Shanghai is a sprawling megacity, home to approximately 29.21 million people, making it one of the most populous cities on Earth. Famous for its towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge skyline, Shanghai also hosts the world’s busiest port and stands as the financial heart of China, the globe’s most populous nation. While its vast scale might feel overwhelming at first, most visitors quickly find themselves captivated by the city’s energy and allure.
With an incredible range of attractions and activities, Shanghai offers endless options for exploration. However, its sheer size and abundance of things to see and do can make it difficult to decide how to make the most of your time. To help those planning a visit or move to Shanghai, we’ve created this comprehensive city guide. Here, you’ll discover the top things to experience and the essential apps that will make navigating daily life in one of the world’s greatest cities a breeze.
Top 10 Things To Do
1. The Bund
No trip to Shanghai is complete without a visit to The Bund. Located along the banks of the Huangpu River, The Bund offers one of the most iconic views in the city, showcasing the striking contrast of Lujiazui’s skyline—Shanghai’s renowned financial district—across the water. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to admire the towering Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, as well as the distinct “bottle opener” design of the Shanghai World Financial Center. For an unforgettable experience, visit at sunset to watch the city transition from day to night, as the sun sets and the skyline comes alive with dazzling lights.
2. Zhujiajiao Water Town
Amid Shanghai’s rapid industrialization and its ever-expanding skyline of modern skyscrapers and bustling city life, it can be challenging for visitors to experience the authentic essence of traditional China. For a genuine glimpse into the past, Zhujiajiao Water Town offers the perfect escape. Known for its stunning traditional architecture, winding canals, ancient temples, and vibrant street food, this historic town provides a window into life in ancient China. Easily accessible by metro—just an hour from the city centre—Zhujiajiao is also an ideal day trip for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the fast-paced energy of Shanghai. With its tranquil atmosphere, it offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle.
3. Shanghai World Financial Center
Among the many towering skyscrapers in Lujiazui, the three tallest provide some of the most spectacular views of Shanghai. Of these, the Shanghai World Financial Center is my personal favourite. Its expansive observation deck offers sweeping panoramas of the vast city below, while also giving you the perfect vantage point to admire the architectural wonders of the Shanghai Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Jin Mao Tower.
4. Nanjing Road
When it comes to shopping in Shanghai, one destination stands out above the rest: Nanjing Road. Conveniently located near the subway, this iconic pedestrian street is perhaps the most famous in the city. Home to a wide array of major international brands, as well as countless local shops and restaurants, Nanjing Road buzzes with energy and activity. Whether you’re a shopping enthusiast or simply exploring the city, a visit to Nanjing Road is an absolute must during your time in Shanghai.
5. Tian Zi Fang
With its winding alleyways and charming traditional architecture, Tian Zi Fang is one of the rare spots in Shanghai’s city centre that provides a genuine glimpse into the past. The narrow paths are lined with a vibrant mix of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, and galleries, creating a lively atmosphere. Unlike some of the more touristy shopping districts, Tian Zi Fang offers a truly unique experience that immerses visitors in the local culture.
6. Yuyuan Garden
Another must-visit destination in Shanghai for those seeking an authentic Chinese experience is Yuyuan Garden. Completed in 1577 during the Ming Dynasty, this historic garden is nearly 450 years old. Its exquisite traditional Chinese architecture, featuring wooden bridges, serene temples, tranquil ponds, and meticulously maintained gardens, offers a glimpse into what life was like in ancient China. Yuyuan Garden provides a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city, conveniently located near the city centre and easily accessible by metro—making it the perfect escape from the usual hustle and bustle of Shanghai.
7. Century Park
A favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Century Park is a vast green oasis located in Pudong, just across the Huangpu River. As the largest park in Shanghai, it boasts meticulously maintained trees, vibrant flowers, and expansive lawns. At the far end of the park lies a picturesque lake where visitors can rent paddle boats for a leisurely ride. With its winding pathways, Century Park is an ideal spot for both exercise and relaxation, providing a serene environment surrounded by lush greenery.
8. Science & Tech Subway Station Market
One of the many advantages of being in China is the opportunity to explore markets that offer high-quality designer products at remarkably low prices. Among the various markets in Shanghai, the one located next to the Science and Technology Subway Station stands out as the best option for foreigners. It is well-organized and easy to navigate, featuring an extensive selection of shops and products. Here, you can find everything from tailor-made suits and designer clothing to handbags, drones, cameras, mobile phones, and much more. One important tip before you visit is that the initial price quoted is often four to five times higher than what the seller is actually willing to accept, depending on the item, so be sure to brush up on your bargaining skills!
9. Found 158
A favourite among the expat community, Found 158 is a vibrant destination where you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time if you live in Shanghai. This lively complex features a diverse array of bars, restaurants, and clubs, all nestled within a single area. Whether you’re in the mood for a specific type of music or craving a particular cuisine, you’re sure to find a venue at Found 158 that suits your tastes. If you visit on a Friday or Saturday night, you’ll be greeted by a bustling crowd of expats, making it hard to believe you’re in China!
10. Xintiandi
As a foreigner, Xintiandi is one of the premier destinations for entertainment in Shanghai. This vibrant area boasts a wide variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and other entertainment options. The thoughtfully designed space features a clean, trendy layout that enhances the overall experience. It’s no wonder that Xintiandi is immensely popular among the expat community!
Other Must Visit Places
Shanghai Aquarium
While some zoos in China may be underwhelming, the Shanghai Aquarium is certainly worth a visit. This remarkable aquarium features expansive exhibits dedicated to unique Chinese marine life that you won’t find elsewhere. One of the highlights is the stunning underwater tunnel equipped with a moving walkway, which allows you to glide through a mesmerizing aquatic environment and enjoy breathtaking views. This experience truly makes the visit worthwhile!
The Shed
This Western-run pub offers delicious food and fantastic deals, including half-price meals on Monday nights and affordable chicken wings on Wednesdays. The atmosphere is lively, with friendly staff and a playlist that enhances the experience. Numerous TVs line the walls, broadcasting live sports, and there’s a pool table and dartboards for added entertainment. It’s undoubtedly a must-visit expat hub in the city centre!
Shanghai Museum of Natural History
If there’s one thing Shanghai excels at, it’s organizing exceptional museums. The Shanghai Museum of Natural History is renowned as one of the best in the world, and for good reason! To fully appreciate its offerings, it’s recommended to start on the ground floor and make your way up for the best experience. While the museum can get quite busy, as many places in Shanghai do, the impressive collection of artefacts and the brilliance of their design make it well worth the visit.
Yongkang Lu
Nestled in the heart of the French Concession, Yongkang Lu is a historic bar street renowned for its lush greenery and charming atmosphere—making it one of the most beautiful areas in Shanghai. While many of the bars have closed, they’ve been replaced by artisan cafés and unique shops, creating a delightful setting for an afternoon or evening stroll. The bagel shop here is arguably one of the best in Shanghai, and the Japanese restaurant located in the middle of the street is simply fantastic!
Chair Club
Another lively expat hub in the city centre is Chair Club, a venue featuring a diverse lineup of live music every night of the week (except Tuesdays), catering to various musical tastes. Visit on a Monday for an open mic jazz night, where you can either be dazzled or amused by the talents—ranging from impressive to, well, less so—among the audience.
