Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Shanghai?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Shanghai?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Shanghai, China? Most people spend two to five days in Shanghai during their visit. After all, the modern port city will let you tour the famous sights and museums, soak up the big city atmosphere, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and go shopping.
Shanghai is a financial and economic hub in China that brings international tourists, business workers, and backpackers. At the heart of its tourist scene is the Bund, which is a waterfront promenade that has colonial and modern buildings. Shanghai is a foodie destination that has great street food as well as high end restaurants.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Shanghai? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Shanghai?
Three days is usually not enough time to experience the modern port city of Shanghai, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to tour the famous sights and museums, soak up the big city atmosphere, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and go shopping. You'll likely want more than three days, as many tourists set aside around two to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.
How to spend 3 days in Shanghai
When visiting Shanghai, you absolutely can't miss the Bund as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
The culinary scene in Shanghai is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this port city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Off-beaten Route: Shanghai Old Town Discovery&Street Food Tasting ($78)
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai ($79)
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession ($89)
Shanghai is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the port city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.
Shanghai is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the port city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Shanghai Private Tour with River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner ($177)
- Private Shanghai Night Tour : Shanghai Tower Observation Deck and Amazing Lights ($118)
- Shanghai day trip:Yuyuan garden,Bund,Shanghai Museum，Former French Concession ($163)
Shanghai is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Half Day Private Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town with Boat Ride from Shanghai ($145)
- Private Yu Garden, The Bund, French Concession, Pudong Half-Day Tour ($120)
- Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai ($140)
The public transit in Shanghai is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the port city quite easily and affordably. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.
Since Shanghai is such a large city, you can spend at least a day exploring the many neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. Break up visiting popular landmarks with the more authentic neighborhoods for shopping and dining. The city is one of the world's financial capitals and it balances its east meets west persona with surprising ease.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights ($108)
- Half Day Private Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town with Boat Ride from Shanghai ($145)
- Din Tai Fung Dinner and VIP Class River Cruise Experience in Shanghai ($168)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Shanghai Nightlife Private Transfer Service ($43)
- Small-Group Shanghai Nightlife Tour: Acrobatic Show and Nightclub Crawl ($195)
- Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Nightlife Experience with Optional Late Dinner ($199)
Is 4 days enough time in Shanghai?
Many visitors choose to spend around four days in Shanghai. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities and tour the famous sights and museums, soak up the big city atmosphere, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and go shopping. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to five days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the modern city.
Shanghai, China
How to spend 4 days in Shanghai
Having 4 days in Shanghai will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the port city.
Shopping in Shanghai is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shanghai Shopping Tour with Local Shopping Guru ($80)
- Half-Day Private Shopping Tour in Shanghai with Local Guide ($78)
- 3-Hour Private Shanghai Shopping Tour with Noodles ($118)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Shanghai.
Is 5 days enough time in Shanghai?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Shanghai has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to five days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, the cuisine, and shopping at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Shanghai
With 5 days in Shanghai, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the port city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Shanghai, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train with All Inclusive Option ($198)
- Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option ($118)
- Private Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town w/Flexible Shanghai Highlights ($169)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Shanghai.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Shanghai, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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