Muscat — Neighborhood Guide
Old Muscat — the historic walled quarter where the city began — contains the Royal Palace, the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque nearby, the National Museum, and the twin Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani watching over the bay.
Quick Answer
Old Muscat — the historic walled quarter where the city began — contains the Royal Palace, the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque nearby, the National Museum, and the twin Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani watching over the bay.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$$, $$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Old Muscat is less a commercial neighbourhood than a monument district — the beautifully whitewashed buildings, the Royal Palace walls, and the Bait Al Zubair museum create a precinct of exceptional historical and architectural quality. The National Museum of Oman is one of the finest in the Arab world.
Insider Tips
The National Museum of Oman (opened 2016) is the finest museum in the Gulf — the exhibition on Omani maritime history and the incense trade routes is extraordinary.
Al Alam Palace's exterior (not open to public) is one of the most photogenic buildings in the Gulf — photograph from the ceremonial gate on a clear morning.
Bait Al Zubair private museum is one of Muscat's hidden gems — an extraordinary private collection of Omani heritage artefacts, jewellery, and historic weaponry.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Old Muscat
Built for a summit of Arab leaders in 1985, Al Bustan Palace remains one of the architectural wonders of the Gulf — its soaring 38-metre atrium dome, private beach in a protected natural bay, and mountain backdrop create a setting of genuinely regal drama. The Ritz-Carlton management has refined rather than overworked it.
Al Husn
Shangri-La's Muscat flagship sits in a natural bay between two headlands near Old Muscat — the Al Husn resort (the adults-only tower) delivers among the most private and beautifully positioned luxury beach experiences in the Gulf, with extraordinary cliff-hugging pool terraces and a Mandara spa of rare quality.
Shatti Al Qurum
W Muscat's contemporary Shatti Al Qurum position, bold geometric interiors, spectacular WET pool deck, and WOOBAR cocktail programme have made it Muscat's most fashionable hotel since opening — a welcome injection of international design energy into what had been a conservative hotel market.
Al Ghubra
The Chedi is Muscat's greatest hotel — Jean-Michel Gathy's low-rise masterwork of Omani geometry and Zen minimalism sits in 21 acres of gardens between the Gulf of Oman and the Al Hajar mountains. The 103-metre infinity pool is one of the world's longest, the spa is sublime, and the service culture is deeply considered.
Al Mouj
Mysk Al Mouj is the anchor hotel of The Wave Muscat marina development — its striking contemporary design, yacht-harbour views, rooftop pool, and easy access to the marina dining scene make it Muscat's most exciting newer hotel, particularly popular with younger luxury travellers.
Common Questions
Old Muscat is essential for all visitors and an excellent base for those particularly interested in Omani history, architecture, and culture — the most historically significant area of the city.
Old Muscat is known for the Royal Palace (Al Alam Palace), the twin Portuguese forts (Al Jalali and Al Mirani), the National Museum of Oman, Bait Al Zubair museum, and the most beautifully preserved historic architecture in the Gulf.
Old Muscat is 30 minutes from the airport (12–15 OMR by taxi) and 15 minutes from Qurum. The area is pedestrian-friendly within its walls but surrounded by highway infrastructure.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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