Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY) ยฅ
Best Time
March to May, Sept to Nov
Shanghai is Chinaโs shining star, where East meets West in an eclectic blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient temples. The cityโs fusion of global culture is felt in its bustling markets, innovative technology, and stunning architecture. A food loverโs paradise, Shanghai offers delectable street foods alongside haute cuisine. Its nightlife scene is dynamic, and the cityโs vast energy is infectious, making it an unforgettable destination.
Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Minimal List TL;DR
๐Shopping Street
Nanjing RoadFamous shopping road known for its fashion stores and fake markets
๐๏ธTrendy Shopping
Huaihai LuUpmarket shopping street featuring international and local brand stores
๐ Fashion Boutique
Mary ChingLuxury collection of stilletos, leather and pashminas
๐ขTheme Park
Disney ResortAmusement park offering modern day attractions for all ages
๐Garden
Yu GardenGarden and marketplace originally constructed by the Ming dynasty
โฐScenic Area
HuangshanMountain range with hot springs, granite towers & yellow mountains
๐Scenic Mountain
Mount PutuoScenic island with a sacred mountain and religious sites
๐Scenic City
HangzhouCity famous for its Buddhist temples, pagodas and freshwater lakes
๐ธScenic City
SuzhouCultural city filled with canals, elegant bridges and classical gardens
๐Rooftop Lounge
Vue BarRooftop bar with a hot tub and views over Shanghai
Places to See
222 Hubin Rd, Huangpu, China, 200021
4.7
1,500
10AM to 9PM
Iconic Disney characters and rides
Vibe:
Mickey Mouse ears, themed snacks
Tip:
Magical, Family-Oriented
Get To:
Metro Line 11 to Disney Resort
Amusement park offering modern day attractions for all ages
Jing'an District, China
4.5
40
10AM to 6PM
Interactive displays and life-size replicas
Vibe:
Dinosaur skeletons, mineral exhibits
Tip:
Educational, Family-Friendly
Get To:
Metro Line 13 to Natural History Museum
Scientific exhibits, technology and dinosaur fossils!
20 Huqiu Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200085
4.5
60
10AM to 6PM
Rooftop views of the Bund and Huangpu River
Vibe:
Contemporary art exhibitions
Get To:
Metro Line 10 to East Nanjing Road
Contemporary art museum with a rooftop view over the river
279 Yuyuan Old St, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000
4.4
40
10AM to 9PM
Beautiful traditional landscapes
Vibe:
Chinese tea, local handicrafts
Tip:
Peaceful, Traditional
Get To:
Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden
Garden and marketplace originally constructed by the Ming dynasty
1686 Nanjing W Rd, Jing An Si, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China
4.3
20
7:30AM to 5PM
Ancient Buddhist architecture
Vibe:
Incense offerings, traditional tea
Get To:
Metro Line 2 to Jing'an Temple
Buddhist place of workship offering a peaceful atmosphere
500 Beijing W Rd, Jing'an District, China
4.3
50
10AM to 9PM
Open-air art exhibits
Vibe:
Contemporary sculptures, walking trails
Get To:
Metro Line 9 to Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park
Scenic area with a beach on a lake surrounded by hills
Must Visit:
The Bund, Yu Garden
Shanghai is often called the "Paris of the East," and for a good reasonโits global influence in fashion, finance, and cuisine is evident. The city also has one of the worldโs busiest ports, and its rapid growth makes it a key player on the world stage.
