Claimed as the largest Buddhist temple complex in southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si – the Temple of Paradise – is marked by the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda and a statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. A newer temple to the Goddess was built in 2001-2002.

The Musée des Automates is a small museum, showing 300 automated dolls from the last two centuries including life-size figures and a full-size re-creation of a street in Montmartre with shops displaying automatons in motion in their windows. In the second museum, Musée des Modèles Réduits, next door, they display models of boats, trains and cars.

Fort Cornwallis is George Town’s most prominent historical landmark. Its star-shaped 18th-century ramparts on the waterfront enclose an array of British colonial buildings, including prison cells, a powder magazine, a chapel, a harbour beacon, and bronze cannons still mounted on the battlements.

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.