UAE’s cultural capital has its own charm. Unlike the other emirates, Sharjah feels both ancient and alive with its historical places and east coast beaches. This city gives you a perfect mix of adventure, modernity and heritage.
Top Places to Visit in Sharjah
Sharjah offers more than just museums. The city has depth. Real depth. Whether you want cultural experiences or beach relaxation, Sharjah delivers. These are the places you should not miss. The places that define what Sharjah actually is.
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Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization opened in 1996. The museum is unique. It focuses on Islamic culture specifically. The collection is massive. Over five thousand ancient Islamic artifacts. Each artifact tells a story. Each one matters. These artifacts come from various parts of the Islamic world. Different regions. Different time periods. The collection represents early Islamic history. The foundational years. When Islam was emerging. When culture was forming. That is what you see here. Not just objects. But the history behind them.
There are over six different galleries spread over its two floors that display different items focused on Islamic beliefs, Qurans and manuscripts. Its central dome is the most unique feature that is decorated with mosaic painting of the night sky and the constellations inside.
The museum also features various discoveries and inventions of the Muslim scholars from the ancient Islamic periods.
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Heart of Sharjah
The heart of Sharjah is a restored heritage district aimed at preserving the Emirati culture of the region. It features coral walled houses, narrow alleys, artisan workshops and traditional cafes. The project was started as a five phase plan to restore the old buildings and souks and restore them in pre-1950s state.
It is expected to be one of the largest heritage restoration sites in the Gulf region and has been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was once the hub of Sharjah’s merchant trade and you’ll find old souqs, traditional houses, forts and schools inside the campus.
3. Al Majaz Waterfront
Al Majaz waterfront is one of the popular family destinations in Sharjah. It has a beautiful music fountain with water jets that shoot water every 30 minutes in the evening. It also has playing area for kids called the Splash Zone and eco-friendly promenades that overlook the Khalid Lagoon.
People come here to play golf in the miniature golf course or go on an eco-friendly bike ride or evening walks. There is a group of restaurants and boutique shops lined up in the streets.
It is also a famous spot for live concerts, events and festivals at different times of the year.
4. Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Mleiha Archaeological Centre is a unique heritage and archaeology site in Sharjah that tells about the region’s history from the Stone Age to the late Islamic period. It also features Umm al Nar burial chamber that was built around 2,300 BC. It also has a fort from the Mleiha period that reflects the political and economic status of the place.
It is a great place to learn about the prehistoric civilisations and the surrounding desert landscape.
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Al Noor Island
Al Noor Island is a unique park in Sharjah known for its tropical biosphere that is filled with colourful butterflies. The park also features light and sound installations that glow at the night time. It has a 3.5 km long boardwalk that is often used by the joggers and families to spend the evening.
Its most exceptional feature is its lush foliage with over 70,000 trees and plants that includes the indigenous species of plants like Ghaf. You’ll also find six different installations in the island. Torus, Fossil Rocks and OVO installation are some of the noteworthy installations.
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Al Qasba
Al Qasba is a popular destination in Sharjah that brings complete experience for everyone. This scenic district located along the Al Qasba canal, has multiple attractions for art, culture and leisure activities.
Most people know this place because of the Eye of the Emirates that is the large Ferris Wheel in the region.
It is a family friendly place and has an outdoor amusement park and Kids Fun House where parents and kids like to spend the evening.
The venue also features art exhibitions and events at Maraya Art Centre and Masrah Al Qasba Theatre.
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Blue Souq (Central Market)
Also known as the central market, the blue souk is a traditional market in Sharjah with over 600 shops. It is one of the largest and most photographed traditional markets in the UAE that is also featured on the UAE’s 5 dirham note.
Located between King Faisal Road and Khalid Lagoon, it was the first building that was built to represent a modern shopping centre. Its ground floor has gold and silver shops that sell finely crafted jewellery.
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Sharjah Art Museum
Sharjah Art Museum is the first dedicated art museum in the Gulf region that showcases the modern and contemporary art by the local artists from the Mid-eastern region.
