CityBuddy
Heart of Sharjah
Best time to visit
Visit in the late afternoon, an hour before sunset, to experience the transition from the daytime bustle to the evening lantern-lit ambiance. It is far quieter on weekdays than on weekends.
Budget tips
Most of the outdoor streets and courtyards are free to explore, while tickets for individual museums cost between 10 and 20 dirhams per museum. Get the Sharjah Art Pass for discounts on multiple museums and galleries within this complex.
Recommended for
Culture and history lovers, Photographers, Families with children, Solo travelers seeking an authentic experience
Plan your visit
3-4 hours
About
Quick facts: This renovated city center covers 100,000 square meters and contains more than 100 traditional houses, shops and courtyards. The former commercial center of the city is today home to numerous art galleries, museums and craft workshops that revive old trades.
Highlights: Every evening at dusk, the old alleyways and courtyards are illuminated by the soft light of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the Gulf. Particularly interesting is the Museum of Islamic Civilization located in a renovated 19th-century market, where you can see a rare 13th-century manuscript of the Quran.
Insider tips
- Bring a camera, as the old heavy wooden doors with hand-forged metal ornaments are a perfect subject for photos in the golden afternoon light.
- Stop by Al Qasba tea house for a traditional mint tea and dates, costing only 5 dirhams.
- Avoid Friday afternoons, as many shops and workshops are closed until the afternoon prayer.
- In the workshops you can watch craftsmen making pottery and weaving carpets, and many will let you try it yourself.
Where to Stay in Sharjah
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