Sharjah Central Souk

The Central Souk opened in 1978 as two long parallel buildings joined by pedestrian bridges, faced in blue tile and topped with wind towers, which is why it is universally called the Blue Souk. Around six hundred shops fill it: gold and jewellery on the ground floor, and above them carpets, antiques, curios and pashminas, much of it brought in from Iran, Afghanistan, India and Central Asia. Bargaining is expected and the upper floor is where it matters.

What you actually see

• The blue tilework - the geometric tiled facade that gives the souk its name.
• The carpet floor - the upper level of rugs from Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• The gold shops - the jewellery trade filling the ground floor.
• The linking bridges - the covered walkways joining the two halls.

When to go

October to April for comfortable weather outside. Shops close for a long midday break and reopen in the late afternoon. Fridays open late in the afternoon.

Honest expectations

The long midday closure catches visitors out and the souk can be empty at lunchtime. Prices start high and bargaining is expected, which some find tiring. Much of the antique stock is reproduction.

Nearby

Al Noor Island is east, and the Museum of Islamic Civilization is southwest.