If you’re somewhere planning a trip that offers peace, inspiration, and a glimpse into authentic Emirati life? You came across the right path, here are the things to do in Sharjah that may just surprise you in the best way. Unlike the other fast-paced glamour of its neighbours, this cultural gem invites you to slow down, breathe in its heritage-rich air, and also explore the things to do in Sharjah, experiences that touch both the heart and the mind.
Whether you’re soaking in the stories of ancient artefacts, tasting age-old flavours passed down through the generations, or simply watching the sunsets behind its serene waterfronts, there’s something quietly magical about Sharjah.
In this super interesting and thoughtful guide of things to do in Sharjah, we walk you through the most unforgettable things to do in Sharjah from iconic attractions to hidden culinary treasures, so that you can create meaningful moments with loved ones, or just with yourself.
Ready to discover a side of the UAE that’s rooted in culture, connected to nature, and always welcoming? Let’s begin.
Cultural Attractions, Warm and Inviting
Sharjah wears its heritage with pride. From centuries-old forts to beautifully curated museums, each cultural site tells a story. These attractions aren’t just places, they’re windows into the soul of the UAE, offering travellers a meaningful glimpse into art, tradition, and Emirati identity with all the things to do in Sharjah.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- Price: AED 10 | Where: Corniche Street
Here, priceless Islamic artefacts come to life manuscripts, richly decorated relics, and scientific curiosities. The Rain Room lets you walk through virtual rain without getting wet. It’s educational, beautiful, and one of the most memorable things to do in Sharjah.
Sharjah Art Museum
- Price: Free | Where: Arts Area, Al Shuwaihean
A soothing space filled with rotating exhibitions from Gulf and global artists. Whether you’re browsing modern canvases or attending a local art talk, it’s a creative escape, one of the most inspiring things to do in Sharjah.
Sharjah Aquarium
- Price: AED 25 | Where: Al Khan Old Area
Watching rays glide and colourful fish swim past the glass walls feels immersive and joyful. Perfect for families and curious minds, this aquarium dive brings the ocean into Sharjah, one of the most calming things to do in Sharjah.
Sharjah Heritage Museum
- Price: AED 5 | Where: Heart of Sharjah
Charming traditional homes, winding alleys, and local stories make this stop feel like stepping into a beloved storyteller’s tale. Rooted in community, it’s an intimate thing to do in Sharjah that delights cultural travellers.
Al Noor Island
- Price: AED 35 | Where: Khalid Lagoon
With its lit walkways, butterfly sanctuary, and peaceful gardens, this tiny island feels like a secret garden in the city. It pairs nature, art, and whimsy, a serene and beautifully visual thing to do in Sharjah.
Al Hisn Fort (Sharjah Fort)
- Price: AED 10 | Where: Heart of Sharjah
Step into history amid crumbling coral walls and recreated fortress rooms. Chronicles, tools, and old photographs offer real insight into Emirati rulership, one of the most grounding things to do in Sharjah.
Calligraphy Square
- Price: Free | Where: Heritage Area
Giant sculptural letters dance in the sunlight, forming a poetry of Arabic shapes and meanings. It’s art that speaks in form not sound, a uniquely elegant thing to do in Sharjah for those with visual love.
Sharjah Archaeology Museum
- Price: AED 10 | Where: Halwan District
Sandstone carvings, ancient tools, and Bronze Age pottery whisper stories from centuries past. Guided tours feel like time travel, making this an unmissable historical thing to do in Sharjah.
Sharjah Science Museum
- Price: AED 10 | Where: Halwan Suburb
From building bridges with straws to live demos of static electricity and plasma shows, it’s a hands-on joyland for kids and science lovers, blending curiosity with playful learning in one of Sharjah’s smartest things to do.
Sharjah Maritime Museum
- Price: AED 10 | Where: Al Khan
Chandeliers hang over dhow models and diving helmets. Pearl-diving tales and fisherman tools paint a tactile portrait of Sharjah as a coastal community, a cultural memory preserved in one lovely thing to do in Sharjah.
Rain Room
- Price: AED 25 | Where: Al Majarrah
Imagine standing still while rain pours all around you but never on you. Your silhouette moves through mist unexpected, contemplative, artistic. It’s an experiential art moment and a refreshing thing to do in Sharjah.
Al Montazah Parks (Island of Legends and Pearls Kingdom)
- Price: AED 120+ | Where: Flag Island
Bright rides whirl, cartoon-themed zones buzz, and water slides splash. Whether you’re eight or eighty, this family wonderland delivers thrills, laughter, and shared memories, one of the most fun things to do in Sharjah.
Live Experiences & Things to Do, Lively and Local
Sharjah isn’t just a city you visit, it’s a place you feel. Beyond the museums and beaches, it’s in the quiet corners of souks, the energy of family parks, and the creative pulse of art hubs that the real charm of the city comes alive.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back afternoon or an action-packed day, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in Sharjah. From kayaking through mangroves to exploring hidden book cafes or catching a traditional performance, the city invites you to slow down, look closer, and truly connect.
