Things to do in Sharjah
- Sharjah is the only emirate in the United Arab Emirates to have coastlines on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
- The city has maintained a total ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol since the 1970s.
- Sharjah was designated as a UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019 due to its extensive literacy and library outreach programs.
- The Sharjah Biennial, established in 1993, is one of the longest-running contemporary art events in the Middle East.
About Sharjah
Sharjah is recognized as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, distinguished by its commitment to preserving traditional Islamic architecture and historical heritage. Visitors often begin their cultural immersion at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization [7894] before exploring the spiritual architecture of the King Faisal Mosque [25923]. The city balances its scholarly reputation with modern leisure developments like the Al Majaz Waterfront [7191], offering scenic views of the Khalid Lagoon. Families frequently gravitate toward the Sharjah Aquarium [7192] to observe the marine life of the Arabian Gulf.
Highlights of Sharjah
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
This museum houses thousands of Islamic artifacts spanning over 1,400 years of history.
Zoos
The facility features two floors of tanks showcasing local marine life including sharks and rays.
Temples
The building is a prominent example of Ottoman-style architecture with intricate stonework.
Parks
This recreational area features a famous fountain show and diverse waterfront dining options.
Beaches and ponds
This beach offers designated areas for swimming and is a popular spot for viewing the sunset.
Temples
One of the largest mosques in the emirate, it stands as a significant landmark in the city center.
Parks
A expansive park that offers direct access to a well-maintained sandy beach and picnic facilities.
Parks
A community-focused green space featuring walking paths and a large central lake.
Top things to do in Sharjah
The 239 highest-rated places in Sharjah, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Al Mamzar Beach Park is a 106-hectare coastal destination situated on a peninsula straddling the border of Dubai and Sha...
2
Parks
Al Majaz Waterfront is a 231,000-square-meter leisure destination situated along the Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah. The park...
3
Places of interest
Al Majaz Waterfront is a sprawling recreational hub situated along the Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah. It features the Sharjah...
4
Temples
Al Noor Mosque is an Ottoman-style landmark located along the Khaled Lagoon in Sharjah. It features 34 cascading domes a...
5
Zoos
Sharjah Aquarium is a two-story facility housing nearly 100 species of marine life native to the Arabian Gulf. The aquar...
6
Parks
Rolla Square Park serves as a central green space in the Al Ghuwair district of Sharjah. The site is named after a histo...
7
Parks
Al Nahda Pond Park is a prominent community recreation area centered around a large artificial pond in the Al Nahda dist...
8
Temples
St. Michael's Catholic Church in Sharjah is a prominent religious hub serving a highly diverse expatriate community thro...
9
Parks
Quranic Park is a 60-hectare green space in Dubai designed to reflect the botanical and historical narratives found in t...
10
Parks
Abu Shagara Park is a prominent community green space in the densely populated Bu Shaghara neighborhood of Sharjah. It f...
11
Museums
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is housed in a repurposed, restored souq featuring a prominent gold-plated do...
12
Temples
The King Faisal Mosque is a prominent architectural landmark in Sharjah, commissioned by the late King Faisal bin Abdul...
13
Beaches and ponds
Al Khan Beach is a popular public waterfront destination in Sharjah featuring a dedicated stretch for families and water...
14
Venues
Masrah Al Qasba is a 250-seat indoor auditorium located within the Al Qasba leisure complex in Sharjah. The venue functi...
15
Parks
Al Montazah Parks is a dual-themed entertainment destination in Sharjah comprising the Pearls Kingdom water park and the...
16
Parks
AlNakheel Oasis is a dense, palm-lined green space situated in the heart of the Al Majaz waterfront district. It serves...
17
Places of interest
Al Noor Island is a landscaped destination located in the heart of Khalid Lagoon, accessible via a dedicated pedestrian...
18
Places of interest
Cultural Square, also known as Quran Roundabout, serves as the primary gateway to the city of Sharjah. At its center sta...
19
Places of interest
The Flag Island is a dedicated cultural and recreational landmark in Sharjah, centered around a 123-meter-tall flagpole...
20
Historical places
Souq AlShanasiyah is a meticulously reconstructed traditional marketplace located within the Heart of Sharjah heritage d...
21
Parks
Al Safya Park is a community-focused green space located in the densely populated Al Majaz 3 district of Sharjah. The pa...
22
Temples
Al Maghfirah Mosque is a prominent waterfront landmark situated along the Corniche in the Al Seef district of Sharjah. T...
23
Beaches and ponds
Sharjah Beach is an expansive coastal stretch located in the Al Heera Suburb, extending along the Arabian Gulf. The area...
24
Amusement parks
Adventureland is a 70,000-square-foot indoor theme park situated across the first and second levels of the Sahara Centre...
25
Temples
Al Sahaba Mosque is a prominent architectural landmark located in the Samnan district of Sharjah. The structure is chara...
26
Parks
Al Fisht Park is a residential neighborhood park located in the Alheera Suburb of Sharjah, specifically designed for loc...
27
Museums
The Sharjah Art Museum stands as the largest art museum in the Gulf region, housing a comprehensive collection of works...
28
Museums
Al Mahatta Museum is housed in Sharjah's first airport, established in 1932 as a refueling stop for Imperial Airways fli...
29
Parks
Al Ittihad Park in Sharjah is a prominent urban green space centered around the historic Al Ittihad Monument. The park f...
30
Parks
Al Mahatta Park is a neighborhood green space located in the Al Qasimiah district of Sharjah. It features a layout prima...
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Sharjah on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Sharjah
November to March, as temperatures are moderate and suitable for outdoor activities compared to the extreme summer heat.
2-3 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the central museums and waterfront districts.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the primary modes of transport, as the city lacks a comprehensive metro system.
The Al Majaz and Al Khan areas are the most convenient for tourists due to their proximity to major landmarks and waterfront dining.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs are generally more affordable than in neighboring Dubai.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 239 curated attractions in and around Sharjah, ranked by traveller ratings.
Al Mamzar Beach Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Sharjah right now.
The largest category is temples, with 147 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah, Al Ain.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
