Oman · Asia

Discover Muscat with Rafeek

Muscat is the capital and most populous city of Oman.

Seeing Muscat without the story is only half the trip

The problem

Group tours run on someone else's clock, printed signs say too little, and searching for context on your phone pulls you out of the moment. Most travellers leave Muscat with photos but no sense of what they actually saw.

How Rafeek fixes it

Rafeek is a personal audio guide in your pocket. Press play at each landmark in Muscat, listen at your own pace, and keep your eyes on the place instead of a screen. Guides work offline, so no roaming or signal worries.

What you'll discover in Muscat

20 landmarks with their own audio guide — tap any one to read what you'll hear.

Al Jalali Fort

A historic fort built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Along with its twin, Al Mirani Fort, it once guarded the entrance to Muscat's harbor. Today, it has been converted into a private museum for visiting heads of state and is not open to the general public, but its exterior is a major landmark.

Al Mirani Fort

The sister fort to Al Jalali, also constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century to protect the city's harbor. It sits on another prominent rock formation at the western end of the bay. Like Al Jalali, it is not open to the public but its imposing structure is a key feature of the Old Muscat skyline.

Al Mouj Muscat

A modern, integrated lifestyle destination and waterfront community formerly known as The Wave. It features luxury residential properties, a world-class marina, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, and numerous retail and dining outlets. Al Mouj represents the contemporary and cosmopolitan side of Muscat.

Amouage Visitor's Centre and Factory

The home of the internationally renowned luxury perfume brand, Amouage. Visitors can take a guided tour of the factory to learn about the intricate process of creating high-end fragrances using rare ingredients like Omani frankincense. The center includes a showroom where the full range of perfumes can be sampled and purchased.

Bait Al Baranda Museum

A museum located near the Muttrah Souq that chronicles the history of Muscat from its geological formation to its modern-day achievements. It utilizes interactive exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and historical documents to tell the story of the city. The museum is housed in a restored building from the 1930s.

Bait Al Zubair Museum

A private museum that displays a rich collection of Omani artifacts, offering a window into the country's past and present. The collection includes traditional weapons, jewelry, costumes, household goods, and a recreated Omani village. It is housed in a beautifully restored traditional house in Old Muscat.

Bandar Al Khairan

A stunning coastal area south of Muscat, characterized by a series of rocky fjords, hidden coves, and pristine turquoise waters. Accessible primarily by boat, it is a premier destination for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and dolphin watching. The area's rich marine life and secluded beaches make it a popular day trip from the city.

Muttrah Corniche

A picturesque promenade stretching for several kilometers along the harbor in Muttrah. Lined with elegant, latticed buildings and mosques, it offers stunning views of the sea, the mountains, and the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts. It is a popular spot for a leisurely stroll, especially at sunset.

Muttrah Souq

One of the oldest traditional Arab markets in the world, located along the Muttrah Corniche. Its labyrinthine alleys are filled with the scent of frankincense and sandalwood, offering a wide array of goods including Omani silverware, khanjar daggers, textiles, and spices. The souq provides an authentic and bustling shopping experience.

National Museum of Oman

The Sultanate's flagship cultural institution, showcasing the nation's heritage from the earliest human settlement to the present day. The museum features 14 permanent galleries with state-of-the-art displays, including artifacts, models, and Oman's first fully equipped conservation facilities. It provides a comprehensive overview of Omani history and culture.

Old Muscat

The original historic, walled city of Muscat, distinct from the commercial hub of Muttrah. This quiet and well-preserved area is home to the Al Alam Palace, the National Museum, and several government buildings. Its clean streets and traditional architecture provide a glimpse into the city's past.

Omani French Museum

Located in a former palace that was gifted by Sultan Faisal bin Turki to the first French Consul in 1896. The museum, also known as Bait Faransa, showcases the historic relationship between Oman and France. It displays furniture, costumes, and historical documents from that era.

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace

The ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman, located in the heart of Old Muscat. Flanked by the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, the palace features a unique and colorful facade of blue and gold. While visitors cannot enter the palace grounds, it can be viewed and photographed from the gates.

Qurum Beach

A long and popular stretch of sandy beach located in the upscale Qurum district of Muscat. It is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, and hotels, making it a lively hub of activity.

Qurum Natural Park

One of the largest and most beautiful parks in Muscat, offering a green oasis in the city. The park features a large lake, extensive rose gardens, playgrounds, and walking paths. It is a popular destination for families for picnics and recreational activities.

Riyam Park

A public park located between Muttrah and Old Muscat, famous for its giant, white ornamental incense burner monument perched on a hilltop. The park offers recreational facilities and provides excellent panoramic views of the Muttrah harbor and corniche. It's a great spot for a family outing or a scenic walk.

Royal Opera House Muscat

Oman's premier venue for music, arts, and culture, opened in 2011. The building is a masterpiece of contemporary Omani architecture, featuring intricate woodwork, marble, and arabesque designs. It hosts a diverse program of world-class performances, from opera and ballet to jazz and traditional Arab music.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

A magnificent piece of modern Islamic architecture and the main mosque in Oman. It is renowned for its massive, hand-woven Persian carpet, the second largest in the world, and a spectacular chandelier adorned with Swarovski crystals. The mosque's serene courtyards, intricate mosaics, and manicured gardens are open to non-Muslim visitors at specific times.

Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

Housed within the historic Bait Al Falaj Fort, this museum is dedicated to Oman's military history. The exhibits trace the country's military development from pre-Islamic times to the present day. Visitors can see a collection of weapons, uniforms, military vehicles, and medals.

Yiti Beach

A secluded and picturesque beach located in a small cove southeast of Muscat. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rock formations, it offers a more tranquil and natural setting compared to the city's main beaches. It is a popular spot for camping, barbecues, and enjoying the rugged coastal scenery.

How Rafeek works in Muscat

Download Rafeek

Get the app on iOS or Android and pick your destination.

Choose a guide

Browse the landmarks nearby and choose the ones you want.

Press play and walk

Listen as you go, at your own pace, online or offline.

About Muscat

Muscat is the capital and most populous city of Oman. It is the seat of the Governorate of Muscat. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the population of the Muscat Governorate in 2022 was 1.72 million. The metropolitan area includes six provinces, called wilayat, and spans approximately 6,500 km2 (2,500 sq mi). The Hajar Mountains dominate the view from Muscat. The city lies on the Gulf of Oman, near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Low-lying white buildings are a typical feature of its architecture. The city's port district of Muttrah, with its corniche and harbour, are at the north-eastern edge of the city.