Sharjah, United Arab Emirates-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the City

  • Places to Go:
    • Al Hisn Fort (9am-3pm, Fri-Sat)
    • Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (9am-4pm, daily)
  • Activities:
    • Take a guided tour of the Al Hisn Fort and learn about its history
    • Explore the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization to see artifacts from across the Islamic world
  • Where to Eat: Try traditional Emirati cuisine at:
    • Ashiana (lunch, dinner)
    • Al Mallah (lunch, dinner)
  • Where to Stay:
    • Hotel Oberoi Sharjah (from AED 500/night)
    • Coral Beach Resort Sharjah (from AED 600/night)
  • Things to Know:
    • The city is generally conservative, dress modestly
    • Friday is the weekend in Sharjah, so some attractions may be closed or have limited hours
  • Transportation:
    • Use the public bus system (Eagle Bus) for AED 2-5 per ride
    • Taxis are readily available, but can be more expensive
  • Tips:
    • Try to speak a few words of Arabic when interacting with locals
    • Don’t drink and drive

Day 2: Cultural Delights

  • Places to Go:
    • Sharjah Art Foundation (9am-7pm, daily)
    • Calligraphy Museum (8am-3pm, Sat-Sun)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the Sharjah Art Foundation’s outdoor art installations and exhibitions
    • See calligraphic artworks at the Calligraphy Museum
  • Where to Eat: Try Middle Eastern cuisine at:
    • Al Farouq Restaurant (lunch, dinner)
    • The Spice House Cafe (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Where to Stay:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Things to Know:
    • Women may need to cover their hair and shoulders when entering mosques or traditional buildings
    • Don’t take photos of people without permission
  • Transportation:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Tips:
    • Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan
    • Try traditional Emirati sweets like baklava and kunafah

Day 3: Nature Escapes

  • Places to Go:
    • Al Noor Island (9am-7pm, daily)
    • Sharjah Desert Park (8am-6pm, Sat-Sun)
  • Activities:
    • Take a guided tour of the Al Noor Island’s gardens and wildlife sanctuary
    • Explore the Sharjah Desert Park for hiking and picnicking
  • Where to Eat: Try Emirati cuisine at:
    • The Restaurant (lunch, dinner)
    • Tandoori Nights (lunch, dinner)
  • Where to Stay:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Things to Know:
    • Don’t drink tap water, stick to bottled or filtered water
    • Respect local wildlife and plants in the nature reserves
  • Transportation:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Tips:
    • Bring sunscreen and a hat for outdoor exploration
    • Be prepared for sudden sandstorms

Day 4: Shopping Frenzy

  • Places to Go:
    • Bawadi Mall (10am-11pm, daily)
    • Sharjah City Centre (9am-10pm, Sat-Sun)
  • Activities:
    • Shop at the various malls for international brands and local products
    • Visit the souks for traditional Emirati goods like carpets and perfumes
  • Where to Eat: Try street food at:
    • Street Food Zone (lunch, dinner)
    • Fresh Food Market (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Where to Stay:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Things to Know:
    • Don’t haggle too much in the souks, it’s considered impolite
    • Be prepared for crowds at popular shopping spots
  • Transportation:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Tips:
    • Try local street food like shawarma and falafel
    • Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations

Day 5: History and Heritage

  • Places to Go:
    • Al Qasba (10am-11pm, daily)
    • Sharjah Archaeological Museum (8am-3pm, Sat-Sun)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the historic Al Qasba fort and its surroundings
    • See artifacts from ancient civilizations at the Sharjah Archaeological Museum
  • Where to Eat: Try traditional Emirati cuisine at:
    • The Heritage Restaurant (lunch, dinner)
    • Al Fardan Gallery Cafe (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Where to Stay:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Things to Know:
    • Women may need to cover their hair and shoulders when visiting mosques or traditional buildings
    • Don’t take photos of people without permission
  • Transportation:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Tips:
    • Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan
    • Try traditional Emirati sweets like baklava and kunafah

Day 6: Departure

  • Places to Go:
    • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier
    • Head back to your accommodation to pack up
  • Where to Eat: Try a farewell meal at:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Transportation:
    • Use the public bus system (Eagle Bus) to get back to Dubai or Abu Dhabi
    • Taxis are readily available, but can be more expensive
  • Tips:
    • Be sure to check out of your accommodation on time
    • Don’t forget to tip your hotel staff and taxi drivers