Old Town & Corniche

The Old Town is Sharjah's historic core between the Corniche and Khalid Lagoon. It has the restored Heart of Sharjah quarter, most of the city's museums, covered souks and the best-known mosques. Sharjah is called the cultural capital of the Emirates, and this is where you see it most clearly.

Why go

Start in the historic centre: lanes of pale stone, the old Souq Al Arsah and houses turned into museums, among them the Calligraphy Museum in the house of Hamad Al Midfa. On the Corniche is the Museum of Islamic Civilization, with more than 5,000 exhibits, and the UAE's first airport, built in 1932, now houses the Al Mahatta aviation museum.

For shopping there is the Central Souk (the Blue Souk) with gold, fabrics and carpets, and the Souq Al Jubail food market with fresh fish, fruit and spices. Nearby stands the King Faisal Mosque of 1984, one of the largest in the country. For a free swim there is the city beach in the north of the district, though it has no facilities.

Where to stay and who it suits

The Old Town suits those interested in museums and Arab architecture. Hotels here are mostly budget and mid-range. Bear in mind that Sharjah is a dry emirate and has stricter rules on dress in public than Dubai.

How to get there

From Dubai it is 30–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, or by bus to Al Jubail bus station in the district itself. Sharjah Airport (SHJ) is about 15 km away.