If you’re looking to get away from the bustle and busy streets of Dubai, a fine escape is right next door. Sharjah is a short drive away and offers everything from culture to adventure.
Maybe it’s time to get away from the familiar and venture to Dubai’s peaceful neighbor. That’s why we gathered the top things to do in Sharjah for you to leave that comfort zone behind.
1. Spend a Day at Al Suhub Rest House
The attraction just opened up in the heart of Khor Fakkan in Sharjah in time for Eid’s long vacation this year. It’s an amazing place that you shouldn’t miss out on with your family.
Al Suhub is positioned high up on the mountain, 580 m above sea level to be exact, and it offers the best views you’ll find in the city. It consists of 2 levels designed in a circular shape, easily accessible by car via the 6.5 km road heading upwards.
Head over there for a relaxing time and a brand new experience you won’t forget. You will find a lovely cafe, restaurant, kids play area, balcony seatings, and a multi-purpose hall with essential services.
Location
The brand new tourist attraction in Sharjah is located atop a mountain in Khor Fakkan.
Timings
Open 24/7
2. Discover the Blue Souk
The Blue Souk, also known as the Central Souk, is Sharjah’s most famous attraction. The stunning buildings of the shopping complex are unmissable, featuring distinctive Islamic designs in blue tiles.
It is an iconic Sharjah attraction that you can find on the Emirati 5 Dirhams note. We’re sure you’re going to enjoy taking lots of pictures there!
That’s not all! Are you in love with Arabian fashion, jewelry, and home accessories? Well, this is the place for it! You will find amazing bargains on stunning Abayas, shauls, poufs, table and bed covers, and so much more!
Location
It is located on Faisal St., Sharjah.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday: 10 am to 10 pm
- Friday: 5 pm to 10:30 pm.
3. Visit Sharjah Heritage Area
All museum buffs rejoice! Sharjah Heritage Area has a collection of museums not to be missed.
As one of the must visit places in Sharjah, the cultural spot brings you different aspects of Emirati culture all the way back before oil was discovered.
You have Sharjah Heritage Museum, Calligraphy Museum, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, and Bait Al Naboodah. This is your ultimate cultural sightseeing in Sharjah to-do-list.
You can also check Sharjah Fort, a majestic building that was built about 200 years ago. It was built for defense and at some point served as a home for Sharjah’s ruling family.
Before heading to the museums, make sure to check out each one’s timings and day offs as they may differ.
Location
Sharjah Heritage Area is located just off Corniche Rd. in Sharjah.
4. Find Peace at Al Noor Island
Sharjah doesn’t really have a shortage of beautiful green spaces that offer a sense of tranquility. Al Noor Island is at the top of that list of interesting places in Sharjah.
The island is situated in the heart of Khalid Lagoon, accessed through a bridge. There you can enjoy a morning stroll in the midst of unique designs and endless nature. It is quite a romantic place in Sharjah too.
Location
Al Noor Island is located in Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah.
Timings
9 am to 11 pm daily.
5. Hangout at Al Qasba
No list of places to visit in Sharjah is complete without the stunning waterfront destination Al Qasbaa. Home to “Eye of the Emirates” ferris wheel, a trademark in Sharjah’s skyline, Al Qasbaa is perfect for kids as well.
The cozy outdoor space has a selection of cafes and restaurants to indulge with your family and friends. Art lovers will enjoy visiting Maraya Art Center located there, showcasing various breathtaking multimedia works.
Location
Al Qasba is located just off Al Khan St. in Sharjah.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 11 pm
- Friday: 2 pm to 12 am.
6. Walk Through a Rainstorm
Imagine walking under rain and not getting wet! How grand would that feel? You can do so in Sharjah at Al Majarrah area. It’s one of the coolest activities in Sharjah no doubt.
The installation is called the Rain Room and is part of Sharjah Art Foundation. The technology is quite impressive. It detects human presence and the water itself is directed away from it.
Looking for fun places in Sharjah? Check!
Location
The Rain Room is located at Al Sharq Al Majarrah in Sharjah.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday: 9 am to 9 pm
- Friday: 4 pm to 9 pm.
