The 14 Best Things to do in Shanghai 2025: Your Shanghai Travel Guide

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Best Things to do in Shanghai

Planning to travel to Shanghai but at a loss about what to do and what to eat? This guide helps you explore the most fun parts and the most delicacies in Shanghai. You'll find everything you need to know about touring around Shanghai.👇

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  • Round-trip

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Flights to Shanghai

Shanghai Fun Facts

Boasting more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, Shanghai is now one of the most captivating cities in China.

In this video, we provide an overview of what's the city like and share some intriguing facts that are not widely known. We will aslo highlight the top 4 must-visit places for first-time visitors to Shanghai. Let's explore this incredible city, starting with Yu Garden Old Street, The Bund, and Nanjing Road!

Top Things to do in Shanghai

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Explore Shanghai

Shanghai
Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers coexist with the atmosphere of ancient China. This route will reveal the most unusual locations of the metropolis. Day 1: The Heart of Shanghai Start with the legendary Nanjing Road, the city's main artery. Visit Starry Art, a miniature museum inspired by Japanese laboratories, perfect for photo ops. Stroll through the New World Emporium, one of China's largest shopping malls. In the evening, visit the Warehouse with its fantastical interior or head to the immersive restaurant The Taste of China, where guests are invited to change clothes and enjoy theatrical food presentation. Day 2: Sky Views Step up to Magnolia Plaza People Cafe, an affordable coffee shop on a high floor with panoramic views of Shanghai and the famous Pearl Tower. Space Cube, featuring interactive games, is also located here. After shopping at Baiyuan Plaza, head to North Bund Greenland, a vast park near the port with breathtaking views. Day 3: Art and Atmosphere Spend the morning at Greenland, a grand greenhouse with thousands of plant species. Visit the free, uniquely themed China Art Museum. Have lunch at 1192, the city's most beautiful food court, recreating the atmosphere of 1930s Shanghai. End the day in the Lujiazui district with its observation decks. Day 4: Premium Experience Stay inside China's largest Starbucks Reserve, complete with its own roastery and bar. Book a free Louis Vuitton exhibition. In the evening, relax at the Young SPACE Chinese spa with steam baths, hot springs, unlimited drinks, and entertainment. Day 5: Luxury and Tradition Stay at a Japanese-style hotel with hot springs. Visit the upscale Shanghai Village, a shopping mall themed to pre-war Shanghai.
Shanghai
When visiting Shanghai, don't just take photos of the city view—its culinary delights and local gems are a must-add to your list. Here are some spots that I think are truly worth the hype 👇 🥐 Apoli Ita Bakery An aesthetic bakery with a selection of pastries and desserts that are not only visually pleasing but also taste amazing. Perfect for a light breakfast or a coffee break before continuing your journey. ✨ Vibes: clean, modern, artsy 💡 Must try: their pastry and dessert display (everything is so tempting) 🥩 Fei Da Chu A legendary Hunan restaurant that's always bustling. The flavors are bold, spicy, and super flavorful. This is the kind of food that makes you say, "No wonder it's famous." 🔥 Perfect for those who love strong flavors 💡 Tips: Arrive early or be prepared to wait in line 🦀 Crab Noodle A signature Shanghai dish that you MUST try. The broth is rich, the crab aroma is strong, and it's incredibly comforting. ✨ Best moment: Enjoy it on a chilly day 💡 Don't expect light food—this is legit and filling 🍪 Butterfly Cookies A classic Shanghai snack that's simple yet addictive. Its texture is flaky, buttery, and perfect as a souvenir. 🎁 Travel-friendly snack 💡 Great to munch on while exploring 👕 13DE MARZO Not food, but a must-visit. A trendy local Chinese fashion brand that's playful and super Instagrammable. 🛍 Perfect for: shopping statement pieces 📸 The store is incredibly aesthetic
The Bund