It was opened in 1995 inside the Bait Al Serkal mansion and was later moved to a new building during the 3rd Sharjah Biennial in 1997 under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi.
The museum has permanent art collections and also features temporary exhibits. Its permanent art collection also features the artworks from the collection of ruler of Sharjah.
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Sharjah Aquarium
First opened in 2008, Sharjah Aquarium is a hidden sea world of marine animals from different local aquatic environments. Its 20 different tanks reflect the diverse marine species such as moray eels, clownfish, seahorses and sharks.
It also features rehabilitation areas for the sick and injured marine animals where they are kept before getting released into the sea. You can also attend the feeding sessions and interactive workshops to learn about the marine life. Explore the Seaworld Abu Dhabi which is another popular attractions.
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Eye Of The Emirates
The Eye of the Emirates is a large Ferris Wheel located at Al Montazah Parks. It is an excellent viewpoint for getting a birds’s eye view of the major attractions and famous markets in Sharjah.
There are 42 cabins in the observation wheel with capacity of up to 8 people. You may take a ride in the cabin for about 6 minutes and enjoy the views of Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor Mosque and more.
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Sharjah Classic Car Museum
Sharjah Classic Car Museum is a popular vintage car museum where you’ll find over 100 vintage cars from the time of early 20th century. It has four sections and each section represents a historical stage in the automotive industry.
You can also find the oldest car in the museum – the black 1915 Dodge model. There are also display cars from the end of World War II era. Learn about the American brands and the first female race car drivers.
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Khor Fakkan
Khor Fakkan is aa beautiful beach town on the east coast of the UAE. There are plenty of attractions for tourists – from mountains and beaches to historical castles. Its waterfront walkways and shady seating areas are seating spots for families and adventure lovers.
There’s also a ruined fort nearby that was built by a Portuguese captain in the 17th century.
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Sharjah Calligraphy Museum
Sharjah Calligraphy Museum is a unique museum that showcases different forms of calligraphy from the early Kufic scripts to the different fluid styles.
Learn about different forms of calligraphy from the masterpieces and paintings by the local and international artists and attend the workshops to participate in hands on activities.
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Sharjah Butterfly House
The Sharjah Butterfly House on Al Noor Island is one of the most popular tourist places for a family outing. It houses over 500 in its temperatures and humidity controlled environment. Other similar one is the Dubai butterfly garden that is far much bigger place and attractions millions of tourists every year.
Its outdoor structure is one of the most noticeable features in the island that is made of perforated steel and ergonomic design that lets in the sunlight. The house also shares comprehensive information about the native butterflies of the region.
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Kalba
Kalba is an exclave of Sharjah that is most popular for ecotourism in the region. There are many adventure opportunities in the region – from trekking to wildlife spotting. You can even spot Arabian Oryx in the region. You can also visit the hanging gardens of Kalba where you’ll find artificial waterfall and a small lake at the bottom.
Final Thoughts
From ancient museums and heritage souks to its breathtaking beaches, Sharjah offers new adventures at every turn. Whether you’re on a one day or one week trip, these spots will leave you wanting for more. Start planning your holiday and enjoy adventures in the cultural capital of the UAE.
FAQs
- Is Sharjah a good place for holidays?
For sure. It’s a great place. There are old mosques and beautiful parks. You can also explore ancient castles, beaches and rugged mountains.
- How many days are enough to explore Sharjah city?
If you want to visit the nature places like beaches and mountains along with sightseeing around the cultural places, plan for a week. You can easily visit the beautiful islands as well as top historical and cultural sites.
- When should I plan Sharjah tour?
Oct to Feb is the perfect time to explore its cultural destinations and nature places.
- Can I bring alcohol?
No, alcohol is not allowed here.
- What should I wear in Sharjah?
Put on modest clothes while in public places.
- What good beach spots in Sharjah?
You can plan beach days to Khor Fakkan, Al Heera and Kalba.