Shanghai, a dazzling blend of tradition and modernity, offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences. From towering skyscrapers and historic neighbourhoods to world-class shopping streets and vibrant food scenes, the city has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for unique cultural landmarks, hidden gems in Shanghai, or a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, this guide provides everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

Overview

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers tower over historic neighbourhoods, and bustling commercial streets give way to serene gardens and temples. Once a modest fishing village, Shanghai transformed into a vital trading port in the 19th century under European colonial rule, which helped shape its eclectic architectural landscape and international influence.

Today, it is one of China’s most vibrant metropolises, offering a dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re here for a short stopover or an extended stay, top things to do in Shanghai cater to every kind of traveller.

Travel to and Around Shanghai

Travelling to Shanghai

Shanghai is well connected internationally, with flights arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).

On this occasion, we opted for a domestic flight from Guilin to Shanghai Pudong as it was the most convenient option for our China 2024 itinerary. However, for those with more time, high-speed rail is also a great alternative, offering scenic views and a comfortable journey. 

Alternatively, high-speed rail options also link the city to major destinations like Beijing, Hangzhou, Xi’An and Guangzhou, making train travel a convenient alternative.

If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out the article below with top tips on how to find cheap flights.

Travelling Around Shanghai

The Shanghai Metro is one of the best ways to navigate the city, covering major attractions efficiently. We found the metro to be extensive. Before Beijing taking the crown, Shanghai had the world’s most extensive metro network. 

As a result, last entrance in the metro station is at 10pm. So plan dinner or a night out well ahead so you don’t get left out too far away from your hotel. Here we found, that whilst still metro stations had airport style security it felt somewhat more lax than in Beijing or other cities.

For foreigners it’s best you activate your mobile wallets such as Alipay so you can seamlessly access the metro and bus network. Unlike Beijing’s tap in and out system with Western payment cards, Shanghai (surprisingly) didn’t implement a similar system although more foreigners come here mostly for business.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi provide additional transport options, while bicycles and e-scooters are also popular for short trips. Again, you can unlock them by using your Alipay wallet for example.

For a more scenic route, taking a ferry across the Huangpu River can be a unique experience.

Overall, navigating around the city was a breeze. Many signs are bilingual and here you can find the most Chinese English speakers in all of mainland China.

Where to Stay in Shanghai?

Accommodation options range from luxurious hotels along The Bund to boutique stays in the French Concession. If you want to experience Shanghai off the beaten path, look into neighbourhoods like Jing’an or Xuhui for more local charm.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, we would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Trip.com to get the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Shanghai for your specific dates.

We stood on the famous Nanjing road right at the beginning of the eastern side of the street at Yitel Premium (Shanghai people’s Square Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street shop).

The hotel we stood at is near the iconic Xianshi Building. We absolute recommend you consider staying here due to it’s proximity to the metro station and central location.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal, as temperatures are comfortable and the city is alive with cultural events. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter, though cold, is a great time to explore the city’s indoor attractions like the Shanghai Museum.

We chose to go during November and we found the temperatures to be ideal in the mid 20s C during day and around 14-16 C at night. Although we had a rainy morning once, the rest of our stay was mostly cloudy and crisp.

Things to do in Shanghai

One thing you must note about China in general is that most state owned museums and touristic spots require advance booking either on the website of the venue or via WeChat. As a word of advice, don’t go to the ticket office on the day hoping you will get a ticket – you likely won’t.

If you don’t have a reservation for that attraction, it’s best you assume you should cross it off your list. In this article we will let you know which attractions require advance booking and how you can secure your spot.

If you go past your allotted slot, don’t worry too much as they will likely allow you in. Comments online suggest that missing 2 bookings might attract a ban on booking future attractions.

Having said this, we did go past our allotted slots on a few occasions due to too much waiting in queues and they let us in and we didn’t incur any other penalties. We also noted that Shanghai was the most lax when it comes to bookings and getting your ticket for attractions.

