The third largest emirate of UAE, Sharjah, also known as the cultural capital of the UAE, well depicts the historical and modern architectural marvel, the art, and the culture. Whether you’re transiting in Dubai with just 48 hours outside the airport or enjoying a longer layover, plan a visit to Sharjah. This city showcases rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, often overlooked in favor of the flash and glamour of other emirates.
The best tourist attractions in the city are still within reach even if you have limited time to spare. There are special and interesting museums and beautiful parks, noisy bazaars and oriental souks for those who want to create unforgettable memories in Sharjah. Well, if you are fit for a fun filled and knowledge based experience, here is a warm introduction to 7 must see places in sharjah so as to make the most of the 48 hours transit visa available.
Here are the 7 Must-Visit Places in Sharjah
1. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
The first place you should visit when in Sharjah is the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. This museum is architectural marvel and has a rich treasure trove of Islamic art and history such as manuscripts, coins and ceramics. This makes it a perfect place to explore the detail of the history of the Islamic civilization. If you’ve only got a couple of days, make this your first stop—it’s the place to come if you love your history!
2. Al Noor Island
A perfect getaway in the middle of a concrete jungle, Al Noor Island is a perfect place for those who enjoy nature. This beautiful island includes beautiful gardens, some sculptures, and a Butterfly House in which people can seen some colorful butterflies. It’s a great place to walk around or spend time in the afternoon among art and Nature at its best. It is also worth revisiting the island at night to see the art installations in the dark – the island is best at night.
3. Al Majaz Waterfront
To get both the contemporary experience and the beautiful views, visit Al Majaz Waterfront. This place has magnificent view of the Khalid Lagoon, and blend of restaurants, cafes, and fun for the family. It is also good for a walk along the water front, a trip in a boat or watching the ever famous Fountain Show where water is accompanied by music and colorful lighting. If you are traveling with your family this is a good place to spend some time and relax while observing the skyline of the city.
4. Sharjah Aquarium
If you are interested in aquariums, you should not miss the Sharjah Aquarium. This underwater paradise will be home to more than 250 species of marine life and will surely be enjoyed by children and adults. Tropical fish, coral reefs, sea turtles and sharks are some of the aquatic life that the aquarium offers a glimpse of the regional aquatic life. A great day out for the family that also has the added bonus of being quite educational, and it is situated in the vicinity of the city center.
5. Sharjah Heritage Area
The best place to visit for a touch of traditional Arabian culture is the Sharjah Heritage Area. This area is a valuable piece of history, which gives the viewer a glimpse of the UAE before the era of the modern building structures. Take a walk through the old souks, look into some features of the Al Hisn Fort being the oldest building in Sharjah and finally visit Bait Al Naboodah that was the house of a wealthy pearl merchant. You’ll sure to be awestruck by the sense of a rolling back of time any architectural or cultural heritage that you undergo in the emirate.
6. Blue Souk (Central Souk)
It will be a mistake not to visit the Blue Souk or Central Souk when in Sharjah. This market is shoppers’ heaven where they can find gold and jewelries, textiles, spices and handicrafts, and many more. The exterior of the souk is an eye-popping blue and white and has become one of the most recognizable buildings in all of Sharjah. If you are a wine lover or just interested in purchasing a memorable gift from the region, this is your spot!
7. Sharjah Science Museum
As a science and technology lovers, the Sharjah Science Museum is quite appealing with all that it has to offer. This museum has displays on space travel, robotics, and much more, which means that there are fun things to do for the whole family. It is informative and entertaining at the same time and it will take you a couple of hours to go through it and it’s perfect for a family visit.
Conclusion:Â
Sharjah is a city that does the impossible by presenting both the old and the new while still making it work. From the stunning Islamic designs in the buildings to the great museums to the beautiful parks, one can never lack a good place to visit. Due to its closeness to Dubai, Sharjah is perfect for any traveler with a 48-hour transit visa so you can make the most of your time there with incredible memories.
That means whether you are a history freak, an art lover or are just in the mood for a quiet vacation, Sharjah can satisfy you. There’s so much to explore and experience in Sharjah that your short visit will be packed with action and adventure. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this cultural wonder—Sharjah awaits you!
