Top places to visit in Sharjah

• Blue Souk Sharjah (Central Market)

  traditional market · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Sharjah's iconic Blue Souk — two hexagonal towers and 600+ shops with blue-tile, pointed-arch, mashrabiya-screen facades. One of the Gulf's most photographed landmarks. Specialising in gold, jewellery, carpets, antiques and handicrafts at…

• Khor Fakkan Beach

  mountain-backed beach · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  One of the UAE's most beautiful beaches — golden sand backed by the Hajar Mountains on the Gulf of Oman. Completely calm, crystal-clear water excellent for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Operated by Sharjah with full beach facilities.…

• Al Noor Island Sharjah

  island garden · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A landscaped art island in Khalid Lagoon with a butterfly house (500+ butterflies in a dome), contemporary sculptures, a literature pavilion and Art of Light installations that glow after dark.

• Heart of Sharjah Heritage District

  heritage district · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  The most authentic traditional Arabian city quarter in the UAE — restored wind-tower houses, coral-stone mosques and merchants' mansions. The Bait al-Naboodah merchant house, Al-Hisn Fort and multiple heritage houses open to visitors.

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

  Islamic civilisation museum · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  One of the finest Islamic art museums in the Arab world. Eight galleries cover the Holy Quran, Islamic science (astronomy, navigation, medicine), coins, ceramics, textiles and weaponry. The central dome reproduces a section of Masjid…

• Al Noor Mosque

  Mosque · about 1 h · entry AED 25 (≈ ₹650)

  Ottoman-style mosque on Khalid Lagoon, the only Sharjah mosque open to non-Muslims via guided tours.

• Sharjah Aquarium

  Wildlife · about 1.3 h · entry AED 25 (≈ ₹650)

  Aquarium at Al Khan displaying local Gulf marine species across themed tanks beside the Maritime Museum.

• Al Majaz Waterfront

  Cultural · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Landscaped lakeside promenade with cafes, a musical fountain and the Sharjah "Eye" wheel views.

• Sharjah Art Museum

  Museum · about 1.5 h · free entry

  The largest art museum in the Gulf, with permanent Orientalist and Arab modern-art collections.

• Al Qasba

  Cultural · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Canalside leisure district with the Eye of the Emirates ferris wheel, dining and abra rides.

• Al Hisn Sharjah Fort

  Fort · about 1 h · entry AED 10 (≈ ₹260)

  Restored 1820s ruler's fort at the heart of old Sharjah, now a museum of the emirate's history.

• Mleiha Archaeological Centre

  Heritage · about 2.5 h · entry AED 40 (≈ ₹1,040)

  Desert archaeology and eco-tourism hub near Stone Age tombs, Fossil Rock and dune activities inland.

Things to do

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization Museum · 2 h · from AED 29 per person
• Khor Fakkan Beach & Snorkelling Water Sports · 6 h · from AED 19 per person
• Mleiha Desert Safari & Fossil Rock Tour · 4 h · from AED 295 per person
• Eye of the Emirates Wheel Ride Sightseeing · 0.3 h · from AED 35 per person
• Heart of Sharjah Heritage Walk Tour · 2 h · from AED 90 per person

Day trips and tours

• Sharjah Cultural Day — Museums & Heritage Quarter 7 h · from AED 140

Where to stay in Sharjah

• Al Majaz & Khalid Lagoon about AED 500 per night

  Sharjah's scenic waterfront district — Khalid Lagoon corniche with parks and restaurants. Most 4–5 star hotels are here. 20 min drive to Dubai. No beach but pleasant lagoon atmosphere.

Hotels

• Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa 5-star · AED 550 to AED 1,800 per night
• 72 Hotel Sharjah 4-star · AED 350 to AED 600 per night
• Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah 5-star · AED 400 to AED 750 per night
• Copthorne Hotel Sharjah 4-star · AED 280 to AED 650 per night

Where to eat

• Al Fanar Restaurant emirati, arabian, seafood · about AED 120 per person
• The Fish House seafood, indian, emirati · about AED 55 per person
• Al Qasba Table lebanese, middle_eastern, mezze · about AED 95 per person
• Al Hana Restaurant indian, kerala, biryani · about AED 40 per person
• Shababeek Lebanese, Middle Eastern · about AED 140 per person
• Zahr El-Laymoun Lebanese · about AED 130 per person
• Automatic Restaurant Sharjah Lebanese, Middle Eastern · about AED 70 per person
• Vintage Cafe Sharjah Cafe, Middle Eastern · about AED 55 per person

Getting to Sharjah

Airport: Sharjah (SHJ)

How visitors arrive in Sharjah

• Flights into Sharjah International (SHJ) By air · common

  The airport is the home of low-cost carrier Air Arabia and is a short distance from Sharjah city, with a shuttle bus to the centre. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Bus or taxi from Dubai By road from Dubai · common

  An inter-emirate bus from Dubai ends at Al Jubail bus station; taxis also run between Dubai and Sharjah. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Via Dubai International (DXB) By air from Dubai · common

  Dubai International has far more international connections, so many visitors land there and transfer by road. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the airport to the centre

• Airport bus to Al Jubail station unconfirmed

  A bus runs from the airport to Al Jubail Bus Station; cash only. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Taxi or Uber/Careem

  Taxis are widely available and Uber and Careem also operate. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

• Car Rental Self
• Taxi

  Licensed taxi companies operate in Sharjah, and a cab can be booked by phone through the government-sponsored taxi service.

• Walking

Paying

• The airport bus takes cash only; the Dubai inter-emirate bus needs a nol card. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Safety and scams to avoid

• Unlicensed Money Changers

  Sharjah Gold Souk area, Al Jubail

  Street-level money changers near the souk offer slightly better rates than official exchange shops but may use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists or provide counterfeit notes.

  How to avoid it: Use licensed Al Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange or bank ATMs only. Rates at licensed bureaux are regulated and clearly displayed. Never exchange money with individuals on the street.

Best time to visit Sharjah

• Jan 25°C
• Feb 27°C
• Mar 30°C
• Apr 35°C
• May 40°C
• Jun 42°C
• Jul 43°C
• Aug 43°C
• Sep 41°C
• Oct 37°C
• Nov 31°C
• Dec 27°C

More in United Arab Emirates

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah
• Ajman
• Umm Al Quwain

Frequently asked questions about Sharjah

How many days do you need in Sharjah?

A typical trip to Sharjah is 1-2 days.

What are the top-rated places to visit in Sharjah?

The highest-rated places in our Sharjah guide are Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Khor Fakkan Beach, Heart of Sharjah Heritage District, Blue Souk Sharjah (Central Market), Al Noor Island Sharjah.

Where should I stay in Sharjah?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Sharjah: Al Majaz & Khalid Lagoon.

How do I get around Sharjah?

Ways to get around Sharjah covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Taxi, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Sharjah?

Scams reported to us for Sharjah include Unlicensed Money Changers. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Sharjah?

Average daytime highs in Sharjah run from 25°C in Jan to 43°C in Jul.

Which airport is nearest to Sharjah?

The nearest airport to Sharjah has the code SHJ.