We booked most of our attractions ahead of time on Trip.com and Klook and found that they offer a wide selection of attractions for Shanghai at reasonable prices. To understand more about what apps are allowed in China and how you can pay for your attractions and make reservations, read our dedicated Essential China Apps article.

Card payments aren’t widely accepted, and we found that China is a cashless society, using Alipay or WeChat Pay is therefore paramount. We linked our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.

1. Take a Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus

Explore Shanghai on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. This is especially great if you are limited on time or have reduced mobility.

The Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus is the cheapest hop-on hop-off bus we have seen so far. It was a no brainer not to buy tickets! We took the sightseeing bus on our first day and used it to visit many of the places listed below.

2. Explore People’s Square and Stroll Through People’s Park

The political and cultural hub of Shanghai, People’s Square is surrounded by museums and theatres, making it a great starting point for a city tour.

The park itself looks well maintained and has plenty of statues and flour arrangements. It’s a great opportunity to take a coffee and stroll trough whilst seeing kids running around.

Perfect spot for people-watching and experiencing local life, People’s Park is home to Shanghai’s famous marriage market, where parents matchmake their children. Whilst we didn’t see any parents trying to match up their kids, (perhaps because it was raining and freezing cold), we did enjoy a good cup of coffee to set us up for the day ahead.

Overall, People’s Park is a nice park but if you are pressed for time you could skip it. From this park here you will find most Shanghai city tour buses start from, one of which we took ourselves.

3. Explore the Shanghai Museum

Home to an extensive collection of Chinese art and artefacts, the Shanghai Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The museum offers a good blend of world exhibits and Chinese history as well as other objects and art. It’s a good opportunity to combine it with the nearby People’s Square and Park.

4. Discover the Shanghai History Museum

This museum provides a fascinating insight into the city’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis.

We really loved this museum as it sets the scene on how Shanghai evolved through the ages. It’s a good opportunity for anyone to see some of the culprits that made Shanghai the city it is today.

Once you are done visiting, we suggest you head to the top floor. After climbing a flight of stairs you will reach their top terrace. Over there there is a steakhouse which offers outside seating.

We had a coffee and sat and admired the nearby high rises. A view which rewarded our visit to this museum for less than a few dollars.

5. Walk Along The Bund

One of the top 10 places to visit in Shanghai, The Bund offers spectacular views of the futuristic Pudong skyline. This area is simply amazing. It’s like going to London’s Greenwich Park to admire the iconic Canary Wharf skyscrapers or in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to see the iconic skyline. 

Here you will find plenty of people either vlogging, selling stuff or simply strolling through to admire the scenery. At night after 6pm the buildings light up offering an amazing spectacle of lights to everyone.

To enjoy the lights even more, on the second night we got some milk teas from our favorite shop, Chagee. We then sat down to admire the stunning nighttime scenery. A dream!

6. Wander Through Shanghai Old Street

For a glimpse into the city’s past, Shanghai Old Street is the place to go. The street is lined with traditional shophouses and teahouses.

It’s a great opportunity to see how old architecture might’ve looked in the olden days of Shanghai. Here, you will find many shops selling everything and anything. It’s a good opportunity to get yourself some good food for lunch.

Here we chose to go to Jia Jia Tang Bao, a traditional dumpling shop known for its delicious soup dumplings. Here we tried the traditional crab soup dumpling, which in essence is a fist sized dumpling filled with crab meat and soup.

Another thing we tried were a selection of dumplings which were fried just on the bottom, to a crisp brown like colour. Inside we chose a selection of fillings such as pork and duck liver.

It’s a great opportunity also to do some local souvenir shopping as the nearby shops cater to tourist. Anything from plates, chopsticks to jade Buddhas. The choice is yours!

7. Discover the Beauty of Yu Garden

This classical Chinese garden is a peaceful retreat amidst the city buzz, filled with beautiful pavilions, ponds, and rock formations.

