Shanghai

Shanghai

Things to Do in Shanghai

26 curated spots from Shanghai itineraries

Activities & Attractions (14)

Aurora Museum
Doafternoon

Aurora Museum

Stunning private museum with ancient Chinese artifacts in a modern architectural gem.

1h 15m
$20
Former French Concession
Doafternoon

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)
Domorning

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
Huangpu River Cruise
Doevening

Huangpu River Cruise

Scenic evening cruise passing Bund lights and Pudong towers; opt for dinner cruise.

1h
$50
M50 Creative Park & Art Galleries
Domorning

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
Doevening

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
Domorning

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
Doafternoon

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
Domorning

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
Domorning

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 Waterfront
Doevening

The Bund Waterfront

Iconic promenade with colonial architecture on one side and futuristic Pudong skyline opposite.

1h 30m
Free
Tianzifang
Domorning

Tianzifang

Artsy maze of hutong alleys with galleries, boutiques, and hidden bars in French Concession.

1h 30m
Free
Yu Garden
Domorning

Yu Garden

Classical Ming Dynasty garden with pavilions, rockeries, and tranquil ponds amid bustling bazaar.

1h 30m
$5
Yu Garden (Yuyuan) & City Bazaar
Doafternoon

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 person

Restaurants & Food (12)

Breakfast Walking Tour of Former French Concession
Eatmorning

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
Eatevening

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)
Eatafternoon

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
Eatafternoon

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
Eatevening

Flair Rooftop

Rooftop bar-restaurant atop Ritz-Carlton Pudong with panoramic skyline views; try grilled meats and cocktails.

2h
$100-150 per person
Hakkasan
Eatafternoon

Hakkasan

Michelin-starred modern Cantonese with dim sum and Peking duck in stylish Bund location.

1h 30m
$90-140 per person
Jasmine Lounge
Eatafternoon

Jasmine Lounge

Art Deco lounge in Fairmont Peace Hotel serving Italian-Chinese fusion; afternoon tea or dinner.

1h 30m
$60-100 per person
The Fellas Terrace
Eatafternoon

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)
Eatevening

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)
Eatmorning

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
Eatmorning

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)
Eatevening

Yone Restaurant & Bar (the Shanghai Edition)

Elegant Japanese fine dining with tasting menus and Bund views; signature omakase.

2h
$120-150 per person

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