Things to Do in Shanghai
31 curated spots from Shanghai itineraries
Activities & Attractions
17 curated experiences
Aurora Museum
Stunning private museum with ancient Chinese artifacts in a modern architectural gem.
1h 15m · $20
Former French Concession
Tree-shaded streets with villas, boutiques, and cafes; wander Julu Road and Wukang Road.
2h · Free
Former French Concession (Self-Guided Walk)
Tree-lined streets (Fuxing Rd, Wulumuqi Rd) with art deco villas, boutique galleries, independent cafes. Stroll past Tianzifang's warren of lanes and Xintiandi's restored shikumen architecture. 2–3 hour walkable circuit.
2h 30m · Free
Fuxing Park
Enter via the north gate and wander the tree-lined paths, rose gardens, and small lakes; watch locals dancing, playing cards, or doing tai chi, and find a quiet bench for a nature-focused pause.
1h 30m · Free
Huangpu River Cruise
Scenic evening cruise passing Bund lights and Pudong towers; opt for dinner cruise.
1h · $50
M50 Creative Park & Art Galleries
Former textile factory converted to contemporary art district with 50+ galleries, studios, and cafes. Minimal aesthetic throughout. Independent artists, photography exhibits, sculpture installations. Photography highlight: industrial architecture meets modern art.
2h · Free (gallery entry varies, typically $0–5 per gallery)
Nanjing Road & People's Square Walking Route
Pedestrian shopping street (5 km) with historic buildings, modern retail, and street performers. Walk from The Bund westward to People's Square (major metro hub, museums, restaurants). 2–3 hour stroll.
2h · Free
Rockbund Art Museum & East Nanjing Road
Contemporary art museum in converted British warehouse (minimalist interiors). East Nanjing Road features colonial-era buildings, upscale shops, and urban renewal projects. Pair morning museum with afternoon street exploration.
2h · $8–12 per person (museum entry)
Shanghai Tower & Shanghai History Museum
East Asia's tallest building (632m) with observation decks offering 360° city views. Ground floor Shanghai History Museum explores urban development with immersive exhibits. Photography highlight: sunrise or sunset views.
2h 30m · $20–30 per person (tower entry)
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
World's second-tallest building with glass-floor skywalk and 360-degree city views.
1h · $35
The Bund (Wai Tan) & Pudong Skyline
Iconic waterfront promenade with colonial-era buildings (Fairmont Peace Hotel, HSBC, customs house) framing views of futuristic Pudong skyline across Huangpu River. Best at sunrise (6:30 AM) or golden hour (5:30–6:30 PM).
1h 30m · Free
The Bund Riverside Promenade (Waitan)
Walk the riverfront from the northern end down toward the south, pausing to photograph the colonial-era facades on one side and the Pudong skyscrapers on the other; find a bench to simply sit and take in the view.
1h 30m · Free
The Bund Waterfront
Iconic promenade with colonial architecture on one side and futuristic Pudong skyline opposite.
1h 30m · Free
Tianzifang
Artsy maze of hutong alleys with galleries, boutiques, and hidden bars in French Concession.
1h 30m · Free
Xintiandi & Taikang Road (Tianzifang) Stroll
After Fuxing Park, walk to Xintiandi’s refurbished shikumen lanes for cafés and galleries, then head to Taikang Road (Tianzifang) for artsy alleys, small boutiques, and cozy tea houses—take a mid-afternoon break in a quiet café for a spa-like reset.
2h · Free (plus your café/tea spend)
Yu Garden
Classical Ming Dynasty garden with pavilions, rockeries, and tranquil ponds amid bustling bazaar.
1h 30m · $5
Yu Garden (Yuyuan) & City Bazaar
Classical Ming Dynasty garden (1577) with pavilions, rockeries, koi ponds, and serene landscaping. Adjacent Ming-style bazaar has souvenir stalls. Visit early (8:30 AM) to avoid tour groups.
2h · $8–12 per personRestaurants & Food
14 local favorites
Breakfast Walking Tour of Former French Concession
Guided tour sampling local breakfast items, pastries, and tea. Vendors pre-selected; guide explains ingredients and can verify nut-free options.
2h · $18–25 per person
CHAR bar and grill
South Bund steakhouse with premium meats and wines in a sleek setting.
2h · $80-130 per person
Din Tai Fung (Jing'an Branch)
Upscale dim sum house specializing in xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Request nut-free preparations; dumplings are primarily pork, shrimp, or vegetable with no nut fillings.
1h · $15–25 per person
Fairmont Peace Hotel Afternoon Tea
Art deco–styled afternoon tea service with pastries, tea, and light snacks. Upscale yet approachable. Can customize menu for nut allergy.
1h 15m · $25–35 per person
Flair Rooftop
Rooftop bar-restaurant atop Ritz-Carlton Pudong with panoramic skyline views; try grilled meats and cocktails.
2h · $100-150 per person
Hakkasan
Michelin-starred modern Cantonese with dim sum and Peking duck in stylish Bund location.
1h 30m · $90-140 per person
Jasmine Lounge
Art Deco lounge in Fairmont Peace Hotel serving Italian-Chinese fusion; afternoon tea or dinner.
1h 30m · $60-100 per person
Jia Jia Tang Bao (人民广场店)
Start with classic Shanghainese soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and a simple soy milk; go for the pork xiaolongbao for an authentic, comforting local breakfast.
1h · $10-15 per person
Lost Heaven (Gaoyou Road)
Enjoy Yunnan-style dishes like tea leaf salad, grilled meats, and mushroom hotpots in a softly lit, atmospheric dining room; pair with a cocktail or tea for a lingering meal.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
The Fellas Terrace
Italian terrace dining near People's Square with Mediterranean dishes and city views.
1h 30m · $70-120 per person
Uobei Sushi (Jing'an Branch)
Contemporary conveyor-belt sushi with fresh fish, vegetable rolls, and clear labeling. No nut oils; confirm ingredient sourcing with staff.
1h · $12–20 per person
Xiao Yang Soy Milk (Multiple Locations)
Warm soy milk, fried dough sticks (youtiao), and steamed buns. Traditional Shanghai breakfast; no nuts used; simple, authentic preparation.
20m · $3–5 per person
Yang's Fry Dumplings
Famous Shanghai fried dumplings with sesame seeds and spring onions. Fresh, crispy, and made-to-order. No nuts in preparation; confirm sesame seeds are the only coating.
30m · $3–5 per person
Yone Restaurant & Bar (the Shanghai Edition)
Elegant Japanese fine dining with tasting menus and Bund views; signature omakase.
2h · $120-150 per person