Just wrapped up mapping the perfect three-day journey through this electric metropolis, balancing its iconic skyline with its hidden, soulful lanes. It’s a dance between the dazzling and the intimate, and I’m excited to share the blueprint. 🗺️ THE ITINERARY AT A GLANCE: Day 1 is for the classics: the neon pulse of Nanjing Road, the awe-inspiring postcard view from The Bund to Lujiazui’s futuristic towers, and ending with a ferry ride under glittering night lights. Day 2 slows the pace in the elegant French Concession, wandering historic avenues like Wukang Road, finding peace in Yu Garden’s classical landscapes, and feeling the old-world glamour at Sinan Mansions. Day 3 explores the city’s creative, local heartbeat—from the dramatic industrial architecture of 1933 Old Millfun to the literary calm of Duolun Road and the trendy repurposed spaces at M50. 💎 THE GEMS WE UNCOVERED: · That perfect, crowd-free panoramic shot of the Oriental Pearl Tower? It’s on Jiujiang Road. · The true charm isn't just on Wukang Road—it's on the parallel streets like Yongfu and Hunan, shaded by majestic plane trees. · Yu Garden is stunning by day, but the surrounding City God Temple area becomes a captivating, lantern-lit dream at night. · For a genuine local experience, the "matchmaking corner" in Lu Xun Park is a fascinating cultural snapshot. ⚠️ WORTH NOTING: A few friendly tips to navigate like a pro: be wary of costumed characters on The Bund (they charge for photos!), explore accommodation options near subway stations just outside the core for better value, and if you can, visit major sights on a weekday to truly enjoy them. Shanghai is a layered story of rapid growth, resilient culture, and timeless beauty. This itinerary is my love letter to all its contrasts. Save this guide for when you’re ready to write your own chapter. 📖 Swipe through for the detailed day-by-day breakdown! 👉 #ShanghaiTravel #ShanghaiGuide #ChinaTravel #TravelItinerary #CityBreak #UrbanExplorer #TheBund #FrenchConcession #HiddenGems #TravelTips #Wanderlust #ExploreShanghai #TravelInspiration #ArchitectureLover
The Bund
Shanghai this time was amazing! For those planning a trip, save these 20 essential tips – updated version! 1. Visa-free travel is heaven! Just bring your Thai passport and walk straight through the border. No complicated paperwork needed. 2. TrueMoney or Kplus are incredibly easy to use. Forget cash! Link your card to the TrueMoney or Alipay app and scan to pay almost anywhere, even at street stalls. 3. Have reliable internet! Buy a Sim2Fly or activate roaming so you can use Facebook, Instagram, LINE, and TikTok without needing a VPN. Vacay's eSim is also a good option. 4. Download Apple Maps, Baidu Maps, or Amap. Forget Google Maps; Amap is far inferior. It's easy to use and hassle-free. 5. Didi is the solution. It's a taxi-hailing app with friendly prices. No need to waste time hailing a taxi. You can pay via Alipay. 6. No need for adapters. Most plugs in China are flat-pin, like in Thailand. Plug it in! 7. The weather is unpredictable. Check the forecast carefully; some days it's cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon. Layering your clothes will save the day. 8. A power bank is a must. You'll be taking tons of photos and using maps all day. A dead battery means the end of your life (but don't go over 20,000 mAh, or you'll get stopped at checkpoints). 9. The Metro covers the entire universe. It's very easy to get around and cheap, starting at just a few yuan. 10. Don't miss The Bund at night. The view of the Pudong Island buildings is amazing. I recommend going around 7 PM; the lights are stunning. 11. Anfu Rd, Wukan Rd, Huahai Rd are Shanghai's trendiest areas. Fashionistas must go there to take photos for street style content. 12. Pop Mart is a staple here! There are branches all over the city, and the prices are much more affordable than in Thailand. 13. The restrooms aren't that bad. The ones in malls and cafes are fine. But carrying wet wipes is always reassuring (Safety First). 14. Subway closes early: Most stop running around 10:30 PM - 11:00 PM. Don't get so caught up in sightseeing that you forget to check the time. 15. Disney Resort Shanghai is the best! I recommend booking tickets in advance and you absolutely must ride the TRON ride. 16. Order food via QR Code: Most restaurants don't have physical menus. You can scan a QR code at the table to order and pay via Alipay. 17. Some Shanghainese people speak English, especially teenagers, but downloading a translation app is a lifesaver. 18. Smoking: Smoking is still very heavy in some areas of China. If you are sensitive to smoke, be careful on sidewalks and I recommend wearing a mask. 19. Shanghai Metro App: Download it to check subway routes or use Alipay to scan and enter stations. No need to use vending machines. 20. Prepare your legs. Shanghai = a city of walking. Walking 20,000 steps a day is normal. Wear the most comfortable shoes, ladies! Summary: Shanghai is incredibly advanced now. It's clean and every corner is beautiful for photos. If you haven't been there yet, you must try it at least once! ✈️📸 #NewYearGiftTrip
The Stage Shanghai
