Sharjah, Dubai — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerDec 8, 2025

Dubai is so much more than uber-luxury malls and towering hotels (though they're certainly part of it).

Cultural destination for art and architecture walk

26 things in this story

Jumeirah Burj Al ArabHotelDestination for cycling
AbraRestaurantNew restaurant opening in early 2026
Dubai CreekSightGenerations of merchants and traders settled around it
SangeethaRestaurantBreakfast of dosa and vada
Foul Abu Al AbbasRestaurantSudanese bean stew
SharjahCaféCultural destination for art and architecture walk
Museum of Islamic CivilizationMuseumHoused in a former market
Sharjah Art FoundationMuseumGalleries host diverse, thought-provoking exhibitions
Bait ElowalRestaurantCentury-old house transformed into art-filled café
Rain RoomSightImmersive art installation
Dubai Water CanalBarStart for cycling paths
Kite BeachSightCycle along the beach
Common GroundsRestaurantCafé for coffee and shakes
FeelsFast foodHealthy bowls and juices
JulithRestaurantCoffee fix in Al Quoz
Gérard CaféRestaurantNostalgic institution serving creamy cappuccino
MirzamCaféMakes beautiful chocolate
TamasheePlaceContemporary versions of traditional Gulf sandals
Dubai MallSightThe mall is part of Downtown Dubai and is located adjacent to the Burj Khalifa.
Bur DubaiNeighborhoodSlower, calmer pace founded on merchants and traders
Etihad MuseumMuseumRestaurant Abra opening in 2026
NuwaPlaceSells Arabic coffee and dates
Mira FarmsPlaceSells saffron and dried fruits
Burj Al ArabHotelFormer employer of the chef
Sri KrishnaRestaurantGo-to for Indian sweets
Al Omani Sweet FactoryPlace

Sharjah