Sharjah is considered the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates. Here is located most of the museums, galleries and theaters, as well as historical sites. Unlike neighboring Dubai, Sharjah is a very conservative city: there is no alcohol for sale, noisy night discos and revealing clothes on the streets of the city. However, local resorts are much cheaper than in Dubai, it is quieter and calmer here, and they are perfect even for families with children.
How to get to Sharjah?
Sharjah is located on the Persian Gulf coast, just half an hour from Dubai. The easiest and fastest way to get to the city is by plane. Sharjah International Airport daily receives hundreds of flights from cities in Europe, North Africa and Asia, including low-cost airlines.
To get from the airport to the city, you can take a taxi or transfer. There are also buses for passengers that follow routes to Sharjah, Ajman or Dubai Airport.
Things to do in Sharjah
The first and perhaps most important thing why tourists come to Sharjah is a beach holiday. The beaches here are divided into public and private (owned by hotels on the coast). The former are most often free, the latter are paid if you are not a guest of the hotel. However, both of them have a flat sandy beach, a gentle entrance to the sea and clear waters. Beaches at hotels are most often shared (for men and women). As for public beaches, the female part is either fenced off from the male one, or there is a special schedule on the beach when only women are allowed on one day. On many beaches you can find jet ski rental, surfboards, water skiing and other equipment for active entertainment.
There are also many interesting sights in Sharjah that you could visit. Here are some of them:
- Al-Qasba Street;
It is ideal for walking in the evenings.
- Fort Sharjah Al-Hish;
- Aquarium;
It has an excellent co-ordination of marine animals. Great place for tourists of all ages.
- Archaeological Museum;
This is for those who are interested in the history of the region from ancient times to the present day.
- Blue market;
Here you can find any souvenir or handmade product to your taste. It also sells accessories and jewelry made of copper, silver and gold.
- Desert park;
- Art Museum and much more.
Hotels in Sharjah
The main advantage of a vacation in Sharjah is the ability to find a hotel at very affordable prices, even on the first line (that is, on the coast), a five-minute walk from the beach. Among the hotels there are affordable 3-star and 5-star hotels of world famous brands with an all-inclusive system.
There are no hostels in Sharjah. This is primarily due to the conservatism of local rules, within which 12 unfamiliar men and women are not allowed to live in the same room. Among the cheapest accommodation options are hotels with 2 stars or guesthouses.
