Straddling the Huangpu River, Shanghai is a cinematic study in contrasts: on the west bank (Puxi), 1920s Art Deco banking palaces along the Bund give way to plane-tree-shaded lanes in the Former French Concession; on the east bank (Pudong), supertall towers pierce the clouds.
Reader-supported guide: We may earn a commission if you book through partner links (marked ↗) on this page, at no extra cost to you. Terms & Affiliates.
Choosing the right district saves hours of transit time on a short weekend break.
Best for: Iconic 5-star palace stays & rooftop cocktail terraces
Grand neoclassical and Art Deco buildings facing the glittering Pudong towers across the Huangpu River.
Best for: Boutique stays, coffee culture, bistros & walking
Wukang Road, Anfu Road, and Fuxing Park—Shanghai’s most charming walkable streets lined with historic villas and bars.
Best for: Foodies, nightlife & effortless city-wide connections
Centred around glittering Jing’an Temple, surrounded by Shanghai’s highest concentration of restaurants and cocktail lounges.
Grouped geographically so you spend your weekend exploring on foot rather than crisscrossing the city.
Walk the Bund promenade from Waibaidu Bridge to the Fairmont Peace Hotel, then explore the Ming-dynasty pavilions of Yu Garden.
Cross the Huangpu River via ferry to Lujiazui and ascend the 632-metre Shanghai Tower (118th-floor observation deck).
Drinks on a Bund rooftop terrace overlooking the illuminated Oriental Pearl Tower, followed by braised pork belly (hongshaorou) dinner.
Breakfast of fresh pan-fried shengjianbao and xiaolongbao, then stroll from the flatiron Wukang Mansion down Anfu Road and Changle Road.
Explore the shikumen stone-gate alleys of Xintiandi and Tianzifang, or visit the Shanghai Museum East / West Bund art galleries.
Hidden speakeasy cocktail hop along Yongkang Road and Jing’an.
Admire the golden teak architecture of Jing’an Temple, then walk the restored warehouse path along Suzhou Creek (Fotografiska & M50).
Half-day metro excursion to Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town for stone bridges and canal boats, or relax in a Shanghai wellness bathhouse.
Final xiaolongbao supper before taking the Maglev back to Pudong Airport.
Verified sight locations in Shanghai, sense-checked against OpenStreetMap
Historic waterfront promenade lined with 52 grand colonial-era European banks and consulates, facing directly across the Huangpu River to the futuristic skyline of Pudong.
Insider Tip: Arrive at 18:30 to watch the Pudong neon lights and Oriental Pearl illuminate at 19:00 sharp.
Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai
50-minute panoramic evening cruise from historic Shiliupu Wharf gliding between the golden 1920s Bund facades and neon-lit Lujiazui supertall towers.
Insider Tip: Choose the 19:30 or 20:30 sailing when all skyline LED facades are active.
Shiliupu Wharf, 481 Zhongshan East 2nd Rd, Shanghai
Shanghai's most celebrated boutique massage and wellness sanctuary in historic Xintiandi, renowned for deep meridian Tuina body work, hot volcanic stone therapy, and herbal foot rituals.
Insider Tip: Book the 90-minute Imperial Yao Herbal Bath & Massage.
58 Taicang Rd, Xintiandi, Huangpu District, Shanghai
The Shanghai World Financial Center is a panoramic observation deck located on Century Avenue in Pudong.
100 世纪大道 浦东新区, Shanghai
Red Town is a panoramic skyline observation deck and viewpoint in 570 淮海西路, Shanghai.
570 淮海西路, Shanghai
Top of Shanghai Observatory is a panoramic skyline observation deck and viewpoint in 479 陆家嘴环路 浦东新区, Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: 08:30-23:00
479 陆家嘴环路 浦东新区, Shanghai
Shanghai Tower is a supertall skyscraper located in the Lujiazui financial district of Shanghai.
