Old Muscat Walking Tour (Self Guided), Muscat

Muscat – nicknamed “The Pearl of Arabia” – is the capital and largest city of Oman. The origin of the name “Muscat” is uncertain; some reckon it is derived from the Arabic word for "anchorage" or "the place of letting fall the anchor", referring to the city's location as a safe harbor for ships.

Sitting at the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains, on the northeastern coast of the Gulf of Oman, Muscat has been known as a major port since the 1st century AD. An important maritime trading hub between Asia, Africa, and Europe, at various points in history, the city has attracted and been ruled by various indigenous and foreign powers, including the Persians, the Portuguese, and the Ottomans.

In the 18th century, under the rule of the Al Said dynasty, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar, and since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman, in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development paired with vibrant economic growth and establishment of a multi-ethnic society.

The Old Town of Muscat, centered on its crescent-shaped natural harbor, is a world away from the rest of the city. Walking here is like taking a ride in a time machine back to the ancient era. As the historic heart of the capital, this pristine enclave is a hidden gem, full of surprises and secrets waiting to be explored. Among the local highlights are the 16th-century Al Jalili and Al Mirani Forts overlooking the bay; the ceremonial Al Alam Palace, and museums – such as the Muscat Gate Museum and the Bait al Zubair Museum – dedicated to Oman’s history and culture.

"Old Muscat is a treasure trove of Omani heritage," they say. Luckily, to unlock it, one doesn't need to be a pirate. An adventurous traveler, armed with a self-guided walk app like GPSmyCity, can do it just as well.