Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah

Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah

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About This Tour in Sharjah

Sharjah prides itself on being the steady-as-she-goes emirate, but don’t let that dissuade you. It's confident, worldly, multi-dimensional, interesting, and definitely less noisy than its cousin down the road. Join me on a wander down the shaded laneways and in and out of old houses and new spaces. Together we'll explore what remains of the old part of town. There are houses and mosques, museums and galleries, palm trees and pearl merchants, all waiting for you. You'll enjoy • peeking inside traditional houses • contemporary design inspired by Sharjah's craft heritage • souqs for shopping • hidden little alleyways. And you'll hear fun stories about • what you can do with your leftover goat hooves • who has a PhD in piracy studies • coral farming • how to order the perfect lime and mint juice drink The exact route can be seen upon downloading the tour or previewed in the app, and it works offline. It's a self-guided audio tour that can be listened to anytime.

Why Visit Sharjah?

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Sharjah provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Sharjah

You can reach Sharjah, United Arab Emirates by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.

What's Included

  • VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

What's Not Included

  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Additional Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Customer Reviews

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Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

There

The start of our tour is on Corniche Street (coordinates: 25.357515, 55.380436). Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace.

End Point

The start of our tour is on Corniche Street (coordinates: 25.357515, 55.380436). Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace.

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

There are houses and mosques, museums and galleries,...

There are houses and mosques, museums and galleries, palm trees and pearl merchants, all waiting for you in the old Sharjah town. Join me on a tour and I will tell you all about it.

In among the heritage buildings, you will discover...

In among the heritage buildings, you will discover exciting contemporary art from the MENASA region in unusual places. Some of these are hidden away, so you will need to keep a look-out for them.

A good opportunity to enter traditional houses, and...

A good opportunity to enter traditional houses, and enjoy some refreshments in a courtyard under a shady terrace.

Inside the museum, you will find both everyday...

Inside the museum, you will find both everyday and precious objects that illustrate community practices and traditions that are ages old. Many of these have been passed down through the generations from times long ago, and still, resonate in contemporary Sharjah.

Discover why calligraphy is one of the most prized art forms in the Arab world

Discover why calligraphy is one of the most prized art forms in the Arab world. Even if you don’t read Arabic, the swirls and curls will still grab you.

The former home of an internationally successful pearl...

The former home of an internationally successful pearl trader who brought wealth and grand ideas to Sharjah. We share some stories of his international life at the dawn of the 20th century.

Learn all about the vibrant history of Sharjah...

Learn all about the vibrant history of Sharjah and this old neighbourhood in the Majlis Al Naboodah. The old photos are great windows into a time not all that long ago.

As you walk around the stalls today it...

As you walk around the stalls today it is not hard to imagine a time in the past when it was filled with pearl traders and buyers, cargo and camels, all jostling for space, attention and a good deal.

A gorgeous new development which seamlessly merges all...

A gorgeous new development which seamlessly merges all the modern luxuries of a five-star resort with that of a conservation project. Stay the night or just pop in for some refreshments. I recommend a lime and mint juice for quenching your thirst.

A modern outdoor souq built on the foundations...

A modern outdoor souq built on the foundations of an older one that served Sharjah for generations. Come and explore the predecessor of the modern-day mall with me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

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