The Wahiba Sands is a desert of golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Although it lies around 230 kilometres from Muscat, it’s easily reachable, either by driving or, preferably, through a guided tour. Joining a tour is the best option if you want to make the most of your visit and experience the desert safely. The journey takes about two and a half to three hours by car. If you decide to drive yourself, make sure to carry plenty of food and water, and follow all safety recommendations, especially avoiding venturing off-road without proper experience. Keep in mind that April to October are the hottest months in Oman, which can make exploring the desert more challenging. Most travel companies organise overnight stays in desert camps, though day trips are also possible. For a truly memorable experience, it’s worth spending at least one night under the desert sky. Watching the sunset, stargazing, and waking up to a desert sunrise are moments you won’t forget. You can also enjoy activities such as climbing the dunes, camel rides, or dune bashing.

Palace Square (Schlossplatz) is Stuttgart’s central gathering spot, framed by the New Palace and the Königsbau. At its centre stands the Jubilee Column, topped by the goddess Concordia, commemorating King Wilhelm I’s 25th year of rule. Once a military parade ground, the square was opened to the public in the 19th century and now hosts open-air concerts, festivals, and parts of the Christmas market.

SI-Centrum is where you go in Stuttgart if you're after a full night out in one place. It’s got two large theatres that put on big-name musicals, a cinema, a casino, and a spa with themed saunas and pools. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink. It's a bit outside the city centre, but easy enough to reach by U-Bahn (Salzäcker stop).

Housed in a romantic Italian-built villa from 1890, the Naval Museum traces Bulgarian maritime history from the earliest Black Sea navigators of the 6th century BCE through to the Second World War and beyond. Inside, twelve halls across two floors cover naval battles, ship models, uniforms, navigational instruments, and lighthouse optics. The undisputed highlight is the Druzki, a torpedo boat that sank a Turkish cruiser during the First Balkan War of 1912. You can pay a small supplement to board it. In the grounds you'll find anchors, artillery, a submarine, and a helicopter slowly weathering the sea air.