday. On the other hand, ladies are supposed to cover their heads, ankles, and wrists when entering the mosque. The Swarovski crystal chandelier, the second biggest hand-made Persian carpet in the world, and the marble paneling are all must-sees in the mosque.
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Bait az-Zubair Museum
The museum itself has exhibits on Omani social history, and tours of the nearby recreated townhouse are offered regularly.
Parks
Muscat also has a plethora of small and large parks, the greatest of which is the Qurum National Park or Rose Gardens, which features a massive constructed waterfall, a lake, and an amusement park and is a must-see during the Muscat Festival. Riyam Park, which also has rides and an Arabian watchtower, is another famous park. Several factories, like the Omani halwa plant and the Amouage perfume factory, are open to the public. The most valuable perfume in the world is Amouage.
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Nakhal Fort
This magnificent fort is located at the base of the Hajar Mountains' Jebel Akhdar sector, some 40 minutes east of the city.
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Muttrah Souk
With its labyrinth of spice-scented alleyways, this historic market is the ideal location to go true shopping. Its winding alleys are lined with matchbox-sized shops offering herbs, silver, gold, frankincense, and other local wares. This location will undoubtedly transport you back in time, reminding you of the markets recounted in the Arabian Nights legends.
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Oman Avenues Mall
Oman Avenues Mall, one of the Sultanate's newest shopping malls, features a big food court, a variety of restaurants and cafés, local and international brands, and a children's play area. It also contains a major grocery and a theatre complex.
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Life in Muscat
Oman's national drink is Karak Tea. It's on practically every street corner. This sweetened cardamom-flavored milk tea pairs well with Omani "rakhal" or "rigag," a cheese-filled crepe-like bread. When you are invited to an Omani home, you will be served wonderful and light Omani coffee with freshly selected dates. Soft drinks are also popular, particularly Mountain Dew and Pepsi, but as people become more aware of the dangers of excessive consumption of fizzy drinks, they are gradually being replaced by fresh-squeezed juices from juice stalls dotted throughout the city and the yogurt-flavored thick drink known as "laban," which is the Turkish equivalent of ayran. Also, numerous coffee shops are springing up across the country, including Starbucks.