january-2010
january-2010
january-2010
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MELLOW MUSCAT<br />
Best of both worlds<br />
Although steeped in history and tradition, Oman’s mellow capital city refl ects both<br />
past and present. The twisting alleyways of the old town, and the souks of Muttrah,<br />
contrast with the buzzing, fast-developing areas of Ruwi and Qurm.<br />
WHAT TO SEE<br />
Top views<br />
A climb up to Mirani Fort (Qasr<br />
Al Alam Street) offers views<br />
over Muscat old town’s harbour.<br />
Muttrah’s souks and harbour<br />
are perfect to explore on foot,<br />
while discreet dress is required<br />
to visit the huge Sultan<br />
Qaboos Grand Mosque in<br />
Ruwi, which showcases creative<br />
contemporary Islamic<br />
architecture.<br />
WHERE TO SHOP<br />
Seek the souks<br />
Join the crowds who fl ock to<br />
Oman’s famous Muttrah souk,<br />
or barter at the fi sh market.<br />
MCC (Muscat City Centre) and<br />
the malls of the Qurm district<br />
are the designer shopper’s<br />
destination of choice. Souvenir<br />
hunters head to the galleries in<br />
Muscat old town’s winding<br />
streets or the Omani<br />
Heritage Gallery (www.<br />
omaniheritage.com).<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
Currying fl avour<br />
International restaurants reside in<br />
Muscat’s smart hotels, including<br />
seafood specialist The Beach<br />
Restaurant, at the Chedi Hotel<br />
(www.ghmhotels.com). The spicy<br />
Indian cuisine of Muttrah’s<br />
Mumtaz Mahal (www.akgc.net/<br />
mumtaz.php) leads the way<br />
among the city’s many curry<br />
houses. Affordable restaurants<br />
Photo: www.visitoman.nl<br />
IN TOUCH WITH TRADITION<br />
producing Omani kebabs, cluster<br />
in Al Khuwair.<br />
HOW TO GET THERE<br />
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines<br />
operates fi ve fl ights a week to<br />
Muscat Seeb International Airport<br />
from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol<br />
Tourist information<br />
www.omantourism.gov.om<br />
Looking for handy, up-to-date<br />
travel information? Check out<br />
KLM’s Destination Guide pages<br />
– and book your fl ight – on<br />
www.klm.com. Content<br />
provided by Frommer’s<br />
Unlimited © <strong>2010</strong>,<br />
Whatsonwhen Limited.<br />
TOUCHDOWN Muscat<br />
DON’T MISS<br />
Village life<br />
Standing within a full-scale,<br />
replica Omani village, Bait al<br />
Zubair is a traditional<br />
whitewashed Muscat<br />
dwelling, displaying<br />
household implements,<br />
embroidered costumes and<br />
silver khanjars (daggers)<br />
from a single family<br />
collection. A souk and<br />
irrigation system are also<br />
located in the grounds.<br />
As-Saidiya Street, Old<br />
Muscat; +968 24 736688<br />
HOUSE VISIT<br />
WILD Holland Herald 75<br />
Photo: www.visitoman.nl
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