A locally-written guide — where to stay, what to eat, and what not to miss.
The Shanghai guide
An insider’s read on Shanghai
On the east bank of the Huangpu River, the skyscrapers of Lujiazui rise like a sci-fi forest
Shanghai is a city defined by its vertical ambitions and its horizontal memories. On the east bank of the Huangpu River, the skyscrapers of Lujiazui rise like a sci-fi forest, while on the west bank, the stone facades of the Bund stand as monuments to early 20th-century global trade. This geographic split mirrors the city's psychological state: a relentless drive toward a cashless, hyper-digital future, anchored by neighborhoods where life still moves at the speed of a bicycle.
To understand the city, one must look past the neon glare of its commercial avenues and step into the shaded lanes of the former French Concession. Here, plane trees canopy streets lined with Art Deco villas, and the aroma of frying scallions from a ground-floor kitchen competes with the scent of freshly roasted espresso from a boutique cafe. It is a metropolis of sharp contrasts, where hyper-efficiency meets domestic intimacy.
For the traveler, this is not a destination of ancient monuments, but of living urban energy. It rewards those who like to walk, eat, and observe. The joy of being here lies in navigating its complex layers, from high-concept multi-sensory dining rooms to quiet, steam-filled dumpling stalls that have fed the same block for decades.
Where to base yourself
The neighborhoods
Where you sleep shapes the trip. Here’s the honest orientation, area by area.
via Google
The Bund (Waitan)
For First-time visitors and architecture enthusiasts. The trade-off is the relentless crowd of tourists and the premium prices charged at every venue.
Grand, historic, and imposing. The waterfront promenade is lined with monumental Beaux-Arts and Art Deco buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the river.
Where to stayHistoric luxury hotels housed in preserved concession-era buildings.
Walking the elevated promenade at sunrise before the crowds arrive.
Exploring the Art Deco lobby of the Peace Hotel.
Dining on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Huangpu River.
via Google
Former French Concession (FFC)
For Slow travelers, coffee lovers, and those who prefer neighborhood life. The trade-off is that older properties here can have poor soundproofing and outdated plumbing.
Leafy, residential, and intimate. Low-rise lane houses, independent boutiques, and quiet cafes sit beneath a dense canopy of London plane trees.
Where to stayBoutique guesthouses or restored lane house apartments.
Wandering the quiet residential stretches of Wukang Road and Fuxing Road.
Browsing independent design shops on Julu Road.
Stopping for a pour-over coffee at one of the hundreds of micro-cafes.
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Lujiazui
For Business travelers and those who want high-rise views. The trade-off is a lack of street-level soul; the area feels sterile and deserted after office hours.
Futuristic, corporate, and vertical. This is the financial engine of the city, dominated by three of the world's tallest skyscrapers and massive, air-conditioned shopping malls.
Where to stayHigh-end international business hotels occupying the upper floors of skyscrapers.
Ascending to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower.
Walking the elevated pedestrian ring road above the traffic.
Shopping at the luxury flagship stores in the IFC Mall.
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Jing'an
For Expats and shoppers who want convenience and a wide selection of international dining. The trade-off is that it can feel corporate and lacks the historic intimacy of the FFC.
Polished, commercial, and central. A bustling hub where historic temples sit in the shadow of modern glass office towers and upscale malls.
Where to staySleek, modern luxury and mid-range business hotels.
Visiting the gilded Jing'an Temple amidst the shopping malls.
Exploring the restored shikumen lanes of Zhangyuan.
Dining at the international bistros along Wuding Road.
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Xintiandi
For Luxury shoppers and those looking for high-end dining in a clean, historic setting. The trade-off is that it feels highly sanitized and lacks authentic local life.
Manicured, affluent, and pedestrianized. A car-free shopping and dining district created from reconstructed traditional shikumen (stone gate) lane houses.
Where to stayUltra-luxury design hotels and high-end serviced apartments.
Strolling the car-free stone alleyways.
Visiting the site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.
Having an outdoor drink at an upscale international bistro.
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Tianzifang
For Souvenir hunters and casual explorers. The trade-off is that it is extremely touristy and can become uncomfortably packed on weekends.
Claustrophobic, artsy, and commercial. A maze of narrow alleyways packed with souvenir stalls, tea shops, craft boutiques, and street food vendors.
Where to stayNot recommended for lodging due to crowds and noise, but nearby Dapuqiao offers standard mid-range options.
Getting lost in the labyrinth of residential lanes.
Buying loose-leaf tea and local paper crafts.
