Things to do in Sharjah for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
Visit Al Noor Island, a tropical lagoon island in downtown Sharjah, a famous spot filled with activities and sights. Sharjah's Al Noor Island features the Butterfly House which is famous for its fairytale experience. Walk through green meadows, view unique art installations, and see butterflies in their natural habitat. Spend time in a butterfly house, see modern art, relax at a café, and let children play in designated areas.
Visit this highly-rated waterpark and find over 30 aquatic rides and slides suitable for all ages. Enjoy wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones for younger visitors. Test your courage on steep slides or relax in cabanas. This destination offers a variety of food options to refuel yourself after a day full of water activities.
Discover the hidden gems of Sharjah with the 'Unveil Sharjah's Secrets' in-app audio tour. Ideal for culture enthusiasts and history buffs, this tour takes you on a journey through the emirate's storied past, from the legacy of pearl merchants to the whispers of tradition among the palm trees. Annette, your audio guide with years of Gulf experience, will lead you through the shaded laneways of old Sharjah, where tales of times past echo through the streets and art blends with history in an enchanting dance of old and new. The tour commences at the heart of old Sharjah and guides you along a path dotted with mosques, galleries, and historic homes, concluding at the stunning Persian Mosque. You'll begin by uncovering the historic houses and their stories and proceed through courtyards and sikkas, where art and heritage come alive under the Arabian sun. From the intimate details of a mihrab to a walk in the shaded relief of palm trees, every turn promises a new discovery. Among the most memorable experiences are the intuitive craftsmanship of coral block structures, the clever designs of wind towers, and the tranquility of palm-lined courtyards. You'll come to appreciate the ingenious ways locals have adapted to the climate, making Sharjah a true oasis of culture in the desert. By the end of the tour, you'll carry with you not just photographs but the spirit of an emirate that has artfully preserved its heart amidst the sands of time.
About Sharjah
The best indoor tours in Sharjah for rainy days are:
The best walking tours to do in Sharjah are:
The best tours to do in Sharjah with kids are:
The must-see attractions in Sharjah for a first visit are:
The best tours in Sharjah are:
Insider tips for visiting Sharjah
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Sharjah on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Sharjah.
When I visit Sharjah, I usually recommend staying in Al Majaz or nearby Al Khan. In my travel guide Sharjah notes, these areas work best because you get the lagoon promenade, easy evening walks, and quick access to both the Sharjah Art Museum side and the beach. Al Majaz feels lively without the traffic stress of Dubai-facing districts, and locals know the cafés around Buhaira Corniche are nicest just after sunset. If you plan to visit Sharjah for culture, I’d stay closer to Heart of Sharjah for restored heritage houses and small museums. It’s one of the easiest bases for classic things to do in Sharjah without wasting time in transit.
When I’m with family in Sharjah, I always recommend the Sharjah Aquarium paired with a walk in Al Khan afterward. For me, it’s one of the smartest things to do in Sharjah because kids stay engaged without getting overtired, and the tanks focus on Gulf marine life they won’t see elsewhere. Locals know the quieter time is late morning on weekdays, then you can cross to the nearby Maritime Museum or grab a snack along the waterfront. If you’re deciding what to see in Sharjah, this area gives you two of the most relaxed attractions in Sharjah, and it’s far more enjoyable than rushing through bigger tours in Sharjah.
When I visit Sharjah for food, I usually head to Al Majaz, Al Qasba, and Rolla. Al Majaz is great for waterside cafés and late dinners, especially around Buhaira Corniche where locals linger after 8 pm. In my travel guide Sharjah notes, Rolla is where I go for no-frills South Indian, Pakistani, and Arabic spots that are busy for a reason. Al Qasba feels a bit more polished, good if you want dessert or coffee with a canal view. If you visit Sharjah to eat well, these neighborhoods are among the most satisfying things to do in Sharjah because you get the city’s real everyday flavor, not just polished hotel dining.
When I’m exploring beyond central Sharjah, I usually split my time between Mleiha and the east coast. For me, the most memorable attractions in Sharjah are the desert landscapes around Mleiha, where you can see fossil rock formations and a sky that feels enormous by late afternoon. Locals know it’s best just before sunset, when the heat drops and the colors turn copper. If you’re deciding what to see in Sharjah, Khorfakkan is another favorite of mine for mountain views, the corniche, and seafood by the harbor. I skip rushed tours in Sharjah here and take it slow—Sharjah is best when you give these places half a day each.
In my travel guide Sharjah advice, I always say November to March is the sweet spot. When I visit Sharjah then, I can actually enjoy the corniche in Al Majaz, the heritage lanes, and desert trips around Mleiha without planning my day around the heat. January and February are especially good if you want long outdoor evenings. If you visit Sharjah in summer, you’ll spend more time indoors, so the rhythm of the city feels different. For classic things to do in Sharjah, I’d aim for late winter, when Sharjah is busiest with local events but still comfortable enough for waterfront walks after sunset.
When I visit Sharjah, I always look for Emirati comfort food first—especially machboos, harees, and grilled hammour. In my travel guide Sharjah notes, I also tell people not to overlook luqaimat late in the evening, when they’re fresh, warm, and drizzled with date syrup. Sharjah is also shaped by its Indian, Pakistani, and Levantine communities, so part of understanding Sharjah means eating beyond one cuisine. If you visit Sharjah hungry, I’d spend time in Rolla or around Al Majaz, where everyday restaurants are often more revealing than formal dining rooms. Honestly, tasting this mix is one of my favorite things to do in Sharjah.