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Old Muttrah Souk

Oman
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Type: Flea/ Street Markets, Historic Sites
Activities: Shopping
91 visitor photos
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311 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    85
    126
    68
    26
    6
Date Rating
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
32 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

The entrance is almost hidden beneath the stairway to access the upper levels. Once inside it looks like the familiar souks of North Africa with local Omanis mixing with Europeans going about buying their daily goods. But there it ends - there's no hustle and bustle despite the narrow lanes and it seems that hardly anyone is buying anything. Where... More

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See 3 more reviews by bobbycow for Muscat Governorate
Zurich, Switzerland
2 reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

We got the feeling that most shops are selling moreorless the same. We enjoyed the fruit and fish markets that are in 10 minute walking distance. Do not underestimate the heat. 10 minutes can become quit long.

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Old Tappan, NJ
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 42 cities Reviews in 42 cities
58 helpful votes 58 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

So much of Muscat is new and modern that it is good to see the Muttrah Souk to get an authentic view of the old city. There are so many souks, and many of them have the same items, but, once you get used to it, it is fun to bargain and see what is the best price you can... More

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Cairns, Australia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Once magical now very tourist orientated. Set prices and 'made anywhere but the Middle East' dominate.

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Buraimi, Oman
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2013

Look up and down to see some beautiful architectural features. We particularly enjoyed some of the stores with 20th C technologies like compasses - good knockoffs with close but no cigar names. Nice brass pieces.

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Muscat, Oman
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013

Since big malls came to muscat most of us have stopped visiting smaller shops. But, this Souk is different. So many shops, very colorful, it will be a 3 hour vacation if you go with your family, even if you don't buy anything. Do not miss this heritage shopping center similar to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul.

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Cheshire
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013 via mobile

The souq was a blend of the old and the new, modern toys and pashminas, incense, souvenirs and artefacts abundance. My only regret was the poverty that was so visible, don't misunderstand me, I know it's part of the world we live in, I think it's visibility showed a lack of care on behalf of the local government. Give generously.

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See 2 more reviews by Winstone7 for Muscat Governorate
Honolulu, Hawaii
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013

amazing walkways that you venture deeper and deeper into the souk. unique trinkets, items, etc to view and purchase. interesting that most of the sales staff are of Indian nationals of a Muslim background. great place to buy so long as you remember the exchange rate as the Omani rial is higher in comparison to our dollar. Xpensive place Oman... More

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Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013

I love the Muttrah Souk. I've been to markets in Cairo, Nairobi, India, etc., and although this souk is much smaller, it is a relaxing experience vice all those others. Very little hassle and things are somewhat organized. Best part of it is, the Omanis still use it (although they mostly visit the textile stores and the other stores in... More

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See 3 more reviews by Elizabeth P for Muscat Governorate
Khartoum, Al Khartum, Sudan
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

Narrow alleyways, check! Unharassing vendors, check! Marvellous shops with intriquing bits and bobs, check! Oh, what a wonderful way to spend a morning ... or longer, no problem!! Having visited a few souq's in various arabic countries, I can vouch for Muttrah Souq - it win's hands down! Clean, and friendly, and enchanting - check, check, check! Haggle a little,... More

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See 2 more reviews by Tracy J for Muscat Governorate

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