Sharjah: 2025 Travel Guide
🏙️ Sharjah Travel Guide | Attractions + Food + Transportation
Sharjah has been named the "Cultural Capital of the Arab World" by UNESCO. Here you can see museums, traditional markets, mosques, and a more simple local lifestyle atmosphere.
📍 Must-see attractions in Sharjah
1. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- Features : The most representative museum, with a collection of more than 5,000 Islamic artifacts, covering everything from science, astronomy to art.
- Editor's note : The air conditioning in the museum is very strong, so remember to bring a jacket!
2. Blue Souk (Central Market)
- Features : Sharjah's most famous shopping landmark, with a blue dome and Arabic arches.
- Editor’s guide : In addition to buying gold jewelry, carpets, and spices, you can also take photos of beautiful Arabian architecture.
3. Sharjah Art Museum
- Features : The largest art gallery in the UAE, showcasing local and international contemporary art.
- Editor's recommendation : Suitable for literary travelers who like paintings and sculptures.
4. Al Noor Mosque
- Features : One of Sharjah's most iconic mosques, open to non-Muslims during certain hours.
- Editor's reminder : Be sure to dress modestly and observe religious etiquette.
5. Al Qasba Canal
- Features : The atmosphere at night is great, with canals, Ferris wheels, restaurants and cafes.
- Editor's guide : Take a boat ride along the canal to admire the lights, it's extremely romantic.
6. Sharjah Aquarium
- Features : Suitable for family travel, showcasing the UAE's marine ecology.
🍴 Must-try food in Sharjah
| gourmet food | Reasons for recommendation |
|---|---|
| Machboos | A traditional Emirati rice dish cooked with spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves. |
| Mandi | Saudi and Yemeni-style stews can also be found in Sharjah, and they are authentic and fragrant. |
| Shawarma | A representative of Arabic street food, grilled meat + flatbread, affordable and delicious. |
| Grilled Fish | Sharjah is close to the Persian Gulf, so the seafood is fresh and grilled fish is the most popular. |
| Dates | A must-try local dessert, often paired with Arabic coffee. |
| Luqaimat | A traditional Emirati dessert, these little fried balls are drizzled with date syrup and are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. |
🚇 Sharjah Transportation Guide
1. How to get to Sharjah
-
Departing from Dubai
- The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes (may take longer depending on traffic conditions).
- You can take a taxi, Uber or Careem; there are also buses (E303, E306) that go between the two places.
2. Urban transportation
- Taxi : The most convenient and cheaper than in Europe.
- Bus : There are city buses, but they are not intuitive for tourists.
- Walking/Car Rental : The city center is full of attractions and can be reached on foot or by car.
3. Editor's reminder
- Sharjah is the emirate in the UAE that strictly enforces Islamic norms, prohibiting alcohol consumption and requiring more conservative dress.
💡 My personal 2-day, 1-night itinerary suggestion
Day 1
Blue Souk → Lunch at Mandi → Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization → Al Noor Mosque → Evening walk along Al Qasba Canal
Day 2
Breakfast coffee and dates → Sharjah Art Museum → Sharjah Aquarium → Return to Dubai or Abu Dhabi
💬Editor 's Thoughts <br>Sharjah lacks Dubai's glitz, but it has a deeper culture. If you enjoy museums and art galleries, Sharjah will delight you even more than Dubai. The Blue Souk , in particular, is incredibly Arabian and I personally think it's more charming than shopping malls!
