A Guide To Muscats Parks And Green Spaces

Keen to discover a side of Muscat that doesn’t revolve around souks or the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque? Explore more of the city by visiting its various green spaces.

Parks and green spaces aren’t usually the first destinations that come to mind when visiting a Middle Eastern country, but Oman has a landscape that varies from mountainous terrain and desert sands to flowers, palm trees and the blue waters of the gulf. Explore the lesser-known spaces of Oman’s capital city to connect with nature and discover all that this diverse Arabian country has to offer.

1. Al Ansab Wetland

Natural Feature

A visit to the Al Ansab Wetland can turn anyone into a birdwatcher; the area is a haven for almost 300 species of birds, along with butterflies, fish and flowers. Situated 11km (7mi) from the centre of Muscat, it’s only a short drive away and can easily be added to an itinerary. Al Ansab Wetland is oddly nestled into a water treatment works, but don’t let that put you off. Oman’s wastewater services company is helping the wetland by implementing guidelines to protect the environment from pollution and reduce carbon emissions.

2. Qurum Natural Park

Natural Feature, Park

A nature reserve and public garden, Qurum Natural Park is described locally as the ‘lungs of Muscat’. A popular spot for residents and tourists to explore, this park offers a boating lake, the Sultan Qaboos Rose Garden, fountains and an artificial waterfall. Once the sun sets, the garden is ideal for an evening walk as the lights illuminate the park’s pergolas, 4,500-seat amphitheatre and fountain at the centre of the lake. The park, which opened in 1993, is a short drive from the heart of Muscat, located by the side of the main coastal road that leads down to Qurum Beach.

4. Naseem Garden

Park

Naseem Garden has an array of attractions, including Arabic and Japanese gardens, a children’s playground, a maze and a small train to take families around the park. It’s also home to an aquarium, a lake and a waterfall – peaceful places to unwind. The park often hosts music performances and festivals, so keep an eye out for any upcoming events during your stay. One of the first parks to be built in Oman and 39km (24mi) from Muscat, Naseem Garden is located on the highway that leads to Al-Bāţinah.

5. Hawiyat Najm Park/Bimmah Sinkhole

Natural Feature

Bimmah Sinkhole in Hawaiyat Najm Park, Oman. 2016.

While a sinkhole might not sound like the most obvious attraction to visit on your holiday, the Bimmah Sinkhole at Hawiyat Najm Park is one of Muscat’s hidden treasures. With a limestone landscape that surrounds turquoise waters, it’s a picturesque, must-see attraction. The mix of freshwater and saltwater at Bimmah Sinkhole is much warmer than the nearby ocean, making the location ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Hawiyat Najm Park (Falling Star Park) is a little further afield – about 128km (80mi) from central Muscat – but well worth the trip. Admission is free.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.