Heart of Sharjah
Heart of Sharjah
4.5
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Welcome to the Heart of Sharjah In every city, there is a place that sets its heartbeat and defines the pulse of the city, reflecting its history, echoing its ethos and mirroring its spirit. That's what Heart of Sharjah is. A project interwoven into the very history and fabric of Sharjah. Heart of Sharjah is the largest historical preservation and restoration project in the region. Planned over a 15 year period, to be completed by 2025, it seeks to revitalize the heritage district as a vibrant cultural destination by unraveling a glorious past - restoring historical buildings, constructing new structures following traditional Sharjah architecture and transforming them into hotels, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and markets, where the current generations and the future generations can experience Sharjah's cultural and social fabric.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
45 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
14
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1
KH4KI
London, UK283 contributions
June 2021
Hats off to the Emirate of Sharjah that how greatly they have restored the old town which contains many stories in its alleys.
It takes you back in time and you feel how people would be living here.
There are also cafes and shops to make you enjoy more and also feel the times.
Sharjah is the only Emirates in UAE like Ras Al Khaimah which has the oldest inhabitance and comes in old books.
It takes you back in time and you feel how people would be living here.
There are also cafes and shops to make you enjoy more and also feel the times.
Sharjah is the only Emirates in UAE like Ras Al Khaimah which has the oldest inhabitance and comes in old books.
Written 19 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sofia
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates2 contributions
Nov 2021
heart of sharjah; An old-fashioned place. The history tells it there are many old markets if you need fabrics or gifts or kinds of perfume. There are also museums that tell the city's ancient history. Thanks to all the people working at this wonderful place, especially Mr. Hani who was very friendly with us and the kids. I recommend everyone to visit this place
Written 12 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,953 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
They make an effort to restore the old structures. For this reason the heart of Sharjah looks more authentic then for example Al Seef and the heritage area in Bur Dubai where there are many replica buildings. Fewer tourists as well. Have a look at Souq Saqr where they are selling traditional women's clothes. Interesting to see what Emirati women may wear under their black covers.
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OHonoluluO
Tacoma, WA161 contributions
Mar 2020
Sharjah has been rebuilding their heritage sites and visiting them is a must. Displays are excellent and descriptions are in English and Arabic.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lloyd
11 contributions
June 2018 • Solo
A treasure for the soul, experience historical and architectural marvel in the very heart of Sharjah.
Written 21 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tea for Two
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates932 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
If you want to experience the UAE beyond the glitzy resorts and gigantic shopping malls, this is the place to go. Although it does attract tourists, this area is an authentic neighborhood where residents live and work each day. Highlights are the renovated old souks and the world-class Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) buildings, which always have excellent contemporary art exhibitions. You can walk from the SAF Al Mureijah Square area through the Al Shanasiyah Souq (which has cafes, restaurants and shops) and onto the Sharjah Art Museum. It's also home to some other souqs, such as Souq Al Arsah, one of the oldest in the country, which has handicrafts, souvenirs and antiques. A boutique hotel is under construction in the area and is part of a major renovation of the entire neighborhood.
This is a great area to see some restored (and under restoration) coral-block buildings built in the traditional way. A number of museums are in the area in addition to the art facilities.
We often take visitors to this area and they really enjoy it. Grab a coffee in one of the cafes and enjoy the street life.
There is paid parking at the SAF Al Mureijah Square area, but it is very inexpensive. There is also an excellent cafe here called Fen.
On Fridays, many places don't open until after 4 pm.
This is a great area to see some restored (and under restoration) coral-block buildings built in the traditional way. A number of museums are in the area in addition to the art facilities.
We often take visitors to this area and they really enjoy it. Grab a coffee in one of the cafes and enjoy the street life.
There is paid parking at the SAF Al Mureijah Square area, but it is very inexpensive. There is also an excellent cafe here called Fen.
On Fridays, many places don't open until after 4 pm.
Written 7 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mingzy
Singapore, Singapore1,701 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
Read from the lonely planet about Sharjah. Local friends said there's nothing there. But since we had time, we popped into Sharjah one day.
It was quiet and peaceful. Hardly any tourists which was refreshing.
The place was being rejuvenated and the lady from the tourism board was kind enough to explain that the Heart of Sharjah would be restored in 10 years time. I think it would be more interesting and vibrant then.
We walked through some parts of the souqs which had been restored already. Not many shops and mainly catering to locals which is quite interesting after several days of touristy traps. Things are reasonably priced. And shop owners are not pushy. We appreciated that.
Most of the women were fully dressed head to toe. Only later on did we realize this area was under strict Islamic law. So please dress appropriately and no alcohol when visiting.
We had a nice authentic lunch at one of the restaurants facing the water.
It was a relaxing afternoon in this quiet little place. Do visit for another view of UAE.
It was quiet and peaceful. Hardly any tourists which was refreshing.
The place was being rejuvenated and the lady from the tourism board was kind enough to explain that the Heart of Sharjah would be restored in 10 years time. I think it would be more interesting and vibrant then.
We walked through some parts of the souqs which had been restored already. Not many shops and mainly catering to locals which is quite interesting after several days of touristy traps. Things are reasonably priced. And shop owners are not pushy. We appreciated that.
Most of the women were fully dressed head to toe. Only later on did we realize this area was under strict Islamic law. So please dress appropriately and no alcohol when visiting.
We had a nice authentic lunch at one of the restaurants facing the water.
It was a relaxing afternoon in this quiet little place. Do visit for another view of UAE.
Written 19 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taqui Q
Algarve, Portugal54 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Heart of Sharjah is great to visit, the information centre has a lot of information on how and what and where.. very friendly and helpful lady gave us all the ins and outs... Still a lot of work to be done, but it looks well laid out and will be educational, and give a great insight into history and culture.
Written 22 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JennyAnyStripes
19 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
This is a work in progress. This designated historical/cultural district features restored and simulacra buildings from Sharjah's earliest days. Of special note in terms of architecture is the nice way they've partially scraped the traditional mudding/plastering off of the coral/seashell bricks to display this unique construction style/material in a very artistic way.
The "old souq" is also fun and has some nice little bits and pieces in it for souvenirs as well as one shop with truly outstanding contemporary textile work.
Adjacent to the corniche, it provides a nice walk, some nice historic/cultural exhibits and a nice place to sit and have tea in the shade. All-in-all a nice contrast to the determined modernity of the area.
The "old souq" is also fun and has some nice little bits and pieces in it for souvenirs as well as one shop with truly outstanding contemporary textile work.
Adjacent to the corniche, it provides a nice walk, some nice historic/cultural exhibits and a nice place to sit and have tea in the shade. All-in-all a nice contrast to the determined modernity of the area.
Written 30 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MC0777
Oulu, Finland6,841 contributions
Feb 2016 • Solo
Heart of Sharjah project is located in modern-day Sharjah and is in close proximity to the Sharjah Corniche and other Emirates. The geographic location is actually the epicentre and origin of Sharjah. It was here where the first families took up residence in their new stone-built homes. It was here, where the first seeds of tradition were sown.
Written 24 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We only have one free day in Dubai, and I want to explore Sharjah as much as possible. Only problem is that free day is on a Friday. I read that the Sharjah Heritage Museum is closed until 1600 Hrs. What about the rest of the famous sights and places...are they closed on Friday as well ?
Written 26 March 2019
I think all the Sharjah museums are closed on Friday until 4pm as it is the day of worship.
Written 26 March 2019
Hi, Tom. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Written 26 March 2019
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