Where to buy traditional Omani souvenirs in Muttrah Souq
If you want to explore Muscat’s more traditional side then a visit ot Muttrah is a must. It is the oldest part of Oman’s capital city and somewhere to pick up traditional Omani souvenirs.
However, you also need to know where to look and what to look for. There’s no getting away from the fact that the shops facing Muttrah Corniche and at the main entrance of Muttrah’s ancient souq are there for the tourists.
In this short guide to what it buy in the old city and specifically Muttrah Souq I’m going to help you find the perfect keepsake or gift from your travels in the Sultanate.
But before the good stuff, I’d like to thank you for visiting Oman Wanderlust and also encourage you to join our Facebook group Oman Unpacked. It’s a community to get even more personal recommendations from visitors and expats who love Oman.
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About Muttrah Souq
Muttrah Souq is one of Oman’s most famous markets, but it not its oldest, having only been established in 1820. Nizwa, which was a capital of Oman well before Muscat, boasts an older market, although it has been modernised since the 20th Century.
However, Muttrah has a much older feel with a maze of alleys stemming from the centre of the curved corniche overlooking Sultan Qaboos Port.
This waterfront location was an important trading hub for goods coming to Oman from India and China in the 19th Century.
Today’s souq is visited by tourists and locals alike, but there is a definite leaning to the tourist trade unless you dive off the main thoroughfare.
Tips for visiting
Here’s some handy things to know before shopping in Nizwa Souq:
Can you make card payments at the souq?
Yes, most shops have card readers. If you do want cash just in case, you can find a Bank of Dhofar cash machine beside the fish market or there is a NBO (National Bank of Oman) cash machine 100m to the left of the entrance to the souq.
When is the best time to visit?
Visit the souq after sunset to see it at its liveliest. Morning visits are less frantic and better suited to people visiting with young children.
It’s not a good idea to visit in the 24 hours after it has rained. Water pours off the nearby mountains and runs through the souq to an outlet at the main entrance. Even the step up into most shops on the main thoroughfare fails to save them after a particularly bad downpour.
Your Muttrah shopping list
The first thing that you’ll notice as you enter Muttrah Souq is shops draped in beads, lanterns, and all kinds sparkly trinkets. These are wonderful to look at but be aware that much of this has been imported rather than being made in Oman.
If you want an authentic Omani souvenir you’ll have to venture a little further in.
The great thing about Oman is that, while the sellers will be very friendly and flattering, they will also be honest about what they are selling you. So, if in doubt, ask whether something has been made in Oman.
And if you are in the market for a real fake football shirt or Gucci handbag, you’ll find those here too!
Here are some more traditional Omani souvenirs to look out for in Muttrah:
Frankincense
This fragrant tree resin is one of Oman’s most famous exports and comes from the country’s Dhofar region to the south. So it’s no surprise that you will find an abundance of frankincense available to buy and try in Muttrah Souq.
Try? Yes you can smell it wafting in the air and even chew it like gum. Ask any Omani and they will tell you it is good for digestion, headaches and even arthritis. While I’m no doctor and cannot vouch for these claims, I can recommend asking a seller for a try of their edible frankincense, just for the experience.
You’ll see various sizes of frankincense resin on sale. The larger the pieces, the more expensive the bag will be. You can spend anything from a few OMR to hundreds!
Pottery incense burners
If you do decide to buy some frankincense also buy a pottery burner to take home.
Pots have historically been made in Oman to store dates, date juice and honey. You’re less likely to find large pots in Muttrah Souq, but you will see small incense burners.
Designs are similar wherever you go in Oman – there are pots inspired by palm trees, crescent moons and forts, as well as brightly patterned bowls. Expect to pay anything from 3 OMR up depending on the design and your haggling skills.
Tip: to burn your frankincense you will need a charcoal disk (available on Amazon). Light this and let it turn for a few minutes before placing a piece of frankincense or other incense on top. Enjoy the scent of Oman long after your visit.
Spices
Muttrah souq’s spice shops are some of my favourite for their vibrant displays and sweet shop-style glass jars of fragrant spices. If you would like to buy spices grown in Oman look out for saffron, cardamon, chilli, turmeric and cinnamon.
The further back into the souq you explore the more likely you are to find prices more in line with what the Omanis pay.
Oud-based perfumes
Love perfumes? As soon as you step foot off your plane or cruise ship your nostrils will detect how important a good scent is to the Omanis. They smell amazing!
If you want to take home an Omani made fragrance of your own you will find perfume shops towards the back of the souq. You can try ready-made scents or ask the shop keeper to blend one from oud, spices and frankincense while you wait.
Traditional Omani clothing
Want to pick up some Omani inspired garb for your wardrobe? Look out for shops selling Kummahs (the traditional Omani cap), ceremonial walking sticks and the curved Khanjar knife that you will see on the Omani flag.
Gold
If you want to see shop fronts that shimmer, head for Muttrah’s Gold Souq. This is located 150m to the right of the main Souq entrance.
Oman is well-known for its jewellery-making. Formal outfits for women are embellished with heavy, tiered necklaces, bracelets, head dresses, rings and anklets.
Traditionally, silver and gold were an important part of a woman’s dowry and you can see many examples of the kind of pieces handed down in the exhibitions within the nearby National Museum and Oman Across the Ages Museum near Nizwa.
Muttrah’s Gold Souq is a great place for window shopping, just don’t expect any bargains. If silver is more your thing, you will find more at Nizwa Souq.
Dates and sweets
If you would prefer to take a taste of Oman home you can find dates, Halwa sweets and Qahwa (Omani coffee) in the food souq in the same building as the fish market.
When is Muttrah Souq open?
The Souq is open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 11pm Saturday to Thursday, and from 9am to 11am and from 4pm to 11pm on Friday.
Check local media about opening times during Ramadan and public holidays.
Where next?