China is living in the future 🇨🇳🐴✨ A random evening in Shanghai looks like this 😍 How cool is that! By the way, this breathtaking 360-degree view of Shanghai opens up from The Stage (Shanghai) observation deck. Unreal! If you’ve been to China, what surprised you here the most? Вероятность увидеть масштабное шоу дронов в обычный день в любой другой стране очень низкая, но в Китае она никогда не равна нулю 😉 Здесь будущее уже давно наступило 🇨🇳 Кстати, такой шикарный 360-градусный вид на Шанхай открывается со смотровой площадки The Stage! Кто был в Китае, напишите, что вас здесь больше всего удивило или впечатлило? Insta: @irasmolyar - о насыщенной жизни в китайском мегаполисе ✨ #droneshow #lifeinchina #travelchina #futureisnow #шоудронов #китай #шанхай #годлошади #yearofthehorse #2026 #Thestageshanghai #thingstodo
Young·SPACE Hot Spring Hall
I spent a day at Young·SPACE and fell in love! It's more than just a spa—it's a whole world of relaxation in the center of Shanghai. 📍 Where: 57th Street, Pudong (Lujiazui) Metro: Line 4/6 → Century Avenue, Exit 6, 5-minute walk 💰 Prices via Trip.com: - Entrance fee + drink: from $42 (instead of $56) - Children's: from $22 - 24-hour + 100-minute massage: from $95 Open 24/7! You can come even at night. I budgeted 5 hours—it flew by. What's inside: ♨️ Hot springs with mineral water, several pools with different temperatures, saunas (dry, wet, infrared), salt room 🍊 Fresh Fruit Plaza – unlimited fresh fruit! I ate my fill of melon and mango. 💆 Foot massage – their specialty, professional therapists (additional fee) 🎮 Karaoke, board games, cinema, sleeping areas What's included in the ticket: Robe, towels, slippers, locker, Wi-Fi, all saunas and pools, unlimited fruit and drinks. No need to bring anything! My tips: 📱 Book through Trip.com for discounts up to 46% 🕐 Arrive before 5:00 PM on weekdays for fewer crowds ⏰ Book at least 4 hours The cleanliness is impeccable, and the atmosphere is perfect for complete relaxation. After a day exploring the city, this is just the thing! Perfect for weary travelers or a romantic evening.
Shanghai Disney Resort
If it's your first time visiting Shanghai Disneyland, read this to avoid surprises and make your trip much more enjoyable 👇 🎟 Ticket & App is a must Download the Shanghai Disney Resort App before you go. Everything is there: map, show schedule, waiting times, and even ride bookings. Tickets require a passport (no passport = no entry). ⏰ Arrive early = win big Arriving before the gates open is a game changer. You can head straight to popular rides before the lines get long. 🎢 Priority rides: TRON, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. 🎢 TRON is a must This is one of the best Disney rides in the world. Fast, futuristic, and super fun. If you can only do one ride, make it this one. 📱 Fast Pass & Standby Strategy Shanghai Disneyland no longer offers free FastPasses, but there’s Premier Access (paid). It’s worth it if you’re visiting on weekends or during peak season. 🍗 Don’t worry about food prices Portions are large and can be shared. There are plenty of tasty snacks too, so you don’t always need a full meal. 💡 You can bring an empty water bottle → free refills available. 👟 Wear super comfortable shoes The park is HUGE. Walking all day is normal. Don’t wear new shoes unless you want regrets. 🎒 Allowed & prohibited items Allowed: small snacks, empty bottles Prohibited: large tripods, drones, strong-smelling food 🎆 Don’t skip the parade & fireworks The night parade and fireworks at Shanghai Disneyland are absolutely magical. Arrive early for a good spot, especially in front of the castle. ✨ Quick verdict: Shanghai Disneyland is modern, well-organized, and its rides are unique compared to other Disney parks. Tiring? Yes. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY. Save this caption so you won’t panic and can enjoy your visit to the fullest 🏰💫
Space & Time Cube
#hiddencornersofshanghai I stopped by Space & Time Cube (Space & Time Cube) in the Hongkou district—a place that's hard to describe in simple terms. Imagine a game room where sci-fi technology has become reality, all packed into one hour. I was especially impressed by the VR zone. It's a strange sensation—your mind knows it's a game, but your body reacts as if you're actually floating in zero gravity. The AR games were also captivating—I caught virtual crabs on a tablet in a digital lake. It sounds like kid's fun, but try to tear yourself away! An hour flies by, but it's enough to try all the zones without getting tired. For a thousand rubles, you get access to everything. It's definitely fun with kids aged five or six, but younger kids might find it a bit more challenging. It's fun with a group—you can even have a battle in the reaction games. It's located in Hongkou, a twenty-minute walk from the International Cruise Terminal metro station. It's open until 10 PM, with last entry at 9 PM. It's best to go on weekdays—it's less crowded and you don't have to wait in line for the popular rides. Dress comfortably; you'll be moving around. And charge your phone—you'll want to take photos all the time.