Tickets
- AED 25 per adult
- AED 15 for students
- Free entry for kids below 5 years old and people of determination.
7. Have Fun at Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum
The aquarium is among the most popular places to visit in Sharjah. Kids especially enjoy it very much as they get to see various underwater species right in front of them.
The museum also offers great insight on the country’s advancements in pearl diving and fishing.
Location
The museum is located on Meena St. in the Al Khan area of Sharjah.
Timings
- Saturday and Monday to Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm
- Friday: 2 pm to 8 pm.
- Sunday is off.
Tickets
- AED 25 per adult
- AED 15 for kids.
8. Take the Kids to Al Montazah Waterpark
Make use whenever the weather allows it by heading to this amazing waterpark; this is one of the best things to do in Sharjah with family and especially with the little ones.
Here you’ll enjoy everything you could expect from a waterpark such as a lazy river, wave pool, and fantastic slides.
Location
The waterpark is part of Al Montazah Parks directly opposite Flag Island in Sharjah.
Timings
10 am to 8 pm daily.
Tickets
AED 79 per person.
9. Have Great Encounters at the Arabian Wildlife Center
If you’d like to say hi to some of the wildlife in the region, head over here! Being a desert terrain, Sharjah boasts an impressive array of wildlife indeed.
The Arabian Wildlife Center aims to boost breeding programs for endangered species and educate the public about extinction as well as the endangerment of animals.
Location
The center is located on Al Dhaid Rd. of Interchange 9 in Sharjah rural area.
Timings
- Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 11 am to 5:30 pm
- Friday: 2 pm to 5:30 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday are off.
Tickets
- AED 15 per adult
- AED 5 for kids.
10. Take a Road Trip to Kalba
Sometimes on the weekend we just have to go on a road trip! Head to Sharjah’s fishing village called Kalba and we guarantee you will not regret it!
Kalba is among the most beautiful places in Sharjah. Don’t just take our word for it; go there and discover its attractions.
First, you can check Hisn Museum and the House of Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al-Qassimi for a little bit of cultural aspect to your trip.
Then go to Khor Kalba Conservation Reserve, which is known for being a “Bird Watcher’s Paradise.” We’ll leave you with that image!
Location
Kalba is located on the edge of Sharjah on the Oman Gulf north of Oman.
11. Go Back in Time at Sharjah Archaeology Museum
An essential place to see in Sharjah is the Archaeology Museum where you can discover different artifacts from ancient times; some even as far back as the Stone Age.
You will get to know Sharjah’s story from then until modern times. How interesting is that?
Location
This top tourist place in Sharjah is located on Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi St.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday: 10 am to 8 pm
- Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm.
Tickets
- AED 10 per adult
- AED 5 for kids.
12. Shop at Sahara Center
If you’re still wondering what to do in Sharjah, you wouldn’t want to get away without a bit of shopping, would you? Sharjah’s most famous shopping mall is Sahara Center, which is conveniently located right at its borders with Dubai.
Sahara Center offers a wide range of international brands to check out as opposed to the larger, busier malls in Dubai; they include two floors of Home Centre to spice up your home decor.
There’s also Novo Cinemas to check out the latest blockbuster movies with your loved ones (don’t forget the nachos), and a variety of to-die-for restaurants.
Location
Sahara is located on Al Nahda St., Sharjah.
Timings
- Weekdays: 10 am to 11 pm
- Weekends: 10 am to 12 am.
13. Relax at Al Majaz Waterfront
Al Majaz Waterfront park is one of the best places to visit in Sharjah for free. It’s also one of the largest in the emirate, offering spacious greenery to sit back and relax.
There are many ways to enjoy Al Majaz; it’s perfect for bbq time, picnics, and many games with the family. They even have a mini-golf course and a splash park!
You can also check the best parks in Sharjah; each has its own charm and is amazing for jogging, strolling, or simply taking some time to yourself.
Location
You can find this beautiful place in Sharjah on Al Corniche St., Al Majaz 2.
Timings
- Weekdays: 9 am to 12 am
- Weekends: 9 am to 1 am.
Sharjah is a cultural gem, so while exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi is awesome, you should give Sharjah some time on your itinerary. It is unique and a great change of pace.