Al Qasba Canal Ride
- Price: AED 15–30 | Where: Al Qasba
Glide past twinkling lights in a traditional abra or pedal boat past lively cafés. The water reflects the city lights and laughter, it’s intimate, scenic, and one of the most relaxing things to do in Sharjah.
Eye of the Emirates Wheel
- Price: AED 30+ | Where: Al Montazah Park
Watch Sharjah shrink underneath you from a glass cabin. At golden hour, the city glows; at night, it sparkles. A quiet yet breathtaking perspective perfect for romantic or reflective moments.
Desert Safari (Mleiha)
- Price: AED 200–400 | Where: Mleiha Desert
Let wind whip through your hair during dune bashing, then sit by a fire under stars hearing fossil tales and seeing the Milky Way. It’s adventurous, grounding, and one of the most memorable things to do in Sharjah.
Heart of Sharjah Walking Tour
- Price: Free or AED 10 if guided | Where: Heritage District
Enter narrow lanes and tranquil courtyards with restored buildings carved from coral. Local guides share stories of old traditions and family life, one of the most intimate cultural things to do in Sharjah.
Sharjah Discovery Centre
- Price: AED 10 | Where: Halwan
Kids become mini-storeowners, newscasters, or astronauts in this imaginative playhouse. Parents love watching young minds spark, this spontaneous educational spot is one of the most joyful things to do in Sharjah with children.
Blue Souk (Central Market)
- Price: Free entry | Where: King Faisal Road
Its striking blue domes hide glittering shops full of gold, spices, carpets, and perfumes. Haggle kindly catch glimpses of incense smoke and friendly chatter. It’s immersive, sensory, and one of the most atmospheric things to do in Sharjah.
Khorfakkan Beach & Amphitheatre
- Price: Free | Where: Khorfakkan, East Coast
Tucked beside mountains, this sandy beach glimmers under the sun. At night, free cultural shows play in a Roman-style amphitheatre overlooking the U.A.E.’s only natural waterfall. Nature and performance coalesce into one stunning thing to do in Sharjah.
Kayaking in Kalba Mangroves
- Price: AED 50+ | Where: Kalba
Paddle past tangled roots, turquoise water and flitting birds. The world grows quieter with every stroke. This eco-escape is both meditative and magical, a peaceful nature-led thing to do in Sharjah.
Wasit Wetland Centre & Falconry
- Price: AED 15 | Where: Wasit Reserve
Walk misty boardwalks among mangroves and heron sightings, while falcons glide above. Tranquil trails and environmental storytelling make this a thoughtful, eco-friendly thing to do in Sharjah.
Biking at Al Majaz Waterfront
- Price: AED 20/hour | Where: Khalid Lagoon
Pedal paths curve beside fountains and leafy palms. At dusk, the air cools and locals gather. It’s a cheerful, shared activity blending exercise with city charm, one of the most refreshing things to do in Sharjah.
Tasty Food Stops, Comforting and Cultural
When in Sharjah, your journey isn’t complete without diving into its rich and flavourful cuisine. Rooted in Emirati traditions and influenced by the broader Middle Eastern and South Asian palette, the food here is a heartfelt experience.
Whether it’s a plate of spiced biryani shared among friends, crispy luqaimat drizzled with date syrup, or warm karak sipped during a breezy evening stroll, every dish reflects the city’s spirit the generous, grounded, and deeply comforting. Here’s where to eat in Sharjah and what to try when you’re ready to eat like a local.
Machboos (Spiced Rice & Meat)
- Price: AED 30–50 | Where: Al Fanar
Fluffy saffron rice mingles with tender lamb or chicken and spices that whisper stories of tradition. Paired with chili sauce and lemon, it’s a hearty taste of Emirati hospitality, an essential food thing to do in Sharjah.
Mandi (Smoky Meat & Rice)
- Price: AED 25–40 | Where: Bait Al Mandi
Rice subtly smoky, meat tender to the point of melting, and spice balanced perfectly. Eating from shared platters with hands connects you to community dining, a warm and authentic thing to do in Sharjah.
Harees (Wheat & Meat Porridge)
- Price: AED 15–30 | Where: Local heritage cafés
Creamy wheat blend paired with simmered lamb or chicken which is nutritious, comforting and nostalgic. Often served during Ramadan or ceremonies, a simple, deeply cultural thing to do in Sharjah.
Luqaimat (Goût of Sweet Dumplings)
- Price: AED 10–15 | Where: Souk Al Jubail stalls
Bite into a crispy golden dumpling, sip sweet date syrup drizzled across it, and sprinkle sesame seeds that are comforting and festive. A casual yet beloved dessert thing to do in Sharjah that locals adore.
Samak Mashwi (Grilled Seafood Platter)
- Price: AED 45–80 | Where: Al Khan fish market restaurants
Fresh fish or prawns char-grilled beside the creek, served warm over fragrant rice or bread. The ocean breeze and smoky flavours define this coastal delight, one of the most flavourful things to do in Sharjah.
