Things to Do in Shanghai
Plan your days in Shanghai, your way
Start on the Bund at golden hour, when the colonial facades face off against the towers across the river — the city's whole story in one glance.
Cross to Lujiazui and go up the Shanghai Tower for the view that organizes everything you've walked.
Spend a morning in the Former French Concession, no map needed, just plane trees and side streets.
Lunch is xiaolongbao somewhere with a queue; the queue is the review.
Yuyuan Garden gives you the old city in an hour, teahouse included.
Ride the two-yuan ferry back across the Huangpu because it's the best cheap thrill in town.
Find a foot massage place when your legs give out — this is a local institution, not a splurge.
Dinner in a lively lane off Anfu Road, then a nightcap overlooking the lights.
Keep one afternoon unplanned; Shanghai fills those better than itineraries do.
You'll leave feeling like you got the whole city in miniature.
Top attractions and places to eat in Shanghai
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
A large aquarium near the Oriental Pearl Tower featuring marine life across themed zones and one of the world's longest underwater viewing tunnels. Travelers, especially families, visit to see sharks, rays and diverse aquatic species.
attraction · 4.1 rating
yang's fried dumpling
A well-known Shanghai chain famous for its crispy-bottomed shengjianbao pan-fried pork dumplings. A popular quick stop for a signature local snack.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
Weixiangzhai
A famous no-frills eatery renowned for its sesame-sauce cold noodles, a beloved Shanghai staple. A quick stop for iconic local street-style food.
restaurant · 4.3 rating
Waibaidu Bridge
A historic steel truss bridge at the north end of the Bund, one of Shanghai's oldest landmarks spanning Suzhou Creek. Travelers walk across for river views and photos of the colonial and modern skyline.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Shanghai Grand Theatre
A landmark performing arts venue in People's Square hosting opera, ballet, concerts and theatre. Travelers attend for world-class performances in its striking modern building.
attraction · 4.5 rating
Xintiandi
An upscale pedestrian district of restored shikumen lane houses now filled with restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques. Travelers come to dine, shop and experience a blend of historic architecture and modern nightlife.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Dahuchun
A long-established Shanghai eatery famous for its pan-fried shengjianbao (soup dumplings). A go-to for travelers seeking classic local snacks.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
Shanghai Lao Fan Dian
A venerable old-Shanghai restaurant serving traditional Shanghainese cuisine near the Yu Garden area. Travelers come for authentic local classics in a place steeped in the city's culinary history.
restaurant · 4.1 rating
Wang Bao He
A historic Shanghai restaurant renowned for its hairy crab banquets and yellow wine, a long-standing culinary institution.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
Longhua Pagoda
An ancient Buddhist pagoda beside Longhua Temple, considered the oldest and tallest pagoda in Shanghai. Travelers visit for its historic religious architecture and the surrounding temple grounds, famous for spring peach blossoms.
attraction · 4.5 rating
Fuchun Xiaolong
A beloved local eatery in Shanghai famous for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other traditional dumpling specialties.
restaurant · 4.1 rating
Jesse Restaurant
A famous small Shanghainese restaurant (Xinjishi) known for home-style local classics like braised pork and hairy crab dishes.
restaurant · 3.6 rating
Yuxin Sichuan Dish
A well-regarded Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai known for authentic, intensely spicy Sichuanese cooking. Travelers come for numbing-hot classics like mapo tofu and boiled fish in chili oil.
restaurant · 4 rating
O'Mills Bakery & Bistro
A popular bakery and bistro offering artisanal breads, pastries, and casual dishes. A relaxed spot for a brunch or coffee break.
restaurant · 4.3 rating
Din Tai Fung
World-famous Taiwanese restaurant chain celebrated for its delicate xiaolongbao soup dumplings and refined dim sum. Travelers come for consistently high-quality dumplings in a polished setting.
restaurant · 3.9 rating