Key areas

Muscat is situated on the East coast and comprises three core districts—Old Muscat, Muttrah and Ruwi. The quiet area of Old Muscat is found around the port and is also the site of the Sultan’s main palace—the Alam Palace—which is flanked by two huge Portuguese forts and a must for any tourist snap. Muttrah, two miles north west of old Muscat, is the main trading and residential port area. The Corniche and souks have been completely renovated in recent years and are areas of natural beauty as well as cultural interest. Here you can find both architectural wonders and cultural atmosphere in abundance. A few miles further inland lies the commercial hub of the city known as Ruwi, where modern architecture blends with the dramatic geographical background and provides some of the best hotels, restaurants and shops that the city has to offer.