You might not hear as much about Sharjah as you do about Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but if you enjoy culture, art, and a more relaxed lifestyle, there’s a lot to be excited about in this place. There are many museums, important places to visit, and exhibitions that keep changing. The city has become a center for culture. Here are some of the best things to do in Sharjah.
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1. Visit The Heart Of Sharjah
Sharjah’s original city center, once a bustling place for trading by merchants, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a lively district dedicated to heritage and the arts, thanks to extensive restoration efforts. The Heart of Sharjah initiative, set to be finished in 2025, has turned this area into a hub of art spaces, museums within traditional wind tower structures, and forts nestled within a maze of connected narrow paths. The Al Elsa School Museum gives you a glimpse of what the education system was like here more than 70 years ago. Meanwhile, at the Sharjah Institute of Arts, located in a building that’s over 150 years old, you can see visual records of how this district looked in the past. The Heart of Sharjah hosts various events throughout the year, including Sharjah Heritage Days, making it a great place to plan a visit.
Website: heartofsharjah.ae/
Address: 995M+PP9 – Corniche Street, Mareijah – Sharjah
2. Shop at The Blue Souk
In Sharjah, much like in many places across the Middle East, there’s a Central Souk right at the heart of the city. It’s also known as the Blue Souk due to the beautiful sapphire mosaic tiles that decorate its domed roof. This traditional market is quite special, hosting over 600 shops and stalls spread across two levels. You can find a wide range of items here, from arts and crafts to textiles, gold, diamonds, and everything in between. Bargaining is a common practice, so if you’re planning to shop, bring your best negotiation skills. But even if you’re not into shopping, it’s worth a visit just to admire the architecture. The souk is one of Sharjah’s most photographed landmarks.
Address: Al Majaz 1 King Faisal St, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
3. Go To Sharjah Classic Cars Museum
While supercars, Teslas, and big four-wheel-drive vehicles are commonly seen on the roads of the UAE, classic cars are a more unusual sight. The Sharjah Classic Cars Museum is a place where you can find over 100 incredibly well-preserved vintage cars. The museum showcases exhibitions that tell the story of the car industry. The oldest car in the collection is a 1915 Dodge 30, and there are other remarkable vehicles like a rare 1969 Mercedes Pullman Limousine. As you explore the museum, you’ll also see vintage posters and ads that highlight important moments in the history of the car industry. For kids, there are interactive areas and even a driving simulator to enjoy.
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
Set within a magnificent former souk building on Al Majarrah Waterfront, topped with a striking gold dome, you’ll come across the Museum of Islamic Civilisation. As you step inside, you’ll discover six galleries containing over 5,000 artifacts. These treasures guide visitors through the journey of Islamic cultural history, stretching back to 7 AD. The museum explores the vast global influence of Islamic civilization in areas such as astronomy, medicine, geography, mathematics, marine navigation, and art.
Website: sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Museum-of-Islamic-Civilization
Address: Al Sharq – Al Mujarrah – Sharjah
5. Discover Rain Room
In a country where the sun shines all year round, rain is quite unusual. However, at the Rain Room, an exhibition by Random International that has been a permanent part of the Sharjah Art Foundation since 2018, you can experience an ongoing rain shower. This immersive attraction lets visitors walk through curtains of rain without getting wet. This magic is made possible by clever sensors that detect anyone passing through. The installation uses 2,500 liters of recycled water and is housed in a special dark room, illuminated by bright spotlights, which makes for some cool photo opportunities.
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
There are over 600 mosques in Sharjah but Al Noor Mosque, open to the public, is one of the most impressive, with an Ottoman architectural style.
It is located on the Corniche, an area close to the city center, and offers stunning views of the nearby lagoon.
Al Noor Mosque location
7. Stroll The Corniche
Sharjah Corniche is the area that stretches along the sea, next to the Heritage Area. There you will see the ruler’s palace (or rather the walls of its enclosure) and you can enjoy the walk along the water, which is particularly pleasant.
You can swim in the east of Khalid Lake, but be careful what you wear, because bikinis are strictly forbidden!
Sharjah Corniche location
8. Al Montazah Water Park
Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park is Sharjah’s top family spot. Offering thrilling water rides and luxurious leisure amenities, it’s located near the Government Departments Complex, Central Market, and Khalid Lagoon. With easy access from other emirates, Al Montazah is quickly becoming one of the UAE’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.
Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park location
9. Stroll At Al Qasba
Al Qasba is a very pleasant area for a family stroll, modern, and home to many cafes and restaurants. All things considered, it is similar to the Dubai Marina but less excessive. At nightfall, the area is charming!
