Sharjah Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Sharjah

Sharjah’s main cultural sights cluster around its lagoons and old town, while desert and coastal escapes lie within easy driving distance.

• Heart of Sharjah — A carefully restored historic quarter of coral-stone houses, wind towers, heritage museums and a traditional covered souk.
• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation — A beautifully domed waterfront museum showcasing Islamic art, science and faith across many centuries.
• Al Noor Mosque — An elegant mosque in the Ottoman style on Khalid Lagoon, which offers guided visits that welcome non-Muslim guests.
• Central Souk — Often called the Blue Souk for its tiled facade, a landmark market of carpets, jewellery, textiles and handicrafts.
• Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba — Lively lagoon-side promenades with fountains, gardens, cafés and family attractions, especially pleasant in the evenings.
• Arts area — Restored courtyard buildings and galleries in the old town host contemporary exhibitions and the city’s well-known art biennial.
• Mleiha and the desert — An archaeological site and desert area inland, with ancient tombs, fossil-rich mountains, dunes and stargazing.

Best time to visit Sharjah

The best time to visit Sharjah is from November to March, when the weather is warm and sunny by day and pleasantly cool in the evenings. This is the ideal season for exploring the heritage quarter on foot, strolling the lagoon waterfronts, beach days and desert trips. Several of the emirate’s major cultural events take place in these months, including a large international book fair in autumn and a light festival that illuminates landmark buildings in winter.

April and October are warm transition months, with hot middle hours but manageable mornings and evenings. From May to September, temperatures often exceed 40°C with high humidity, so most sightseeing is best done early in the day or after sunset. Air-conditioned museums, malls and indoor attractions make summer trips possible, and hotels are often quieter.

The dates of Ramadan follow the Islamic calendar and change each year. Visiting during the holy month offers a chance to experience special evening traditions, but daytime opening hours may change and visitors are asked to be considerate in public. Check the dates when planning your stay.

Getting from the airport

Sharjah International Airport lies around 15 kilometres east of Sharjah city centre and is also a convenient gateway for nearby Dubai and the northern emirates.

• Taxi — Metered taxis wait outside arrivals at all hours and are the easiest option. The drive to central Sharjah usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Public bus — City buses link the airport with the main bus station in central Sharjah, from where intercity buses run to other emirates. This is the most economical but slowest choice.
• To Dubai — Taxis and buses also run to Dubai, which lies very close by. Journey times vary widely with traffic, from around 30 minutes to well over an hour at peak times.
• Transfers and car hire — Many hotels arrange pre-booked transfers, and car hire desks operate in the terminal.

Traffic between Sharjah and Dubai can be very heavy during weekday rush hours, so allow plenty of time, especially for onward connections.

Where to stay

Most visitors stay near Sharjah’s lagoons and waterfronts, which put the museums, souks and promenades within a short taxi ride.

• Al Majaz — A popular area around Khalid Lagoon and Al Majaz Waterfront, with parks and restaurants; suits families and first-time visitors.
• Al Khan — A seaside district with beaches, an aquarium and a maritime museum, ideal for travellers who want sea views and a relaxed pace.
• Al Qasba and Al Taawun — Waterfront areas with canal-side dining and good access to Dubai, convenient for those splitting time between the two cities.
• Heart of Sharjah and the old town — Close to the heritage quarter, souks and arts area, perfect for culture lovers.
• East coast — Sharjah’s coastal towns on the Gulf of Oman offer mountain scenery and calm beaches for a resort-style break.

Travel tips

• Local customs — Sharjah is known for its conservative, family-oriented character. Alcohol is not served in the emirate, and a public decency code applies, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
• Visiting mosques — Wear long, loose clothing; women should cover their hair. Join a guided visit where offered and follow the guidance of hosts.
• Courtesy — Keep public displays of affection discreet and always ask before photographing people, particularly women and families.
• Getting around — Taxis are plentiful and metered. Allow extra time for traffic, especially on roads to and from Dubai.
• Payment and tipping — Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for souks. Around 10 percent in restaurants is appreciated when service is not included.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.