Shawarma Plate
- Price: AED 7–12 | Where: Rolla or souk cafés
Heaping slices of spiced chicken or lamb tucked into flatbread along with garlic sauce and salad, it’s a daily staple, quick and flavourful. A practical, delicious thing to do in Sharjah when hunger strikes fast.
Karak Tea
- Price: AED 1–3 | Where: Roadside tea cafes
Sweet, strong, spiced milk tea pours into a paper cup, you sip it alongside friendly chatter. Perfect for cooling down or warming up during market walks serves as a cultural refreshment break that’s a must-do thing to do in Sharjah.
Kunafa (Cheesy Syrup Pastry)
- Price: AED 10–20 | Where: Qwaider Al Nabulsi
A tray of melted cheese on crispy pastry, drenched in sugary syrup, no too-nice-too-many times. Rich, warm and utterly indulgent, it is the kind of dessert that sticks in your memory. A treat to include in food-focused things to do in Sharjah.
Arabic Mezze Platter
- Price: AED 25–40 | Where: Shababeek, Al Qasba
A spread of hummus, baba ghanoush, grape leaves, and warm pita. Designed to share, it tides you over conversations with friends by the water, one of the most sociable things to do in Sharjah for a leisurely evening.
Falafel & Hummus Sandwich
- Price: AED 10–15 | Where: Street cafés near souks
Crunchy falafel balls nestled in pita with creamy hummus and pickle crunch, vegetarian, light, satisfying. Quick to buy, easy to eat as you wander, it’s ideal for mixing street-food fun into your list of things to do in Sharjah.
Lotus Pancake with Coffee
- Price: AED 25–40 | Where: Ratios Café, Muwaileh
A fluffy pancake drizzled with sweet Lotus-cookie spread, whipped cream, and espresso drizzle. Instagram-worthy and simply delicious, this modern café treat is a sociable, will-make-you-smile thing to do in Sharjah.
Where To Stay In Sharjah: Comfort Meets Culture
Planning where to stay in Sharjah is all about choosing what kind of experience you’re looking for peace by the waterfront, a heritage-filled stay in the heart of the city, or modern comfort close to everything.
Sharjah offers a beautiful blend of hotels that suit every type of traveller, whether you’re here for a weekend of exploration or a longer cultural escape in this guide beyond the things to do in Sharjah.
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah
- Price: From AED 900 per night
- Where: Heart of Sharjah Heritage Area
Staying here feels just like staying in a beautifully told story. The hotel is a blend of restored heritage homes with luxury comfort, think quiet courtyards, traditional Emirati designs, and top-tier hospitality.
Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa
- Price: From AED 500 per night
- Where: Al Muntazah Street, Sharjah Beach
This beachfront resort is perfectly meant for you, if you’re looking for ocean views and modern comforts. It has spacious rooms, a relaxing spa, and family-friendly pools.
DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront
- Price: From AED 450 per night
- Where: Al Majaz Waterfront
Overlooking Khalid Lagoon, this hotel is ideal if you love water views and quiet evenings as here you can stroll by the lagoon or relax in your stylish room. It’s also close to Al Majaz Park, so you’re never far from some fresh air and local charm.
Centro Sharjah by Rotana
- Price: From AED 350 per night
- Where: Near Sharjah International Airport
It’s clean, convenient, and surprisingly peaceful, this hotel is a perfect pick if you’re flying in or out of Sharjah. It’s modern, comfortable, and offers everything you need for a short trip, whether you’re visiting for work or a cultural weekend.
Occidental Sharjah Grand Hotel
- Price: From AED 380 per night
- Where: Al Khan area
This place strikes a great balance, beachfront access plus proximity to cultural spots like the Sharjah Aquarium. It got a big pool, easy beach access, and a chilled-out vibe that’s perfect for family trips or relaxed couple getaways between your plan of things to do in Sharjah.
Al Majaz Premiere Hotel Apartments
- Price: From AED 300 per night
- Where: Al Majaz District
If you’re travelling with your family or just planning a longer stay, these serviced apartments are a great choice. You get more space, your own kitchen, and you’re right near the lovely Al Majaz waterfront.
Swiss-Belhotel Sharjah
- Price: From AED 250 per night
- Where: Al Arouba Street, central Sharjah
Budget-friendly but doesn’t compromise with your comfort, this hotel puts you in the heart of the city. Simple rooms, helpful staff, and a location that lets you explore without worrying about transport, great for the curious, budget-conscious traveller is a perfect option when you’re exploring the things to do in Sharjah.
A City That Leaves a Gentle Mark on the Heart
As your journey through the thoughtful guide of things to do in Sharjah comes to an end, one thing becomes clear, this city isn’t about flashy lights or rushing through itineraries. It’s about pausing, feeling the emotion and connecting with the environment.
Every museum visit, every plate of spiced lamb or saffron-infused dessert, every walk along the corniche or quiet moment in a mosque tells a story. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t scream for your attention but leaves its mark in softer ways through hospitality, heritage, and heart. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, Sharjah offers a soulful escape that lingers with you long after you’ve returned home. It’s not just a city you tick off a list in your things to do in Sharjah, it’s one you carry with you.
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