Places to Eat
Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
4.9
3,500
12 to 10:30PM
Innovative culinary concepts
Vibe:
Tasting menu, wine pairings
Get To:
Private reservations required
Restaurant with a sense-enhancing dining experience
http://uvbypp.cc/China, Shanghai, Jing'an District, Nanjing W Rd, 1376ๅทไธๆตทๅๅ1ๅฑ104Aๅๅ
4.8
200
12 to 10:30PM
Michelin-starred establishment
Vibe:
Soup dumplings, fried rice
Get To:
Metro Line 1 to Xintiandi
Dumplings restaurant offering a spot for meetings and celebrations
http://www.dintaifung.com.cn/18 Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Nan Jing Dong Lu, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200125
4.7
300
11AM to 2:30PM | 5 to 11PM
Michelin-starred experience
Vibe:
Dim sum, Peking duck
Get To:
Metro Line 1 to Xujiahui
Contemporary Cantonese restaurant offering great dining and views
https://hakkasan.com/shanghai/17 Yan'an E Rd, Wai Tan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002
4.7
200
12 to 10:30PM
Beautifully designed interior, cultural decor
Vibe:
Yunnan-style mushrooms, spicy fish
Get To:
MTR Station nearby
Elegant restaurant serving Burmese and Chinese Yunan cuisine
http://www.lostheaven.com.cn/30ๅท-4 Donghu Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
4.4
100
2 to 10:30PM
Authentic Sichuan culinary experience
Vibe:
Mapo tofu, spicy hot pot
Get To:
Metro Line 2 to Xujiahui
Busy Chinese restaurant serving spicy chilli dishes and cocktails
6/F, Three on the Bund, No.3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai
4.3
200
12 to 10:30PM
Open kitchen, emphasis on family-style dining
Vibe:
Wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta
Get To:
MTR Station nearby
Italian restaurant serving pizzas with a view
568 Julu Rd, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China
4.3
150
2 to 10:30PM
Blend of Indian and Asian cuisines
Vibe:
Tandoori chicken, biryani
Get To:
Metro Line 1 to Xujiahui
Mexican restaurant serving tasty food in an enjoyable atmosphere
No.918 Dongfang Road, Shanghai China
4.2
150
12 to 10:30PM
Traditional decor, live cooking stations
Vibe:
Grilled lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles
Get To:
MTR Station nearby
Halal restaurant serving Chinese North-Western cuisine
Must Try:
Xiaolongbao, Peking Duck, Shengjianbao, Hotpot
Places to Drink
China, Shanghai, Changning District, ๅฎ่ฅฟ่ทฏ685ๅท
4.7
20-45
12 to 10:30PM
Elegant decor, creative cocktail presentations
Vibe:
Signature cocktails, bar snacks
Get To:
MTR Station nearby
Tip:
Trendy and Sophisticated
Dive bar offering cheap booze and wild interiors with great service
https://ra.co/clubs/9940198 Wuyuan Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200003
4.4
15-25
12 to 10:30PM
Outdoor seating, live sports broadcasts
Vibe:
BBQ platter, craft beers
Get To:
MTR Station nearby
Prohibition themed speakeasy bar serving quality whiskeys
Music / Dance:
Chinese Pop, Traditional Dance, Cantonese Opera
Places to Network
We'll be updating more places soon!
Key Industries:
Finance, Trade, Tech
Shanghai
โShanghai portrays a unique blend of old history and futurism; with its skyline and immense architectural landmarks lining the Bund to the rickety charm of the Old Town and the leafy backstreets of the former French Concession. Its truly a city that just begs for gastronomic wandering.โ
Places to Shop
Nanjing Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
4.6
10-20
10AM to 6PM
Famous for its neon lights and street performances.
Vibe:
Local snacks and souvenirs
Get To:
Metro Line 2 & 10, Nanjing East Rd Station
Tip:
Bustling and Energetic
Famous shopping road known for its fashion stores and fake markets
300 Huaihai Road, Huai Hai Lu Dong Duan, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
4.5
10-30
10AM to 6PM
A blend of shopping and artistic displays.
Vibe:
Art prints and unique gifts
Get To:
Metro Line 2, East Nanjing Rd Station
Shopping mall featuring high-end western brands
Shanghai, China
4.4
15-30
10AM to 6PM
Features art installations and cultural events.
Vibe:
Fashion items and artisanal goods
Get To:
Metro Line 1, Huaihai Rd Station
Upmarket shopping street featuring international and local brand stores
Offers personalized styling consultations.
