Contents
How to plan a trip to Shanghai
Shanghai sets the facades of a 19th-century trading port, the lilong housing fabric and Pudong's financial towers face to face on the two banks of the Huangpu.
A good route sets up one day for the Bund–Pudong, one for the French Concession, one for museums/the West Bund and a flexible water-town day.
Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund and Pudong
See the Bund twice: in the morning for the facades and at night for the lights. On the opposite bank, choose the Shanghai Tower or another observation deck; don't buy an expensive view ticket on a foggy day.
The French Concession and the lilong
Walk around Wukang Road, Fuxing Park and Sinan Mansions; don't enter residential courtyards without permission. Balance old shops with contemporary design–coffee stops.
The Shanghai Museum and the West Bund
For museum collections or contemporary art, check each institution's passport-based reservation, closing days and exhibition conditions separately; don't cram all the big museums into one day.
Area by area: where to go
People's Square–Nanjing Road is strong for the metro, museums and first-visit logistics; the pedestrian street can be very touristy.
The French Concession / Jing'an suits neighbourhood life, restaurants and evenings; Lujiazui views and business hotels, but you need to cross the river for the historic fabric.
Where to stay in Shanghai
The metro-connected area between Jing'an and People's Square is balanced for a first trip. Before paying a big premium for a Bund view, check that the room really faces the river.
What to eat in Shanghai
Xiaolongbao, shengjian dumplings, hong shao rou and scallion oil noodles are core Shanghai flavours. Eat soup dumplings by first piercing them and letting them cool.
Regional Chinese cuisines can be found on Yunnan Road and in neighbourhood eateries. With picture menus, clearly state portion size, spice and shellfish allergies.
Getting to and around Shanghai
From Pudong PVG, take the metro or the Maglev + metro; from Hongqiao SHA, the metro to the centre. The Maglev doesn't take you directly to the Bund; check the Longyang Road transfer and the last metro time.
The metro handles most trips; station exits can be far apart. Don't think the Bund, the Old City, the French Concession and Pudong are close and put them all on one day.
Cafés, nightlife and shopping
An evening walk along the Bund, cocktail bars in the Former French Concession and clusters such as Found 158 offer different rhythms. At rooftop venues, ask about dress code, reservations and minimum spend.
Day trips from Shanghai
Zhujiajiao is an easy water town by metro; choose a weekday and an early hour.
Suzhou can be a day trip by high-speed train, but at least one night gives better results for the gardens and a canal evening.
Best time to visit Shanghai
Spring and autumn are good for walking; June is rainy, summer very hot and humid, and winter damp and cold. During typhoon season, follow river and flight announcements.
How to budget for your trip
The metro and eateries are affordable; observation towers, international hotels and cocktail bars inflate the budget. Factor in transport time for the Hongqiao high-speed train connection.
Safety and common mistakes
Invitations to a 'tea ceremony/art students' show' around Nanjing Road can turn into an expensive bill; don't go to a second venue suggested by a stranger.
Bikes and scooters can approach silently; pay attention to the separation between pavement and cycle lane. If there's no clear weather and visibility at a tall building, postpone your ticket.
Top stops
The stops that best capture the city. Timed entry, tickets and opening hours change, so check official channels before you go.
The Bund and Pudong
Main sightseeing line · The city's signature experience
See the Bund twice: in the morning for the facades and at night for the lights. On the opposite bank, choose the Shanghai Tower or another observation deck; don't buy an expensive view ticket on a foggy day.
The French Concession and the lilong
Second route cluster · Local character and culture
Walk around Wukang Road, Fuxing Park and Sinan Mansions; don't enter residential courtyards without permission. Balance old shops with contemporary design–coffee stops.
The Shanghai Museum and the West Bund
The surrounding route · A change of scenery and pace
For museum collections or contemporary art, check each institution's passport-based reservation, closing days and exhibition conditions separately; don't cram all the big museums into one day.
Dietary preferences
Vegan and halal restaurants in Shanghai
For Shanghai we picked one plant-based place and one aimed at Muslim travellers. Halal labels don't all mean the same thing: certification, the restaurant's own declaration and "some halal options" are shown separately on each card.