Shanghai
Yu Yuan Garden is a panoramic skyline observation deck and viewpoint in 黄浦区, Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: 08:00-17:15
黄浦区, Shanghai
The Custom House (simplified Chinese: 江海关大楼; traditional Chinese: 江海關大樓; pinyin: Jiāng hǎiguān dàlóu) is an eight story building on the Bund, Shanghai. Built in 1927, the building remains a customs house today. Together with the neighboring HSBC Building, the Custom...
Custom House, Shanghai
The HSBC Building (also known as the Municipal Government Building) is a six-floor neo-classical building in the Bund area of Shanghai, China. It served as the headquarters of the Shanghai branch of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation from 1923 to 1955...
HSBC Building, the Bund, Shanghai
Shanghai Club Building is a panoramic skyline observation deck and viewpoint in Shanghai.
Shanghai
The General Post Office Building (Chinese: 上海邮政总局大楼) is the head post office of Shanghai, China. Built in 1924, the four-story building is located at 395 Tiandong Road, at the north end of the Sichuan Road Bridge, on the banks of the Suzhou Creek.
General Post Office Building, Shanghai
Verified pub locations in Shanghai, sense-checked against OpenStreetMap
Zapfler is a pub and beer venue located at 158 Julu Road in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Th 16:00-24:00; Fr 14:00-02:00; Sa 11:00-02:00; Su 11:00-24:00
158 巨鹿路, Shanghai
Shanghai Brewery is a craft brewery taproom and beer hall in 20 东湖路, Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Fr 11:00-01:00; Sa-Su 11:00-02:00
20 东湖路, Shanghai
Craft beer bar and brewpub, large selection of craft beers. Does food too.
100 Fuxing rd, Shanghai
Central walkable hotels in Shanghai (airport & day-trip stays listed separately below)
Shanghai's legendary 1929 Art Deco palace on the Bund, famous for its copper pyramid roof, Nine Nations Suites, and the world-renowned Old Jazz Bar.
Insider Tip: Have evening cocktails on the Cathay Room terrace overlooking Pudong.
20 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Flagship 5-star Art Deco hotel on the historic Bund featuring Michelin-starred Yi Long Court and the sweeping 14th-floor Sir Elly's Rooftop Terrace.
Insider Tip: Sir Elly's Terrace offers one of the most iconic views of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
32 Zhongshan East 1st Road, The Bund, Shanghai
Serene bamboo-lined urban resort adjacent to Jing'an Park featuring a 32-metre library Long Bar, infinity pool, and Michelin-starred PHÉNIX.
Insider Tip: Unwind at the URSPA after exploring the French Concession.
1 Changde Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Combining the 1929 Art Deco Shanghai Power Company headquarters with a sleek postmodern tower, topped by the tiered multi-level ROOF garden bar overlooking Pudong.
199 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Occupying the top floors of a 48-storey tower alongside the restored 1916 Chamber of Commerce building overlooking Suzhou Creek and the Bund.
Insider Tip: Dine at Michelin-starred Il Ristorante – Niko Romito on the 47th floor.
Lane 108 North Shanxi Road, Jing'an, Shanghai
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is a Hilton Honors hotel in Shanghai.
Shanghai
Mandarin Oriental Shanghai is a boutique hotel in Shanghai.
Shanghai
North Bund skyscraper hotel famous for its outdoor WET Deck infinity pool framing the entire Lujiazui skyline and Oriental Pearl Tower.
66 Lvshun Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
Broadway Mansions is a boutique hotel in Shanghai.
Shanghai
Park Hotel is a boutique hotel in Shanghai.
Shanghai
Occupying floors 36 to 68 above Jing'an, offering panoramic floor-to-ceiling views across central Shanghai and the Iridium Spa.
Beijing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel / Shanghai Hongqiao Railway & Airport Marriott Hub is a Marriott Bonvoy hotel on Hongqiao Business District in Minhang, Shanghai.
Insider Tip: Transport Hub: Shanghai Hongqiao High-Speed Railway Station & Hongqiao Airport.
Hongqiao Business District, Minhang, Shanghai
Engineering marvel built 88 metres down into the cliffside of an abandoned quarry in Sheshan with two submerged underwater floors and cliff-waterfall light shows.
