Top Things to Do in Shanghai: 15 Local Secrets to Skip the Lines

You’ve booked the flight, figured out the visa, and told your friends you’re heading to Shanghai. Then it hits you — what actually should you do? The city is huge, the internet is full of cliché lists, and your map apps have gone haywire behind the Great Firewall. I’ve been guiding visitors here for over a decade, and I’ve watched too many travelers burn half their trip on tourist traps and convoluted payment setups. So here’s my no-fluff, crowd-beating, cash-saving list of top things to do in Shanghai — the 15 experiences that genuinely deliver.

Why You Can Trust This Shanghai Travel Guide

I live in Shanghai and have led countless foreign visitors through every corner of this city — from the shiny skyscrapers to the quirky lane houses. This guide is built on real walks, real failures, and real moments when clients said, “I never would have found this alone.” You’ll get exact metro exits, money tricks, and the exact times to show up to beat the crowds.

Top Things to Do in Shanghai — The 15-Pick Countdown

Below is my ranked shortlist. I’ve ordered them by overall experience value — not just what’s famous. Each entry includes the practical details you need to actually pull it off.

1. 1. The Bund — the Iconic Skyline View That’s Actually Free

   The Bund is Shanghai’s skyline postcard, and the promenade doesn’t cost a cent. I always tell my clients to come early — 7 am — when the air is clear and the crowds haven’t rolled in.

   Address: Zhongshan East First Road, Huangpu District.
   Metro: Line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road (Exit 6); walk east for 10 minutes.
   Hours: Open 24 hours.
   Cost: Free.

   Insider tip: Take the lower riverside walkway rather than the upper level if you want a quieter view. The lower path is often missed by first-timers.

2. 2. Yu Garden & Old Town — Ming-Dynasty Charm with a Breezy Escape

   Yes, it’s touristy, but the ancient rockeries and ponds are genuinely beautiful. I suggest going right when it opens — the garden smells and feels different before the crowds arrive.

   Address: No. 218 Anren Street, Huangpu District.
   Metro: Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station (Exit 1), walk 5 minutes.
   Hours: Most days 8:30–17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Check official site for Monday closures.
   Cost: Around 40 RMB for the garden; the bazaar is free.

   Insider tip: The best jade jewelry street sellers are actually in the side alleys, not the main square. Keep your wallet in a zippered pocket.

3. 3. Shanghai Museum — Free World-Class Artifacts (Yes, Free)

   One of the best museums in China, and it’s free. The bronze collection alone is worth the trip. Booking is mandatory though, so plan ahead.

   Address: No. 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District.
   Metro: Line 1, 2, or 8 to People’s Square Station (Exit 1), walk 3 minutes.
   Hours: 9:00–17:00, closed Mondays.
   Cost: Free, but you must reserve a timed ticket using your passport. Use the official WeChat account or book via Trip.com.

   Insider tip: The queue gets brutal after 10 am. Join the “reservation holder” line at 8:30 and you’ll be in first.

4. 4. Shanghai Tower — Views From the Highest Observation Deck in the World

   You can see the entire city from the 118th floor, but it’s a popularity contest. I’d rather go in the late afternoon to catch both daylight and the neon lights.

   Address: No. 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong District.
   Metro: Line 2 to Lujiazui Station (Exit 6), walk 10 minutes.
   Hours: Daily 9:00–21:30.
   Cost: Around 180 RMB. Book online at Trip.com to skip the ticket queue.

   Insider tip: The wind at the top can close the outdoor walkways — check the weather forecast before buying.

5. 5. Former French Concession — Platanus-Shaded Streets Perfect for a Leisurely Walk

   This is where old Shanghai’s soul lives. Winding roads, trendy cafés, and gorgeous villas. It’s free, and every corner deserves a photo.

   Address: Between Huaihai Road and Fuxing Road, Xuhui/Huangpu Districts.
   Metro: Line 10 to Shanghai Library Station.
   Hours: Always open.
   Cost: Free.

   Insider tip: Rent a shared bike and ride along Wukang Road — the trees provide excellent shade.

