Muscat has a charm that makes it the liveliest country to explore in Oman. With the incredible beauty of art, culture, hospitality, and history, this city has already lured many to witness the irresistible wonders of Omani heritage. Now, what about entertainment, fun, and some leisure time? Well, shopping can be a perfect addition to your holiday plan where you can explore the marketplaces, enjoy the local food and buy some exotic souvenirs. Shopping in Muscat is one of the most engaging and entertaining things you can do to better understand the lifestyle, art, and heritage.
Top 8 Things To Buy in Muscat As A Souvenir from Your Holiday
Keep a note handy and check these amazing things that you can never miss out on buying in Muscat. The capital city of Oman is rich for its striking masterpieces of art, handlooms, and more. The quality spices, jewels and so more are there that will make your heart skip a beat.
1. Carpets and Handicrafts
Carpets in Oman are known for their vibrant colors, striking art, and quality. These handwoven carpets are a must-buy thing in Muscat that can be a perfect pick for your home. The Persian art on these carpets not only looks royal but also is exclusive in the city. With heavy demand, one can find many shops and markets selling these amazing decorative accessories, but make sure to have an eye for detail and quality. It is the intricate & stunning patterns of Persian art that make carpets and rugs so popular in Muscat. The contours & dimensions, colors, and handmade quality are some USPs that make it quite a luxuriating accessory that speaks for every style and comfort.
Where to buy Carpets in Muscat?
You can find Carpets at almost every shop and marketplace but it is important to go for quality not price. The city Carpet and the Persian Carpet Bazar are the two best shopping places in Muscat, Oman where you can get quality for your money.
2. Bahla Pottery
Bahla Pottery is a traditional art of Muscat that has been passed through generations. The old town of Bahla is one of the best places to visit in Oman for buying these handmade artistic vessels, that too at the best price. But you can easily find some Bahla pottery shops in Muscat if you are avoiding any extra travel. These masterpieces are different in every way as the clay used is special, and the design and patterns resemble the art and culture of the Bahla group and the quality speaks for itself. While it may be difficult to carry some large pieces, you can always get an alternative like small decorative items, hanging, and more as souvenirs.
Where to buy Bahla Pottery items in Muscat?
If you need an authentic collection of Bahla Pottery, Bahla Souk and Omani Heritage gallery is the best place for shopping in Oman. The heritage gallery is known for its exquisite collection of Omani handicraft materials. This non-profit organization is working to encourage artists and preserve the local art of Oman. You will find a vast collection of traditional handicrafts here.
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3. Frankincense and Bakhoor
The luring aroma of Frankincense can be felt everywhere in Oman as it is an essential part of the Omani lifestyle. Omani people enjoy adding frankincense to their outdoor gatherings. It is a part of their culture, where people like to burn frankincense or bakhoor after a meal. Frankincense is used around the world as a natural perfume and to help with digestion, headaches, skin problems, and mood swings. A frankincense burner is used to burn the resin of the tree B. sacra, which produces a wonderful smell. Frankincense has been used since ancient times and it is currently used in traditional medicines and perfumes.
This is the best thing you can buy in Muscat as a memory from your Oman tour.
Where to buy Frankincense In Muscat?
Muttrah Souq in Muscat is one of the best shopping places in Oman to buy Frankincense and Bakhoor. For centuries, this place has been on top for offering the best collection of antiques and handicraft items. Muttrah Souq is also called the Market of Darkness, thanks to its design which resembles the Maze and the small alley restricts sunlight from entering the street. Stroll around for a day to find some best souvenirs to buy while shopping in Muscat.
4. Khanjars
If you are thinking of something unique and interesting, Khanjars are the best thing you can get from Muscat, Oman. Worn by women in Oman, Khanjars is designed with the best intricate designs, and the material can also vary as per the price. Generally, silver Khanjars are very common in Oman, and the style and distinct patterns make them the best thing to buy in Muscat, Oman. You will always have options when it comes to picking a perfect Khanjar that suits your style. The Al Saidi khanjar, Al Nizwani khanjar, Al Batini khanjar, Al Suri khanjar, Al Ganobi khanjar and Al Hanshiah khanjar are few to name. These can be characterized by their name, design, and patterns.
Where to buy Khanjars In Muscat?
A tour of Muttrah Souq is the best thing you can do in Oman for buying some well-designed and perfectly carved khanjars in Oman. The souq is popular for the best handicrafts and some antiques that you probably won’t find elsewhere in Muscat. Muttrah Souq is characterized by its vintage vibe and a vibrant collection of striking souvenirs you can never miss.
Suggested Read: Things To Do in Muscat: Top Things Advices By Locals You Cannot Miss In The City
5. Wooden Mandoos
The Omani Mandoos is a beautiful wooden box used to store valuables. This is one of the best things you can find in every Muscat mall shop with the best design and patterns. This product is made from hardwood and decorated with patterns of castles and ships. It also has a silver or brass sheet inlay on its top surface - giving it a luxurious look. The mandoos are used by both men and women in Oman for storing their valuable items such as clothing, jewelry, and khanjars. What makes it so special is the design, carved out of the finest quality wood, decorated with intricate and delicate designs, and ornamented with silver or brass sheets and star designs.
Where to buy Mandoos in Muscat?