📍 Chenhua Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai
Centered around a restored 600-year-old Ming Dynasty ancestral courthouse in the Venice-like canal town of Zhujiajiao.
📍 505 Zhuhu Road, Zhujiajiao, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Verified food locations in Shanghai, sense-checked against OpenStreetMap
Revolucion is a cocktail bar located on Yanping Road in Shanghai's Caojiadu Subdistrict.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 17:30-02:00
Yanping Road Caojiadu Subdistrict, Shanghai
Lyze Coffee is a specialty coffee house and brunch café on 1 北京西路 静安区, Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-17:00
1 北京西路 静安区, Shanghai
page coffee is a specialty coffee house and brunch café on 495号 陕西北路, Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Su,Tu-Sa 10:30-18:30
495号 陕西北路, Shanghai
Café Dan is a Japanese cafe and coffee shop located in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-24:00
Shanghai
Café del Volcán is a specialty coffee boutique and roaster in Shanghai where you can taste unique beans and learn how to make coffee at home.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 08:00-20:00
80 永康路, Shanghai
The City God Temple of Shanghai is a historic religious site located at 249 Fangbang Middle Road.
249 方浜中路, Shanghai
This Japanese ramen branch is located in the LG1 level of Shanghai IFC Mall in Pudong.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-15:00 17:00-21:30
8号上海IF商场LG1-19 世紀大道 浦东新区, Shanghai
Boom Boom Bagels is a specialty coffee house and brunch café on 39 Anfu Lu Xuhui, Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 07:30-22:00
39 Anfu Lu Xuhui, Shanghai
CurryLounge is an Indian restaurant located on Changshou Road in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-14:30, 17:00-22:00
Changshou road, Shanghai
Brothers Kebab serves Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine at Nanjing West Road in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-22:00
389 B1 A01 南京西路, Shanghai
Japanese ramen and tsukemen restaurant located on Hailun Road in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-20:00
海伦路, Shanghai
Mammamia Trattoria Pizzeria serves authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian pasta on Huaihai Middle Road in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 11:30-15:00, 17:30-22:30
淮海中路, Shanghai
Verified culture locations in Shanghai, sense-checked against OpenStreetMap
Classical Ming Dynasty garden built in 1559, featuring koi ponds, dragon walls, zigzag Nine-Turn Bridge, and the famous Nanxiang soup dumpling house.
Insider Tip: Cross the Nine-Turn Bridge and grab a bamboo steamer of authentic crab-roe Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Nanxiang Mantou Dian.
279 Yuyuan Old St, Huangpu, Shanghai
Contemporary art museum located in the historic Royal Asiatic Society building on Huqiu Road.
🕒 Hours: Tu-Su 10:00-18:00
20 虎丘路 黄浦区, Shanghai
Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts is located at 79 Fenyang Road in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Tu-Su 09:00-11:30, 13:00-16:30
79 汾阳路, Shanghai
SNH48 Star Dream Theatre is a performance venue for the idol group located in Hongkou District, Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: We-Fr 16:00-22:00; Sa-Su 10:00-22:00
267号 嘉兴路 虹口区, Shanghai
Mercedes-Benz Arena is a major live entertainment venue located in Shanghai's Pudong district.
世博大道 浦东新区, Shanghai
The Power Station of Art is a contemporary art museum located on Huayuan Gang Road in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Tu-Su 11:00-19:00
200号 花园港路, Shanghai
Shanghai Grand Theatre is a performing arts theatre and concert hall in 300 上海市人民大道, Shanghai.
300 上海市人民大道, Shanghai
The Museum of Contemporary Art is a cultural institution located in Shanghai, China.
Shanghai
The Museum of Illusions is an interactive cultural attraction located in Shanghai, China.
Shanghai
Island6 is a contemporary art gallery in Shanghai focusing on art, technology, and science.
Shanghai
Verified nature locations in Shanghai, sense-checked against OpenStreetMap
Shanghai's largest ecological park in Pudong blending British, Japanese, and Chinese landscape design around Mirror Lake.
