Top Things to Do in Shanghai in 1 Week (2025 Edition)

Discover the perfect 7day Shanghai itinerary — where modern skyline meets timeless culture, Michelin dining meets street eats, and art, shopping, and nightlife collide in style. Shanghai is more than skyscrapers — it’s a sensory mosaic of food, fashion, culture, and nightlife. In one week, you can taste its contrasts: old vs new, East vs West, heritage vs innovation. Whether you’re here for business, luxury leisure, or creative inspiration, this 7-day plan ensures you experience the city’s full rhythm.

Day 1 – Explore The Bund & Huangpu Riverfront

Start your Shanghai adventure with its most iconic view — The Bund.

Walk the promenade at sunset for sweeping panoramas of the Pudong skyline: Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower glittering across the river.

Don’t miss: A Huangpu River night cruise for photos of the illuminated skyline.

Eat nearby: Rooftop cocktails at KEV (Ex- Bar Rouge), dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund or Hakkasan Shanghai.

Perfect for: First-timers, couples, and content creators chasing that Shanghai postcard shot.

Day 2 – Discover Old Shanghai Charm in Yu Garden & French Concession

Step into the past at Yu Garden (Yuyuan) — a Ming-dynasty gem filled with koi ponds, bridges, and pavilions.

Then, trade history for heritage chic in the French Concession, lined with plane trees, art-deco buildings, boutiques, and cafés.

Top stops: Xintiandi, Tianzifang, Sinan Mansion.

Eat: Brunch at Alimentari, coffee at RAC Café, dinner at Lost Heaven Yunnan, Sichuan Citizen, or Franck Bistro.

Tip: Rent a Mobike or walk — every street hides something photogenic.

Day 3 – Art, Design & Culture

Shanghai’s art scene thrives in creative clusters.

M50 Art District: Contemporary galleries and murals in former factories.

West Bund Art Center: Museums like Long Museum, Yuz Museum, and Tank Shanghai lead the modern-art wave.

Power Station of Art: China’s first state-run contemporary art museum.

Lunch: At Papito Pancake, Saigon Mama, or Table Black on West Bund.

Evening: Catch a performance at Shanghai Grand Theatre or a jazz set at Heyday or Cotton Club.

Day 4 – Shopping & Street Style

Shanghai is Asia’s fashion capital in the making.

Nanjing Road East: For flagships & classic brands.

Huaihai Middle Road: For designer & indie boutiques.

TX Huaihai Mall: A digital-meets-youth culture hub.

Xintiandi Style Mall: For local designers and luxury cafés.

Hidden gems: Anfu Road and Wukang Road — hipster heaven with cafés, art stores, and pop-ups.

Night: Wind down at Penicillin, COA, Speak Low or Sober Company —They are on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.

Day 5 – Culinary Adventure: From Dumplings to Dining Stars

Shanghai’s food culture is legendary — blend of local, regional, and international flavours.

Street food classics: Sheng jian bao (pan-fried buns), xiao long bao (soup dumplings) from Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop or Yang’s Dumplings.

Fine dining: Taian Table, Fu 1015, Ling Long, Da Dong.

Trendy brunches: Egg, Brut Eatery, W Hotel Brunch or The Cannery.

Night market: Try Shouning Road seafood street for spicy crawfish & late-night eats.

Tip: Book Michelin venues weeks in advance.

Day 6 – Modern Marvels of Pudong

Cross the river to Pudong, the symbol of futuristic China.

Landmarks: Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center (the “bottle opener”).

Observation decks: Breathtaking skyline views — best at sunset.

Nearby: Lujiazui Harbour City Mall for luxury dining and IFC Mall for retail therapy.

Evening: Sip champagne at Aura Lounge or Rooftop Bar The Flair (Ritz-Carlton Pudong) or dine at Scena Italian Restaurant.

Optional: Shanghai Disney Resort (30 min drive) — a fun diversion for families. Outlet shopping at Bicester Village

Day 7 – Parks, Relaxation & Nightlife

End your week soaking in the city’s balance of calm and energy.

Morning: Century Park or Fuxing Park for a local stroll or tai chi session.

Spa & wellness: The PuLi Urban Resort Spa, Sense Spa at Mandarin Oriental, or a local foot massage house.

Evening: Celebrate your trip at one of Shanghai’s legendary nightlife spots:

KEV (Ex-Bar Rouge) (The Bund glamour)

The Flair (sky-high clubbing)

Roosevelt or POP (rooftop cocktails)

Fumin Lu & Jululu: Funkadeli, Cantina, Atelier no.3

Wuding Lu: Malabar Sakaba , La Barra, REVO

Pro Tips for Your Shanghai Week

Best season: March–May or September–November for perfect weather.

Transport: Use DiDi, metro app, or Alipay Transit for cashless travel.

Useful apps: WeChat, DiDi, Dianping, Meituan, SmartShanghai, BonApp, and Google Translate (Pinyin mode).

Stay: The Ritz Carlton, The Middle House, Capella Shanghai, The Puli Hotel & Spa, or W Shanghai – The Bund.

Day trips: Zhujiajiao Water Town or Suzhou Old Town are worth a quick escape.