This used to be a much bigger private garden in the past however, nowadays it’s packed with tourists. You will find many of these garden pavilions across China but Yu Garden is one of the most beautiful ones. Imagine zen garden/ Japanese garden meets outside art museum.

Inside there are many ponds filled with colourful koi fish and impressive bonsai trees, all designed to bring tranquility. We think it’s best to visit Yu Garden as early as possible as the place is a hotspot attracting many tourists.

8. Visit the City God Temple of Shanghai

An important Taoist temple, it is a centre of spiritual and cultural significance, surrounded by a lively market.

Although much of the temple facade was under reconstruction during our visit, we still found the temple to be vibrant and full of great energy.

If you are planning to visit Yu Garden then going to the temple which is just nearby is a must for sure.

9. See the Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party

This is a historical site marking a pivotal moment in China’s modern history. Whilst there are many locations where the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) held their congress, we thought visiting the first one might be more meaningful. Shanghai was the birthplace of the CCP hence it has quite a few historical references to that period.

We also chose to come here as the sightseeing bus had a stop nearby and made it much simpler to get off and explore. Inside it’s mostly written in Chinese, so not really intended for foreigners but the building itself is a typical stone gate house typical of Shanghai.

10. Take in the Views from Shanghai Tower

Standing as China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world, Shanghai Tower is a marvel of modern engineering. Completed in 2015, the tower reaches a staggering height of 632 metres and boasts the world’s second-fastest elevators, which transports visitors to the observation deck in just under a minute.

Designed with a unique twisted structure to withstand typhoons and reduce wind loads, the tower symbolises Shanghai’s rapid urban development and ambition. Originally built to showcase China’s economic power and sustainability efforts, Shanghai Tower also serves as a hub for business, housing offices, a luxury hotel, and high-end retail spaces.

The views from the observation deck offer a breathtaking panoramic perspective of the city’s futuristic skyline, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Whilst Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is a much taller building, visitors are only admitted to its observation deck at 555 metres, and the same applies to Tokyo Sky Tree, where the highest deck is at 450 metres. By contrast, Shanghai Tower’s observation deck sits at 560 metres, making it the highest observation deck in the world open to the public.

11. See the Panda House at Shanghai Zoo

Shanghai Zoo is a great spot for families, featuring diverse animal exhibits and lush green surroundings. We went there on a wonderful sunny day and spent a good half day there.

We really enjoyed seeing all the animals and simply relaxing by the picnic benches to enjoy a nice milk tea. The Zoo itself is fairly far away from central Shanghai and took us well over 1.5h to reach there from Nanjing Rd. so do plan accordingly.

The Zoo metro stop is right in front of the entrance which is very convenient. We suggest you bring with yourselves some refreshments for the journey but also for the time whilst you will be there.

We did a tour of the zoo and found that it took us a good 2 hours. Having said this, we suggest you do take some time to check out the Panda House (which is why perhaps you want to come here in the first place!). We wanted to see the Beijing Zoo but during our visit in Beijing, the Panda House was closed.

Whilst it’s not Chengdu’s Panda Research Base, it’s still great to learn about these wonderful bears. In the Panda House you will also see red pandas which look like fluffy foxes. 

Overall, it’s a great day out for anyone looking to enjoy a different type of day and particularly great if you visit Shanghai with children.

12. Visit Longhua Temple

One of the city’s oldest and largest Buddhist temples, Longhua Temple is known for its striking architecture and serene atmosphere. This reconstructed 3rd-century Buddhist temple features towers, a library and a traditional garden.

We visited during a ritual where people were burning joss paper (incense paper), a traditional practice to honour and remember the deceased. The experience felt particularly mystical, as the rising smoke from the incense created an ethereal mist that enveloped the temple grounds, enhancing the sense of reverence and spirituality in the air.

13. Experience Jing’an Temple

This stunning temple is an oasis of calm amid the urban hustle and bustle. It’s nestled right in the middle of skyscrappers and high rises in the Jing’an district.

