Eschewing the glitz and glamour of its regional contemporaries, Muscat is better known for the neat, uniform seafront buildings that first caught the attention of Portuguese explorer Afonso de Albuquerque. Stepping into Muscat is much like stepping through a passage in time, with many of the city’s sights retaining their original splendor. New additions to the city’s façade, such as the Royal Opera House, further add to its’ unique flair.