Brimmed with architectural wonders, Sharjah is known as the cultural capital of the UAE and is quite a popular tourist destination after Dubai. The rich heritage and culture of this city will make you want to go for a historical tour of the best places and indulge in the best things to do in Sharjah. From exploring the beautiful mosques to shopping from the traditional souqs, Sharjah offers a mindful travel experience to all the travelers who are in awe of something unique and culture-driven. Not just this, Sharjah also boasts of scenic beaches, exotic wildlife and desert parks to offer travelers an all-in-one travel experience. So, if you are planning to make your travel itinerary, do not forget to include the below-mentioned things to do in Sharjah.

Best 8 Things To Do In Sharjah For A Great Vacation

Sharjah has a lot to offer to the tourists. From cultural trips to traditional shopping, check out this list of the best things to do in Sharjah that will make you remember your trip for a lifetime.

1. Capture Fantastic Views From The Eye Of The Emirates Wheel

One of the best things to do in Sharjah is enjoying and capturing uninterrupted views from a heigh of around 60 meters. With 42 cabins, the wheel is one of the most striking attractions in Sharjah and is quite similar to the iconic London Eye. This stunning structure is located in Al Qasba which is quite famous as the entertainment hub of Sharjah. Sitting on this wheel will delight your senses with enticing views of the whole city and glistening waters of the Persian Gulf which is a sight to behold. The best time to go for a ride on Emirates Wheel is during nighttime when the view is spectacular.

Location: Al Montazah Park - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates

Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am; Fridays: 03:00 pm to 01:00 am

Entry Fee: 30 AED

2. Indulge In A Traditional Shopping Experience At Blue Souq

If you want to delve into a traditional shopping experience in Sharjah then Blue Souq should be your go-to place. This beautifully carved building in blue-tiles with intricate detailing has a myriad of shops selling different things like antique jewelry, handicrafts, woven carpets, saffron, gold jewelry, attar, chess boards, old coins, tea and coffee pots. In the list of Sharjah attractions, Blue Souq will always top our list as here tourists will find the best souvenirs that define the true culture of Sharjah. Quite popular as the Central among locals, Blue Souq is spread in an area of around 80,000 sq meter and consists of over 600 shops.

Location: King Faisal Road, Sharjah

Timings: Tuesday to Monday: 10:00 am to 10:30 pm

Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Top Sharjah Malls For Your Shopping Day Out In The City

3. Relax Amidst The Pleasant Ambience Of Al Noor Island

If you are looking for fun things to do in Sharjah, then try visiting Al Noor Island which is quite famous in the city for its lush green surroundings and tranquil ambience. Take a peaceful escape into nature in the middle of Sharjah city. The beautiful landscape of the park will offer you endless opportunities to click beautiful pictures of nature. It is a great place to explore with kids as the park has a separate children’s play area, attractive art installations, a butterfly house and a literature pavilion. The island has a diverse variety of flora and fauna including around 7000 trees, years old olive trees and around 300 million old art sculptures make this island one of the best attractions in UAE.

Location: Buhaira Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah

Timings: Al Noor Island: 09:00 am to 11:00 pm; Butterfly House: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adults: 35 AED; Children aged 2 to 13 years: 20 AED

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4. Relish History At Sharjah Archaeology Museum

One of the most famous things to do in Sharjah is taking a historical tour of the famous Sharjah Archaeology Museum. Enrich yourself by taking a tour of this museum that houses artefacts from centuries-old period. It also boasts of things dated back to the Stone Age. Although there are various attractions in Dubai that tell a glimpse of the rich history of the UAE but Sharjah has its own charm when it comes to digging into the history of UAE as the city houses many historical places. The audio tour of the museum can also be opted for explaining the relevance of the artefacts on display. Travelers get to know about the Bedouin culture and the Arabic lifestyle of the people that used to live thousands of years ago.

Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi St - Dasman - Sharjah

Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm; Friday: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adults: AED 13, Children aged 2 to 12 years of age: AED 5, free for senior citizens who are 60 years and above and also for people with disabilities.

Suggested Read: Top Sharjah Resorts, UAE For A Comfortable Stay UAE’s Third-Largest City

5. Spend A Day At Scenic Al Mamzar Beach

A great place to visit in Sharjah for a tranquil getaway is Al Mamzar Beach which is a perfect family spot. The beach houses 5 other beaches, 3 pool and a coastline dotted with palm trees, making it a beautiful gem of nature where travelers and locals alike relax and enjoy various beach activities. There is also an open amphitheater and an open children’s play area where kids can enjoy and play myriad of games which makes it one of the best beaches in UAE. No need to bother about eatables as there are many food kiosks which are located throughout the beach. Bask in the sun or indulge in various activities on this natural gem in the city. A barbecue can also be enjoyed on the 55,000 square meter long green spaces that also houses air-conditioned chalets to offer an elite experience to the VIP guests.