6. 6. Xintiandi — Polished Shikumen Lane Houses, Excellent for People-Watching

   It’s a bit polished, but it’s an easy window into the city’s architectural mix. Come for a coffee, not for a deep cultural dive.

   Address: Lane 123, Xingye Road, Huangpu District.
   Metro: Line 10 to Xintiandi Station.
   Hours: Open until late.
   Cost: Free to enter.

   Insider tip: The back alleys behind the main square are less crowded and are where locals actually hang out.

7. 7. Tianzifang — A Maze of Artsy Shops and Street Food

   This labyrinth of narrow alleys is full of galleries, craft shops, and street snacks. It’s charming but can feel claustrophobic on weekends.

   Address: No. 210 Taikang Road, Huangpu District.
   Metro: Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station (Exit 1), walk 5 minutes.
   Hours: Shops usually 10:00–22:00.
   Cost: Free.

   Insider tip: Head there on a weekday afternoon to avoid the shoulders-to-shoulders crowd.

8. 8. Nanjing Road — The World’s Busiest Shopping Street

   It’s overwhelming, loud, and completely iconic. It’s fine for a stroll, but don’t spend all day here — a small segment is enough.

   Address: Extends from People’s Square to the Bund.
   Metro: Line 1/2/8 to People’s Square.
   Hours: Always alive.
   Cost: Free.

   Insider tip: Ignore the “tea ceremony” invitations on this street — they’re often commission-driven.

9. 9. People’s Square & Urban Planning Museum — See the City Model from Above

   The Urban Planning Museum has a massive miniature model of Shanghai from above — fascinating for architecture nerds. It’s right next to the museum.

   Address: No. 100 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District.
   Metro: Line 1/2/8 to People’s Square.
   Hours: 9:00–17:00, closed Mondays.
   Cost: Around 30 RMB.

   Insider tip: The model’s viewing platform is best from the third floor for a bird’s eye perspective.

10. 10. Jade Buddha Temple — A Working Monastery Off the Tourist Path

    This active temple is less grand than some, but the rare jade Buddha statues make it a must-see for Buddhist culture lovers. It’s relatively quiet in the morning.

    Address: No. 170 Anyuan Road, Jing’an District.
    Metro: Line 13 to Jiangning Road Station (Exit 3), walk 10 minutes.
    Hours: 8:00–16:30.
    Cost: Around 20 RMB.

    Insider tip: Dress modestly. No English audio guides, so download a translation app.

11. 11. Jing’an Temple — A Historic Gem Surrounded by Skyscrapers

    It’s a stunning contrast — an ancient temple right in the middle of modern Shanghai. The golden rooftops are gorgeous at sunset.

    Address: No. 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District.
    Metro: Line 2 or 7 to Jing’an Temple Station.
    Hours: 7:30–17:00.
    Cost: Around 50 RMB.

    Insider tip: The best photo is from the temple square at sunset when the lights turn on.

12. 12. Zhujiajiao Water Town — A Water Town Escape, 48 Minutes from the City

    When the urban buzz wears you out, this canal town is a breath of fresh air. It’s touristy, but the stilt houses and arched bridges are photogenic.

    Address: Xinxi Road, Zhujiajiao, Qingpu District.
    Metro: Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then walk 10 minutes. Or a 1-hour bus from Shanghai Stadium.
    Hours: Always open; attractions inside open around 8:30.
    Cost: Free entry; a combined ticket for key sights is around 30 RMB.

    Insider tip: Go on a weekday. On weekends, the ferry queues are absurd.

13. 13. Shanghai Disneyland — A Magical Day with Shorter Lines (If You Time It)

    It’s the most magical Shanghai thing you can do if you manage the crowds. You can ride everything with a smart plan.

    Address: No. 3108 Huangzhao Road, Pudong New Area.
    Metro: Line 11 to Disney Resort Station.
    Hours: Usually 9:00–20:30, check official schedule.
    Cost: Around 600 RMB on weekdays; prices change by day. Use the official app to buy tickets.

