10 Best Things to Do in Shanghai

Looking for what to do in Shanghai? China’s biggest city is a place of bold contrasts: historic shikumen lanes and futuristic skyscrapers, riverfront promenades and quiet gardens, Art Deco facades and neon-lit shopping streets. It feels global and local at the same time, with dumpling stalls and designer boutiques often sharing the same block.

From walking along the Bund and looking across at Pudong’s skyline to exploring leafy former concessions, classical gardens, museums and late-night food streets, Shanghai can easily fill several packed days. Here are the 10 best things to do in Shanghai to help you plan your trip.

1. Stroll the Bund and Take in the Skyline

The Bund (Waitan) is Shanghai’s most famous waterfront promenade, running along the western bank of the Huangpu River. On one side, grand colonial-era buildings showcase a mix of Art Deco and European styles; on the other, Pudong’s glass towers— including the Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower—rise into the sky.

Walk the Bund by day to see the details on the facades and again at night when both sides of the river are illuminated. Look for rooftop bars or viewing terraces in historic buildings for elevated perspectives, and consider pairing your stroll with a river cruise to see the skyline from the water.

2. Explore Pudong’s Skyscrapers and Observation Decks

Across the river in Pudong’s Lujiazui district, Shanghai’s most futuristic side comes into view. Here, iconic towers such as Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower cluster around large malls and plazas.

Visit one of the observation decks for sweeping views over the city and river—daytime visits reveal the city’s sprawl, while evenings bring a sea of lights stretching to the horizon. After your visit, wander the pedestrian walkways between the towers to appreciate their scale from below.

3. Step Back in Time at Yu Garden and the Old City

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) in the Old City is a classical Chinese garden filled with ponds, pavilions, rockeries and zigzag bridges. Within its walls, carefully arranged rocks, plants and water features create a sense of harmony that contrasts with the busy streets outside.

Around the garden, the Old City area includes traditional-style buildings, narrow lanes, small temples and busy commercial streets. While some sections are very touristy, exploring side alleys and quieter courtyards still reveals glimpses of older Shanghai beneath the surface.

4. Wander the Former French Concession and Xintiandi

The Former French Concession is one of Shanghai’s most atmospheric districts, with tree-lined streets, low-rise houses, lane communities and a relaxed, café-filled vibe. Areas like Wukang Road, Hengshan Road and Fuxing Road are pleasant to explore on foot.

Within the concession, Xintiandi is a redeveloped quarter of restored shikumen houses converted into restaurants, boutiques and bars. It’s more polished than neighboring lanes but offers a good introduction to the city’s historic building style alongside modern dining and nightlife.

5. Discover Tianzifang’s Lanes, Shops and Cafés

Tianzifang, in the former French Concession area, has turned a cluster of old alleys and lane houses into a warren of small shops, studios, cafés and bars. Narrow passages lead past art galleries, craft stores, design boutiques and hidden courtyards.

It can be busy, especially on weekends, but ducking into side alleys and upper floors reveals quieter corners. Come for a leisurely browse, a coffee break or a small meal, and enjoy the blend of old architecture with creative modern businesses.

6. Visit Museums: Shanghai Museum and Beyond

Shanghai’s museums add depth to any visit. The Shanghai Museum, located on People’s Square, has a strong collection of Chinese bronzes, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy and furniture arranged in well-curated galleries.

Elsewhere, contemporary and design-focused spaces—such as art museums along the riverfront or in converted industrial areas—showcase modern work and rotating exhibitions. Spending a few hours in a museum provides a quieter counterpoint to the city’s busy streets and skyline.

7. Shop and People-Watch on Nanjing Road and in Malls

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s main shopping artery, stretching from the Bund toward People’s Square and beyond. The eastern section near the river is largely pedestrianized, lined with department stores, international brands, Chinese chains and endless signs.

As you move west, large malls and side streets branch off, each with their own mix of shops, cinemas and food courts. Even if you’re not on a shopping mission, walking Nanjing Road gives you a feel for the city’s commercial pulse and offers plenty of opportunities to stop for snacks and drinks.

8. Explore Temples and Quiet Corners: Jing’an, Longhua and More

Among the towers and traffic, Shanghai still has active temples where locals come to pray and burn incense. Jing’an Temple, set amid modern buildings, combines gilded halls and courtyards with the hum of the surrounding city just beyond its walls.

Longhua Temple, one of the oldest in Shanghai, offers a more expansive complex with a pagoda, halls and tree-lined paths. Visiting these temples—along with smaller neighborhood shrines—adds a spiritual and historical dimension to your time in the city.

9. Take a Huangpu River Cruise

A cruise along the Huangpu River gives you a front-row seat to Shanghai’s skyline on both banks. Boats range from simple ferries and basic sightseeing vessels to larger ships with open decks and dining options.

Evening cruises are particularly striking, with illuminated skyscrapers, historic Bund facades and the reflections of color in the water. As you glide past, you’ll see how the city’s layers of architecture and development line the river and define its global image.

10. Taste Shanghai’s Food: Dumplings, Noodles and Night Snacks

Shanghai’s food scene is a major highlight, from street stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries to polished restaurants and hotel bars. Try local specialties like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), scallion pancakes, braised pork dishes and seasonal river fish.

Seek out breakfast spots for soy milk and youtiao (fried dough sticks), grab noodles or dumplings at busy neighborhood places and explore food courts and late-night streets for snacks. Eating your way across different districts is one of the most enjoyable ways to understand how Shanghai blends local flavors with influences from across China and the wider world.