Top 6 Attractions in Shanghai

The Bund

The Bund in Shanghai

The Bund: No need to recommend. The most iconic landmark in Shanghai! A magical combination of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers here. Every time you stroll along the bund, you'll have a totally different mindset! Such an amazing place.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
  • 💰 Ticket Price: Free
  • 📍 Location: Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort

Disneyland in Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort: A place has nothing but innocence, fun and dreams! Eye-catching giant castle, various performance by true-to-life characters, spectacular leaping horizon that brings you adrenaline rush, and beautiful firework show that imprints itself in your mind forever...

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 08:30-20:30, Saturday-Sunday: 08:30-21:30 (Current Time)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $54.88
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Yu Garden

Yu Garden in Shanghai

Yu Garden: It was originally a private garden from Ming Dynasty. The owner of the garden, the governor of Sichuan Province then, built it in order to let his father enjoy his retirement age. Now it's a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Megacity. The pavilions, bricks, tiles, trees reveal exquisite and rich historical heritage of Ming Dynasty.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Closed on Mondays)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $3.93
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Yuyuan Tourism Business District (the main entrance of Yuyuan Garden on the north side of Huxin Pavilion Jiuqu Bridge)
Yu
Yu Garden
Garden
ancient architecture

Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower

Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai

Oriental Pearl Tower: Located at No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands on the bank of the Huangpu River, left behind it countless modern skyscrapers. It has a layer of full glass floor, and the air corridor is absolutely worth seeing.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 (Latest entry time: 20:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $27.37
  • 📍 Location: No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Oriental
Oriental Pearl Tower
Modern Architecture
Observation Decks
From $41.19
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Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao Water Town in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: The town has 36 ancient bridges, 9 long streets and more than 1,000 Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, exuding strong water town vibes. For hundreds of years, the water town has bred countless heroes and rich cultrual heritage. Strolling along the stone slabs or taking a boat on the rippling waterways, you can feel an utmost tranquility.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30-20:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $7.56
  • 📍 Location: No. 555, Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Zhujiajiao
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Ancient Towns
Water Town
From $7.57
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Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Road in Shanghai

