Travel writing based on first-hand experience
Discover the best things to do in Sharjah, UAE’s cultural capital. Explore stunning museums, vibrant souks, family-friendly attractions, and hidden gems for an unforgettable trip.
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Table of Contents
Sharjah Visiting Tips
- Know the vibe: Sharjah is the UAE’s cultural capital and a dry emirate. No alcohol service—plan Dubai nights accordingly and book a taxi back.
- Dress with respect: Shoulders and knees covered in museums, souqs, mosques, and government areas. Beachwear stays at beaches and hotel pools.
- Beat the heat: Prime season is November–March. In warmer months, sightsee early morning and after sunset; park indoor museums and cafés for midday.
- Mind the rhythm: Friday is prayer day; opening hours can shift. During Ramadan, expect quieter days, adjusted hours, and paused entertainment—check listings before you go.
- Cash + cards: Cards work almost everywhere, but keep small bills/coins for taxis, parking, and market stalls.
- Traffic reality: Sharjah↔Dubai corridors clog at peak hours (about 7:00–9:30 and 16:30–19:30). Pad your schedule if you’ve got timed tickets.
- Family-friendly win: Corniche promenades, pocket parks, and many museums are stroller-friendly; look for kids’ activity corners at larger institutions.
- Mosque etiquette: Join guided hours where available, remove shoes, speak softly, and follow dress codes. Scarves/abayas may be provided on-site.
- Local transport smarts: Grab a Sayer card for city buses; keep a Nol card if you’ll hop to Dubai. Taxis and Careem are plentiful for short hops.
- Stay hydrated: Carry a reusable bottle; many malls and attractions have easy refill points. Electrolytes help on long walking days.
- Photo sense: Ask before photographing people, especially families. Avoid sensitive sites (police, government, ports).
- Plan clusters: Pair the Heart of Sharjah with nearby souqs and museums in one loop; save the waterfront and art spaces for a separate evening stroll.
Best Things to Do in Sharjah
1. Visit The Heart Of Sharjah
Before Sharjah was glossy and modern, this was the beating heart—the old city centre where merchants once traded, bargained, and probably argued loudly over everything (as they should). Today, thanks to major restoration, the area has been reborn as a heritage-and-arts playground: the Heart of Sharjah project (scheduled to wrap up in 2025) stitches together art spaces, museums, wind-tower houses, and forts, all tucked into a deliciously confusing network of narrow lanes. The Al Elsa School Museum drops you into classroom life from more than 70 years ago, while the Sharjah Institute of Arts—set inside a building that’s over 150 years old—shows visual records of how the district looked back in the day. Pro tip: time your visit around the calendar—Sharjah Heritage Days and other events bring the whole quarter to life, so you’re not just wandering… you’re wandering with a soundtrack.
Website: heartofsharjah.ae/
Address: 995M+PP9 – Corniche Street, Mareijah – Sharjah
2. Shop at The Blue Souk
Sharjah, like much of the Middle East, does the “central market” thing properly—and the Central Souk sits right in the city’s core, looking like it got dressed up for a royal portrait. Locals also call it the Blue Souk, thanks to those sapphire mosaic tiles splashed across the domed roof (yes, you’ll take photos—no, we won’t judge). Inside, it’s a classic two-level labyrinth with 600+ shops and stalls selling everything from arts and crafts to textiles, gold, diamonds, and all the glittery temptations in between. Bargaining is part of the ritual, so if you’re shopping, bring your calm confidence and your best polite stubbornness. Pro tip: even if you buy absolutely nothing, come for the architecture—this place is one of Sharjah’s most photographed landmarks for a reason.
Address: Al Majaz 1 King Faisal St, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
3. Go to Sharjah Classic Cars Museum
Yes, the UAE loves its supercars and shiny new tech—but if you want something you don’t see roaring past every day, we’re heading for the classics. Sharjah Classic Cars Museum houses 100+ beautifully preserved vintage cars, laid out through exhibitions that walk you through the story of the auto industry (the glamour, the weird design choices, the “what were they thinking?” moments). The grandparent of the collection is a 1915 Dodge 30, and you’ll also spot standout rarities like a 1969 Mercedes Pullman Limousine that looks like it should come with its own entourage. Along the way, vintage posters and ads add context and nostalgia in equal measure. Pro tip: if you’re visiting with kids, this one’s a win—there are interactive areas and even a driving simulator, so they can “drive” while you admire the metal artistry in peace.