Vegan Pick
Fully veganDuli
Jing'an · Vegan Asian fusion
A restaurant presenting Sichuan and Asian flavours in fully plant-based small plates.
Why we picked it: For a characterful vegan evening of shared plates on Shanghai's contemporary food scene.
Verification note
The venue's plant-based coverage was checked in the directory; reconfirm the menu and opening days before booking.
Source: HappyCow's current vegan restaurant directory ↗Halal Pick
Restaurant-declaredHong Chang Xing
People's Square · Shanghai Muslim cuisine
A historic halal restaurant known for lamb hotpot and Hui-style dishes.
Why we picked it: For a Chinese Muslim dining experience with a long history in the centre.
Verification note
As no current independent certificate record was found, reconfirm meat sourcing, the shared kitchen and alcohol policy with the business.
Source: HalalTrip — food guide for Muslim travellers in China ↗Menus, suppliers and certifications change. If you keep strict halal, confirm the current certificate, alcohol, sauce ingredients and shared-kitchen risk directly with the restaurant.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 01
Day 1 — The Bund and Pudong and getting to know the city
- Morning
- Start early with The Bund and Pudong; sort out any entry or transport uncertainty at the beginning of the day.
- Afternoon
- Take in People's Square–Nanjing Road on foot and leave room for an unplanned coffee break.
- Evening
- Round off the evening with a relaxed meal of local dishes.
- 02
Day 2 — The French Concession and the lilong and the neighbourhoods
- Morning
- Cover the main route around The French Concession and the lilong before the crowds build.
- Afternoon
- Add the small streets, markets and local daily life around The French Concession / Jing'an to the plan.
- Evening
- An evening walk along the Bund, cocktail bars in the Former French Concession and clusters such as Found 158 offer different rhythms. At rooftop venues, ask about dress code, reservations and minimum spend.
- 03
Day 3 — The Shanghai Museum and the West Bund and a flexible finish
- Morning
- Confirm the weather, tickets or transfers for The Shanghai Museum and the West Bund the night before.
- Afternoon
- Zhujiajiao is an easy water town by metro; choose a weekday and an early hour.
- Evening
- Before heading back, prepare the next day's connection, luggage time and offline tickets; if the programme is tight, don't leave shopping to this slot.
Continue your China route
This city works well on its own; if you have time, the stops below add a different region and city to the same trip.
Xi'an travel guide
The Terracotta Army, complete city walls and the history-and-food line of the Muslim Quarter.
Read the guide →Chengdu travel guide
A big, slow-paced city of giant pandas, teahouses and layered Sichuan cuisine.
Read the guide →Chongqing travel guide
A multi-level metro city built on mountainsides, with hotpot and neon Yangtze nights.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Shanghai?+
A stay of 4–5 full days makes for a balanced first visit. Rather than ticking off the main sights, leave room for neighbourhoods, food and possible weather or transport delays and the city opens up in a more meaningful way.
Where should you stay in Shanghai?+
The metro-connected area between Jing'an and People's Square is balanced for a first trip. Before paying a big premium for a Bund view, check that the room really faces the river.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?+
The most balanced period is generally March–May · October–November. Spring and autumn are good for walking; June is rainy, summer very hot and humid, and winter damp and cold. During typhoon season, follow river and flight announcements.
Should you rent a car in Shanghai?+
Getting around: The metro handles most trips; station exits can be far apart. Don't think the Bund, the Old City, the French Concession and Pudong are close and put them all on one day.. Before deciding on a car, weigh up parking, licence, insurance and getting back at night together.
What can you combine with Shanghai on the same trip?+
Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing are the natural next stops in this guide. Look not only at the distance on the map but at the real door-to-door travel time.
Note: Museum and business hours, event calendars, transport fares and entry fees change periodically. Re-check places that require reservations only through official channels, close to your visit date. Last updated: .
Official sources and latest check
Visa, transport, entry and visiting rules change — re-check them with these official sources before you travel.