Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

Despite the less than appealing name, this excellent Sultan's Armed Forces Museum is far more than just a display of military hardware. The museum is housed in Bayt al-Falaj, built in 1845 as a royal summer home but used mostly as the headquarters of the sultan's armed forces. The lower rooms give a comprehensive outline of Oman's history, and the upper rooms explore Oman's international relations and military prowess.

The museum is on the itinerary of visiting dignitaries and you'll be given a mandatory military escort. There's a falaj (irrigation channel) in the grounds outside.