It’s a very surreal vibe seeing the modern and old in the same square kilometer. The temple is gold coated (it’s believed to be real gold) and the architecture is simply unique to most other Buddhist temples.

Once you climb to the main hall and pay your respects we found that simply sitting on the temple stairs offered an amazing view of the nearby high rises. Another good place for a view is above the temple entrance gates which are equally wonderful.

14. Shop on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

A paradise for shoppers, Nanjing Road is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in China. Stretching over 5.5 km, it is lined with a mix of high-end boutiques, department stores, and bustling street markets, offering everything from luxury goods to local souvenirs.

At night, the neon lights and lively crowds create an electric atmosphere, making it an experience beyond just shopping. This pedestrian-friendly boulevard also boasts plenty of local eateries and tea houses, where you can take a break and soak in the vibrant energy of Shanghai’s retail heart.

Our hotel was on Nanjing Road and we can say we truly experienced its atmosphere. It was unusual that everything closes at 10pm and the crowds just disappear.

15. Cruise Along the Huangpu River

Another suggestion we have is to take a river cruise. The Huangpu River Cruise offers breathtaking views of both old and modern Shanghai, especially when the city lights up at night.

You can take the cruise during the day or evening however, we find that the best effect is during the evenings as you see all the buildings lighten up.

This was a real highliht from our trip to Shanghair and a must-do for anyone!

16. Stroll Through Tianzifang

A vibrant arts and crafts enclave with charming alleyways, galleries, and boutique shops, perfect for finding hidden gems in Shanghai.

In all fairness, we found Tianzifang the least Chinese and least authentic area. It’s very similar to London’s Camden Town Market, with many quirky souvenirs and trinkets.

We had a look at some of the food sold at the stalls, having been by now, two weeks in China, we found nothing to write home about.

17. Visit the China Art Museum

One of Asia’s largest museums, it features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Chinese art. However, the museum primarily houses a limited collection of paintings and offers little else of significance.

When we visited in November 2024 we found many of the galleries closed and with very few works of art in those that were open.

The building is an amazing feat of architecture but no substance unfortunately. We suggest you skip this unless you want to see the building itself.

18. Attend an Acrobatic Show in Shanghai

For an unforgettable night, catch a performance at ERA Stadium, where acrobatics meet cutting-edge technology. We got a chance to book an acrobatics show called Intersection of Time Acrobatic, as the ERA Stadium is one of the most popular places in China and in Asia for such performances.

We were not disappointed. The show was surreal. We found that the acts were carefully balanced and offered a great deal of entertainment. The show consists of a love story between two teenagers and they go through various stages (acts) with a strong motif on the old Shanghai days. A masterpiece!

19. Go on a Day Trip to a Watertown

Shanghai is surrounded by several ancient water towns, each offering a glimpse into China’s past with canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. Some of the most famous ones include: Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Xitang, Wuzhen, and Nanxun.

We chose to visit Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town for a day trip because it is the easiest to reach by metro from Shanghai. This water town is also one of the largest in the region, so we decided to visit it first to understand its appeal before exploring smaller, less-known alternatives. We weren’t dissapointed!

You can do it yourself but if you prefer to join an organised tour, here is a suggestion for Zhujiajiao Water Town Half-Day Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai.

Read our article below to get a feel for this place and why you should go and experience it for yourself.

Top Restaurants in Shanghai

1. Try some Dim Sum at Shihaodian Hong Kong dim sum – Cantonese cuisine (Rio Department Store Branch)

We wanted to try some good Cantonese Dim Sum for lunch and decided to go to Shihaodian Hong Kong dim sum. The restaurant is a great place to try authentic Cantonese cuisine with a selection of dumplings and dim sum.

We had the char siu pork, custard buns, mayo prawns and pork buns. Each one, was simply amazing. Even the mayo prawns which were served warm, interestingly the mayo didn’t split.

We really enjoyed the food and the buns, which are their specialty and are a level above everyone else’s.

