Sandwiched between the blue Gulf of Oman and the stark Al-Hajar Mountains, Muscat is one of Arabia’s most alluring and picturesque cities. Oman’s ancient capital has embraced modernity only sporadically, so its districts reflect a sliding scale between the bygone and modern Middle East. Things to do in Muscat include exploring the traditional Omani neighborhoods of Muttrah and Old Muscat to see blue-tiled mosques, souks, museums, and 16th-century Al Mirani Fort; enjoying dhow cruises along the scenic coast; and absorbing the city’s contemporary areas, where glossy malls, restaurants, and showpieces like the gleaming Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque personify the new Oman.