Website: visitsharjah.com/en/activities/family/sharjah-classic-car-museum/
Address: Airport Rd، between the 4th and 5th intersections، next to Sharjah International Airport – Sharjah
4. Explore the Museum of Islamic Civilisation
On Al Majarrah Waterfront, inside a magnificent former souk crowned with a bold gold dome, the Museum of Islamic Civilisation is the kind of place that makes you slow down (even if you’re usually a sprint-through-museums type). Step in and you’ll find six galleries holding more than 5,000 artefacts, guiding you through Islamic cultural history stretching back to 7 AD. Beyond beautiful objects, the museum gets into the big story: how Islamic civilisation shaped the world through astronomy, medicine, geography, mathematics, marine navigation, and art. Pro tip: give yourself a little extra time here—the building itself is part of the experience, and you’ll want to look up as often as you look at the displays.
Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Museum-of-Islamic-Civilization
Address: Al Sharq – Al Mujarrah – Sharjah
5. Discover Rain Room
In a place where sunshine is basically the default setting, the idea of chasing rain sounds almost ridiculous—so naturally, we’re doing it. The Rain Room (by Random International) has been a permanent Sharjah Art Foundation installation since 2018, and it lets you walk through a downpour without getting wet. The trick? Smart sensors that detect where you are and pause the water just enough for you to pass through like some kind of weather wizard. The installation runs on 2,500 litres of recycled water inside a specially darkened room, punctuated by bright spotlights that turn every step into a dramatic scene. Pro tip: move slowly for the full effect—and yes, it’s absolutely made for photos (but it’s also genuinely calming, which is a pleasant surprise).
Website: sharjahart.org/sharjah-art-foundation/projects/rain-room
Address: opposite Lulu Hypermarket – Al Sharq – Al Mujarrah – Sharjah
6. Marvel At Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah
Sharjah has more than 600 mosques, so yes, the competition is fierce—but Al Noor Mosque (and the fact that it’s open to the public) puts it straight on our must-see list. It’s an elegant stunner with a clear Ottoman architectural style, and it’s one of those places that makes you instinctively lower your voice, even if nobody asked you to.
It sits right on the Corniche, close to the city centre, with gorgeous views over the lagoon. Pro tip: go when the light is soft—early morning or late afternoon—so the details pop without the harsh glare.
Al Noor Mosque location
7. Stroll The Corniche
Sharjah Corniche is the city’s easy-breathing zone: a stretch along the water right beside the Heritage Area, where we can swap traffic noise for sea air and a steady view. You’ll pass the ruler’s palace area (or more accurately, the walls of its enclosure), and the whole walk feels surprisingly peaceful for somewhere so central. Pro tip: bring a drink, go unhurried, and let the lagoon do the calming work for you.
You can swim in the east of Khalid Lake, but watch what you wear—bikinis are strictly forbidden. Pro tip: pack a more modest swimsuit option (or a light cover-up) so you’re not stuck on the shore looking mournful.
Sharjah Corniche location
8. Al Montazah Water Park
Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park is Sharjah’s top family escape hatch—the place we go when everyone needs fun, movement, and a little bit of joyful chaos. It’s packed with water rides and comfortable leisure amenities, and it sits in a handy zone near the Government Departments Complex, Central Market, and Khalid Lagoon. Thanks to its easy access from other emirates, Al Montazah is quickly turning into one of the UAE’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. Pro tip: arrive earlier in the day if you can—more time for rides, less time for lines, and fewer “we’re hungry” emergencies.
Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park location
9. Stroll At Al Qasba
Al Qasba is the kind of place we pick for an easy family stroll when we want “nice” without going full luxury spectacle. It’s modern, lined with cafes and restaurants, and has that waterfront, promenade energy—like a calmer cousin of Dubai Marina, but less loud about it. When night falls, the whole area gets a soft glow and turns properly charming. Pro tip: come hungry and let the evening stretch out—this is an excellent “wander, snack, repeat” zone.
Where to Eat in Sharjah: 5 Top Places to Try
Sharjah is not the kind of place where we simply grab a sad sandwich and call it dinner. Absolutely not. This city has heritage courtyards, waterfront cafés, Emirati flavours, Lebanese grills, seafood feasts, and enough quietly stylish restaurants to make us wonder why everyone keeps sprinting straight to Dubai.
The best part? Eating in Sharjah feels more relaxed. Here are five top places to eat in Sharjah, whether you want a cultural lunch, a romantic dinner, or a family meal that does not end in chaos.
1. Arabian Tea House
If we are starting anywhere, let’s start with atmosphere. Arabian Tea House is one of those places that understands the assignment: old-world charm, Emirati-style dishes, pretty interiors, and the kind of calm courtyard energy that makes lunch feel like a small holiday inside the holiday.
Come here for traditional breakfast plates, machboos, grilled meats, fresh bread, mint lemonade, and a proper Arabic tea situation. It is a good choice if you want your first meal in Sharjah to feel local without being intimidating. Bring your appetite and maybe don’t wear white if you are planning to attack the sauces with enthusiasm.