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: One of Shanghai's most iconic shopping blocks. Stretching over five kilometers, it’s packed with modern malls, traditional stores, and street vendors offering a variety of goods. Gathering well-known international and domestic brands, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street also houses countless historial and cultural heriatge. Walking on the street, you can feel the prosperity, energy and historical vibes of the city at the same time.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
  • 💰 Ticket Price: Free
  • 📍 Location: Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Day Trip in Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort

Disneyland in Shanghai
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30-20:30
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $54.88
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area
Shanghai
Shanghai Disney Resort
Theme parks
Nighttime sightseeing
FromPHP 21,984

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

Haichang Ocean Park in Shanghai
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:30-17:00 (Latest entry time:16:00)· Saturday-Sunday: 09:30-18:30 (Latest entry time:17:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $50.76
  • 📍 Location: No.166 Yinfei Road, Nanhui New Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park
Aquariums
Theme Parks
From $50.76
Book Your Tickets Now
FromPHP 10,231

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Shanghai Wild Animal Park
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Latest entry time:15:30; Tickets available until:15:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $22.7
  • 📍 Location: No.178, Nanliu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
zoo
wild animals
FromPHP 2,446

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Shanghai Natural History Museum
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $12.29
  • 📍 Location: No. 510, Beijing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai (in Jing'an Sculpture Park)
Shanghai
Shanghai Natural History Museum
animal fossil
museum
FromPHP 2,245

Huangpu River Cruise

Huangpu River Cruise
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $12.38
  • 📍 Location: Shiliupu Pier,Terminal 2,No.551 Zhongshandonger Road,Huangpu,Shanghai
Huangpu
Huangpu River Cruise
Boat Tours
Nighttime sightseeing

Street food in Shanghai

Shanghai Food #1 Xiao Long Bao (soup dumpling)

Street food in Shanghai

When it comes to Shanghainese cuisine, the first classic dish popping up in my mind is xiao long bao. Cubes of pork jelly, minced shrimp and pork with some vegetables are mixed up and wrapped in a thin layer made of dough. They will then be steamed in a bamboo cage. Just a little bite into their thin skin, the sweet and fresh meat soup spews out wildly, making you crave for more.

万寿斋(山阴路店)
Wan Shou Zhai (Shanyin Road)
Snacks
Time-honored brand

Shanghai Food #2 Sheng Jian Bao (pan fried bun) at Xu Ji shengjian

Street food in Shanghai

To make Sheng Jian Bao, the chef adds oil to a huge pan and fries the bottom of the buns until they are crisp and golden brown while the rest of the bun stay soft. Before they’re served on table, toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions are sprinkled over for fragrance enhancement.

Address: 585 Zunyi Rd, Changning District, Shanghai, China

Shanghai Food #3 Crab Roe Noodle

Street food in Shanghai

Six male crabs plus six female crabs! It takes hours of delicate hand labor for a bowl of crab roe and meat. They are heaped up high on the noodles. The crab roe and meat are giving off such a rich, flavorful crab aroma. The noodles are bouncy and chewy, complementing the richness of the crab roe.

Address: 142 Yuyuan Rd, Jing'An, Shanghai, China

Shanghai Food #4 Chopped Cold Chicken

Street food in Shanghai

The chicken skin is soft and tender, with a thin layer of jelly texture between the skin and the meat, and a beautiful pink color on the cut surface of the bones. The chicken is always served together with special made soy sauce and scallion oil. Dip the chicken with some sauce, enjoy the rich flavor blending. It’s one of the greatest pleasures of life!

Tai
Tai Huang Ji
tender chicken
Shanghai flavor

Top attractions around Shanghai

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FAQs about Shanghai Travel

  • What are the must-see attractions in Shanghai?

    The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Disneyland, Yu Garden, etc.
  • What is the best time to visit Shanghai?

    Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
  • How to get around Shanghai? Do I need to rent a car?

    Shanghai has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and taxis. The metro is often the fastest way to get around.
  • How many days should I spend in travelling Shanghai?

    Most people find that 3 to 4 days are sufficient.
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