Muttrah Fish Market

Muttrah Fish Market is a working fish market beside Muttrah harbour on the Muttrah Corniche in Muscat, where fishermen bring in and sell the day's catch each morning. Stalls are stacked with tuna, kingfish, hammour, sardines, squid and lobster, and the auction and bargaining, together with the sight of fish being cut and cleaned, give a lively view of the city's fishing tradition. A produce hall alongside sells fruit and vegetables. The market is open daily and is busiest from about 6:00AM to 10:00AM, and a visit takes around 45 minutes. Arriving between 6:00AM and 9:00AM gives the most activity, and by late morning most of the catch has been sold. Entry is free. The floors are wet and the market is smelly and noisy, so closed shoes and clothes that can get splashed are sensible. Visitors can buy fish and have it cleaned on site, though the market is mainly for locals and a few restaurants nearby will cook purchases. Photography is a main draw, with fishermen, stacked catches and the dhows in the harbour, but people should be asked before they are photographed. The market is a five-minute walk along the Corniche from Muttrah Souq, so many visitors combine them, followed by a stroll along the waterfront. Taxis serve the area from other districts. Cruise ship days bring more visitors, and summer mornings are warm even early, so a short visit is comfortable.