Muttrah Souq Tours and Activities

Muttrah Souq showing interior views and shopping
Muttrah Souq
Muttrah Souq which includes shopping and interior views
Muttrah Souq showing markets, city views and shopping
Muttrah Souq showing nightlife, shopping and night scenes


This ancient marketplace today features winding alleys of stalls selling antiques, traditional fabrics, aromatic spices and fresh produce.

Mutrah Souk is one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world. For centuries it served as a trading place for goods that passed through the Muscat harbour from India, China, Europe and other parts of the Middle East. The souk is still a lively marketplace today, with trading of local produce like fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices as well as traditional textiles, garments, jewellery, incense, pipes, pottery and craftwork. 

Immerse yourself in the humming and aromatic marketplace with its many meandering aisles and alleys brimming with stalls and vendors. Locals call this market “Al Dhalam Souq,” (The Shaded Market). The ancient marketplace was once made up of narrow lanes with mud walls and palm leaves that blocked out most of the bright Omani sunlight. Today, the market has been renovated and decorated in contemporary Arabic style, with colourful stained-glass windows and bright lanterns under a sturdy timber roof.

Explore the winding lanes and follow the sweet fragrances of perfume oils, fresh jasmine and spices. Embroidered cloth, headscarves and clothing items can be found in the small shops that line the marketplace. Indian and Omani antiques and gold decorations are stacked up to the ceiling in some stalls, while others are piled with brightly colored spices and powdered dyes.

The main north-south thoroughfare becomes livelier after dark. Wander between stalls to join the exciting marketplace atmosphere or watch it all go by from a seat in a coffee shop.

The Mutrah Souk is located by the harbour in the heart of Old Muscat. It’s free to enter the souk. Haggling is expected here, but discounts may not be drastic. 

The market is open twice a day: first from early morning until midday and then from late afternoon until late evening. On Fridays, the market only operates in the afternoons. It can be difficult to find a parking spot around the busy marketplace, so come by taxi instead.

Plan a trip to see Muttrah Souq

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat
InterContinental Muscat by IHG
Sheraton Oman Hotel

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Top Muttrah Souq Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sheraton Oman Hotel

Sheraton Oman Hotel

5 out of 5
Ruwi, Muscat
Sheraton Oman Hotel
InterContinental Muscat by IHG

InterContinental Muscat by IHG

5 out of 5
Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area, PO Box 398, Muscat
InterContinental Muscat by IHG
Mutrah Hotel

Mutrah Hotel

2 out of 5
Mutrah Street, Jibro, Muscat
Mutrah Hotel
Itlalat Al Shorouq Hotel

Itlalat Al Shorouq Hotel

3 out of 5
Ruwi Street, Opposite Muscat Muncipality, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Itlalat Al Shorouq Hotel
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

5 out of 5
PO Box 1998, Muscat
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Al Falaj Hotel

Al Falaj Hotel

4 out of 5
Al Mujamma Street, Ruwi, Muscat
Al Falaj Hotel
Golden Tulip Headington Ruwi

Golden Tulip Headington Ruwi

4 out of 5
High Street, Muscat
Golden Tulip Headington Ruwi
Haffa House Hotel

Haffa House Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Hai Al Mina Muscat, Via Al Farahidi Stre, Muscat
Haffa House Hotel
Jumeirah Muscat Bay

Jumeirah Muscat Bay

5 out of 5
Saraya Bandar Jissah SAOC, PO Box 605, PC 115, Muscat
Jumeirah Muscat Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Muttrah Souq

Exploring Muttrah Souq in Muscat is a must for any visitor, offering a vibrant blend of shopping, local culture, and unique experiences. You can browse through a variety of shops selling traditional Omani handicrafts, spices, and textiles. After a day of shopping, consider unwinding at a nearby spa or enjoying a refreshing swim. Muttrah Souq truly showcases the essence of Oman, making it an unforgettable stop on your holiday.

Shopping

Muttrah Souq offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of traditional and modern goods. Don't miss the nearby Mutrah Fish Market, just 483m away. If you're up for a drive, Muscat Grand Mall and Oman Avenues Mall are both 16.1km away, featuring a range of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Ras Al Hamra Golf Club, where the lush greens and outdoor sports vibes provide a perfect escape. For a more energetic experience, head to the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, offering various sports facilities to keep you active and engaged.

Adventure

Muttrah Souq is a vibrant marketplace brimming with local crafts, spices, and textiles. Explore narrow alleyways filled with charming shops, haggle for unique souvenirs, and savour traditional Omani snacks at the bustling food stalls, all while soaking in the rich culture and history of Muscat.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Muttrah Souq is vibrant and diverse. For a unique experience, visit the PDO Planetarium, just 6.4km away, offering family-friendly entertainment. Alternatively, enjoy a cultural evening at Madinat Al Irfan Theatre, 24.1km away, where you can immerse yourself in romance and local performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Muttrah Souq

Muttrah Souq in Muscat is a vibrant hub for tourists, offering a blend of culture and history with attractions such as historic forts and museums. Visitors can explore the bustling souk, where local crafts and spices abound, making it a perfect spot for family-friendly outdoor experiences. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the charm of Mutrah Souq while discovering the rich heritage of Oman.

  • Muttrah Corniche: Stroll along the picturesque Muttrah Corniche, where you can enjoy stunning views of the coast and the surrounding mountains. This vibrant promenade is perfect for families, offering outdoor spaces to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.
  • Mutrah Fort: A short walk from the souq, Mutrah Fort is a testament to Oman's rich history. Explore its well-preserved architecture and immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the region as you take in panoramic views of the harbour.
  • Old Watch Tower: Located nearby, the Old Watch Tower invites you to delve into Oman's past. This historic structure provides insight into the strategic importance of the area, showcasing traditional design and offering a glimpse into local culture.

Best time to go to Muttrah Souq

The best time to visit Muttrah Souq can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Muttrah Souq falls in June, when visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Muttrah Souq falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January70.0°F (21.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
February72.9°F (22.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
March78.3°F (25.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighAverage
April85.5°F (29.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
May92.7°F (33.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June94.6°F (34.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
July94.1°F (34.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
August92.3°F (33.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
September90.1°F (32.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October85.6°F (29.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November78.1°F (25.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Muttrah Souq

To save on your visit to Muttrah Souq, consider travelling during the off-peak months of June to August when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay for a Monday, the cheapest day, and avoid Fridays for better rates. Use Expedia to compare prices and filter for eco-certified hotels to find sustainable options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in a package deal to maximise savings. Lastly, explore the souq on foot, which is not only budget-friendly but allows you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Muttrah Souq are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Muttrah Souq is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Muttrah Souq is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Muttrah Souq hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.