Mutrah Souk
Without doubt, the biggest attraction in Muscat is the old souk that runs through a warren of alleyways off Mutrah Corniche, with cupboard-sized shops selling everything from home-grown frankincense, gold and myrrh to plastic trays and Omani khanja (ceremonial daggers).

Mutrah Corniche, Mutrah

Mutrah Corniche
This sweeping arc of old, balconied buildings and tiled mosque domes, souvenir shops and carpet vendors begins with the early-morning fish market, is punctuated with 18th-century Mutrah Fort and ends with musical fountains overlooking the harbour: it's a popular evening stroll for Muscat's citizens keen on catching the sea breeze.

Bait al-Baranda
Opened at the end of 2006, this latest addition to the capital's cultural life is an imaginative and informative museum charting the city's development from prehistoric to modern times.

Al-Mina'a St, just off Mutrah Corniche
Tel: 24 714262.

Sultan's Palace
Although it's not possible to enter this flight of architectural fancy, a stroll around the perimeter fence from the grand esplanade at the building's entrance to its seafront back garden on Mutrah harbour (note the maritime graffiti) is a must, if only to see how well it's protected by Forts Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani (both closed to the public).

Al-Alam, Old Muscat

Grand Mosque
This quietly serene mosque on the edge of the highway, marking the entry into town, was a gift from the current Sultan to his people marking the 30th year of his reign and boasts the largest hand-loomed carpet in the world - among many other interior wonders.

Sultan Qaboos Street