Muttrah is home to Oman's ancient trading port and its modern counterpart, Mina Qaboos. The Muttrah Souq was originally the principal source of many diverse goods transported to the other markets in the country.

The wilayat was once a particularly fertile spot, planted with date palms and watered by the afalaj (aqueducts) and sweet water wells. The crops were harvested to supply the visiting ships and the local population. Muttrah Fort is one of the most prominent of the 13 forts scattered about the area. It has six towers built by the Portuguese during their occupation and was the seat of government under the rule of Sultan Said bin Sultan al Busaidi. Sur Ruwi, one of the surrounding walls contains a gate within, which is believed to be Muscat's first access gate on the northern interior side.

Muttrah has many public gardens and picnic areas, one of the most popular being Riyam Park, which is distinguished by its huge incense burner viewpoint, located at the top of a cliff. It also has three museums: the National Museum, Bait al Zubair and Bait al Falaj (the Armed Forces Museum). Traditional industries include: perfumery, weaving, textiles, silver and gold crafting and fishing. The area has a number of hotels, some of which are managed by international chains, such as Intercontinental and Sheraton.

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