3-Day Shanghai Itinerary + Best Things to Do

Morning

Start your Shanghai journey where old meets new in the most spectacular way. The Bund stretches along the Huangpu River like an open-air museum of colonial grandeur, its European facades gazing across at the futuristic Pudong skyline. This signature sight of Shanghai truly showcases the beautiful contrast between old and new that defines the city.

• The Bund — arrive early to beat crowds; best photo ops from the promenade; free to walk

• Shanghai Museum — world-class collection; free admission; 9 AM-5 PM daily; allow 2-3 hours

Afternoon

Dive into the heart of old Shanghai at Yu Garden, where traditional pavilions and bridges create an atmosphere that's calm, traditional, and full of history. The 30 RMB entrance fee is fair for what you get — a wonderful walking experience through classical Chinese garden design. Fuel up nearby at Jia Jia Tang Bao, where the xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are life-changing — rich, flavorful, and still talked about years after your first bite.

• Yu Garden — 30 RMB entry; 9 AM-4:30 PM (closed Mondays); expect crowds after 11 AM

Evening

Return to The Bund as the sun sets — this is when the magic truly happens. The Pudong skyline lights up in a dazzling display that creates incredible photo opportunities and views that will leave you saying "wow." Cap off the evening with live jazz at Peace Hotel Old Jazz Bar, where the historic venue and featured performers provide a welcoming experience steeped in Shanghai's cosmopolitan past.

• Peace Hotel Old Jazz Bar — historic venue on The Bund; live music nightly; cocktails and atmosphere

French Concession feels like stepping into a beautifully preserved memory — easily Shanghai's most beloved district. This beautiful area is full of tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and great restaurants that blend European colonial charm with modern Shanghai sophistication.

Morning

Begin your cultural exploration in the artsy warehouse district along the Huangpu River. The Power Station of Art transforms a former power plant into a complex of galleries where you can see huge art pieces that use the industrial space brilliantly.

• Power Station of Art — free entry; 11 AM-7 PM (closed Mondays); allow 2 hours

• West Bund Artistic Center — contemporary exhibitions; same area as Power Station

Afternoon

Wander through the elegant streets of the French Concession, where every corner reveals architectural gems. The iconic Wukang Mansion — built in 1924 with its distinctive wedge shape — is one of Shanghai's most recognizable landmarks. Explore the charming lane-ways of Tianzifang, where narrow alleys are packed with boutiques, cafes, and local artisan shops.

• Wukang Mansion — perfect for photos; European architecture at its finest

• Tianzifang — open 24/7; best in afternoon when crowds arrive; lots of tea shops and street food

Evening

Finish at Xintiandi Style, a breathtakingly beautiful outdoor shopping street that exudes elegance and class. This charming throwback to old Shanghai architecture is completely modern in its shops and amenities. For dinner, try Jesse Restaurant, a long-standing favorite for authentic Shanghainese cuisine that's earned Michelin Guide recognition.

• Xintiandi Style — 10 AM-10 PM daily; upscale shopping and dining; architectural beauty

Morning

Shanghai's futuristic skyline demands to be experienced from above, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower delivers the city's most iconic perspective. This mesmerizing landmark glitters against the morning light and offers observation decks that put Shanghai's massive scale into breathtaking perspective. Even if you don't ascend, the tower itself is a feature that defines the Pudong skyline.

• Oriental Pearl TV Tower — multiple observation levels; book ahead for best prices; photography deck available

• Shanghai History Museum — located in tower base; Tue-Sun 9 AM-5 PM; great replica of Shanghai's development

Afternoon

Take your Shanghai experience to the ultimate heights at Shanghai Tower — the tallest building in the city and an engineering marvel. The elevator ride itself is an experience with incredibly fast ascent to the 118th-floor observation deck. Standing at the top truly puts the scale of this megacity into perspective, offering views that are wonderful both from outside and from within.

• Shanghai Tower — 8:30 AM-9:30 PM daily; fastest elevators in the world; 118th floor observation deck; book timed entry

Evening

As the sun sets, watch Shanghai transform into a neon wonderland from your lofty perch. The city's futuristic architecture comes alive with LED displays and colorful lighting that showcase why Shanghai is considered the city of the future. The contrast between the historic Bund across the river and the ultra-modern Pudong district creates a view that perfectly encapsulates Shanghai's remarkable transformation.