Let’s get one thing straight. Shanghai isn’t just a city; it’s a feeling. It’s the thrilling buzz of the world’s future crashing into a past filled with jazz and intrigue.
You can stand in a thousand-year-old garden and then look up at a skyscraper that seems to scratch the sky. It’s a wild, beautiful ride.
So where do you even start in a place this huge and this electric? You start right here. We’ve mapped out the absolute must-see spots, the hidden gems, and the iconic views that define this mega-metropolis.
This is your ultimate list of the best places to visit in Shanghai. Get ready to be obsessed.
1. The Bund: Shanghai’s Iconic Postcard
This is it. The Bund is Shanghai’s famous waterfront, a mile-long stretch of grand historical buildings that tell the story of the city’s past. Walking here is like strolling through an open-air museum of 1920s architecture. You’ve got banks, trading houses, and hotels in styles from Gothic to Art Deco.
But the real magic happens when you look across the Huangpu River. The futuristic skyline of Pudong, with its neon towers, creates a jaw-dropping contrast. It’s old-meets-new in the most dramatic way possible. Go at dusk when the lights begin to flicker on. The view is simply unforgettable.
No trip is complete without this experience. It’s the number one must visit place in Shanghai for a reason.
2. Yu Garden & Bazaar: A Peaceful Escape
Right in the heart of the bustling Old City, you’ll find a 16th-century oasis. Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden masterpiece. It was built during the Ming Dynasty as a place of peace for a high-ranking official.
With its pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and winding paths, it feels a world away from the modern city.
Next door, the Yu Garden Bazaar is a lively maze of traditional buildings. You can shop for souvenirs, sample local snacks like steamed buns, and soak up the energetic atmosphere.
It’s a fantastic spot for people-watching and feeling the city’s historical pulse.
For a dose of serenity and history, this garden is a top Shanghai attraction. It’s a beautiful reminder of the city’s deep roots.
3. Shanghai Tower: Touch the Sky
Ready to see Shanghai from the top of the world? The Shanghai Tower is not just a building; it’s an engineering marvel. As the second-tallest building on the planet at 632 meters (2,073 feet), it dominates the Pudong skyline.
Take the world’s fastest elevators to the 118th-floor observation deck. The 360-degree view will leave you speechless. On a clear day, you can see for miles. The deck itself has a glass floor for the brave. Looking down at the city so far below is a heart-pounding thrill.
For the ultimate panoramic perspective, a visit here is a non-negotiable best thing to do in Shanghai. It puts the entire city at your feet.
4. Tianzifang: Get Lost in the Lanes
Forget big malls. Tianzifang is where you go to discover Shanghai’s creative, artsy soul. This labyrinth of narrow shikumen alleyways in the French Concession has been transformed.
Old stone-gate houses are now home to independent art studios, quirky boutiques, cozy cafes, and craft shops.
You can spend hours getting lost, poking into tiny stores, and finding unique souvenirs. The vibe is laid-back, bohemian, and utterly charming.
It’s a living neighborhood, so you’ll see laundry hanging and locals chatting, all mixed in with the creative buzz.
For a shopping and exploring experience with real character, Tianzifang is one of the most unique places to see in Shanghai.
5. Shanghai Museum: A Journey Through Time
History lovers, this is your paradise. Located on People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum is a world-class institution shaped like an ancient bronze cooking vessel. Inside, you’ll find one of the finest collections of Chinese art in the world, with over 120,000 pieces.
The galleries are beautifully organized. You can wander through rooms dedicated to ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, calligraphy, and minority costumes.
The quality is stunning. It’s a quiet, air-conditioned haven that offers a deep dive into thousands of years of culture.
Spending an afternoon here is one of the most enriching Shanghai places to visit. It’s a masterpiece of a museum.
6. Nanjing Road: The Shopper’s Dream
Feel like seeing Shanghai in full swing? Head to Nanjing Road. This is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, stretching for miles.
The pedestrianized section near People’s Square is a spectacle of lights, giant screens, and endless crowds.
You’ll find everything here, from historic department stores to international luxury brands and every kind of shop in between. Even if you’re not buying, the energy is electric. It’s the pulse of modern consumer Shanghai, loud, bright, and always moving.
For a sheer sensory overload and a true taste of the city’s modern life, walking Nanjing Road is a classic Shanghai must-do.
7. Zhujiajiao Water Town: A Day Trip to Venice of the East
Want to escape the skyscrapers for a day? Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town about an hour from central Shanghai. With a history stretching back 1,700 years, it’s a peaceful world of canals, stone bridges, and Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.
Take a relaxing boat ride along the canals, wander the narrow cobbled streets, and visit traditional gardens. You can see local life unfolding along the water. The Kezhi Garden here is particularly beautiful. It’s a slower, more romantic side of the region.
