Top 16 Places to Visit in Sharjah That Will Leave You Mesmerized

Sharjah is the 3rd largest city after Dubai and Abu Dhabi after UAE, nestled on the Arabian Gulf. Sharjah home to some of the most gorgeous heritage sites, traditional souqs, mosques and impressive museums, is known as the cultural capital of the Arab world. For all the cultural buffs, there are several places to visit in Sharjah.

16 Tourist Places To Visit In Sharjah, UAE

Sharjah, the cultural tourist destination has some of the most famous heritage sites that attract tourists from around the world. Some of Sharjah’s famous places have a story behind it and will leave people awe struck. It should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit.

1. Sharjah Art Museum

One of the biggest museums in UAE, the Sharjah art museum is the best places to visit in Sharjah for art lovers who enjoy exploring the Arab culture and heritage through the impressive artwork. The museums’ aim is to portray the art of the Arab world. The 18th century painters were inspired by the culture, architecture and environment of the middle east, which is seen in their artwork. The museum houses a collection of exhibits which include impressive artwork from the ruler of Sharjah, HH Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi. The Ali Darwish gallery has several Sharjah’s paintings.

Famous for: Art of The Arab World

Things to do: Explore the exhibits

Timings: 8 am- 8 pm

2. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Nestled along the waterfront in an impressive souq, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, enables people dig deep into the Arab and Islamic Culture. Tourists learn about the culture, artefacts, textiles and much more exploring the exhibits. Sitting on the ground floor, the galleries represent angles of Islamic faith from their achievements in astronomy and mathematics to their rituals and importance of the Hajj. The gallery on the upper floor showcases 1400 years of art and artefacts of Islamic culture. It includes woodwork, ceramics, clay, glass, pottery, jewelry, textiles and handicrafts with silver, gold and brass inlay work. The key highlights of the museum are the collection of silver dinars and dirhams from Abbasaid and Omayyad eras and zodiac mosaic.

Famous for: Collection of silver dinars and dirhams from Abbasaid and Omayyad eras and zodiac mosaic

Things to do: Learn about the art and artefacts of Islamic culture

Timings: 10am–6pm

3. Sharjah Science Museum

Established in UAE, Sharjah Science Museum aims at educating and creating excitement among kids and people of all ages about science. Entertaining methodology of interactive sessions and displays for discovering life, space, science and other fields is implemented by the museum. Tourists are allowed to make their own cartoons, puzzles of the human body and test the strength and flexibility of the body. The museum has a play area for kids designed for a better understanding of the world. The universe and space can be explored through the on-site planetarium at the museum.

Famous for: Science

Things to do: Interactive workshops, explore the galaxies at the planetarium

Timings: 8 am- 8 pm

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in UAE For A Luxury Holiday

4. Sharjah’s Central Market

The landmark of Sharjah is popular for its superfine blue tile work, hence the name- The blue market/souq. Sharjah’s Central Market is one of the best places to visit in Sharjah, includes over 600 shops and an ideal place for tourists to shop. It is home to the Arabian Bazaar, an authentic structure, where tourists will experience the traditional beauty of this market. It is one of the most ideal and best attractions in UAE where tourists will get to shop for a range of items, right from jewelry to electronics, clothes and much more.

Famous for: Blue Title Work

Things to do: Shop for jewelry to electronics and clothes

Timings: 10 am- 10 pm

5. Sharjah Archaeology Museum

The archaeology museum includes some of the most amazing excavations and artifacts that go back to the stone age. The museum has a bucketful of jewelry, pottery and ancient relics. People who want to know every detail, should visit this famous place in Sharjah. Tourists will learn about the old civilizations that developed in this region, models that will take people to the cemeteries, tombs and houses. There is quite a bit to learn about the first forms of writing, which are about 2500 years old.

Famous for: Archaeological findings

Things to do: Learn about the old civilizations

Timings: 10 am- 8 pm

6. Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque one of the most majestic mosques and top places to visit in Sharjah is nestled at the Buhaira Corniche in Sharjah. It is one of the first mosques to be open to non-Muslim tourists from around the world. In 2005, it was built by Sultan Bin Muhammad Al- Qasimi, a ruler of Sharjah. It is known to house at least 2,200 people for prayer. The world Noor means light in Arabic and is absolutely true to its meaning. It stands tall alongside the Khalid Lagoon on Buhaira Corniche. The mosque made it in the Guinness World Record for the being the world biggest wooden charity box for their Ramadan donation campaign.

