Sharjah, known as the “Pearl of the Gulf” and the cultural capital of the UAE, offers visitors an exceptional city tour experience that showcases the emirate’s rich heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Explore the beauty and culture of Sharjah with City Sightseeing. Discover iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant experiences on our guided tours. Whether you’re traveling from Dubai or exploring locally, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about city tours in Sharjah. For those exploring the broader region, complement your visit with our detailed guide to places to visit in Sharjah.
Sharjah Sightseeing Bus – Hop-On Hop-Off Experience
City Sightseeing Sharjah Overview
Be a part of the Cultural capital of UAE and explore the city from its core with the Sharjah Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. Explore the enriching culture of the third largest Emirate and the Suburb of Dubai in the double-decker buses. Ride across the iconic landmarks of the city with frequent bus services and two planned routes across the city.
The City Sightseeing tours are a quick and comfortable way of seeing Sharjah City’s mesmerising museums, mosques and souks. Hop on and off anywhere!
How the Hop-On Hop-Off System Works
Bus Service Features:
- Open-top, double-decker buses for panoramic views
- Explore Sharjah’s stunning tourist attractions at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can get on and off the city sightseeing tour bus as often as you like as you discover Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage
- Two planned routes covering major attractions
- Frequent services throughout the day
- Multilingual audio commentary
- Comfortable seating with weather protection options
City Tour Sharjah Ticket Price
Current Pricing Structure
Guided bus tour starts from AED 75 per adult for the Sharjah City Sightseeing Bus Tour, making it an affordable way to explore the cultural capital.
City Tour Sharjah Price Details:
- Adults: From AED 75
- Children: Reduced rates (typically 50% of adult fare)
- Seniors: Special rates may apply
- Family Packages: Discounted rates for families
- Group Bookings: Special rates for larger groups
Package Inclusions
Standard City Tour Package Includes:
- Hop-on hop-off bus access for the day
- Audio commentary in multiple languages
- Route map and attraction information
- Access to major Sharjah landmarks
- Comfortable air-conditioned buses during extreme weather
City Tour Sharjah Packages
Available Tour Packages
Basic Hop-On Hop-Off Package:
- Full-day bus access
- Two route options
- Standard attractions coverage
Premium Cultural Package:
- Extended bus access
- Museum entry tickets included
- Traditional souq shopping time
- Cultural site guided tours
Combination Packages:
- Bus tour + boat tours
- Aquarium visit options
- Rain Room and Butterfly House visits
- Multiple-day passes available
Sharjah City Tour from Dubai
Tour Operator Options
Get to know the spirit of Sharjah City during this 4-hour tour from Dubai. With your guide and group, explore the highlights and landmarks of the city known as Pearl of the Gulf. Stop at landmarks such as the Al Arsa souk, the Heritage Museum and the King Faisal Mosque. Learn about the culture, traditions and history of the city from your guide. Entrance fees and round-trip transportation from Dubai hotels are included.
Dubai to Sharjah Tour Features:
- Sharjah City Tour takes you through the UAE’s cultural landscape. It can put most of your shopping bugs to rest with wonderful pieces
- Professional tour guides with cultural knowledge
- Air-conditioned transportation from Dubai hotels
- Small group and private tour options available
- Duration: Typically 4-6 hours including travel time
Transportation from Dubai
Pickup Services:
- Hotel pickup from major Dubai locations
- Central meeting points available
- Private car options for premium packages
- Shared transportation for budget-friendly options
For independent travel to Sharjah, consider using the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus timings as a reference for intercity transportation, or check the Muwaileh Bus Terminal Sharjah for direct connections.
