Muscat is a rustic leather satchel on a rail of knock-off diamante handbags. Even though it’s got as much oil as its brash neighbours (cough-Dubai-cough), Muscat has kept a sense of tradition and… class.

There’s plenty to keep you in the capital, and it serves as the perfect springboard for loads of Omani adventures.

If that doesn’t sway you, in November there’s highs of 31°C...

Haggle for gold at Mutrah Souq

Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh? Or perhaps for the lady, a tamagotchi and a pasta strainer?

Filled with treasures and tat, Mutrah Souq is the oldest market in the Arabic world. Get lost in its maze of stalls til you emerge with the perfect silk scarf for your nan.

Come after sundown to see the souq lit up with hundreds of lamps.

Fish Fry-Up at Qurum Beach

Qurum is the only beach in Muscat, so prep yourself for the crowds on sunny days.

But the water is calm, the sands’ golden and the sunsets are eye-wateringly beautiful. Plus, mashakeek (BBQs on the beach) will sell you fresh fish all night long.

Carpet World at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The carpet in the prayer hall of this Grand Mosque took 600 women 4 years to weave…

When Sultan Qaboos gives a present, he puts the effort in. This gift from him to the people of Muscat dominates the capital’s skyline and is filled with intricate wonders. Remember: women should wear a headscarf before entering and everyone should dress modestly as a sign of respect.

Shisha and shuwa at Kargeen

Spare a thought for waiter Faisal. His chiropractor told him ‘no more bending down’. But that won’t fly at traditional Kargeen Caffe, where guests sit cross-legged on the floor to eat.

Make sure you try the shuwa (lamb slow-cooked in banana leaves) and hibiscus tea, before hotboxing the place with Kargeen’s 'Special Shisha'.

Swimming in Bimmah Sinkhole

This must be a mirage. They said you were going to a sinkhole (whut) but instead of cracked tarmac and depressed commuters it’s… lush.

Drive an hour from Muscat into the Wadis Oasis and you’ll soon spot Bimmah - the prettiest sinkhole in the world (probs).

There’s even nibbling pedicure fish, so you’ll get your tootsies cleaned while you practice your breaststroke.

Murder holes and trapdoors at Nizwa

“Wonder what that hole’s for... MY EYES, MY PRECIOUS EYESSSSSSS!!”

Soldiers at this Omani fort used to pour boiling date syrup on their enemies before dropping them through a trapdoor. Ouchy.

Luckily the welcome’s warmer now at Nizwa Fort. Check out its ramparts and learn about ancient Omani life.

Nizwa is an hour’s drive from Muscat - stick around for mountain views over date palm groves.

Sum Up:

Muscat is the thinking person’s crumpet. It's cultured, beautiful and stuffed full of lamb kebabs (erm).

In winter it’s hot enough that all your friends will be jel of your tan, but not so hot that your flesh becomes the kebab.