Shanghai

5 day Shanghai itinerary

Search your flight: (Kiwi.com), (Trip.com).

🏨 Where to Stay

• The Bund: Perfect for first-time visitors, close to iconic riverfront views and colonial architecture.
  
  

• People’s Square & Nanjing Road: Central location, excellent shopping, and easy metro access.
  
  

• French Concession: Ideal for boutique hotels, charming streets, and a relaxed vibe.

Search on: Booking, Agoda, (Trip.com)

🚇 Getting Around Shanghai

• Shanghai Metro: Efficient, affordable, and covers most attractions.
  
  

• Taxis & Ride-Hailing (DiDi): Convenient for short distances.
  
  

• Walking: Great for exploring areas like The Bund, French Concession, and Yu Garden.
  
  

Search on: (GetTranfer.com), 12Go, RentalCars, Holiday Taxi

🗓️ Day 1: The Bund & Historical Shanghai

Morning:

• Start with a walk along The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade, offering stunning views of the Pudong skyline.
  
  

• Visit the Shanghai History Museum at the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower to understand the city’s past.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Cross over to Pudong and visit the Shanghai Tower (second tallest building in the world) for panoramic city views.
  
  

• Explore Lujiazui Central Green Space for a break from the urban hustle.
  
  

Evening:

• Enjoy a Huangpu River Cruise at sunset for magical views of the illuminated skyline.
  
  

• Dinner at Lost Heaven Bund, serving Yunnan-inspired dishes in a stylish setting.
  
  

🗓️ Day 2: Traditional Shanghai & Local Life

Morning:

• Visit the Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and ponds.
  
  

• Explore the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar, perfect for souvenirs and street food.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Head to the Old City of Shanghai, wandering through narrow alleys and visiting small temples.
  
  

• Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant for authentic xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
  
  

Evening:

• Visit Tianzifang, a vibrant arts and crafts enclave in the French Concession, filled with boutiques, bars, and galleries.
  
  

• Enjoy dinner at The Commune Social, a modern tapas-style restaurant.
  
  

🗓️ Day 3: Modern Art & Urban Parks

Morning:

• Explore the Power Station of Art, China’s first state-run contemporary art museum.
  
  

• Walk through Xintiandi, a stylish pedestrian area with renovated Shikumen houses.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Relax at Fuxing Park, a French-style park where locals dance, play cards, and practice tai chi.
  
  

• Visit Propaganda Poster Art Centre for a unique glimpse into 20th-century Chinese visual culture.
  
  

Evening:

• Dine at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (advance reservation required), a unique multi-sensory dining experience.
  
  

• Alternatively, enjoy a more casual meal in Xintiandi’s many restaurants and bars.
  
  

🗓️ Day 4: Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Full Day Excursion:

• Take a half-day trip to Zhujiajiao, a historic water town just 1 hour from Shanghai.
  
  

• Walk along ancient stone bridges, explore narrow alleys, and take a boat ride on the canals.
  
  

• Visit attractions like Ke Zhi Garden and the Post Office Museum.
  
  

Lunch: Sample local delicacies such as zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and almond tofu.

Evening:

• Return to Shanghai and enjoy a relaxing evening at Bar Rouge, a rooftop bar with stunning views of The Bund.
  
  

🗓️ Day 5: Museums & Green Spaces

Morning:

• Visit the Shanghai Museum at People’s Square, home to ancient Chinese art, ceramics, jade, and calligraphy.
  
  

• Explore People’s Park, known for its lively “marriage market” on weekends.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Head to Jing’an Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple contrasting with the modern cityscape.
  
  

• Enjoy lunch at Vegetarian Lifestyle (Gong De Lin) for a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal.
  
  

Evening:

• End your trip with a Shanghai Acrobatic Show at the ERA Intersection of Time or the Shanghai Circus World.
  
  

• For a memorable final dinner, visit Hakkasan Shanghai, blending modern Cantonese cuisine with chic décor.
  
  

Extra Tips

• Metro Smart Card (Shanghai Public Transportation Card) is highly recommended for easy and cashless travel.
  
  

• Language: English is limited in smaller establishments, so basic Mandarin phrases or translation apps are helpful.
  
  

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather.

Search your complements: (Airalo), (Yesim), for a SIM card, GetYourGuide, (WeGoTrip), GoCity, Ticketmaster, for tour activities and tickets. 

Look for travel insurance: (EKTA), VisitorsCoverage, if you leave from US, AirHelp.