There are several buildings and places of interest which should be incorporated on any tour of Muscat, with the most prominent landmarks being the Grand Mosque and Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts. While only the former is open to the public, visitors will enjoy the fantastic views of the Portuguese-era forts. In addition to the city’s architectural wonders, holidaymakers can enjoy an array of museums as well as the city’s colourful souks, with Mutrah Souk being the most significant.

Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts 
Probably the first things you will notice upon your arrival in the city are the two forts which stand guard over the city on the mountain above the harbour. These impressive fortifications date back to the time of the Portuguese colonisation of the city, with the structures having since been used for various things. Currently, both forts are occupied by the military and are out of bounds to tourist, although you can still take pictures of the structures from below.

Grand Mosque
A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque should be on every visitor’s itinerary. The modern structure ranks as the third largest mosque in the world and is certainly Oman’s most impressive religious structure. The mosque took nine years to build and was only completed as recently as 2001. The interior is fitted with the largest woven Persian carpet in the world. While Muslims can enter the mosque on any day, the building is only open to non-Muslims on appointed days. Women must wear ankle length skirts or trousers when entering the building as well as long sleeved tops and a scarf to cover their heads. Men are advised to wear long trousers and a shirt.

Mutrah Souk 
No trip to Muscat is complete without a shopping trip to the city’s most famous souk, Mutrah Souk. Here you will find all manner of Arabian treasures, from local foods, frankincense and jewellery to antique dowry boxes, Omani handicrafts and earthenware. Be warned that it is easy to get lost in the market, with maze-like passageways lined with stalls.

Muscat Gate Museum 
Situated on Saidiya street, the Muscat Gate Museum explores the city’s history from its beginnings up to the present day. The gate formerly marked the city’s boundary, with Muscat once being contained within fortified walls. After you have finished examining the museum’s displays, you can enjoy the views of the city from the top of the gate. The museum is open from Saturday to Thursday.

Oman-French Museum
For those eager to get a taste of Omani history, a visit to the Oman-French Museum is guaranteed to be an educational experience. Exploring the relationship between France and Oman, the museum provides useful insight into the city’s past. Situated just a stone’s throw from the Bayt Al-Zubair, which explores Omani social history, the surrounding area also boasts a mosque and fantastic views of the harbor and the forts. There is a small admission fee for the museum, with one ticket providing entry to both museums.

Watchtower
This somewhat kitsch Muscat landmark is fondly loved by Muscat residents, who enjoy climbing to tower to enjoy the lovely views of the city from the top. Constructed in the shape of an incense burner, the Watchtower is situated right next to Kalbuh and Riyam parks, making climbing it the perfect activity to complement a day out at either of these parks. Popular among families, it is advisable to visit during the cooler times of the day to avoid getting overcome with heat on your way up.

Take an evening stroll along the waterfront in the Corniche district, stopping at one of the seaside cafés for some halib (tea with milk). From this area, it is possible to wind your way to Mutrah Souk and stock up on local nuts and spices. If you want to get out of the city and experience a real Arabian adventure, why not try a Night Safari. Many hotels and travel agencies can arrange overnight trips into the Wahaiba Desert, where you are transported into the middle of nowhere in a four-wheel drive to experience a night of camping out in the desert. The sand dunes provide some amazing photo opportunities, while the mountain scenery you will pass along the way is also impressive.

Dolphin boat trips are also popular, where you can see dozens of the friendly creatures who inhabit the Gulf of Oman, with both common and spinner dolphins inhabiting the waters. Wildlife lovers can also enjoy turtle watching at the nearby village of Tiwi. This is the site of a green turtle nesting beach, where visitors can watch the turtles lay their eggs at night, while those who are lucky will catch site of the last of the turtles returning to the water at daybreak.

Go to visit the beehive tombs in Bat, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to between 3500 BC and 2500 BC, these ancient structures have stood the test of time and sit amid an amazing backdrop of mountains.