Shanghai in 5 days

China's dazzling future-facing metropolis, where art deco riverfronts, neon skyscrapers and serene gardens collide. Best time to visit: March-May & September-November. Average daily budget: $50 to $120 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: The Bund, The colonial-era riverfront promenade with the city's most iconic skyline views.

Morning: Ascend the Shanghai Tower. Ride to the world's second-tallest observation deck.

Afternoon: Explore The Bund, The colonial-era riverfront promenade with the city's most iconic skyline views.

Evening: Walk the Bund at dusk. Watch the Pudong skyline light up across the Huangpu River.

Eat: Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at a local dumpling house

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Pudong (Lujiazui), The futuristic financial district of supertall towers, observation decks and malls.

Morning: Wander the Former French Concession. Stroll tree-lined lanes of cafés, boutiques and villas.

Afternoon: Explore Pudong (Lujiazui), The futuristic financial district of supertall towers, observation decks and malls.

Evening: Take a Huangpu River cruise. See both skylines from the water after dark.

Eat: Shengjianbao, pan-fried pork buns from a street stall

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Former French Concession, Leafy plane-tree lanes, boutiques, cafés and the best walking in the city.

Morning: Visit Yu Garden. Explore the classical Ming-dynasty garden and surrounding bazaar.

Afternoon: Explore Former French Concession, Leafy plane-tree lanes, boutiques, cafés and the best walking in the city.

Evening: Eat soup dumplings. Hunt down the city's famous xiaolongbao at a local favourite.

Eat: Hairy crab in autumn season

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: People's Square / Nanjing Road, The central hub of museums, shopping and metro connections.

Morning: The quiet morning calm of Yu Garden before the tour groups arrive.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore People's Square / Nanjing Road, The central hub of museums, shopping and metro connections.

Evening: Hidden speakeasy bars tucked behind shopfronts in the Concession.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Scallion oil noodles, a Shanghai breakfast classic

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Tianzifang & Xintiandi, Restored shikumen lane houses packed with bars, galleries and restaurants.

Morning: The propaganda poster art museum hidden in an apartment basement.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Tianzifang & Xintiandi, Restored shikumen lane houses packed with bars, galleries and restaurants.

Evening: Wukang Mansion and the photogenic streets of the old Concession.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at a local dumpling house

Hidden gems

The quiet morning calm of Yu Garden before the tour groups arrive.
Hidden speakeasy bars tucked behind shopfronts in the Concession.
The propaganda poster art museum hidden in an apartment basement.
Wukang Mansion and the photogenic streets of the old Concession.

Getting around

Shanghai's metro is vast, cheap, clean and signposted in English, it's by far the best way to get around. Buy a rechargeable transport card or use the metro QR system. Taxis and Didi (China's Uber) are affordable but app setup needs a foreign card linked. Crucially, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before arrival, as the city is almost entirely cashless and many places won't take cash. The maglev train links Pudong airport to the city at 300km/h.

Safety

Shanghai is one of the safest big cities in the world, with very low violent crime and a strong police presence. It's excellent for solo travellers, including women, day and night. The main issues are petty: pickpocketing in crowded tourist zones like Nanjing Road, and persistent 'tea ceremony' and 'art student' scams around the Bund and People's Square, politely decline strangers inviting you for tea or to a gallery. Traffic can be chaotic, so cross carefully. Air quality varies, check it if sensitive.

Shanghai in 3 days | Shanghai in 7 days | Full Shanghai guide