National Museum of Oman

The National Museum of Oman is the best single introduction to the country's history and the main reason to spend a morning in Old Muscat. It was established by royal decree in 2013 and opened to the public on 30 July 2016, in a large modern building facing Al Alam Palace across the ceremonial plaza. The permanent galleries cover around 4,000 square metres, with a further space for temporary exhibitions, and the national tourism site puts the collection at more than 7,000 artefacts.

The 14 permanent galleries trace Omani history and identity over thousands of years. Highlights include an internationally important collection of prehistoric metal objects, early Islamic manuscripts, maritime instruments from the country's seafaring past and a wide range of archaeological finds. A cinema, digital displays and an open-storage area where visitors can watch conservation work add variety, and there are family-friendly learning zones for children.

The museum opens from Saturday to Thursday between 10am and 5pm, and on Friday from 2pm to 6pm. Tickets are priced in tiers, with lower rates for Omani and GCC nationals and for residents, and free entry for students with their companions, visitors with disabilities and certified tour guides. Card payment is accepted. Allow two hours, or longer if you want to read the panels in detail. Like most museums in the city it is fully air-conditioned, which makes it a good place to spend the hottest part of the day.

Accessibility is taken seriously: the building has lifts, accessible areas and labels in Arabic Braille, and staff can arrange services for visitors with special needs. It suits curious adults, students and families with school-age children. Modest dress is sensible, as it is everywhere in Old Muscat.

Old Muscat is a few minutes by taxi from Mutrah and around half an hour from the Qurum hotels. Once inside the walled town, everything is close together: the palace gates are across the plaza, Bait Al Zubair is a short walk away, and the Muscat Gate Museum sits on the road back towards Mutrah. A good plan is the National Museum first, a look at the palace, then Bait Al Zubair, finishing with lunch in Mutrah.