The Bund
sightA waterfront promenade lined with 1920s and 1930s colonial-era buildings facing the modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Best visited at dusk when both sides are illuminated.
In HuangpuVerified · Apr 26, 2026
Things to do in Shanghai
12 named places across 4 neighborhoods — restaurants, sights, bars, cafés, parks, and shops. Specific recommendations, no generic filler.
— 6 picks
Sights & landmarks in Shanghai.
The monuments, museums, and photo spots actually worth the queue.
Yu Garden
sightA Ming Dynasty classical Chinese garden from 1559 featuring rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and dragon-lined walls. The surrounding bazaar area is packed with snack vendors and souvenir shops.
In HuangpuJing'an Temple
sightA Buddhist temple originally founded in 1216, rebuilt in recent decades with bright gold exteriors and ornate halls. Located amid downtown skyscrapers on West Nanjing Road.
In Jing'anShanghai Museum
sightA comprehensive museum of ancient Chinese art with extensive collections of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and jade. The round building sits on People's Square and admission is free.
In HuangpuTianzifang
sightA network of alleyways in the French Concession converted into boutiques, galleries, and cafes while preserving shikumen architecture. Gets crowded on weekends but retains residential character.
In HuangpuPropaganda Poster Art Centre
sightA basement museum displaying over 3,000 original propaganda posters from the 1950s through 1980s. The collection offers insight into Chinese visual culture during the Mao era.
In Changning— 2 picks
Where to eat in Shanghai.
Editor-picked restaurants from the neighborhood deep-dives — no tourist traps.
Jesse Restaurant
restaurantA long-running family restaurant serving traditional Shanghainese cuisine including soup dumplings, red-braised pork, and lion's head meatballs. The setting is casual and prices are reasonable for the area.
In HuangpuDin Tai Fung
restaurantThe Shanghai branch of the Taiwanese chain famous for xiao long bao made with precisely 18 folds. Expect waits during meal times at the Super Brand Mall location.
In Huangpu— 1 picks
Bars & nightlife in Shanghai.
Where to drink, from aperitivo terraces to locals-only dive bars.
Barbarossa
barA lounge bar set in a pavilion in the middle of People's Park with Moroccan-inspired interiors and an outdoor terrace. Open since 2001, it offers a retreat from the surrounding urban density.
In Huangpu— 1 picks
Cafés & coffee in Shanghai.
Morning stops, espresso counters, and bakery classics.
Old Film Cafe
cafeA small cafe decorated with vintage Shanghai movie posters and memorabilia from the 1930s golden age of Chinese cinema. Serves coffee and light snacks in a nostalgic atmosphere.
In Xuhui— 1 picks
Parks & green space in Shanghai.
Where to slow down, picnic, or escape the summer heat.
Fuxing Park
parkA French-style park dating to 1909 with plane trees, rose gardens, and pathways where locals practice tai chi and ballroom dancing. Offers a quiet break in the former French Concession.
In Huangpu— 1 picks
Shops & markets in Shanghai.
Souvenirs that aren’t embarrassing and the markets worth an hour.
Shanghai Tang
shopA luxury brand offering modern takes on traditional Chinese clothing and accessories with bold colors and contemporary cuts. The flagship store is located in Xintiandi.
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— FAQ
Planning Shanghai.
- What are the top things to do in Shanghai?
- We've listed 12 named places across 4 neighborhoods on this page — specific recommendations, not generic filler. The grouped sections (sights, food, bars, cafés, parks, shops) let you pick by intent. If you only have one day, work the "Sights & landmarks" list top-to-bottom.
- How many days do you need in Shanghai?
- Three full days is the honest floor for a first visit to Shanghai — enough to cover the essential sights without a march, plus two meals per day in different neighborhoods. Five days lets you add day trips. Anything less than three and you're queuing instead of experiencing.
- Are guided tours in Shanghai worth booking?
- For major sights with skip-the-line value (Vatican, Colosseum, Alhambra-tier queues) yes, almost always. For neighborhood walks — usually no, our free deep-dives cover the same ground in more honest detail. The CTAs on this page go to Expedia's tours inventory if you want to compare.
- What's the best neighborhood to base yourself in Shanghai?
- Depends on your trip style — our /hotels/shanghai page ranks the neighborhoods by price and vibe. Generally: central for first-timers, residential-adjacent for return visits, canal/waterfront if the city has one.
- Are these recommendations updated?
- This page was last refreshed on the date shown in the trust pill above. We're rolling out hand-vetted neighborhood deep-dives for Shanghai — until those land, the entries here are sourced from well-established places that have been operating for many years, but we recommend confirming opening hours and current operations before you go.
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