Muscat: Picture yourself walking or jogging along a three-kilometre-long corniche by the sea. As you exercise, you can see Oman's harbour on one side and the mountains on the other, with a fort visible at the far end. The atmosphere is serene and the gentle sea breeze feels especially refreshing in the early morning or evening when the place is less crowded.
This is what Muttrah Corniche offers, stretching for three kilometres along the waterfront of Muscat, lined with restaurants, cafes and markets.
This promenade offers not only a visual feast of Oman's harbour and the striking rock formations of Al Hajar Mountains but also the rich cultural heritage of the region. The northern end of the Corniche boasts a fish market and a marina, while Muttrah Fort dominates the eastern end of the Corniche.
The best times to visit the Corniche are early in the morning or evening, when it's less crowded. The enchanting sea breeze invigorates the spirit as you explore the many amenities and services offered. Take leisurely walks, breathe in the fresh air and relax on one of the many benches scattered along the promenade. The Corniche also features numerous shops and stalls where visitors can purchase various products and souvenirs. Additionally, there are mobile food carts offering local snacks and ice cream. A dedicated play area is where you can find the beautiful Riyam Park and Kalbooh Park.
Muttrah Corniche is a paradise for sports enthusiasts. Walking, jogging, or renting a bicycle for a leisurely ride along the promenade are popular activities. The serene surroundings make it an excellent spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty.
While walking around Muttrah Corniche, wear comfortable clothing, plus it would be a good idea to take water and some snacks with you.
A highlight of visiting Muttrah Corniche is dining at one of the sea-facing restaurants. Enjoy traditional Omani dishes and a variety of cuisines with family and friends, or simply relax with a drink at one of the cafes offering breathtaking views.
Krupa Abhirup, a visitor from India, said: "Walking along the Corniche in Muscat was a wonderful experience for me and my husband. We visited it frequently. We walked the entire stretch, starting from the fish market to the Al Alam Palace. It was a long walk, but it was worth the effort. The Corniche is always buzzing with activity. The wide pedestrian path was quite clean, lined with benches and gazebos and the walls were adorned with fish carvings and other decorations reflecting the pride of the government and people in showcasing their culture. "
the Wilayat of Muttrah
It is one of the most important cities in Omani history, as it dates back to more than 3,000 BC. It is located within Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. It overlooks the shore of the Sea of Oman that made it an important commercial centre throughout history. It is a place to exchange goods from different countries.
There are eight villages in Muttrah: Muttrah City, Greater Muttrah, Al Wattayah, Ruwi, Wadi Adai, Aynat, Al Qurm and Mina Al Fahal. It has many distinctive tourist attractions, including ancient castles and towers, in addition to narrow alleys and a market filled with a fragrant history. Muttrah Souq is famous as the oldest market in the Sultanate of Oman, which dates back approximately two hundred years. One of the most important tourist facilities is the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.
There are two types of museums in Muttrah: Bait Al Baranda and the Ghalya Museum of Modern Art. Bait Al Baranda Museum features several exhibitions focusing on Omani maritime and archaeological history. It is open from Saturday to Thursday, with timings from 9 am to 1 pm and then from 4 pm to 6 pm.
The climate in Muttrah is generally characterised by heat and dryness, with high humidity levels throughout the year. Temperatures can reach around 40 degrees Celsius during the summer but drop to approximately 25 degrees Celsius in the winter, making the weather cooler and somewhat warm during the winter months.
Muttrah has not changed much from before, as the smell of the past and old stories still remain with the passage of time.
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