Although no tours are offered inside Al Alam Palace, the building, which serves as the ceremonial residence of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is still a must-see on your Muscat itinerary. Perched gracefully against a backdrop of rugged hills and adjacent to the picturesque Mutrah Corniche, the palace's striking façade is a feast for the eyes. Visitors can wander around its grounds to marvel at its intricate exterior and lush gardens. Adding to the grandeur, the palace is flanked by two imposing 16th-century forts, Al Mirani and Al Jalali.

Close to Toulouse, there is a zoo that has an African safari theme. The animals are in semi-freedom and often cohabited, so it feels very natural. The excursion begins with a two-kilometre drive along the trail where you can observe creatures such as lions and ostriches from your car, then continues on foot where you'll encounter 600 animals, including farm animals.

Inaugurated in 2001, this contemporary Islamic mosque is, perhaps, the capital's greatest attraction and largest place of worship. It features five minarets and room for 20,000 worshippers. The handwoven prayer hall carpet alone is a site to behold—its 1,700,000,000 knots took 4 years and 600 craftswomen to weave, and the carpet's total weight exceeds a staggering 21 tons.