Five Things You Won't Fade Up Doing in Muscat

Oman, stuck amid Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the Indian Ocean, is mystical and pristine. Its most popular city, the picture-perfect Muscat, discovered some 900 years back, is placed on the border of coarse desert landscapes overlooking glittering emerald seas smolder with classical charm.  Today, Muscat is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations for those that are looking for immaculate driving water, perennial sunshine and a genuine Arabian experience. As a travel buff, I had visited many destinations worldwide, but Muscat will always remain close to my heart and rightly so. If you’re in Muscat for the first time, let me guide you “what to do” in this historic city.

Visit the Souq:
The Muttrah Souq – a web of minute winding boulevards, where the hustle bustle and the exotic fragrances are oozing– is the ideal place to buy a souvenir. It is packed with black and white. Females are wrapped in black ‘abayas’, whereas males put on white ‘dish-dash’ outfits and embellished ‘Krum’ hats. Shopkeepers here are very friendly and you can see they are joking with their customers. The best buys comprise spices such as saffron, silver charms and the sweet-smelling frankincense which, to me, has turned out to be synonymous with this nation.

Hit the Qantab Beach:
Qantab, just 2 miles away from the Shangri La, boast a stunning tourist-free beach. On Fridays, this beach gets busy with tourists picnicking and playing cricket. The sun rays here are so intense to stay long, but nevertheless it’s a lovely place to sit down and sip the natural beauty with your loved one. 

Go diving:
Oman’s waters are so untouched and it draws the world’s most crazy diving aficionados, including Prince Charles. The waters are so rich with reef whale sharks, barracudas, sunfish and turtles as well.

Drink at the Chedi:
Yet another Muscat “Must-Visit” that shouldn’t be missed. The Moorish structural design and meticulous attention to detail make it one of the Muscat’s most lavish hotels. Each piece of furnishing, each bit of greenery is immaculate. The sensational eatery with its crystal light fixtures over food stations sheathed in glass is an appetizing odyssey – from Patisserie to Sushi. The deserts seem particularly delicious, from vibrant rainbow coated cakes to scrumptious macaroons. Nevertheless, if budget is a concern, you can go for a quick drink on the patio.

Shop around:
For a typical shopping experience, head towards the Muscat CityCenter Mall, just ahead of the terminal. The large space boasts an incredible collection of western brands such as Gap, Zara, Banana Republic and more. It is also the ideal place to purchase a bottle of Oman’s most preferred and very expensive perfume, Amouage.