The walk from the watchtower near Riyan Park to Al Alam Royal Palace is about 2.5km. It’s a really pleasant walk (even in the heat), along a bay through the old city Gate (also a museum) and down through the old town.
The palace appears very well defended with several large mounted machine guns pointed out into the bay and a large military presence. Having said that, as I wandered down a side street I was stopped by a policeman who asked where I was headed. I was a bit lost and said I didn’t really know and he politely pointed me in the direction of the back of the palace and towards the park along the front! I guess with such good guard presence it seems reasonable that a few people wondering around wouldn’t present much of a threat.
You can’t go into the palace but you can wander around the surrounding streets, out to the back of the palace and around the front drive and gardens all the way up to the large and imposing gates.
After my long, hot, walk it was easy to catch the local bus back to the Corniche near the Souq for something to eat and drink (after Iftar time finally arrived). The local buses also head to the Old Town area from the Corniche if you’re not up for the long walk and they make an easy and cheap alternative to catching taxis.
After the long, hot, walk I caught the local bus back to the Corniche near the Souq for something to eat and drink (after Iftar time finally arrived).
Would I Return?
Yes, but not specifically for the palace. I visited during Eid al Fitr when the majority of shops and the museums were closed. I’m very interested in returning to visit the Muscat Gate Museum and the National Museum of Oman in particular.
If you can, choose a time outside of Eid and preferably outside of Ramadan to visit, when sites and attractions are more likely to be open. It’s a good idea to check opening times when planning your trip, however, public holidays in Oman are often only officially announced a few days before and opening times on websites may not be updated regularly.
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