Top 50 Best Things to Do in Shanghai
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Shanghai

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • The Bundtop_1
    󰺂10
    Shanghai.The Bund Area1.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱤎Distant view of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone
    󱓊Luminous views of colonial buildings
    󱨠Saved by 14270 users󱨠128512 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    The Bund, located in Shanghai, is a dazzling pearl in this bustling metropolis. By day, it's a vibrant hub of traffic and throngs of tourists, who stroll along, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. At night, the Bund takes on a completely different charm; as the lights come on and neon signs shimmer, it transforms into a fairyland.

  • Shanghai Disney Resorttop_2
    󰺂10
    48.46
    Shanghai.Shanghai Disney Resort20.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoShanghai Disneyland's Enchanting Christmas Nights Are Here for a Limited Time | Nov 21, 2025-Jan 3, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Watch the Phantom Show at Gardens of Imagination
    󱨜The world's largest Disney castle
    󱨠Saved by 29883 users󱨠169460 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M51***07M51***07

    Booking Disney tickets on Ctrip was cheaper than on the official website. My friend has Hong Kong residency, so discounts on other platforms didn't apply. Ctrip offered a better deal. We had a wonderful and romantic day at Disney.

  • Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Towertop_3
    󰺂8.6
    23.66
    Shanghai.Lujiazui Area2.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Stroll along the transparent observation corridor
    Shanghai landmark (1,535ft)
    󱨠Saved by 11741 users󱨠102775 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    o_Ohmyo_Ohmy

    Symbolic place for Shanghai, must visit. Better in a dark time, everything is neon, great timelapse. Not crowded at all! I had a bad experience with an 2h queues with Eifel Tower. But here everything went smoothly well!

  • Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park
    4
    󰺂8.3
    30.25
    Shanghai.Dishui Lake and Lin-gang Area54.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoShanghai-born orca Pang Dou Bao celebrates 2nd birthday
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜World's first Ultraman-themed pavilion
    󰀆Float parade show (Nightly)
    󱨠Saved by 5823 users󱨠45825 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The shows in the parks are of exceptionally high quality, far beyond what we’ve seen in other ocean parks abroad. The kids had a great time enjoying the various rides, and entering the park was effortless—just a quick passport scan at the gate. With no need to queue for tickets, the whole experience was smooth and convenient.

  • Shanghai Museum
    5
    󰺂8.1
    Shanghai.People's Square Area300m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExhibition of Masterpieces of Chinese Fan Painting and Calligraphy from the Shanghai Museum Collection Opens | Nov 14, 2025-Feb 22, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Over 1.02 million pieces of artifacts collection
    󱨜Tripod-shaped building (Coin-like appearance)
    󱨠Saved by 5019 users󱨠7058 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    The Shanghai Museum, located in the bustling heart of Shanghai, is a large, comprehensive museum. It houses a vast collection of precious historical artifacts and works of art, ranging from ancient bronzes to modern paintings and calligraphy. The museum not only showcases the profound depth of Chinese culture but also reflects the historical evolution of Shanghai.

  • Shanghai Wild Animal Park
    6
    󰺂8.1
    15.67
    Shanghai.Kangqiao, Nanhui Area30.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoShanghai Wild Animal Park Giant Anteater's New Home Renovation
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Over 200 species rare wildlife | Nocturnal animals
    󰀆Sea lions & acrobatic shows
    󱨠Saved by 8564 users󱨠74662 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    You can take a bus to see wild animals and enjoy fantastic shows. The performers are all excellent, and there are many opportunities to interact with the animals. You can experience the harmonious relationship between the staff and the animals. You can easily spend a whole day exploring it all.

  • Shanghai Astronomy Museum
    7
    󰺂7.9
    3.65
    Shanghai.Dishui Lake and Lin-gang Area55.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Special “three-body” structure building
    󱓊Chang'e 5 lunar soil samples
    󱨠Saved by 4496 users󱨠7305 positive reviews
    4.9/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    The Shanghai Astronomy Museum is a place full of mystery and allure. Here, you can explore the secrets of the universe and learn about galaxies, constellations, and celestial bodies. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or a casual visitor, endless surprises await you.

  • Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
    8
    󰺂7.9
    18.83
    Shanghai.Lujiazui Area2.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoPharaoh Cuttlefish Eggs Appear at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Panoramic undersea tunnel (508ft long)
    󱓊Chinese sturgeon & Yangtse crocodiles
    󱨠Saved by 5620 users󱨠32223 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    MSY_199MSY_199

    I've always been interested in aquariums around the world, so I always like to visit them whenever I travel. The Shanghai Aquarium is right next to the Oriental Pearl Tower. It has a wide variety of aquatic creatures and animal shows. There are quite a few children there, and basically every exhibit is crowded with people. It stayed open until evening. I had to leave after my visit because of time constraints, but the scenery at night is probably different from that during the day.

  • LEGOLAND® Shanghai Resort
    9
    󰺂7.6
    42.39
    Shanghai.LEGOLAND RESORT52.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoLEGOLAND® Shanghai Resort opens | Jul 5, 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨜Enjoy 8 themed areas at Legoland Theme Park
    󰀆Experience the charm of Shanghai culture at Legoland
    󱨠Saved by 1668 users󱨠1021 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    小麒麟六太小麒麟六太

    The park is definitely better when it's new. To truly enjoy it, one day isn't enough; I'd recommend a day and a half. You can spend half a day shopping and ordering custom LEGO minifigures! Looking forward to the Monkie Kid Rafting ride opening so I can come back for a second visit! The food inside the park is pretty good, generally better than Disney's. Aside from being a bit far from the airport, it's pretty good. There are two rides suitable for adults, which are quite thrilling; the others are more suitable for children. But if you like LEGO, no matter your age, you'll have a lot of fun!

  • Shanghai Romance Park
    10
    󰺂7.6
    16.89
    Shanghai.Pudong New International Expo Center/World Expo Area5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoShanghai Romance Park reopens | Jul 1, 2023
    trip best small logoNo. 7 of Night Attractions in Shanghai
    Highlights:
    󰀆Large-scale song and dance show | Interactive projects
    󱨞Trendy parties(every week) | Dress-up experience
    󱨠Saved by 3251 users󱨠3232 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    晓强乖乖晓强乖乖

    The environment is fantastic, perfect for taking photos! There are many shows! The most worthwhile shows are "The Great Earthquake" and "Romance of the Ages," especially "Romance of the Ages," with its various sound, light, and electrical effects, real water features, interactive performances between the actors and the audience, aerial acrobatics, special effects, and dynamic stage movement—all enhancing the show's impact! The nighttime views of the Huangpu River from the top floor are amazing! The afternoon tickets are great value for money!

Best things to do in Shanghai (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Shanghai? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Shanghai offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Shanghai

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Shanghai experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

The Bund

• Shanghai.The Bund Area | 1.8 km from downtown

• : Distant view of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone,Luminous views of colonial buildings

Shanghai Disney Resort

• Shanghai.Shanghai Disney Resort | 20.4 km from downtown

• : Watch the Phantom Show at Gardens of Imagination,The world's largest Disney castle

Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower

• Shanghai.Lujiazui Area | 2.7 km from downtown

• : Stroll along the transparent observation corridor,Shanghai landmark (1,535ft)

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Shanghai

If you want to explore attractions just outside Shanghai, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Shanghai, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Shanghai special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Shanghai

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Shanghai

Ready to explore the best of Shanghai? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Shanghai?
These are all Best Things to Do in Shanghai:The Bund, Shanghai Disney Resort, Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, Shanghai Museum
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Shanghai?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Shanghai include:The Bund:4.8, Shanghai Disney Resort:4.7, Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower:4.7, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park:4.6, Shanghai Museum:4.6
At what locations in Shanghai can Best Things to Do in Shanghai be found?
The Best Things to Do in Shanghai are mainly located in:The Bund:Shanghai, Shanghai Disney Resort:Shanghai, Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower:Shanghai, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park:Shanghai, Shanghai Museum:Shanghai
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