    Insider tip: Use the single-rider lines for popular rides to cut waiting time significantly.

14. 14. ERA Acrobatics Show — Jaw-Dropping Stunts at Shanghai Circus World

    Forget the ballet — this acrobatics show is pure adrenaline. Even if you’re not into theater, you’ll be gasping.

    Address: Shanghai Circus World, No. 2266 Gonghexin Road, Jing’an District.
    Metro: Line 1 to Shanghai Circus World Station.
    Hours: Usually one performance at 7:30 pm; check schedule.
    Cost: Around 280–580 RMB. Book via Klook or Trip.com.

    Insider tip: The side sections have cheaper tickets with still-decent views.

15. 15. Huangpu River Cruise — The Best Way to See the Skyline at Night

    If you’re here for the skyline, do it from the water. The lights bounce off the river in a way that’s impossible from the shore.

    Address: Departure points at Shiliupu Wharf (on the Bund) or Lujiazui.
    Metro: Line 2 to Lujiazui or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road.
    Hours: Cruises run from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
    Cost: 120–200 RMB for a 50-minute ride; book online.

    Insider tip: Choose the 7:30 pm departure to catch the neon lights at their brightest.

Insider Tips: Paying, Navigating, and Booking Shanghai’s Top Attractions

Paying: Cash Is Almost Useless

Forget trying to use a foreign credit card at a mom-and-pop dumpling stall. The standard is Alipay or WeChat Pay, and both now accept international Visa/Mastercard when linked to a foreign phone number. Before you leave, download Alipay and add a foreign credit card. Test it on a small purchase. For backup, bring two cards — one for Alipay, one for ATMs. Many museums and shops still take cash, but don’t rely on it.

Pro Tip: If your payment fails at a café, ask if they have “direct scan” (they will). Keep small bills (20 RMB) for street vendors who don’t want to break large notes.

Navigating: Ditch Google Maps

Google Maps works in China, but its location data is often inaccurate. I use Apple Maps — it uses local data and is surprisingly reliable. For public transport, an English-friendly app like MetroMan Shanghai or AMap (switch to English) helps. Before you head out, download an offline map of Shanghai.

For taxis, always have your hotel’s name and the destination’s English address written down. The driver likely speaks zero English. DiDi — the Chinese Uber — has an English interface; download it and link Alipay for seamless payment.

Booking: The Passport Is Your Ticket

Almost every paid attraction requires a real-name booking with your passport number. For foreigners, the easiest route is often Trip.com or Klook, which handle the passport entry for you. WeChat mini-programs are common, but they’re entirely in Chinese — a nightmarish experience even for me. If you get stuck, ask your hotel’s front desk to book on your behalf; they’re used to this.

For intercity trains, book through the official 12306.cn (English site) or Trip.com with your passport. Arrive at the station at least 40 minutes early for mandatory security checks.

*Prices are approximate and may vary.

How to See the Top Things to Do in Shanghai in 24 Hours

If you only have one day, follow this flow — it avoids backtracking and takes advantage of opening times.

1. 7:00 am — Yu Garden & Old Town (beat the tour bus crowd)
2. 9:00 am — Shanghai Museum (get in line before opening)
3. 11:30 am — Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao (famous soup dumplings)
4. 1:00 pm — People’s Square (quick stroll)
5. 2:30 pm — Former French Concession (walk along Wukang Road)
6. 5:00 pm — Xintiandi (aperitivo)
7. 7:30 pm — Huangpu River Cruise (night lights)
8. 9:30 pm — Nanjing Road (neon overload)

If it rains, swap the cruise for the Shanghai Tower or a visit to the Shanghai Aquarium. This itinerary has been tested in real tours — it flows smoothly.

FAQs: Top Things to Do in Shanghai, Answered

Shanghai rewards flexible travelers. Skip the overhyped spots, target the practical details above, and you’ll chase views that feel illegally good. Have an itinerary that works, and don’t let a language barrier hold you back — even a bit of broken Chinese goes a long way.

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.