Shanghai doesn’t do subtle. It’s a city of superlativessecond-tallest building in the world, busiest container port, longest metro network. But beyond the skyline spectacle, you’ll find quiet lanes of French plane trees, dumpling shops older than your grandparents, and a nightlife scene that rivals Tokyo.

Getting There & Around

Airports:

  • PVG (Pudong): Main international hub. Maglev train hits 431 km/h and gets you to downtown in 8 minutes (if you time it right). Metro Line 2 is the budget option (~1 hour).
  • SHA (Hongqiao): Mostly domestic flights, but way closer to the city center.

Metro: Shanghai’s metro is clean, efficient, and covers basically everything. Get a Shanghai Public Transport Card or use Alipay/WeChat.

Ferries: The 2 RMB ferry across the Huangpu River is one of the best-value experiences in China. Take it at sunset.

Must-See Sights

The Bund

The colonial-era waterfront promenade facing Pudong’s sci-fi skyline. Go at night when everything lights up. East Nanjing Road leads hereit’s neon-drenched and chaotic, worth one walkthrough.

Shanghai Tower

The world’s second-tallest building. The observation deck on floor 118 gives you vertigo and incredible views. On clear days you can see forever.

Yu Garden

Classic Chinese garden in the Old City. Beautiful, crowded, and surrounded by a tourist market. Worth it for the architecture but don’t buy the souvenirs.

Tianzifang

Arts and crafts alleyways in the former French Concession. Touristy but charming. Great for photos, coffee, and people-watching.

Former French Concession

Tree-lined streets, Art Deco architecture, and some of Shanghai’s best cafes and boutiques. Wukang Road and Anfu Road are the highlights.

Where to Eat

  • Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao): Din Tai Fung is reliable, but locals prefer Jia Jia Tang Bao or Fu Chun
  • Street Breakfast: Cifantuan (sticky rice rolls), da bing (scallion pancakes) from street vendors
  • Fine Dining: Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (3 Michelin stars, immersive experiencebook months ahead)
  • Late Night: Changle Road and Yongkang Road for bar-hopping

Where to Stay

  • The Bund: Iconic views, higher prices
  • Former French Concession: Charming, walkable, great cafes
  • Jing’an: Central, well-connected, mix of budgets

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: The Bund (morning) → Yu Garden → Huangpu River ferry at sunset → Nanjing Road evening stroll Day 2: Shanghai Tower observation deck → Former French Concession walking tour → Tianzifang dinner and drinks Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town day trip (or stay local and explore Jing’an temples and shopping)

Pro Tips

  • Shanghai is the most foreigner-friendly city in China. English signage is common.
  • Still, download Pleco (dictionary app) and Didi for ease.
  • Summer is brutally humid. Spring and autumn are perfect.
  • The Maglev is cool but only worth it if you’re going to/from Pudong Airport.

Last updated: May 2026. Got a Shanghai secret spot? Let me know.