Vibe:
Clothing and accessories
Get To:
Metro Line 10, Lujiazui Station
Luxury collection of stilletos, leather and pashminas
129 Maoming S Rd, Huaihai Road Middle Section, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
4.2
40-70
10AM to 6PM
Known for its unique blend of Eastern and Western styles.
Vibe:
Silk dresses and accessories
Get To:
Metro Line 2, West Nanjing Rd Station
Tip:
Elegant and Cultural
Boutique luxury fashion store with a modern touch
Qipu Rd, ้ธๅๅบ Shanghai, China
4
5-15
10AM to 6PM
A labyrinth of stalls and vibrant colors.
Vibe:
Clothing and trinkets
Get To:
Metro Line 1, Peopleโs Square Station
Wholesale and bargain market for clothes
Luxury
27 Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002
4.5
50-100
5 to 10:30PM
Luxurious setting, attention to detail
Vibe:
Dim sum, gourmet dishes
Get To:
MTR Station nearby
Tip:
Sophisticated and Elegant
Restaurant offering a great view over the Shanghai skyline
Xiejin Building, Yuanmingyuan Rd, Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
4.8
100-150
5:30PM to 1AM
Known for its Michelin-starred chef and extensive wine list.
Vibe:
Truffle pasta and wine selection
Get To:
Metro Line 2, Jing'an Temple Station
Upscale Italian restaurant with a view
199 Huangpu Rd, Hongkou District, Shanghai, China, 200080
4.7
30-50
5:30PM to 1AM
Beautifully designed with a mix of modern and traditional styles.
Vibe:
Champagne and bar snacks
Get To:
Metro Line 12, Hongkou Football Stadium
Rooftop bar with a hot tub and views over Shanghai
China, Shanghai Shi, ้ปๆตฆๅบ Nan Jing Dong Lu, ไธญๅฑฑไธไธ่ทฏ18ๅท
4.5
20-40
5 to 10:30PM
Renowned for its panoramic views of the Bund.
Vibe:
Signature cocktails and tapas
Get To:
Metro Line 2, Nanjing East Rd Station
Rooftop club with a terrace offering VIP tables and views over the bund
Waitan, Huangpu, China
4.7
40-70
5 to 10:30PM
Artistic plating, seasonal specials
Vibe:
Duck confit, macarons
Get To:
Close to bus stops
Speakeasy upside-down themed cocktail lounge
Urban Shanghai
Skyscrapers, shopping, and diverse cuisine.
The Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, standing at 632 meters.
Shanghai is a bustling, modern metropolis that combines futuristic architecture with traditional Chinese culture. The city is known for its striking skyline, which includes the iconic Shanghai Tower. On the Huangpu Riverโs banks, you can find colonial-era buildings alongside contemporary skyscrapers. Shanghai's vibrant markets and historical gardens add a distinct cultural touch. The city is also a global leader in business, finance, and innovation.
Watch Out
Watchย out for Crowded Areas
Skip
Skip Super Touristic Places
Off the beaten path places in
Shanghai
Transportation
Metro, high-speed trains
City Overview
Shanghai is a bustling metropolis known for its skyline, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. The city blends Eastern and Western influences, offering a unique urban experience.
3 Day City Guide
- Day 1: Morning: Visit The Bund and Huangpu River cruise. Afternoon: Explore Yu Garden and the City God Temple. Evening: Dinner in the French Concession. - Day 2: Morning: Visit Shanghai Tower for panoramic views. Afternoon: Explore the Shanghai Museum. Evening: Night markets for local street food. - Day 3: Morning: Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town. Afternoon: Return to Shanghai and explore Nanjing Road. Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in Xintiandi.
Current Trends
- Culinary scene: Shanghaiโs dining scene is diversifying, with influences from around the world. - Art district: The cityโs contemporary art scene is thriving, with areas like M50 and 798 Art District attracting attention. - Tech innovation: Shanghai is at the forefront of technological advancements, with startups and tech hubs emerging throughout the city.
Local Events Guide
- Shanghai International Film Festival (June): Celebrating global cinema with screenings and events. - Shanghai Fashion Week (April): Showcasing local and international fashion designers. - Chinese New Year (January): Celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural performances.