City Tour Sharjah Itinerary
Typical Full-Day Itinerary
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- King Faisal Mosque – See landmarks such as Emirates largest “King Faisal Mosque”, Heritage Museum, and shop amongst the treasure trove of carpets, jewelry and handicrafts at “Al Markazi” souk
- Sharjah Heritage Area – Traditional architecture and cultural exhibits
- Al Hisn Sharjah Fort – Historical fortress and museum
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): 4. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization – Our tour guide covered the Sharjah Islamic museum and the Sharjah Heritage museum as promised all the while giving explanations about the history of the stops in 2 languages 5. Lunch Break – Traditional Emirati cuisine options 6. Al Majaz Waterfront – Scenic lagoon views and fountain shows
Evening (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): 7. Souq Al Arsa – Souq Al Arsa – a direct contrast to the super modern, glitzy malls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A piece of history well preserved featuring traditional Arabian architecture and the typical ‘Bedouin’ style atmosphere that allows visitors to haggle for goods like the Arabs used in the old days 8. Central Souq (Blue Souq) – Shopping for traditional crafts and jewelry 9. Sharjah Art Museum – Contemporary and traditional art collections
Half-Day Itinerary Options
Cultural Focus (4 hours):
- King Faisal Mosque
- Heritage Museum
- Islamic Civilization Museum
- Traditional souq visit
Modern Sharjah (4 hours):
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Sharjah Art Museum
- Al Noor Island
- Modern shopping areas
City Tour Sharjah Timings
Daily Schedule
Standard Operating Hours:
- First Bus: 9:00 AM
- Last Bus: 5:00 PM (winter) / 6:00 PM (summer)
- Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes
- Full Loop Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Seasonal Adjustments:
- Winter (November-March): Extended hours with comfortable weather
- Summer (April-October): Earlier start times and air-conditioned buses
- Ramadan: Adjusted timing respecting local customs
Best Times to Visit
Optimal Visiting Times:
- Morning (9:00-11:00 AM): Cool weather, fewer crowds
- Late Afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM): Golden hour photography
- Winter Months: Ideal weather conditions
- Weekdays: Less crowded attractions
Free City Tour Sharjah Options
Complimentary Experiences
While fully guided tours have fees, several free experiences complement paid city tours:
Free Heritage Experiences:
- Al Majaz Waterfront promenade walks
- Heritage Area external exploration
- Traditional architecture photography
- Public art installations viewing
- Cultural festival attendance (seasonal)
Self-Guided Free Tours:
- Walking tours using public information
- Beach and corniche explorations
- Public park visits
- Mall and souq browsing
- Street art and architecture appreciation
Top Rated City Tour Sharjah Experiences
Highly Recommended Tour Operators
Premium Tour Operators:
- City Sightseeing Sharjah (official hop-on hop-off)
- Rayna Tours (Dubai-based with Sharjah packages)
- Gray Line Tours (international standard)
- GetYourGuide certified operators
Customer Review Highlights:
- I was picked up by Sultan Ali and he made sure that I had everything I needed and made sure that I got to see everything too. He helped take some amazing pictures, we stopped off in all the main places that were listed on the itinerary and even made stops off road to ensure I get the best pictures possible
- Professional guides with cultural knowledge
- Comprehensive itineraries covering major attractions
- Good value for money with inclusive packages
- Excellent customer service and flexibility
City Tour Sharjah Open Now – Current Operations
Operational Status and Updates
Current Availability:
- Daily operations with regular schedules
- COVID-19 safety protocols implemented
- Online booking available
- Flexible cancellation policies
- Real-time updates on operational changes
Seasonal Considerations:
- Year-round operations with weather adjustments
- Special holiday schedules
- Extended hours during peak tourist seasons
- Reduced services during extreme weather
Booking and Practical Information
How to Book Your City Tour
Online Booking Platforms:
- Official tour operator websites
- Third-party booking platforms (GetYourGuide, Viator)
- Hotel concierge services
- Travel agency partnerships
Walk-in Options:
- Tourist information centers
- Hotel lobbies
- Major attraction ticket counters
- Bus stop ticket booths
What to Bring
Essential Items:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Camera for cultural sites and architecture
- Light jacket for air-conditioned buses
- Valid ID for attraction entries
Cultural Considerations:
- Modest dress for mosque visits
- Respectful behavior at religious sites
- Photography permissions at certain locations
- Local currency for souq purchases
Transportation and Accessibility
Getting Around During Your Tour
Public Transportation Integration:
- Connection points with local bus routes
- Metro accessibility (where available)
- Taxi stands at major stops
- Walking distances between attractions
For detailed public transportation options in Sharjah, refer to various bus route guides including connections to Dubai through established transport networks.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility Support:
- Wheelchair-accessible buses available
- Audio commentary for visually impaired
- Staff assistance for mobility needs
- Accessible attraction facilities
- Special assistance booking options
Special Interest Tours
Themed Tour Options
Cultural Heritage Tours:
- Focus on museums and historical sites
- Traditional craft demonstrations
- Cultural center visits
- Heritage area exploration
Art and Architecture Tours:
- Contemporary art museum visits
- Traditional Islamic architecture
- Modern development showcases
- Public art installations
Family-Friendly Tours:
- Kid-appropriate cultural education
- Interactive museum experiences
- Fun facts and engaging commentary
- Family photo opportunities
Conclusion: Discovering Sharjah’s Cultural Treasures
City tours in Sharjah offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the UAE’s cultural capital through professional guidance and comprehensive itineraries. Discover the cultural and historical gems with the Sharjah city tour that takes you through its vibrant markets, museums and stunning architecture.
Whether you choose the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, a comprehensive guided tour from Dubai, or a combination package with special attractions, Sharjah’s city tours provide excellent value and deep cultural insights. There is no better way to see Sharjah than on an open-top, double-decker City Sightseeing bus!
The emirate’s commitment to preserving its heritage while showcasing modern developments makes every city tour a journey through time, from traditional souqs and historic mosques to contemporary art museums and waterfront developments. Sharjah the pearl of the Gulf, it is another part of Dubai to discover and learn how cousins live next to each other and manage two adjacent states!
Plan your Sharjah city tour experience to discover why this emirate has earned its reputation as the cultural heart of the UAE, offering visitors authentic experiences that educate, inspire, and create lasting memories of Arabian heritage and hospitality.