Dubai and its neighboring emirate of Sharjah have become huge tourist destinations recently. There is a lot to see and explore, but there’s so little time to see and do everything on offer at these cities. The best way to explore these emirates is by car. While a taxi may be too expensive for an entire trip, you always have the option of getting a car rental in Dubai. This is a relatively inexpensive option that allows you to travel and explore these cities at your own pace. Here are a few things you should check out if you’re planning to explore Sharjah and Dubai:

Sharjah

The Al Majaz Waterfront: This is the perfect place for spending a leisurely day. You can spend a few peaceful hours strolling to your heart’s content along the waterfront and exploring the little cafes and restaurants that line the way.

The Heart of Sharjah: Still in development, this impressive reconstruction project is a sight to behold. With multiple commercial areas, boutique hotels and the like, this part of Sharjah is a haven for tourists.

Central Souk: Visit the Central Souk if you want to shop for handicrafts, gift items, regional imports and handmade goods. With more than 600 stores in the souk, there’s a lot to explore.

Al Noor Mosque: The Al Noor Mosque is the first in Sharjah to allow the entry of non-muslims. This is a great place to learn more about Islam and the UAE’s culture.

Sharjah Islamic Museum: A unique museum located in the Heart of Sharjah, the museum houses over 5000 artifacts from all over the Islamic world.

Dubai

The Jumeirah Mosque: This beautiful structure is a wonderful example of Islamic architecture. Visit this monument at night to see a specimen of fine stonework illuminated by moonlight.

The Desert Conservation Reserve: The Reserve preserves aspect of desert life and culture. Visit here to observe the wilderness or to learn more about life in the desert.

Burj Khalifa: Take a ride to the observation deck of the highest skyscraper in the world for an incomparable experience. You can enter the Burj Khalifa from Dubai Mall, which, as the largest mall in Dubai, is also worth a visit.

The Waterparks: Spend a day at the Aquaventure Waterpark in Atlantis or Wild Wadi at the Jumeirah Beach Resort to beat the heat and enjoy some of the most thrilling rides and slides. Just make sure to carry enough sunscreen!

The Dubai Aquarium: The Dubai Aquarium houses species from all over the world. Guests can enjoy a ride on a glass-bottomed boat to observe the fishes swimming all around them. This is definitely worth a visit, especially if you have kids.