Shanghai
Everything you need to know before you go.
Shanghai is a high energy city that feels like a mix of a futuristic movie and a colonial outpost. It is ideal for travelers who enjoy urban exploration and a fast pace. The contrast is most obvious when you stand on the Bund and look across the river at the Pudong skyline, where the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower dominate the view. The vibe is polished and corporate, but it has a gritty edge in the older residential lanes.
Walk through the Former French Concession to see plane trees and old villas. It is the best area for cafes and boutiques. If you want traditional sights, go to Yu Garden, though it gets crowded. For shopping and modern architecture, head to the Jing'an district.
For food, you have to try Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried pork buns). Street versions of these cost about $3 to $6, while a sit-down dinner at a mid-range spot will run you $20 to $40 per person. Budget around $120 to $250 for a decent hotel in a central area. Taxis are affordable, usually costing between $5 and $15 for most city trips.
Sightseeing The Bund - Walk the waterfront to see the Pudong skyline. $0, 2h. Shanghai Tower - Take the elevator to the top for the highest view in the city. $25, 2h.
Food & Drink Jia Jia Tang Bao - Eat crab soup dumplings in the city center. $10, 1h. Yang's Dumplings - Try the pan fried pork buns. $5, 1h.
Outdoor Nature Yu Garden - Explore the classical layout and ponds in the Old City. $5, 2h.
Nightlife Found 158 - Grab drinks at this open air plaza in the Former French Concession. $20, 3h.
Cultural Shanghai Museum - See bronze and ceramics in People's Square. $0, 3h.
Shopping Tianzifang - Browse small boutiques in the narrow alleys of the French Concession. $10, 2h. Nanjing Road - Walk the main commercial strip for big brands. $0, 3h.
Day Trips Zhujiajiao - Visit this water town for canal boat rides. $15, 6h. Suzhou - Take the train to see the Humble Administrator's Garden. $30, 10h.
Budget Campanile Shanghai Bund - Huangpu. $50-80/night. It is a short walk to the riverfront. The Old House Hostel - Jing'an. $25-45/night. You stay in a traditional alleyway home.
Mid-range SSAW Boutique Hotel - Huangpu. $110-170/night. It is centrally located and very clean. Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden - Huangpu. $90-140/night. You can visit the garden before the crowds arrive.
Luxury The Peninsula - Bund. $600-1,200/night. The views of the Pudong skyline are the best in the city. The Edition - Bund. $500-900/night. It is a very modern hotel with a great rooftop bar.
Restaurants Yang's Dumplings, Chinese Street Food, Huangpu, $5-15. Order the Shengjianbao. Old Jesse, Shanghainese, Huangpu, $30-60. Try the red braised pork. Lost Heaven, Yunnan, Bund, $40-80. Good for a nice dinner with spicy flavors. Din Tai Fung, Taiwanese, Nanjing Road, $20-40. The soup dumplings are always consistent. Fu He Hui, Vegan, Jing'an, $120-200. High end plant based dining.
Fly into Pudong International (PVG) for most international flights. Hongqiao (SHA) is mostly for domestic or short regional hops. From New York or LA, expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,000 for a round trip flight depending on the season.
From PVG to the city center, you have three main options. The Maglev train is the fastest. It costs about $7 and gets you to Longyang Road in 8 minutes, but you still need to take the metro from there to reach the center. The Metro Line 2 is the cheapest at around $1, but it takes over an hour. A taxi or Didi (the local rideshare app) will cost between $40 and $70 and takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
If you are coming from SHA, it is much closer. A taxi costs about $20 to $30, and the metro is quick and cheap.
If you are already in China, take the high speed rail. From Suzhou or Hangzhou, the trip takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs around $10 to $20. Driving is not recommended due to heavy traffic and complex highway tolls.
Stay in the Former French Concession for tree lined streets and cafes. For the skyline views, head to Lujiazui. If you want shopping and crowds, Jing'an is the spot.
Eat Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and Shengjianbao (pan fried pork buns). You can find these at street stalls for $2 to $5 or in nicer restaurants for $15 to $30. Try the Hairy Crab if you visit in the autumn.
Walk The Bund to see the colonial architecture and the skyscrapers across the river. Visit Yu Garden for traditional layouts. If you want to go up a tower, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest. Tickets are usually around $25.
Budget about $40 to $80 per day for mid range food and transport. Luxury dining and high end hotels will push that much higher. Download Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, as almost no one uses cash anymore.
Spring (March to May) This is the sweet spot. Temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees F (10 to 21 degrees C). The weather is mild and the city is green. Crowds are moderate, and hotel prices are stable.
Walk through the Former French Concession to see the plane trees. Visit Gucun Park for the cherry blossoms. For food, grab Shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns) from a street stall for about $3.
Summer (June to August) Avoid these months if you can. Temperatures hit 80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C) with extreme humidity. June and July are the rainy season. You will be sweating through your clothes and dealing with sudden downpours.
If you must go, spend your time in air-conditioned malls in Jing'an or the museums. A cold bowl of noodles will cost you around $6 to $10.
Autumn (September to November) This is the peak season. Temperatures are ideal, sitting between 60 and 80 degrees F (15 to 27 degrees C). The sky is usually clear.
Avoid the first week of October. This is Golden Week, a national holiday. Hotels jump from $100 to $250 per night, and landmarks like The Bund or Yu Garden become nearly impassable. If you time it for late October or November, it is perfect. Try Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at a mid-range restaurant for $12 to $20 per person.
Winter (December to February) This is the budget window. Temperatures drop to 32 to 50 degrees F (0 to 10 degrees C). It is not always freezing, but the damp cold cuts through most jackets.
The benefit is the price. You can find quality hotels in Xuhui for $60 to $90. Use this time to visit the Shanghai Tower without waiting in three hour lines. Eat Hongshao Rou (braised pork belly) to stay warm. A hearty dinner for two at a local spot usually costs $25 to $40.
Major Events to Note Lunar New Year usually falls in January or February. The decorations are great, but travel within the city becomes difficult and many small shops close. The Shanghai International Film Festival happens in June, which is a good reason to visit despite the heat if you like cinema.
Quick Price Guide (USD)
- Street food snack: $2 to $5
- Mid-range meal: $15 to $30
- Taxi ride across town: $7 to $15
- Cocktail at a Lujiazui rooftop bar: $18 to $25
- Budget hotel: $40 to $70
- Mid-range hotel: $100 to $160