Insider Tip: Rent a tandem bike to loop the 5km forest and lake trail.
Jinxiu Rd, Pudong, Shanghai
Verified nightlife locations in Shanghai, sense-checked against OpenStreetMap
Jazz at Lincoln center is a live music and cocktail club in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 18:30-22:00
Shanghai
SENATOR SALOON is a 1920’s style American whiskey bar and restaurant.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Su 17:00-01:00
98 五原路, Shanghai
Cages Bar And Sport is a sports bar and restaurant located on Jiangning Road in Shanghai.
🕒 Hours: Mo-Fr 11:00-02:00; Sa-Su 09:00-02:00
3/F Jiangning Road Jiangninglu Subdistrict, Shanghai
YuYinTang Park is a nightlife venue in Shanghai specializing in bars and cocktails.
Shanghai
YuYinTang Livehouse is a cocktail bar and lounge on 851 Kaixuan Road in Changning, Shanghai.
851 凯旋路 长宁, Shanghai
Wonna Cafe&winebar is a wine bar and tasting lounge on 1 襄阳北路 静安区, Shanghai.
1 襄阳北路 静安区, Shanghai
Paradox French Restaurant & Wine Bar is a wine bar and tasting lounge on 392 Dagu Road Nanjing Xilu, Shanghai.
392 Dagu Road Nanjing Xilu, Shanghai
So good. eatery and wine bar is a wine bar and tasting lounge on Nanchang Road Ruijin Erlu, Shanghai.
Nanchang Road Ruijin Erlu, Shanghai
Brut eatery wine bar and restaurant is a wine bar and tasting lounge on Jiangning Road Chadaijiao, Shanghai.
Jiangning Road Chadaijiao, Shanghai
Choir Wine Bar and Kitchen is a wine bar and tasting lounge on Fuzhou Road Xinbeimen, Shanghai.
Fuzhou Road Xinbeimen, Shanghai
Cozy Wine Bar & Bistro is a wine bar and tasting lounge on Wukang Road Hunanlu, Shanghai.
Wukang Road Hunanlu, Shanghai
Red Wine Bar is a wine bar and tasting lounge on Huangjincheng Avenue Hongqiao, Shanghai.
Huangjincheng Avenue Hongqiao, Shanghai
Verified gaming locations in Shanghai, sense-checked against OpenStreetMap
Two-level high-tech indoor amusement and arcade park inside Global Harbor featuring Sonic athletics, VR coasters, and arcade cabinets.
Insider Tip: Direct metro access via Jinshajiang Road Station.
4F Global Harbor, North Zhongshan Rd, Putuo, Shanghai
For first-time visitors, The Bund & Waitanyuan (Huangpu) is ideal (iconic 5-star palace stays & rooftop cocktail terraces). If you prefer food markets and evening buzz, choose Former French Concession (Xuhui & Hengshan–Fuxing), or pick Jing'an & West Nanjing Road for foodies, nightlife & effortless city-wide connections.
Shanghai Maglev train from Pudong Airport (PVG) hits 300–430 km/h to Longyang Road in 8 mins (connect to Metro Line 2), or Metro Line 2 direct to Jing'an/People's Square. Once in town, alipay Transport QR code works seamlessly on all Shanghai Metro lines and ferries; the 2 RMB public ferry across the Huangpu River is the best-value cruise in Asia.
Top verified landmarks in Shanghai include The Bund (Waitan), Huangpu River Illuminated Night Cruise (Bund & Pudong), Green Massage Xintiandi Flagship Sanctuary, Yu Garden & Old City (Yuyuan), Shanghai World Financial Center (上海环球金融中心). For food and evening drinks, standout local favourites include Revolucion, Lyze Coffee, page coffee, Oyster Fieast, Wooden Box.
The best months to visit are April to May & Oct to Nov. Typical return flights from the UK start around £475, central hotels average £105/night, and daily dining/transit spend averages £45.
Save venues to your trip shortlist, find the closest hotel base to your saved spots, or compare Viator & Radical Storage passes.