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Shanghai

China

Pace: balanced Cosmopolitan Futuristic Historic Bustling
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
Shanghai
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Shanghai

Book direct on our own Shanghai hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
Mandarin and Shanghainese
Local currency
CNY (CNY)
Local time
(GMT+8)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
4 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
The Bund/Pudong
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Not expected

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Xiao Long Bao Sheng Jian Bao Hongshao Rou Cong You Ban Mian

When to visit Shanghai

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: May, September Busiest: Apr-May, Sep-Oct
  1. Jan
    40

    Cold, grey, dry

  2. Feb
    45

    Cold, grey, dry

  3. Mar
    65

    Cool, warming, damp

  4. Apr
    85

    Pleasant, spring blooms

  5. May
    90

    Warm, pleasant, sunny

  6. Jun
    70

    Hot, humid, rainy

  7. Jul
    60

    Very hot, humid

  8. Aug
    60

    Very hot, typhoon risk

  9. Sept
    90

    Warm, pleasant, autumn

  10. Oct
    85

    Cool, crisp, sunny

  11. Nov
    70

    Cool, dry, clear

  12. Dec
    50

    Cold, grey, dry

Things to do in Shanghai

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Explore Yu Garden and Old City

Old City 3 hrs

Wander through classical Chinese gardens and historic narrow alleys.

Outdoors Good for children

Visit Shanghai Museum

People's Square 3 hrs

Delve into ancient Chinese art and artifacts in a world-class museum.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Ascend Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Pudong 2.5 hrs

Enjoy panoramic city views from the distinctive tower's observation decks.

Indoors Good for children

Shop on Nanjing Road

People's Square 2 hrs

Experience one of the world's busiest shopping streets, bustling with stores.

Outdoors Good for children

Wander the French Concession

Xuhui 3 hrs

Discover tree-lined streets, charming boutiques, and historic villas.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Stroll The Bund Promenade

The Bund 2 hrs

Witness Shanghai's iconic skyline across the Huangpu River.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Experience Shanghai Disneyland

Pudong 8 hrs

Enjoy thrilling rides and magical shows at this enchanting theme park.

Outdoors Good for children

Shanghai itineraries

View All itineraries
Food and drink

2 Days in Shanghai — Food & Wine

Savor the exquisite flavors and sophisticated sips of Shanghai, from traditional street food to high-altitude fine dining.

This luxurious 2-day itinerary is crafted for epicureans and oenophiles eager to explore Shanghai's diverse culinary landscape. Dive into authentic local dishes, discover charming wine bars, and indulge in world-class dining experiences, all while soaking in the city's vibrant culture and iconic sights. It's perfect for travelers seeking a blend of gastronomic adventure and urban exploration.

2 Days 10 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Shanghai

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Xiao Long Bao 95 · Outstanding
Sheng Jian Bao 87 · Outstanding
Hongshao Rou 78 · Very good
Cong You Ban Mian 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Stroll The Bund Promenade 95 · Outstanding
Ascend Oriental Pearl TV Tower 91 · Outstanding
Explore Yu Garden And Old City 87 · Outstanding
Shop On Nanjing Road 83 · Very good
Wander The French Concession 78 · Very good
Visit Shanghai Museum 74 · Good
Experience Shanghai Disneyland 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Couples 95 · Outstanding
Families 90 · Outstanding
Friends 85 · Outstanding
Luxury 80 · Very good
Shopping 75 · Very good
Culture 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Use a VPN for internet access to common Western apps. 95 · Outstanding
Download a translation app, as English is not universally spoken. 83 · Very good
Carry cash for smaller vendors, though mobile payments are dominant. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Shanghai

Straight-line distance from the centre of Shanghai.

Getaways from Shanghai

Places people from Shanghai travel to, from our own travel research.

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