Famous for: Turkish Ottoman design

Things to do: Admire the famous butterfly garden and contemporary art installations

Timings: Open 24 hours

7. Al Majaz Waterfront

The Al Majaz Waterfront is an ideal family destination in Sharjah. It offers a range of activities like miniature golf to fine dining and hosts concerts, events and festivals throughout the year. These are some of the fun things to do in Sharjah. Sharjah Musical fountain is one of the best landmarks of the Al Majaz waterfront and witnessing it is a mesmerizing experience. The waterfront ensures safety as it offers services like free WIFI, public facilities and several parking spots.

Famous for: Al Majaz Waterfront

Things to do:

1. Cool off at the Splash park
2. Play golf at the miniature golf course.
3.Biking or running on the running track
4. Fine dining at the restaurants
5. Private boat cruise

Timings: 9 AM - 12 AM for Mini-Golf Course

10 AM - 6 PM from Saturday -Wednesday

9 AM - 12 AM on Thursdays & Fridays for Splash Park

6. 30 PM - 11.30 PM for Musical Fountain

8. Khalid Lagoon

Khalid Lagoon is the world’s 3 highest fountain, nestled right in the center of Sharjah. It gives tourists peace of mind and is one the most magical experiences just looking at it. It is known to one of the most beautiful places to see in Sharjah at night. It is simply amazing to see the fountain throwing water up to a height of 100 meters. Tourists can spend some quality time with their family and couples can spend a romantic evening.

Famous for: Water fountain

Things to do: Watch the fountain throwing up water

Timings: 9 am- 2 pm, 7 pm- 11 pm

9. Al Qasba

The modern commercial complex offers the best package of entertainment and glitz of Sharjah along with fine dining restaurants, theatres and Kids fun zone. It is home to several activities like indoor and outdoor like theatres, kids' fun zone, Abra rides and Al Qasba Musical fountain and Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates Ferris Wheel. It is the best places to visit in Sharjah with one’s family. Apart from being the center for business people, the Multaqa Al Qasba conference halls offer the chance to explore the Arabian culture. Several Sharjah restaurants, fine dines and retail outlets add sparkle and brightness to the area.

Famous for: Art center and various other outdoor attractions

Things to do: Theatres, kids' fun zone, Abra rides and Al Qasba Musical fountain and Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates Ferris Wheel

Timings: 9 am- 7 pm on weekdays and 8 pm- 10 pm on weekends

10. Sharjah Heritage Area

It is known for its mix of myriad museums that include Al Asra souq, Al Midfaa house, and Al Hisn Sharjah. The minute one enters the heritage area, their journey towards discovering the beautiful old heritage Bedouin village homes. The best part about the museum is that is it has its own wind tower, which was once used to prevent Arab people from the heat. The heritage area is filled with rich historical facts, something every history lover would love.

Famous for: Myraid Museum

Things to do: Discover the historical facts

Timings: 8 am- 8 pm

11. Sharjah Fort

Sitting on a plaza at the corner of a heritage district, Sharjah fort was built 200 years ago and was a defensive facility for the town and traditional residence of the ruling family of Sharjah. The rooms have a themed display that boasts of the Sharjah history including the importance of the Gulf’s trade networks. An exhibit in the rooms show the painstaking restoration of the building in the 20th century and there are amazing views beyond the heritage district and out to the sea from the roof. The city private tour highlights offer half day of discovering the sights of Sharjah that include the fort, the heritage museum and souk Al Arsah. The trip can be tailored according to your interest which include visiting the museum of Islamic civilization or the art museum or walk around the central market if you like.

Famous for: History

Things to do: Discover the history of the fort and see the views beyond the sea from the roof

Timings: 4 pm- 8 pm

12. Al Noor Island

Have you ever heard of island that with modern art sculptures and installations? Created in the Khalid lagoon and accessible by the bridge from the central city’s corniche street, Al Noor Island is one of the ideal places to visit in Sharjah, if one is looking for some peace and quiet time from shopping at the malls in Sharjah and exploring the museum. The island is combination of art and nature of the garden which is scattered with modern art sculptures and installations, created by some of the world’s well-known artists. One of the ideal tourist attractions is the butterfly house where one can see over 500 different butterflies. It is an island that should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit and the perfect way to spend a vacation with family and friends.

Famous for: Butterfly House

Things to do: Visit the butterfly house, see the modern art and sculpture

Timings: 9 am- 12 am

13. Sharjah Aquarium & Maritime Museum

Have you ever seen rare aquatic species? You are in luck as the aquarium and maritime museum are a must visit places. Sharjah has always been linked to the water and its main attraction has always been the Aquarium and Maritime Museum as it highlights the importance of the sea in the development of the city. The aquarium is one of the main attractions for kids as they get to see several sea life species, including reef sharks and sea rays. The museum hosts a number of exhibits on traditional wooden dhows, pearl- collection and fishing, where the highlights are of course the pearls, which are said to be the oldest in the world. Apart from visiting this place, one should spend a day on the beaches in Sharjah. It is a once in a life time experience people should not miss out on as it may or may not come again.

