Muscat

Muscat is nestled between the sea and the stunning Hajar Mountains, so when choosing your hotel you’ll first need to decide on the view you want to wake up to. If luxury is top of your list, look no further than the secluded Al Husn hotel in the Barr Al Jissah resort; with its private beach, spa and infinity pool you can really relax in style. The beachfront Chedi hotel also offers opulence in a calm setting, combining Omani architecture with the Asian practise of Zen. If you’re travelling on a budget, the Crowne Plaza and Park Inn offer stunning sea views at more affordable prices.

The Mutrah Corniche is home to Muscat’s souq, with colourful stalls selling Omani items and antiques, alongside some Indian goods. The souq also houses an array of gold shops selling bridal gold for dowries. Whether you want to take home locally grown frankincense, dates or camel-leather baskets, the souq has something to delight everyone. Just try not to get lost in its narrow alleyways!

Given Muscat's status as a fishing port, it's hardly surprising that seafood features heavily in local cuisine. Walk along the Mutrah Corniche to see Muscat’s new fish market, or for a dining experience you’ll never forget why not try The Beach, where you can try local fresh fish in a beachfront setting as the sun goes down. At Kargeen Café, which offers an authentic Arabian experience of eating on sedans, you can enjoy the traditional Omani slowed-cooked meat dish of shuwa. Or, if a picnic at one of Muscat’s many parks or beaches is more your style, the Al Fair Supermarket chain has everything you could need for an alfresco feast. When it comes to drinks, Muscat does cocktails in style, with venues including Trader Vic’s and On the Rocks offering extensive menus that you can enjoy alongside live music.

Muscat Festival

January and February

Once a year, for about a month, Muscat is transformed by a festival that involves nightly fireworks and events across a number of outdoor locations including Qurum National Park and Naseem Park. It’s a chance for the city to showcase Omani culture, with traditional dancing, poetry and craft displays. There are also exhibitions from neighbouring countries to give a feel for Arabic arts.

Oman National Day

November

Oman’s National Day celebrates the country’s independence from Portugal in 1650. The public holiday involves a number of celebrations, including camel races, parades, fireworks and a marine festival. Flowers, drapes and flags give the celebrations a colourful backdrop. The following day is also a public holiday to mark the birthday of the Sultan of Oman.