Muttrah Corniche

The Muttrah Corniche is a waterfront promenade of roughly three kilometres along Muttrah harbour in Muscat, running along Muttrah Corniche Road beneath the Hajar mountains. It is the main social space of the old port district, with traditional dhows moored in the harbour, cafes and restaurants, the entrance to Muttrah Souq, the fish market, and Riyam Park's incense burner and Muttrah Fort on the hills above. The walk is flat and open at all hours at no cost, and most visitors spend one to two hours strolling, stopping for tea or coffee and watching boats. Early morning is calm and the fish market is active, while the evening, especially after sunset, is the busiest, with families, joggers and visitors filling the promenade and the harbour lit up. Cruise ship days at the nearby Muttrah Cruise Port bring more crowds in the day. Photo viewpoints include the dhows with the fort and mountains behind, the incense burner on its hilltop, and the harbour at dusk. Summer afternoons are very hot and humid with little shade, so cooler months and evenings are far more comfortable. The Corniche works as a link between the main sights of Muttrah, and a typical route runs from the cruise port past the fish market to the souq entrance and then up to the fort. Taxis are plentiful and Mwasalat buses serve Muttrah, and the airport is about 30 minutes away by taxi. Dress is casual but modest clothing is respectful in the souq and around local families.