Muscat

Muscat, the capital of Oman, sits between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. The port is in Muttrah, the original old town, where the souq sells frankincense, Omani silver, textiles, and khanjar daggers. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the third largest in the world, has a Swarovski crystal chandelier and the largest handmade Persian carpet. It's open to non-Muslim visitors in the morning. The Al Alam Palace, flanked by two Portuguese forts, sits nearby. The Corniche is a flat 30–40 minute walk from the port and has affordable restaurants serving seafood and Omani dishes. Dhow cruises run along the coast with chances to spot dolphins. Excursions to Wadi Shab or the Bimmah Sinkhole reach Oman's interior canyons and swimming holes. Taxis are reasonably priced. The currency is the Omani rial. The old city is walkable, and the Corniche path suits wheelchairs and buggies.