Shanghai in Three Days: An Itinerary

Shanghai rewards a short visit if you accept one thing: the city is large, and the best days mix a few big sights with a lot of walking. This three-day plan keeps travel time low, uses the metro, and leaves room for meals.

Day one: the river and the skyline

Start on the Bund in the morning, before the tour groups arrive. The waterfront promenade looks across the Huangpu River to Pudong, and the historic buildings on the Bund side are best seen in soft light.

Walk north or south along the river, then take the metro or the ferry across to Pudong. The ferry is a cheap, pleasant way to cross and gives a different view of both banks.

In Pudong, choose one tall building rather than several. The observation decks are impressive but expensive, and the queues grow through the day. The surrounding area is also worth a walk, especially the elevated walkways and the riverside paths.

In the evening, return to the Bund for the lights, or eat in the older streets behind it. The area is busy at night; book dinner if you have a particular place in mind.

Day two: the former French Concession

The old concession area is the best place to spend a slow day. Plane trees, low buildings, small shops and cafés make it walkable and pleasant.

A workable route:

• Start near Wukang Road and walk south through the quiet streets.
• Stop at a local breakfast shop for soy milk, congee or steamed buns.
• Visit one small museum or historic residence rather than trying to see them all.
• Have lunch in a neighbourhood restaurant, then continue on foot.
• End the afternoon at a tea house or café, and eat dinner nearby.

The pleasure here is not a checklist. It is the pace: side streets, small parks, shopfronts and the feeling of a city that is lived in rather than performed.

Day three: water town or art district

For the third day, choose one direction.

A water town such as Zhujiajiao makes a good half-day trip. Canals, stone bridges and old lanes are the attraction. Go early, accept that it is popular, and return to the city for the afternoon.

The West Bund is the alternative: a riverside strip of museums, galleries and open space. It is calmer than the centre and easy to combine with a long walk. Check opening days before you go, as many museums close on Mondays.

Either choice leaves time for a final meal and a last walk.

Getting around

The metro is the backbone. It is fast, cheap and signed in English. Buy a ticket at the machine or use the metro QR code in Alipay or WeChat.

For shorter trips, walking is often the best option, especially in the concession area. Didi is useful at night or with luggage. Shared bikes work well along the river and in quieter districts.

Food notes

Shanghai food is sweeter and lighter than the inland cuisines. Try xiaolongbao, scallion oil noodles, shengjian bao and red-braised dishes. Breakfast is a good meal to eat out; the city has a strong morning food culture.

Practical timing

• The Bund is best early morning and after dark.
• Museums are busiest at weekends; go on a weekday if you can.
• Allow 45 minutes between districts; Shanghai distances are larger than they look.
• Keep one evening unscheduled. The city is at its best when you are not rushing to the next stop.

Three days will not cover Shanghai. They are enough to see how the city works, and to know which part you would return to.

Details change. Confirm current prices, opening hours and entry rules before you rely on them.