Trying quirky street food snacks like liquid nitrogen ice cream.
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People's Square
For Culture seekers who want to be steps away from major museums. The trade-off is the overwhelming volume of foot traffic and aggressive street touts.
Civic, busy, and central. The geographic heart of the city, home to major cultural institutions, a massive metro interchange, and a sprawling park.
Where to stayLarge, high-rise international hotels.
Observing the weekend 'Marriage Market' in People's Park.
Viewing ancient Chinese art at the Shanghai Museum.
Walking the pedestrianized shopping stretch of East Nanjing Road.
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Hongkou
For History buffs and travelers seeking a break from the glitz of central Puxi. The trade-off is that it is further from the main nightlife and dining hubs.
Historic, residential, and unpretentious. A quieter district that served as a haven for Jewish refugees during World War II, retaining a slower, local pace of life.
Where to stayMid-range local hotels and quiet guesthouses.
Exploring the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum.
Strolling through Lu Xun Park to watch locals practice calligraphy.
Walking along the historic Duolun Road Cultural Street.
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West Bund
For Art collectors, architecture fans, and runners. The trade-off is that it is spread out, requiring taxis or long walks between venues, with limited dining options.
Industrial-chic, artistic, and spacious. A former industrial waterfront transformed into a cultural corridor lined with world-class contemporary art museums.
Where to staySleek, modern design hotels near the riverfront.
Visiting the brutalist Long Museum West Bund.
Walking or cycling along the wide riverside path.
Exploring the contemporary exhibitions at the West Bund Museum.
Eat & drink
Where to eat in Shanghai
Real tables, by category — from seafood and grills to the budget classics locals actually queue for.
Seafood
Shanghainese seafood is defined by the freshwater bounty of the Yangtze Delta and the saltwater catch of the East China Sea, emphasizing delicate sweetness and natural flavors.
The city's international status has fostered a highly competitive steakhouse scene, featuring premium Australian Wagyu and USDA Prime beef alongside innovative wood-fired techniques.
Local dining is characterized by small plates meant for sharing, showcasing the sweet, soy-braised flavors of Benbang (local) cuisine alongside regional Chinese specialties.
Shanghai's fine dining scene is a playground for culinary iconoclasts, blending classical European techniques with ancient Chinese ingredients in dramatic, high-concept spaces.
The city's street food and quick-bite culture is legendary, centered around steam-filled stalls serving pan-fried buns, soup dumplings, and savory noodles.
From smoky, historic jazz dens that evoke the city's 1930s golden age to sweaty underground rock cellars, live music is deeply woven into the nightlife.
Museums, landmarks and galleries worth structuring a day around.
Museums
The museum landscape ranges from massive state-run repositories of ancient Chinese treasures to deeply moving historical archives and modern science centers.
Watch the city wake up as the sunrise illuminates the Pudong skyline, while elderly locals gather on the Bund promenade to practice Tai Chi and fly kites.
via Google
Former French Concession Cycling Tour
Former French ConcessionHalf day★★★★★★★★★★4.6(41)
Rent a shared bike and navigate the quiet, plane-tree-shaded lanes of the FFC, exploring historic lane houses and Art Deco villas away from the main roads.
via Google
Huangpu River Public Ferry Ride
The Bund / Lujiazui30 minutes★★★★★★★★★★4.5(369)
Skip the expensive tourist cruises and take the local commuter ferry from the Bund to Lujiazui for a fraction of the cost, experiencing the river breeze and skyline views like a local.
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Beyond the city
Day trips
Suzhou
Famous for its UNESCO-listed classical scholar gardens, historic canals, and traditional silk workshops.
Getting there30 minutes via high-speed train from Shanghai Railway Station.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
★★★★★★★★★★4.4(1,671)
An ancient water town featuring historic stone bridges, narrow canals, and traditional wooden boats.
Getting there1 hour via Metro Line 17 from Hongqiao Railway Station.
via Google
Hangzhou
Renowned for the scenic West Lake, historic Buddhist temples, and the lush green tea plantations of Longjing.
Getting there1 hour via high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station.
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Things to do in Shanghai
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What it costs
Budgeting
Shanghai can be experienced on almost any budget, from cheap street food and efficient public transit to ultra-luxury hotels and Michelin-starred dining.
Travel style
Per day
Backpacker
€30-50 (band)
Mid-range
€90-150 (band)
Luxury
€300+ (band)
Timing
When to visit
The transitional seasons of autumn and spring offer the most comfortable weather, avoiding the oppressive humidity of summer and the damp chill of winter.
