Muscat

One of the oldest and most atmospheric souks in Arabia — a labyrinth of narrow lanes filled with frankincense, Omani silver jewellery, hand-woven textiles, spices, and traditional khanjar daggers.

One of the world's most beautiful mosques — an extraordinary structure of white Rajasthani marble housing the world's second-largest hand-loomed Persian carpet and a magnificent Swarovski chandelier. Open to non-Muslims on weekday mornings.

A beautiful 4km seafront promenade along the historic Muttrah port — traditional dhow boats moored alongside, a backdrop of the fortress-topped mountains, and the scent of frankincense drifting from the souk.

A 16th-century Portuguese fort crowning the hillside above Muttrah — the exterior battlements offer sweeping views over the port, the bay, and the dramatic rocky coastline of Muscat.

The ceremonial palace of His Majesty the Sultan — a stunning blue and gold facade flanked by two magnificent ceremonial forts (Jalali and Mirani). Interior not open to public, but the approach and exterior are spectacular.

A beautifully presented private museum in a restored traditional house — Omani jewellery, weapons, textiles, and daily life objects collected over generations by the Zubair family.

A family-run Omani restaurant near the souk serving authentic shuwa (slow-cooked lamb in banana leaves), majboos (spiced rice with meat), and fresh Omani bread — the real local cuisine.

One of Muscat's most celebrated Omani restaurants — generous portions of traditional Omani cuisine served in a spacious hall. Famous among locals and expats alike for the best majboos and halwa in the city.

A traditional coffeehouse inside the souk quarter serving thick, cardamom-spiced Omani qahwa (coffee) poured from a dallah pot alongside the sweet, saffron-golden halwa — Oman's national ritual of hospitality.

The foyer café and bar of one of the world's most beautiful opera houses — immaculate Omani architecture, a refined atmosphere, and the opportunity to see a performance if your schedule aligns.

A classic Polynesian-themed bar at the stunning Al Bustan Palace hotel — tropical cocktails, stunning views of the rocky Hajar Mountains from the terrace, and a glamorous setting inside one of Oman's finest hotels.

Muscat's most popular public beach — a long arc of golden sand backed by the Qurum Natural Park, with calm and generally safe swimming conditions in the sheltered bay.

A breathtaking canyon hike through Oman's most beautiful wadi — turquoise pools, date palms, waterfalls, and a hidden cave with a lagoon inside reached by swimming through a narrow passage.

A day trip to Oman's ancient interior capital — a magnificent 17th-century round tower fort, a traditional Friday goat market, and a souk selling Omani crafts and silver. One of the Arabian Peninsula's great historic sites.

A public park just beyond the cruise terminal with sea views, the famous white incense burner monument, and a pleasant walk along the Muttrah shoreline — a free and relaxing half-hour from the port.

A protected nesting beach where loggerhead and green sea turtles come ashore under cover of darkness — one of the most moving wildlife encounters in Oman, monitored by the Ministry of Environment.

The Wahiba Sands (Sharqiyah Sands) is one of Arabia's most dramatic deserts — an ocean of terracotta dunes rising to 100 metres, with Bedouin camps offering camel rides, dune bashing, and stargazing.

The legendary Friday brunch at the Grand Hyatt Muscat — an extraordinary spread of Omani, international, and live cooking stations in an opulent setting, served with non-alcoholic mocktails and fresh juices.

One of the most colourful and authentic fish markets in the Gulf — local fishermen arrive at dawn to sell fresh-caught kingfish, hammour, tuna, and lobster in an open seafront hall with a vivid atmosphere.

Browse the specialist shops of Muttrah Souk for authentic Omani silver khanjar daggers, dishdasha fabric, and traditional jewellery — a uniquely Omani shopping experience unlike anything else in the region.