Location: Alexandria St – Sharjah

Timings: Sunday to Monday: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adults: 5 AED; free for children below 2 years of age and people with disabilities

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6. Meet The Exotic Marine Life At Sharjah Aquarium

One of the best activities to do in Sharjah on your next expedition is taking a tour of the Sharjah Aquarium that houses over 100 species of marine life. There are around 21 tanks spread on two floors, each depicting a different environment of the underwater world. Marvel at the colorful coral reefs and marine life like eels, sharks, seahorses, and many more at the Sharjah Aquarium. A turtle rehabilitation program is also run by Sharjah Aquarium that works to rescue the injured turtles and send them back to their natural habitat after their treatment. The main objective of the aquarium is to make general people aware of the importance of marine life as a part of the ecosystem. If you are looking for the best things to do in Sharjah with kids, then you should definitely check out this place.

Location: Al Meena Street, Sharjah

Timings: Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm; Friday: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm; Closed on Sundays

Entry Fee: Adults: AED 25 and AED 15 for children aged 2 to 12 years of age

Suggested Read: Things To Do In UAE For Every Adventurous Tourist

7. Stroll Through The Sharjah Heritage Area

One of the top things to do in Sharjah is taking a tour of the Sharjah Heritage Area and dig into its rich history. The heritage area houses several museums and historical buildings like Hisn Fort, Al Hisn Sharjah, Al Midfaa House and Sharjah Heritage Museum. It is a perfect place for history buffs and to delve into ancient times and know more about Bedouin heritage and culture. Not just this, one can also indulge in some shopping at Al Arsah Souq which is right in the middle of the Sharjah Heritage Area in a large courtyard housing several shops selling traditional and hand-crafted items.

Location: Al Mareija, Sharjah

Timings: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adults: 5 AED

8. Enjoy The Beauty Of Sharjah Desert Park

One of the best things to do in Sharjah is visiting the famous Sharjah Desert Park which houses Wildlife Center, also known as Sharjah Zoo, Natural History Museum, Botanical Museum, and Children's Farm. At the animal farm, one can feed the pet animals in their natural habitat. Witness the exotic variety of flora at the botanical garden located within the park. Myriad of activities which one gets to enjoy here makes it one of the best places to visit in Sharjah.

Location: Al Dhaid Rd, Near Sharjah Zoo - Sharjah

Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm; Friday: 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm; Saturday: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adults: 15 AED; 5 AED for children above 12 years and free for children less than 12 years

Suggested Read: Top Resorts In UAE For An Ultimate Holiday Experience

Sharjah is a gorgeous city in UAE that offers a truly enriching experience through its striking architecture, historical places and cultural spots. The charming souqs, museums and historical sites, all make Sharjah a great place to delve into the ancient times and the Bedouin period. Plan your trip by booking flights to Sharjah and do not forget to add these top things to do in Sharjah in your itinerary for a surreal travel experience.  

FAQs:

Q1. Which is the best time to visit Sharjah?

The Winter season that is from December to February is considered the best time to visit Sharjah which is also the peak tourist season with pleasant weather and low rainfall.

Q2. How many days are sufficient for a trip to Sharjah?

Generally, 2 days are sufficient for a trip to Sharjah in order to explore all the tourist attractions in the city.

Q3. What are some famous historical places in Sharjah?

Some of the best historical places to visit in Sharjah are:

  • Sharjah Archaeology Museum
  • Blue Souq
  • Sharjah Fort
  • Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
  • Sharjah Arts Museum
Q4. What are some activities to do in Sharjah with kids?

Some of the best activities to do in Sharjah with kids are:

  • Visit Sharjah Discovery Center to know more about science and technology
  • Visit Al Noor Island to enjoy various beach activities and butterfly house
  • Enjoy a spectacular ride on the Eye of the Emirates Wheel
  • Enjoy various adventures at Adventureland
  • Meet exotic marine life at Sharjah Aquarium & Maritime Museum
Q5. What is Sharjah famous for?

Sharjah is famous as the cultural capital of the UAE and for its well-known cultural and historical attractions like Sharjah Fort, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and Sharjah Archaeology Museum.

Q6. Which are some best places in Sharjah for outdoor activities?

Some of the best places in Sharjah for outdoor activities are:

  • Al Mamzar Beach
  • Al Noor Island
  • Arabian Wildlife Center
  • Sharjah Beach
  • Lou Lou Beach
Q7. Which are the best hotels in Sharjah?

Some of the most famous and the best hotels in Sharjah are:

  • Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah
  • The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah - a GHM hotel
  • Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa
  • Pullman Sharjah
  • Golden Sands Hotel
Q8. How far is Sharjah from Dubai?

The distance between Sharjah and Dubai is approximately 40 km which can either be covered by a bus or a taxi. A bus takes around 1 hour while a taxi would take around 25 minutes.