2. Crank up the spice levels at Meizhou Dongpo (Jiuguang Center Store)

Famous for its Sichuan dishes, Meizhou Dongpo is a must-visit for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavours. In the mall right next to the ERA Stadium we decided to go and try some sichuan food before the Shanghai Acrobatic Show.

We were not disappointed! The hot spicy beef bowl combined with the mustard courgette salad was a revelational combination. Hrisi also tried the Kung Pao chicken a staple of Sichuan cuisine. It tasted nothing like we had before. It simply set a new standard in our minds.

We also tried the roast duck in honey and sesame glaze but sadly it didn’t compare to the Pekin duck we had in Beijing.

3. Today’s Beef Things Chaoshan Fresh Beef Hot Pot (Jing’an Temple Branch)

For a comforting and hearty meal try Today’s Beef Things Chaoshan Fresh Beef Hot Pot. This hot pot restaurant specialises in fresh beef cuts with rich broths. The trick with hot pots is the sauces’ corner.

When looking for a good hot pot venue, make sure you check ahead of time what sauces they have as this will make the difference. Otherwise, you are essentially eating boiled food.

This place was great and ticked all the boxes. Unlike the more mainstream hot pot places where they serve frozen mystery meats, this restaurant offers freshly cut meat (as it should be). The sauces’ corner is extensive and offers a great selection from soy sauces with various infusions to spicy chilly oils. 

On a cold winter’s day this place can warm up your soul and leave you nourished.

4. Try Modern Shanghai Food at Sanmalu Restaurant (Hankou Road Branch)

Sanmalu Restaurant is an amazing restaurant offering traditional food from Shanghai’s golden age. We suggest you book ahead of time as the venue isn’t large with a few tables in the main hall and a few private dining rooms.

The ambiance tries to recreate a 1920s feel from Shanghai’s bygone era. We chose to come here as this is one of the best places rated on Dianping to try out local cuisine at amazing prices.

We tried a series of dishes such as the Shanghai pork belly, fried smoked fish and a fish cooked in aluminum foil with some very interesting spices.

The pork belly was simply divine. Cooked to perfection to the point were the meat simply melts in the mouth. The soy sauce with Chinese wine really enhance the dish to a new level.

The fried smoked fish was another thing we tried and enjoyed but we thought the one at HuiTing JingCui was better as it was crispier and felt less greasy.

Having said this, la pièce de résistance, was absolutely the fish cooked in aluminum foil. From the moment the waiter opened the foil in front of us, we knew from the smells that came, it was going to be a treat.

The fish was cooked to perfection, flaky, filled with flavors we couldn’t even conceive. It was truly an experience.

We suggest you absolutely come here, but make a reservation ahead of time or just put yourself on the queue when you decide to make your way to the restaurant to avoid waiting times.

For a better experience opt to dine inside the restaurant.

5. Taste Shanghai traditional food with a fusion kick at HuiTing JingCui 荟廷.晶萃 (ShangYueWan Branch) – Fusion Chic

HuiTing JingCui is another great option for people looking to try out Shanghai food. The restaurant is inside a mall in the Pudong area. It’s a great opportunity to have dinner if you’ve had a day out exploring Pudong.

The restaurant offers a casual fine dining experience with very modern decor. Here, we sampled a few local dishes such as the fried smoked fish, pork belly, a glutenous/starchy rice rapped in pastry and then deep fried, crab and Hristina had a bowl of rice soup with seafood.

The food was exceptional on all levels. Cooked to perfection, from the crisp fried fish, to the succulent crab and the pork belly which melted in our mouths with every bite. The teddy bear drink was also a highlight!

The service was prompt and food was served fast. The restaurant wasn’t full, but indeed it was close to closing time but do consider making a booking ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Final Thoughts

Shanghai is an exciting blend of old and new, with something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking unusual things to do in Shanghai, exploring historical landmarks, or indulging in a taste of Shanghai through its culinary scene, the city guarantees an unforgettable experience.

With so many attractions, eateries, and experiences, it’s no wonder Shanghai remains a top destination for travellers worldwide.

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