2. The Restaurant at The Chedi Al Bait
For a more polished meal, The Restaurant at The Chedi Al Bait is the one to bookmark. Set inside one of Sharjah’s most beautiful heritage hotels, it has that elegant, understated feeling we love: traditional details, peaceful courtyards, and food that feels special without shouting about itself.
The menu mixes Arabic, Asian, and international dishes, so it works well when everyone at the table wants something different. This is a lovely pick for dinner after exploring the Heart of Sharjah, especially if you want a grown-up meal where the setting does half the magic before the food even arrives.
3. Shababeek
Shababeek is where we go when the answer is Lebanese food — which, let’s be honest, is often the correct answer. Think silky hummus, smoky grills, fattoush with proper crunch, warm bread, generous mezze, and mains that make “just sharing a few things” turn into a full diplomatic banquet.
It is especially good for families and groups because Lebanese dining is basically built for passing plates around the table. Order a spread, pretend you will not overdo it, then absolutely overdo it. This is the way.
4. Al Khan Restaurant
If seafood is calling, Al Khan Restaurant is a strong choice. Sharjah has a long coastal soul, and this is the sort of place where fish, prawns, grilled seafood, and sea views all feel properly in place. No complicated performance needed — just fresh food, a relaxed setting, and a table full of people suddenly becoming very serious about prawns.
This is a good dinner option if you are staying near Al Khan, Al Majaz, or Al Qasba, or if you want to pair your meal with an evening walk by the water. Seafood plus a waterfront stroll? Yes, we are very easily persuaded.
5. Fen Café & Restaurant
Fen Café is ideal when you want something lighter, prettier, and more café-like — coffee, breakfast, dessert, or a slow afternoon stop between museums and galleries. Sharjah has a strong cultural side, and cafés like this fit the rhythm perfectly: wander, admire art, drink something cold, recover from the sun, repeat.
It is a good choice for brunch, a casual meet-up, or a stylish little pause when you do not want a huge meal but also refuse to survive on convenience-store snacks. We respect this boundary.
Top 5 Best Hotels in Sharjah
Sharjah does hotels in a slightly different rhythm from Dubai. Less “look, we built a lobby the size of an airport,” more calm waterfront views, heritage courtyards, family-friendly rooms, and surprisingly polished service. In other words: we can sleep well, eat well, and avoid spending half the budget on a marble staircase we never asked for.
For this list, we are looking at some of the best hotels in Sharjah with a mix of luxury, waterfront stays, beach resorts, and practical city hotels.
1. The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
Best for: heritage luxury, couples, culture lovers, and anyone who wants Sharjah with serious atmosphere.
If we had to pick the most beautiful hotel in Sharjah, The Chedi Al Bait would be very hard to beat. Set in the Heart of Sharjah, this restored heritage property feels more like a peaceful Emirati village than a standard city hotel. Think stone walls, courtyards, elegant rooms, quiet corners, and that delicious feeling of being tucked away from the modern rush.
2. DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Residences
Best for: families, longer stays, waterfront views, and travelers who like hotel-apartment comfort.
DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront is one of those hotels that makes practical travel feel pleasantly easy. It has polished rooms and residences, a strong location near Al Majaz Waterfront, and the kind of facilities that work well if you are staying with kids, planning a longer trip, or simply want more space than the average hotel room allows.
The waterfront setting is the big win here. We are close to restaurants, walking areas, city sights, and those lovely evening views that make us suddenly become “let’s go for a stroll” people.
3. Pullman Sharjah
Best for: modern comfort, business trips, couples, and travelers who want good value in a polished hotel.
Pullman Sharjah is a sleek, modern hotel that works especially well if you want comfort without going full palace mode. The rooms are spacious, the facilities are strong, and the location is handy for moving between Sharjah and Dubai — because yes, at some point, someone in the group will say, “Should we just pop over to Dubai?” and there goes the plan.
4. The Act Hotel Sharjah
Best for: city stays, Al Majaz access, rooftop pool views, and good mid-to-upscale comfort.
The Act Hotel is a solid choice if you want to stay close to Sharjah’s central attractions while still getting proper hotel facilities. It has spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, spa facilities, and a location that works well for exploring Al Noor Island, Al Majaz Waterfront, museums, cafés, and the Corniche area.
This is the hotel if you want something comfortable and well-located, but not necessarily the most expensive heritage-luxury option in town.
5. Occidental Sharjah Grand
Best for: beach access, families, resort-style stays, and a more relaxed holiday mood.
If your Sharjah trip needs beach time — not just “we looked at the sea from a taxi” beach time, but actual sand-between-the-toes energy — Occidental Sharjah Grand is one of the stronger names to know. It sits by the beach and offers resort-style facilities, making it a good pick for families and travelers who want more of a holiday feel.
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