Shanghai moves fast, and so does a short visit. Two days covers the skyline, the old streets and a canal town, as long as you plan your transport and payments before you arrive.
Day 1: the classic skyline
- 1Morning: Yu Garden and the old city bazaar, then soup dumplings for lunch.
- 2Afternoon: walk along Nanjing Road to the Bund.
- 3Late afternoon: cross to Pudong and visit an observation deck, such as the Shanghai Tower.
- 4Evening: a Huangpu River cruise or walk along the Bund after dark.
Compare other options for “Shanghai observation deck tickets”
Day 2: the French Concession and a water town
Spend the morning in the French Concession, with plane-tree-lined streets, cafés and art deco villas. Walk around Fuxing Park and Wukang Road. After lunch, take a half-day trip to Zhujiajiao, a canal town about an hour away, with stone bridges and boat rides.
Getting around
The metro is clear and efficient, with English signs, and the Maglev train links Pudong Airport to the city in minutes. Ride-hailing apps are cheap. China is largely cashless, so link a foreign card to a payment app before you go, or carry some cash.
Insider tip: Download a ride-hailing app and set up mobile payments before arriving. Many places do not accept foreign cards.
Practical tips
- Bring your passport for hotel check-in and tickets.
- Check visa rules and any visa-free transit options.
- Allow time for airport security and queues.
- Keep a VPN in mind if you use blocked services.
- Visit spring or autumn for the best weather.
Food to try in Shanghai
Shanghai's cuisine is a bit sweeter than other Chinese regional food. Try a local breakfast of soy milk and fried dough sticks. If you go on a food tour, you will learn the right way to bite into a soup dumpling without burning your tongue.
- Xiaolongbao: soup dumplings, best from a specialist shop, eaten carefully.
- Shengjianbao: pan-fried pork buns with a crisp base.
- Hongshaorou: red-braised pork belly, a local classic.
- Scallion oil noodles and wontons for a simple meal.
- Hairy crab in autumn, a seasonal delicacy.
Paying and connecting in China
China's payment system is largely mobile. Foreign visitors can link an international card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, and many hotels and restaurants accept cards, but small places expect mobile payment or cash. Withdraw some cash on arrival and test your app before you rely on it.
Internet is filtered, so services such as Google, WhatsApp and Instagram may not work without a VPN, which should be set up before you arrive. An eSIM or local SIM helps with maps and translation. Download an offline translation app and a ride-hailing app that works in English.
Extend your Shanghai trip
If you have more time, consider a trip to Suzhou, famed for classical gardens, and Hangzhou, with West Lake, by high-speed train. Shanghai Disneyland is a hit with families, and the Pudong skyline by night rewards a second visit. For a different pace, spend an evening at a jazz bar in the French Concession.
Read about the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army for more of China, and see the Shanghai guide for details.
Add more of China
Shanghai pairs with Beijing and Xi'an on a classic first route. Read about the Great Wall and Terracotta Army, or browse the Shanghai guide.
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Shanghai: your questions answered
Is two days enough for Shanghai?
For the highlights, yes.
How do I pay in Shanghai?
Mobile payment is common. Check foreign card options and carry cash.
Is the water town worth it?
Yes, if you like canals and quiet streets.
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