The enchanting port landscape of Muttrah (Matrah), a landmark destination in Oman.
Today, I’ll introduce you to Muttrah, a historic district in Muscat, the capital of Oman. While Oman might not yet be widely known as a tourist destination, its charms are unforgettable once you visit. Muttrah, in particular, is a place filled with local atmosphere and history that captivates its visitors.
What is Muttrah?
Muttrah is located in the northern port area of Muscat
Muttrah (مطرح) is located in the center of Muscat and has flourished as a port town since ancient times. Its history dates back to antiquity, and it was known as a trading hub. Following the Arabic spelling “مطرح”, the closest pronunciation would be “Mutrah,” though it’s also called “Matrah” in English-speaking countries. Even today, Muttrah is a place where you can feel Oman’s culture and history, making it a popular area for tourists.
Main Attractions
Muttrah Corniche
At the Corniche, you can enjoy the sea breeze while surrounded by exotic buildings
The first place you should visit is the Muttrah Corniche. This area, stretching along the sea around Port Sultan Qaboos, the region’s largest port, is notable for its beautiful sea views and white buildings. Especially in the evening, the sight of the sun setting into the sea is very romantic, attracting many families, couples, and tourists taking photos. Taking a leisurely walk while feeling the sea breeze is the perfect moment to heal from travel fatigue.
Many commercial vessels come and go in Muttrah, which still thrives as Muscat’s premier commercial port
Muttrah Souq
Muttrah Souq, Oman’s largest market, is a must-see
When you come to Muttrah, you absolutely cannot miss the Muttrah Souq. This is Oman’s largest market, where you can experience the daily lives of local people. Fragrant spices, colorful fabrics, handicrafts, jewelry – everything is so attractive that you might have trouble deciding what to look at.
Particularly recommended is Oman’s traditional fragrance, “Frankincense.” This resin has long been known as a precious fragrance and makes a perfect souvenir. Also, within the souq, you can casually interact with local people and feel Oman’s warm hospitality.
It’s loved not only as a place for families to relax but also as a dating spot for local young people.
Please also check out more about Muttrah Souq here!
When visiting Muttrah, make sure to also stop by the Muttrah Fish Market. This market is tightly packed with fresh seafood, giving you a glimpse into the daily lives of local people. In the early morning, it’s full of energy as fishermen come to sell fish caught that day. For photography enthusiasts, this is an excellent spot for capturing authentic local life.
Other Historical Buildings
Muttrah has many historical buildings. Among them, particularly noteworthy is the Muttrah Fort, built in the 17th century. This fort is an important place that tells the history of Oman, where you can learn about the architectural techniques and defense systems of that era. From the fort, you can overlook the entire Muttrah area, and the view is breathtaking.
Numerous historical forts remain in the Muttrah area
Also, the iconic mosque of Muttrah, “Masjid Al Rasool Al A’dham,” is a must-see. This mosque captivates visitors with its beautiful design and grand scale. The exterior and interior decorations are so beautiful that you’ll want to capture them in photos. Especially at sunset, the illuminated mosque creates a fantastical atmosphere.
Unfortunately, non-Muslim tourists cannot enter Muttrah’s mosques, but it’s still enjoyable to admire them from the outside
Culinary Scene in Muttrah
When in Muttrah, we recommend dining at ‘Bait Al Luban’
When visiting Muttrah, be sure to enjoy the local cuisine. Omani cuisine is characterized by its diverse flavors influenced by Indian, Persian, and African cuisines. At restaurants and stalls in Muttrah, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood and traditional dishes full of spices.
Recommended Dishes
Shuwa: A representative traditional dish of Oman. Beef marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then slow-cooked in an underground fire pit for over 24 hours.
Shawarma: A staple Middle Eastern street food. Thinly sliced meat wrapped in bread, with various sauces and vegetables in perfect balance.
Kabuli: A rice dish cooked with spices, lamb, raisins, and nuts. It can be considered an Omani-style biryani.
Machboos: A fragrant rice dish cooked with chicken or lamb. One of Oman’s home-cooked dishes with a heartwarming taste.
Especially Shuwa – you cannot leave Oman without trying it. We’ll send a detailed food report in a separate article!
Enjoy Local Experiences
When visiting Muttrah, enjoy interacting with the locals. The people of Oman (though many of those doing business around Muttrah are immigrants from Bangladesh, Tanzania, and other countries) are very friendly and warm towards tourists. While walking through the streets, you might be approached by locals or invited for tea. Through such interactions, you can deeply understand Oman’s culture and lifestyle.
The merchants at Muttrah Souq in particular are extremely friendly.
Also, there are often local events and festivals held in Muttrah. For example, on National Day, the entire town is wrapped in a festive mood, and you can enjoy traditional dances and music. By participating in such events, you can experience Oman’s culture even more deeply.
Don’t Forget to Visit Old Muscat
Muttrah is also close to Old Muscat and easily accessible by taxi. Old Muscat is an area where you can feel the history of Oman, with many attractions such as the Sultan’s Palace and old fortresses. Since it takes only about 15 minutes to travel from Muttrah to Old Muscat by bus or taxi, please consider visiting both areas.
For a Safe and Enjoyable Visit
Oman is a relatively safe country, but don’t neglect basic safety measures during travel. In particular, be careful with valuables in crowded places like the souq. Also, when visiting mosques and religious places, it’s important to dress appropriately.
Summary
Muttrah is a charming place filled with Oman’s history and culture. Beautiful scenery, a vibrant souq, a fish market with fresh seafood, historical buildings, delicious cuisine… everything is full of charm. Explore the town leisurely using rental bicycles, enjoy interactions with locals, and create wonderful memories of your trip. Based on this article, why not choose Muttrah as your next travel destination?
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