Shanghai in 3 days

Start at the Bund (Zhongshan East 1st Road) to take in the historic colonial-era waterfront and views across the Huangpu River. Walk north to the Waibaidu Bridge and then head to Nanjing Road East for a quick coffee and window shopping.

Cross the Bund by taxi or metro to Lujiazui in Pudong and visit Shanghai Tower for the observation deck (Shanghai Tower, Lujiazui). Afterward, see the Shanghai World Financial Center and Oriental Pearl Tower nearby; consider a short visit to the Shanghai History Museum in the base of the Oriental Pearl.

Return to the Bund for dusk photos of the illuminated skyline, then have dinner at one of the riverside restaurants or head to Xintiandi for a wider selection of international and Shanghainese cuisine.

Explore Yuyuan Garden and the surrounding Old City (Yuyuan Garden, Anren Street) to see classical Chinese garden design and the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar. Try local snacks like xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant inside the bazaar area.

Take metro or taxi to the French Concession; stroll along leafy avenues such as Fuxing Park and Tianzifang for boutique shops and galleries. Visit the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre or browse the cafés and shops on Yongkang Road for a relaxed break.

Dine in the French Concession—options range from local Shanghainese restaurants to international bistros—then enjoy a low-key bar or tea house in the neighborhood, or head back toward Xintiandi for livelier nightlife.

Begin at the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square to see major collections of Chinese art and ceramics (Shanghai Museum, People's Square). Afterward, walk through People’s Park and consider a quick visit to the nearby Urban Planning Exhibition Center if interested in city development.

Head to the M50 Art District (50 Moganshan Road) to explore contemporary Chinese art galleries and studios. If you prefer shopping, spend the afternoon in the Former Longhua Temple area or return to Nanjing West for department stores and local designer boutiques.

For a final night, take a Huangpu River evening cruise to see both Bund and Pudong illuminated, or enjoy dinner at a restaurant with skyline views such as those in IFC Mall Lujiazui. Finish with an evening stroll along the Bund or a cocktail bar in Pudong depending on your energy level.