From malls to local shops, mandoos can be found in every other shop in Muscat as it is one of the widely sold products. Al Jalali castle in Nizwa is the best hub to look for some traditional designs but Muscat being the capital city brings you a vast option for design, size, and materials. These are customarily made from different types of wood such as Muhr or Bakhoor, or from teak wood, ebony, or brass.
6. Decorative Lamps
Decorative lamps have always been an essential part of Arabian culture and following the legacy, Oman has also included decorative lamps in its collection of handicrafts. Made with vibrant colors, mirrors, sturdy material, and more, the lamps can be a perfect addition to your home décor. Well, these lamps come in many shapes, patterns, and styles to make them a stylish addition to your home collection. You can also buy them as a gift for your close friend from Muscat. The appealing design and patterns make them the best thing to buy while shopping in Muscat.
Where to buy Decorative Lamps In Muscat?
Decorative Lamps in Muscat are sold at almost every Souq and shop. Ibri Souk, which is located at a distance of 2.5 k from Muscat is quite a place where you can find the best collection of handicraft items like Omani decorative lamps. The Souq is open every day from 9 AM to 1 PM, and 4 PM to 9 PM.
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7. Silver and Gold Jewels
In Oman, you can buy gold and silver at a good price from reputed Muscat mall shops and souks. Gold ornaments range from suave modern European designs to extravagant Arabian-style pieces. The region's traditional silver jewelry is characterized by chunky rectangular bracelets or anklets and heavy necklaces. These pieces are decorated with antique coins, miniature silver boxes, and other ornaments. The price depends on the weight of an item; however, the quality of the design and workmanship is usually not factored into the price. One must have knowledge about quality and the best design that belongs to the Omani heritage to get an authentic souvenir.
Where to buy Silver and Gold In Oman?
The oldest souq in Muscat, Muttrah Souq is the best place for shopping. Being the busiest marketplace in the country, the souq is best known for its quality materials, especially the gold and silver ornaments. You will find the best and oldest shops to get quality and value for money. Carry enough cash as there are some vendors who do not accept cards.
8. Nuts and Chocolates
Nuts and Chocolates are two of the most delicious things you will find at every restaurant in Muscat. These chocolates are not any ordinary Choco-milk flavored sweets but are made from Camel milk. There are many milk products available to buy in Muscat. From candies, chocolates, yogurt, soaps and so much more. Also, dates are some of the best things to taste and get as a souvenir. Honey and dates are the two most bought items in Oman, that are also an integral part of their culture and lifestyle. You can get flavors and a variety to get the exact taste you need.
Where to buy Nuts and Chocolates in Muscat?
Nuts and chocolates are the two most delicious and tempting things to buy while shopping in Muscat, Oman. You can find these delightful items in every grocery store, mall, and shop. Dates are best sold at souks, offering authenticity in taste and quality you won’t find elsewhere. These healthy and tempting items will be best to get for your family and friends.
Explore Muscat with its best attractions, culture, and heritage. While the fascinating architecture and beauty of Muscat will enthrall you, there are markets and shops to stroll around and look for some amazing art pieces. A day for shopping in Muscat is all you need to enjoy your vacation to the fullest and get the best Omani souvenir for your home. Muscat is well connected to other Gulf nations and continents via flights and is one of the safest places to add to your holiday list. So, without waiting further, make your shopping list and get ready to fill your bags.
The hidden land of gems and luxury, Oman is more than just a leisure destination. The Oman holiday package will take you on a journey to discover the historical wonders and culture. Tourists should experience the thrills and frills of this middle Eastern country.
Shopping in Muscat, Oman - FAQ’s
Some of the best places you can buy in Muscat are:
- Omani Mandoos
- Frankincense
- Bahla Pottery
- Decorative Lamps
- Carpets and Rugs
- Nuts and Chocolates
There are many markets and malls in Muscat that make it a shopping paradise for all. If you are planning on a shopping tour, check out these amazing places:
- Muttrah Souq
- Souk of Seeb
- Sohar Souq
- Souq es Sabt
- Bahla Souk
Muttrah Souq is located in the Muttrah corniche as one of the oldest shopping places in the city. Muttrah Souq is also called the Market of Darkness, thanks to its design which resembles the Maze and the small alley restricts sunlight from entering the street.
Omani Mandoos is a beautiful wooden boxes used to store valuables. The mandoos are used by both men and women in Oman for storing their valuable items such as clothing, jewelry, and khanjars. The wooden chest is carved out of the finest quality wood, decorated with intricate and delicate designs, and ornamented with silver or brass sheets and star designs.
Khanjars are worn by women in Oman and are designed with the best intricate designs. Generally, silver Khanjars are very common in Oman, and the style and distinct patterns make them the best thing to buy. These can be characterized by their name, design, and patterns.
Camel milk products are very popular in Muscat, Oman. You can buy candies, chocolates, yogurt, soaps and so much more from any shop or mall.
Muttrah Souq is one of the best places to buy Frankincense in Muscat. Omani people enjoy adding frankincense to their outdoor gatherings. It is a part of their culture, where people like to burn frankincense or bakhoor after a meal.
Bahla Pottery is a traditional art of Muscat that originated from the old town of Bahla. It is one of the best places in Oman for buying these handmade artistic vessels. You can also get some of the best souvenirs, such as Bahla Pottery small decorative items, hangings, and more as souvenirs.