Famous For: Pearl collection and wooden dhows

Things to do: Visit the exhibit on traditional wooden dhows, pearl- collection and fishing

Timings: 8 am- 8 pm

14. Souk Al-Jubail

If one were to experience the bustle of traditional Arabian shopping in a modern setting, one should visit Souk Al Jubail. You can join the shoppers while they do their weekly rounds at the fish market- a smelly place filled with noise and color and then head to the fruit and vegetable market where you will hear the vendors shouting out the prices and customers with their bargaining. It is the best opportunity to get a glimpse of the colorful pictures of Sharjah’s daily life and see the shopping souk, the perfect place to buy gifts like dates and honey. Apart from the market, one should also go on a desert safari in Sharjah. Experiencing such sights is a once in a life time opportunity that is a must see for everyone.

Famous For: Traditional Arabian Shopping

Things to do: Watch people bargain and vendors shout the prices out

Timings: 8 am- 10 pm

15. Kalba

Kalba is a small fishing village in UAE with its fresh produce and fish market on the seashore. It worth taking a trip to the Hisn Museum, which is about 112 kilometers east of Sharjah. It is a charming place for a peaceful walk and was a restored house of sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qassimi, with its musical instruments and traditional furniture. Khor Kalba conservation reserve, south of the village consists of the most northerly mangrove forest in the world. One can even visit the bird watcher’s paradise, during spring and autumn migrations. People can see the rare white collared kingfishers that breed here along with the reef herons and booted warblers. Take a trip to the reserve by hiring a boat or canoe. It is one of the best places to visit in Sharjah for a perfect holiday. What else can one ask for?

Famous For: Fish and rare species of birds

Things to do: Visit the Bird watcher’s paradise

Timings: NA

16. Sharjah Desert Park

Have you ever been to a desert park that offers complete entertainment? Sharjah desert park is an edutainment place that consists of three zones, which include the Natural History Museum, Arabian Wildlife Centre and the Children's Farm. Visitors get a clear understanding of the flora and fauna and the natural processes in the best way possible. It is a one-of-a-kind park where people can spend all day and be transferred into another world. Al Dhaid, located 28 kms from Sharjah is a must visit for all the nature lovers. It is one the best ways to spend a day with family and friends. What more can one ask for as it is not something people get to see or explore anywhere else in the world. It is a once in a life time experience and a must visit place people should not miss out on when on vacation in Sharjah.

Famous For: Natural History Museum, Arabian Wildlife Centre and the Children's Farm

Things to do: Explore the natural history museum, arabian wildlife centre and the children's farm

Timings: 2 pm- 5 pm

If you and your friends love to explore and discover new cities, then there are several places to visit in Sharjah to explore, Sharjah being one of them. Sharjah has several tourists' attractions every individual from around the world would love discovering. So, book your flights to Sharjah and enjoy the best vacation with your family and friends. Make it a memorable vacation to remember and boast about it later as it a once in a life time experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

FAQs

Q.1 What are the best places to visit in Sharjah?

Some of the best place for tourists to visit in Sharjah are Al Qasba, Khalid Lagoon, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah Science Museum are among the few places very tourist should visit.

Q.2 What makes a visit to Sharjah’s central market special?

The central market is known as the blue market souq and is one of the best attractions in Sharjah. It has several shops and the best place to shop for jewelry, electronics, clothes and much more.

Q.3 What time should tourists visit Al Qasba?

Tourists can visit Al Qasba between 9 am- 7 pm on weekdays and 8 pm- 10 pm on weekends. It is the best place for families especially kids.

Q.4 What is Sharjah Heritage Area and when is it the best time to visit?

The heritage area is a myriad of museums that enable one to discover the beautiful old heritage Bedouin village homes. The best time to visit is from 8 am- 8 pm.

Q.5 What is the one thing people can do at the Khalid Lagoon?

Khalid Lagoon is the 3rd highest fountain where people can watch it throw out water. It is one of the most peaceful and happy experiences, no tourist should miss.

Q.6 When is it the best time to visit Sharjah?

December- February, winter time is said to be the best time to visit Sharjah. It is the peak tourist season.

Q.7 Is it safe to visit Sharjah?

Yes, it is the best and safest place to visit for people of all ages, especially kids.

Q.8 What are some of the things people can do at Al Majaz Waterfront?

People can enjoy cooling off at the splash park, play golf, biking and running, fine dining and take a private boat cruise.