There’s plenty to do when you’re in Muttrah by the corniche. Whether visiting the fort, finding local produce, or enjoying beautiful artwork, you’ll definitely find a variety of places to check out.
It’s all accessible on foot, but for those not up for it, Mwasalat Bus 4 stops at the fish market, the souq, and just before the fort. They run about every thirty minutes.
The following suggestions for the Muttrah Corniche loop include markets, galleries, the souq, a museum, and a park. I’ve also added some food options.
Fish Market
Early in the morning, dhows and fishing boats will make their way to the port coming back from their collection. The market sells a variety of fish, including kingfish, shari, and tuna. It’s fun to walk around even if you’re not going to buy anything.
Fruit and Veggie Market
Across from the fish market is the fruit and vegetable market. You can find a wide variety of produce, and you can always buy dates from the various vendors.
I went on a field trip with my students, and they told me Omani garlic is larger. There’s also a small market, which sells items such as juice, snacks, and oil.
Muska Gallery and Cafe
Muska is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s across the street from the fish market and in the same building as Bait Al Luban. Enjoy a variety of artwork, which changes regularly.
Muska also offers pottery and painting workshops. Check their Instagram @muska_om for more information.
The cafe also has tasty treats such as date and chocolate cake. Other savory items include eggs Benedict, turkey sandwich, and pasta. I’ve had these items and more and can attest that everything is good.
The drink menu includes decadent hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and juice. This is a great stop on the Muttrah Corniche loop.
Muttrah Souq
One can find a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including frankincense, silver and gold jewelry, traditional clothing, bags, shoes, and more.
I’ll be honest, Muttrah souq is my least favorite of all the souqs because the vendors just haggle and hassle you to buy something. It can be annoying, so I politely tell them I don’t need anything. But since it’s in Mutrah, it’s a good option to see a souq if you don’t have time to go to Nizwa.
Omani Heritage Gallery
This vibrant shop sells local artisans’ work, ranging from pottery, baskets, handwoven place mats, frankincense burners, and artwork.
It’s a great shop to buy gifts and souvenirs, while supporting local artists around Oman. Find out more on Instagram @omani_heritage_gallery.
Muttrah Fort
The fort, built by the Portuguese, has nice views of the Sultan Qaboos Port. I have come here a couple of times and have enjoyed taking photos. It gets busy just before sunset, so plan accordingly.
There’s also a cafe that serves Frankincense coffee. I tried it the last time I was there, and there were hints of woody and spicy flavors.
Visitors need to climb 100 steps to reach the top. The fort is open from 8am to 11pm and costs 1 OMR for residents and 3 OMR for non-residents. For children, it’s 500 baisa for residents and 2 OMR for non-residents.
Place and People Museum
This small museum features Omani heritage and offers insight into Omani life in the past. Expect to find a sitting room and kitchen, as well as traditional clothing and jewelry.
It doesn’t take long to go through. The last time I brought a friend visiting, we spent twenty minutes here. It’s near Muttrah Fort. There is a gift shop and gallery.
It’s open from 9 am to 6 pm. When I went in 2023, the cost was 2 OMR.
Riyam Park
I’ve only been to the park once, but it’s very relaxing walking along the path. There are also benches to sit on, and visitors can enjoy views of the incense burner monument that is perched on a cliff. Kids will enjoy the pineapple slide. The park makes a great stop on the Muttrah Corniche loop.
Food & Drinks
Bait Al Luban
Bait Al Luban has traditional food, including shuwa, goat meat cooked in the ground, as well as qabouli – rice with meat or chicken. I’ve had shuwa lasagna, qabouil, and prawn curry, which are delicious. Guests will receive a glass of Luban water to start, which is refreshing and light.
You’ll probably want to take a few pictures of the traditional decor. Expect to find hanging pottery water pitchers, woven place mats, and silver tea kettles.
Save room for dessert. I’d recommend the date cheesecake or luqaimat – fried mini donut with honey.
Royal House
This is another restaurant that offers traditional Omani food. My husband, Freddy, and I had the seafood grill and Prawn curry. They also have shuwa, grills, biriyani, soups, and salads. Outside dining offers views of the port.
Al Diwaniya Omani Sweets
The sweet shop sells Halwa, a sticky jelly made with sugar, saffron, ghee, nuts, rose water, and sometimes honey. You can sample various flavors before buying. The honey and saffron is their most popular one because it’s not as sweet.
Make sure to have some Omani coffee while you’re eating halwa. I recently tried Rahash, which Al Diwaniya also sells. It’s a tahini-based dessert with sugar and milk, flavored with coconut, coffee, and lotus. The texture is smoother and softer than halwa. It reminds me of a smooth paste. I sampled the coffee and lotus and loved both.
Juice World
This is a good spot for juices, smoothies, and milkshakes, so don’t miss it when you’re on the Muttrah Corniche loop. They also have sandwiches, burgers, and fries. There is outdoor and indoor seating. I sometimes order mixed avocado and orange.
Shawarma Spot
This place is always crowded and has limited seating. My husband, Freddy, had the shawarma plate, and I opted for the falafel plate. He said it was one of the best shawarma plates he’s ever had. He also had a shawarma sandwich, but didn’t like it as much because the sauce was different. It’s still an option for those looking for a quick snack.
Other Food options
There are other cafes and restaurants in Muttrah, but I haven’t tried them. They’re usually busy, so I’m sure they’re good too.
Muttrah Corniche Loop
Whether indulging in tasty traditional food or admiring local artisans’ work, the corniche loop offers visitors a variety of choices during their visit to Oman.