Shanghai

Bund's two faces, past and future

Walking the Bund: 1920s Art Deco buildings on one side, Pudong's futuristic skyline facing you. Shanghai Tower at 632m is China's tallest. Yuyuan Garden is a zen garden from the Ming Dynasty.

French Concession's plane tree streets, M50 art district, Tianzifang's narrow street cafes. Shanghai is a city of contrasts.

Xiaolongbao steam, cocktails on the Bund

Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) is Shanghai's signature, Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao legendary. Sheng jian bao (fried dumplings), scallion pancake, red braised pork. Chinese cuisine at its most sophisticated.

Bund's rooftop bars are magnificent for night views. French Concession brunch cafes, Tianzifang street food.

Neighborhoods and Where to Stay

Each neighborhood in Shanghai appeals to different types of travelers. Huangpu district combines classic and modern Shanghai, with easy transportation and central location ideal for first-time visitors. Jing'an and Changning suit those seeking nightlife and mid-to-upper budget comfort, full of boutique hotels on quiet streets. Pudong's skyscrapers form a self-contained world but come at premium prices. The area between western Huangpu and Jing'an offers something more authentic for those seeking artists' quarters and local atmosphere, more affordable options, and street food stalls waiting to be discovered.

How Many Days and What Pace

Three days is the minimum to experience Shanghai. Start day one with a morning walk along the Bund, explore the Yuyuan Garden and old city in the afternoon. Day two, climb Pudong's skyscrapers and admire the city from their heights, then take an evening cruise on the Huangpu River to see the lights. Day three, wander neighborhoods visiting Jing'an Temple, local markets, and street food vendors. With four to five days, take a day trip to the ancient town of Zhujiajiao or nearby Suzhou. Always purchase a metro card, the system is efficient and budget-friendly for getting around.

Food Culture, Budget and Practical Tips

Shanghai cuisine is refined, slightly sweet and soy-forward, famous worldwide for xiaolongbao and dumplings. Street vendors and local restaurants fill you for 3-8 euros. Mid-range restaurants cost 12-25 euros, touristy areas more. Your daily 120 euro budget stretches comfortably by eating at local spots with grandmothers cooking. May through September allows light t-shirts, April-May and September-October offer ideal comfort. Water quality varies, so stick to bottled water. Credit cards work in central areas, but cash rules in smaller establishments. Download offline maps before arrival and purchase a metro card for seamless city navigation.