Local Insider Tips
- Tianzifang for artsy shops and cafes in an old neighborhood. - The Bund for stunning views of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. - Xintiandi for trendy shopping and dining.
Sustainable Travel
- Public transportation: The extensive metro system is efficient and covers most areas of the city. - Eco-friendly initiatives: Increasing number of green buildings and parks. - Sustainable restaurants: A growing trend for restaurants focusing on organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
โ
Ready to see through a localโs eyes?
Our curated guide unveils top hidden gems, secret spots, and local favorites that you wonโt find in typical travel guides.
Whether itโs a cozy cafรฉ tucked away in a historic neighborhood, a scenic trail only known to insiders, or unique cultural sites, has so much more to offer beyond the tourist hotspots.
Dive into our off-the-beaten-path guide and discover the true heart โperfect for adventurous travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey
Sign belowย for Fresh Updates
We will send you the latest curation of places and cities straight to your inbox along with access to the pop-up store & exclusive events.
Unlock the Hidden Side:
โ
Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets.
From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface.
Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals.
For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.
More Cities to Visit:
10ยฐC โ 20ยฐC
High
Euro (EUR) โฌ
Bavarian Hub
Vibe:
Home to the largest urban park in the world, Englischer Garten
Tip:
Munich is a blend of old-world charm and modern flair. With its beautiful historic architecture, world-famous beer culture, and vibrant cultural scene, the city invites visitors to explore Bavarian traditions, stunning gardens, and cutting-edge modern art.
17.1
9
Chinese Yuan (CNY) ยฅ
Urban Shanghai
Vibe:
The Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, standing at 632 meters.
Tip:
Shanghai is Chinaโs shining star, where East meets West in an eclectic blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient temples. The cityโs fusion of global culture is felt in its bustling markets, innovative technology, and stunning architecture. A food loverโs paradise, Shanghai offers delectable street foods alongside haute cuisine. Its nightlife scene is dynamic, and the cityโs vast energy is infectious, making it an unforgettable destination.
SF Hidden Spots
Vibe:
The city has more than 200 parks, including the sprawling Golden Gate Park, larger than New York's Central Park.
Tip:
San Francisco stands out as a city of contrasts and diversity. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the eclectic mix of Victorian houses, the city is full of surprises. Known for its progressive spirit, San Francisco is also a cultural and culinary mecca, with each neighborhood offering its own unique charm. Whether you're exploring the city's many hills, visiting Alcatraz Island, or enjoying a concert at the Fillmore, San Francisco offers something for everyone.
Hidden Copenhagen
Vibe:
Copenhagen has been named the worldโs happiest city multiple times, thanks to its quality of life and social support.
Tip:
Copenhagen is a model city for modern living, blending green spaces, world-class architecture, and innovative design. The city's sustainable mindset is matched by its warm, welcoming vibe, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking culture, nature, and good food. Whether biking through its streets, enjoying Danish pastries, or exploring iconic landmarks, Copenhagen offers something for everyone.
๐ฌ
CannesGlamorous & Cinematic
Glamorous & Cinematic
Vibe:
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world.
Tip:
Cannes is a haven for movie lovers, luxury travelers, and those seeking the ultimate Mediterranean experience. The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, takes place every May, attracting stars and filmmakers. The city is also known for its opulent hotels, luxury shopping, and beach clubs, offering an upscale lifestyle amidst beautiful coastal scenery. Visitors can also explore the stunning Promenade de la Croisette, which stretches along the sea, lined with palm trees and exclusive shops. Cannes is truly a symbol of glamour and luxury.
Rugged & Natural
Vibe:
The Azores are known for geothermal activity.
Tip:
The Azores are a hidden gem in the Atlantic, offering dramatic landscapes and a calm, untouched environment. Visitors can take advantage of the islands' geothermal activity by visiting hot springs or watching geysers in action. With an abundant marine life, the Azores is one of the best places for whale and dolphin watching in the world. The combination of stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture makes the Azores a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility in equal measure.
