Sharjah Travelers Recommend

Largely overshadowed by glitzier Dubai, Sharjah is slower-paced and more compact than its neighbor, yet boasts many of the same attractions—year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, historical sights, and swathes of dunes and desert beckoning from the east. Here’s how to make the most of a day in this often-overlooked city.

Morning: Top sights

Get your bearings and create your own sightseeing itinerary on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. Glide around sights such as the Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Noor Mosque, disembarking at any stops you like. Alternatively, benefit from the insight of an expert and join a guided city tour (private or group) departing from Sharjah or Dubai—you’ll learn all about Sharjah’s heritage while stopping at Sharjah Fort and Souk Al Arsah, among other attractions.

Afternoon: Your own way

You have several options for the afternoon. If you’re looking for relaxation, hit one of Sharjah’s beaches to sunbathe and swim in the Persian Gulf. History buffs might head to the desert to see prehistoric fossils, and automobile enthusiasts will love the 100-plus vintage cars at the Classic Car Museum. Or if you’re still in sightseeing mode, go to Dubai. As you have only a few hours, it’s best to book a tour that covers all of Dubai’s top attractions in one swoop, from the Burj Khalifa (the world’s highest tower) to Deira’s old souks. 

Night: Desert and dinner

Sharjah’s desert comes into its own at sunset and after dark. Set out on an evening safari for a hassle-free, multipart desert experience, with everything from a 4WD dune bash to camel riding, sandboarding, dinner, and belly-dancing shows. For something more educational, opt for a tour that showcases the desert’s prehistoric relics before finishing with a little stargazing at a traditional Arabian majlis lounge in the sand. Alternatively, end your day on a hot-air balloon ride over the dunes as the sun turns them red.

With three days in Sharjah, you have time to explore the city’s must-sees and go on an outdoor adventure or two. Unwind on the beach, search for ancient fossils in the desert, and visit Dubai and the United Arab Emirates’ east coast. Here’s how to do it.

Day 1: Sights and sands

Get an overview of the city the easy, air-conditioned way—on a guided private or group tour with transport that stops by attractions such as the Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah Fort, and Buhaira Corniche. If you want more flexibility, a hop-on hop-off bus lets you set your own itinerary and pace. 

In the afternoon, choose one of Sharjah’s museums to explore. Nature and history enthusiasts can admire the aquatic life and maritime artifacts at Sharjah Aquarium and the Maritime Museum, while automobile buffs will enjoy the Classic Car Museum.

Later, discover the desert’s beauty on a dune bash and Bedouin-style dinner tour—or fly over the dunes at sunset in a hot-air balloon. For the full Arabian Nights experience, sleep under the stars at a desert camp.

Day 2: Skyscrapers and desert adventures

Dubai’s skyscrapers stand tall just down the coast and are well worth a look. Book a tour that covers the main attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. Or, opt for a 2-city tour—you’ll visit Dubai before continuing on to Abu Dhabi to marvel at the capital’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World, and architectural wonders.

Alternatively, immerse yourself in Sharjah’s desert. Venture into the dunes to pick through prehistoric settlements, and study the fossils at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre. Or, look for desert flora and fauna on a trek to Stone Age caves. 

Day 3: Day trips and cruises

Join a tour to the less-developed east coast and cross the Hajar Mountains to the coastal town of Fujairah, with its medieval fort and beaches lapped by the Gulf of Oman. Then, journey into neighboring Oman’s Musandam Peninsula for an Arabian dhow cruise. Board one of these wooden boats, and take in the views as you cruise around fjordlike inlets, watching for dolphins and stopping to snorkel.

Alternatively, relax and stay in Sharjah. Kick back on the sandy beaches of Al Khan or Al Mamzar Beach Park, or seek some thrills at the Island of Legends amusement park or Pearls Kingdom water park.

Two days in Sharjah are enough time to see the top sights, chill out on a beach, and venture into the desert before exploring nearby Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here’s how to do it.

Day 1: The highlights

**Morning:**Greet the day on a morning camel ride across the sands. Then, explore Sharjah, stopping by the most popular attractions on a private or group tour.

**Afternoon:**Unwind on one of Sharjah’s beaches—or delve into the city’s culture. Wander around the Sharjah Aquarium and Marine Museum to discover the region’s marine life and maritime heritage, or roam the 20th-century auto collection at the Classic Car Museum. Tickets are available online.

**Night:**The desert is magical at night, so embrace the dunes on a tour that takes care of all the logistics. A desert safari promises dune bashing, camel riding, and dinner under the stars; or go for the full works on an overnighter that includes tent accommodation, stargazing, and nature treks.

Day 2: Day trips and more desert

**Morning:**A visit to Dubai is pretty much essential. To maximize your time, book a tour that covers all the main attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah. Alternatively, choose a combo Dubai and Abu Dhabi tour to check off both cities’ landmarks in one stress-free outing.

**Afternoon:**If you opted for the 2-city day trip, you’ll continue to Abu Dhabi this afternoon to admire the capital’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World, and several architectural wonders. Or for history and nature combined, rumble off-road into Sharjah’s desert, and marvel at Bronze Age tombs, caves, and the Camel and Fossil rocks.

**Night:**Relax in the desert again at an Arabian majlis lounge, sinking into outdoor cushions for a barbecue supper and astronomy session. Otherwise, watch the sun set on the dunes from a hot-air balloon—a memorable finale to your stay.