For majority modern-day travellers, bus tours have become synonymous to a fulfilling holiday experience. Well, who does not like to be perched on top of a double-decker bus and explore the history, landmarks and popular attractions of a city, with the freedom to just hop off on a whim and dig deeper into something that catches their eye or ignites particular interest?
With its magnificent history and architecture, great shopping, delicious food and some quirky spots too, Sharjah makes for a perfect holiday destination or even a memorable day trip squeezed into a weekend that can be taken on a comfortable, entertaining and enlightening City Sightseeing Sharjah bus tour.
The ‘Leisure Tour’ is a glorious feather in the world-class bus tour operator’s big hat of offerings. It is a 90-minute sensory journey through 13 Sharjah destinations and attractions including beaches, mosques, waterfronts, megamalls, aquariums, theme parks, and other places of interest.
The route had been carefully designed with great variety to cater to all age groups and explorative preferences with free WIFI available on the bus that helps passengers stay connected with the world or click pictures and share them instantly. All facilities on these buses are special needs-friendly.
Once on an air-conditioned bus that offers recorded commentary available in Arabic, English, Russian, Chinese, German, Spanish, and Hindi. People have absolute freedom to either stay onboard and complete the tour or hop off at any of the 13 designated stops to explore the glamour of malls or immerse in the laidback setting of Al Qasba on the traditional abra boat that takes one across the length of the Al Qasba canal, enjoy the city’s coastline, and much more.
The Leisure Tour on City Sightseeing Sharjah is represented by the Red Line on the bus tour map. It is available from the timings 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (October – May) with the duration of 30 minutes, and 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (June – September) with the duration of 90 minutes.
Once onboard the leisure tour, the charming red bus charts an exploratory trail featuring the following 13 attractions:
Central Souq / Blue Souq
Surrounded by Sharjah’s bustling roads and busy fly overs, and located between King Faisal Road and Khalid Lagoon, lies the Central Souq — a blue-tiled Arabian architectural masterpiece constructed over 30 years ago. It exuberates a particular old-world charm and brings the quintessential image of an Arabian marketplace to life. The souq’s unique skyline of 20 wind towers sprawls across an area of 80,000 sqm, and is home to 600 shops selling practically everything. A visual treat and a shopper’s paradise!
Palm Oasis
This strip of land with hundreds of palm trees is a top attraction for families with its sprawling park with picnic spots. Tourists can hop off the bus, making it a perfect place to capture some magical moments during the trip.
Al Noor Mosque
Inspired by classical Turk-Ottoman architecture, the Al Noor Mosque is a treat for history and architecture enthusiasts, and a haven of serenity for the spiritual soul. Flanked by the Khalid Lagoon and majestically sat amid the imposing skyscrapers on Buhaira Corniche, the visual appeal this destination creates is almost matchless.
Al Majaz Waterfront
An ideal destination for visitors to capture the stunning scenery overlooking the Khaled Lagoon is the Al Majaz Waterfront. Visitors can explore the breath-taking landscapes, enjoy the spectacular Sharjah musical fountain or dine at any of its international restaurants and cafés.
Al Majaz Amphitheatre
Tourists looking to experience cultural shows, music or plays, can deboard at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre. The destination brings some of the most prominent events of the region through its concerts, conferences and workshops.
The Flag Island
Home to a towering flagpole overlooking Sharjah, and one of the city’s premier destinations for outdoor sports, dining and entertainment, The Flag Island is a picturesque attraction set by the azure waters of the Khalid lagoon, which offers great leisure and photo opportunities to visitors. Art and design enthusiasts can also have a visit to 1971 – Design Space in The Flag Island.
Al Montazah Parks
Visitors keen on experiencing some leisure time or adventure, especially while traveling with children, must block time for this must-see destination. Al Montazah’s new water park is home to meandering lazy rivers and thrilling speed slides. The island also houses an amusement park with bumper cars, go-karts, a mini-train, restaurants and cafes and a mosque.
Al Khan Beach
Tourists deboarding at Al Khan Beaches 1 or 2, can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, or just enjoy a picnic on the sand. The more active can enjoy kayaking, kite surfing, parasailing, banana boat rides and fly boarding. Even a simple stroll on the beach, is well worth the time.
Sharjah Aquarium
Visitors disembarking the bus at this stop, can enjoy a close-up look at the local fishes and learn about Sharjah’s historic coasts and ports. The aquariums here, shed light on the lively, mysterious and colourful world of the deep sea.
Al Qasba
Visitors will love the variety of restaurants with the view of the canal, along with the kids’ play area, while art fans can check out the latest exhibitions at Al Maraya Art Center. Families can also enjoy traditional “Abra” boat ride, eco-friendly electric water karts and bikes for hire.
Sahara Center
If tourists are looking for their dose of retail therapy, a place to dine and be entertained, it is the Sahara Center, which has something for everybody, all under one roof. Packed full of shops, restaurants and coffee lounges, it’s hard to imagine a more diverse lifestyle destination in Sharjah.
City Center Sharjah
Visitors can enjoy a full day of shopping, dining and much more at City Center Sharjah, which boasts with 120 lifestyle, electronic, fashion and convenience-retail brands.
King Faisal Road
The bus also tours through the King Faisal road where passengers can enjoy the skyline of the city or hop off to view the landmark King Faisal mosque. They can also relax and appreciate the panoramic view from the top of these open roof double decker buses.
The City Sightseeing Leisure tour, which has been brought to Sharjah by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in collaboration with City Sightseeing Worldwide, is truly one of the best to enjoy the myriad sights of Sharjah – a land of striking contrasts, home to some of the region's most beautiful scenery and its greatest diversity. It is a family-friendly adventure of discovering the gems of its culturally rich landscape built on several years of important history and a bustling, cosmopolitan present.
City Sightseeing Sharjah had been called the best tourist activity in Sharjah by renowned tourism website, TripAdvisor. Tickets for the tours are available from more than 60 destinations across Sharjah, Ajman and Dubai.