The harbour of Muscat is the site of two new food markets – one for fish and another for meat, fruit and vegetables. Both are extremely clean and air-conditioned. The “Old Souq” is also situated in the harbour, made up of a maze of side streets selling spices, fabrics, clothing, household goods and jewellery. Although there are quite a few tourists, the souq is also a shopping area for locals. Haggling is expected, although the traders are not as pushy as we have seen in some places. At the time we visited the harbour the Sultan’s boat (one of), the size of a small cruise ship, was moored.
We also saw the Sultan’s palace (one of) which includes suites for visiting foreign dignitaries, overlooked by the 16th Century Portuguese Fort. Apparently the Queen once stayed there.
Shilli-Fully Travels 