Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace)

Built for the late Sultan Qaboos during his 50-year reign, Al Alam is mainly used to receive high-ranking guests such as foreign dignitaries and Queen Elizabeth II. Though the palace interior is off-limits, you can admire the exterior from Old Muscat’s harborfront.

Al Alam is typically included on all Muscat sightseeing tours, which often include a photo stop and round-trip transfers. Some tours combine the palace with city landmarks such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Old Muscat, while others go further afield to Wadi Shab and Nakhal. Hop-on hop-off buses stop nearby and evening tours gives you chance to admire the Al Alam at its most magical.

• The courtyard fronting the Al Alam is both wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

• Wear sunscreen or a hat if you visit during the day as the courtyard in front of the palace has no shade.

• Hit the harborfront for palace photos with the clifftop Al Jalali Fort in the background.

The palace is approached via a walkway from Old Muscat’s Al Alam Palace roundabout. It’s best reached on tours that include air-conditioned, round-trip transport, although it’s also accessible by cab. Public buses from Ruwi and Muttrah Corniche stop at the roundabout and there’s ample parking nearby for drivers.

Tour groups tend to gather outside of the palace from midmorning to midday, so arrive earlier for unobstructed views and to beat peak sunshine. One of the best times to visit is after dark, when the palace’s gold and turquoise pillars are gorgeously illuminated.

Combine the Al Alam with other Old Muscat must-sees, most of which are within walking distance of the palace. The nearby National Museum serves as a window into Oman’s rich heritage, while the harborfront behind the palace offers stellar views over the two medieval forts—Al Jalali and Al Mirani—that guard Old Muscat bay.