AutumnOctober to November is the prime window. The summer heat has broke, skies are generally clear, and the city's plane trees turn golden. This is also the highly anticipated season for tasting local hairy crab.
SpringMarch to May brings mild temperatures and blooming plum blossoms, though spring rains can be frequent and unpredictable. Packing layers is essential.
SummerJune to September is intensely hot and humid, punctuated by the 'plum rain' season in early summer and occasional typhoons in August. Outdoor exploration becomes draining.
WinterDecember to February is cold, damp, and grey. Because the city lies south of the Huai River, central heating is not standard in older buildings, making the cold feel particularly biting.
Pudong International Airport (PVG) is connected to the city center by the Maglev train, which reaches speeds of 430 km/h and deposits passengers at Longyang Road Metro Station in eight minutes for a low-band fee. Alternatively, Metro Line 2 runs directly into Puxi, though it takes over an hour. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is closer to the center and directly linked via Metro Lines 2 and 10.
Public transit
The Shanghai Metro is clean, punctual, and incredibly vast, with bilingual English-Chinese signage throughout. It is the fastest way to bypass surface traffic, which can be gridlocked during rush hours.
Passes & tickets
A 3-Day Metro Pass is available at station service desks for a low-band price, offering unlimited rides. Alternatively, travelers can load a virtual Shanghai Public Transportation Card onto their smartphone wallet for seamless tap-and-go entry.
On foot
The historic core of Puxi, particularly the former French Concession and the Bund, is highly walkable with flat, tree-shaded sidewalks. However, crossing between Puxi and Pudong requires using the metro, a ferry, or a road tunnel, as there are no pedestrian bridges.
1
Download the Metro Shanghai app or use the transport mini-program within Alipay for digital ticketing.
2
Always carry a physical passport, as you may need to present it when purchasing transit cards or entering major transport hubs.
3
Avoid the metro during peak commute hours (8:00 AM–9:30 AM and 5:30 PM–7:00 PM) when stations become intensely crowded.
Travel smart
Safety & etiquette
The city is exceptionally safe for solo travelers and walking at night, with very low rates of violent crime. The primary concerns are traffic safety (watch out for silent electric scooters on sidewalks) and common tourist scams, particularly the 'tea ceremony' or 'art student' scams around Nanjing Road, where friendly locals invite you to a cafe only to leave you with an exorbitant bill.
Local etiquette
Set up mobile payments (Alipay or WeChat Pay) linked to your credit card before arriving, as cash is rarely used and some vendors do not carry change.
Tipping is not expected or practiced in restaurants, taxis, or bars; exceptional service is occasionally rewarded in high-end hotels.
When presenting or receiving business cards, money, or gifts, always use both hands as a sign of respect.
Stand on the right side of escalators in metro stations to allow others to pass on the left.
From the ground
Practical tips
1
Download Alipay and WeChat before landing, and link your international credit card to enable seamless mobile payments.
2
Install Gaode Maps or Apple Maps for navigation, as Google Maps is highly inaccurate and outdated in China.
3
Carry a small pack of pocket tissues and hand sanitizer, as many local public restrooms do not provide toilet paper or soap.
4
Keep a digital photo of your passport on your phone, as you will need your passport number to book train tickets, museum entries, and hotel check-ins.
5
Avoid the 'tea ceremony' invitation from friendly strangers on Nanjing Road; it is a well-known scam designed to extort money.
6
Take the Maglev train from Pudong Airport instead of a taxi; it is faster, cheaper, and avoids the notorious city traffic.
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Good to know
Shanghai FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?
Yes, most travelers require a Chinese visa, though citizens of many countries can utilize the 144-hour visa-free transit policy if transiting through Shanghai to a third country.
Is English widely spoken?
English is spoken in major international hotels, high-end restaurants, and by younger locals, but taxi drivers and street food vendors generally do not speak English. Having translation apps ready is highly recommended.
How do I access Western websites and apps?
Many Western websites and apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked. You must download and set up a reliable VPN on your devices before arriving in China, or use an international roaming eSIM which bypasses the firewall.
Can I drink the tap water?
No, tap water is not potable. Always drink bottled or boiled water, which is cheap and widely available.
When do the Bund lights turn off?
The historic buildings on the Bund and the skyscrapers in Lujiazui are illuminated daily, typically turning off at 10:00 PM (or 11:00 PM in summer).
Shanghai travel guide: neighbourhoods, sights and food
