Muscat · Things to do

A private family museum of Omani dress, weapons, silver and household life in Old Muscat. OMR 3.200 for foreigners, children free.

Four-hour trips from Seeb Marina over coral and turtles, with the reserve permit included in the fare. Landing on the islands is banned 1 May-31 October for nesting season.

Two-hour boat trips out of Bandar Rowdha Marina, usually early. Dolphins are common close inshore and the trip doubles as a view of the coast from the water.

The city's long public beach, best late afternoon. Free, and the standard place Muscat walks, runs and drinks coffee before dark.

Hojari from the Dhofar mountains is the top grade and the price gap to ordinary resin is wide. Souq stalls sell it loose with a clay burner and charcoal; ask to smell a piece burning first.