For a perfect change of pace, this water town is a beloved best place to visit near Shanghai. It’s a postcard come to life.
8. Shanghai Natural History Museum: For the Curious Mind
This isn’t your average stuffy museum. The Shanghai Natural History Museum is a architectural wonder, with a striking design inspired by the nautilus shell. It’s massive, modern, and incredibly interactive.
You’ll walk beneath the skeleton of a massive blue whale, come face-to-face with lifelike dinosaur recreations, and explore exhibits on everything from African wildlife to human evolution. It’s fantastically engaging for kids and adults alike. The building itself is a work of art.
For a fun, educational, and visually stunning day out, this is a top choice for family-friendly Shanghai attractions. You’ll leave amazed.
9. Former French Concession: Stroll Under the Planes
Put on your walking shoes. The Former French Concession is one of Shanghai’s most charming districts. Its tree-lined avenues, filled with plane trees, are lined with beautiful European-style villas, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants.
Areas like Xintiandi and Ferguson Lane blend historic shikumen houses with modern luxury. You can wander for hours, popping into art galleries, designer stores, and quiet cafes. The atmosphere is relaxed, elegant, and distinctly different from the downtown bustle.
For a picturesque walk and a glimpse into Shanghai’s cosmopolitan history, this neighborhood is an essential place to go in Shanghai. It’s effortlessly cool.
10. Jing’an Sculpture Park: Art in the Open Air
Need a green break in the urban jungle? Right next to the bustling Jing’an district, you’ll find this modern urban park. It’s not just lawns and trees; it’s a dynamic outdoor gallery for contemporary sculpture.
Massive, thought-provoking artworks from Chinese and international artists are scattered throughout.
The park seamlessly connects to the natural history museum, making for a perfect combined visit. Locals come here to relax, fly kites, and enjoy the open space.
For a free, creative, and relaxing escape, this park is a lovely and often overlooked Shanghai site to visit.
11. M50 Creative Park: The Art District
Shanghai’s answer to New York’s SoHo, M50 is the city’s premier contemporary art district. Housed in a converted riverside textile factory, its raw industrial spaces are now packed with dozens of art galleries, studios, and design shops.
You can spend a whole afternoon gallery-hopping, meeting artists, and discovering cutting-edge Chinese art. The vibe is gritty, authentic, and buzzing with creative energy. It’s a world away from the commercial glitz of Nanjing Road.
For anyone interested in modern art and culture, M50 is a must-visit destination in Shanghai. It’s the city’s beating creative heart.
12. Huangpu River Cruise: See the City from the Water
To truly understand Shanghai’s dual personality, you have to get on the river. A Huangpu River cruise offers the best seats in the house. As you glide along the water, you’ll pass the grand buildings of The Bund on one side and the sci-fi skyline of Pudong on the other.
Opt for an evening cruise when both shores are brilliantly lit up. The reflections on the water are magical. It’s a relaxing way to cover a lot of ground and see the city’s iconic sights from a unique, unforgettable angle.
For a classic and romantic perspective, this cruise is consistently one of the best activities in Shanghai.
13. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: An Underwater Journey
Located right in Pudong near the Oriental Pearl Tower, this aquarium is one of Asia’s best. Its standout feature is the breathtaking long underwater tunnel. You’ll be surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and schools of colorful fish swimming all around you.
The exhibits are organized by world regions, from the Yangtze River basin to the frigid Antarctic. The penguins are a huge hit. It’s well-designed, educational, and provides a wonderful, immersive escape for visitors of all ages.
For a guaranteed fun and fascinating outing, this aquarium is a premier family attraction in Shanghai.
14. Century Park: Shanghai’s Green Lung
In the heart of Pudong, Century Park is the city’s largest ecological green space. It feels more like a national park than an urban one. You can rent bicycles or boats, have a picnic on the vast lawns, visit the bird sanctuary, or simply stroll around the large lake.
The park is beautifully landscaped with gardens, forests, and wetlands. It’s where locals go to exercise, relax, and breathe fresh air. If the city’s pace gets overwhelming, this is your perfect, peaceful reset button.
For outdoor recreation and relaxation, Century Park is a fantastic place to visit in Shanghai. It’s a true urban oasis.
15. Shanghai Disney Resort: A Touch of Magic
Bringing a bit of pixie dust to Shanghai, this resort is a massive, world-class destination. It’s not just a copy of other parks; it has unique attractions like the thrilling TRON Lightcycle Power Run and the stunning Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.
Disney Town offers shopping and dining, and you can stay in the themed hotels. The attention to detail and scale are incredible. It’s a full-day (or more) adventure that promises fun for the young and the young at heart.
For a magical, immersive escape, this is a top-tier Shanghai destination for families and Disney fans.
16. Power Station of Art: The Free Art Giant
Housed in a former power plant, the Power Station of Art is China’s first state-run contemporary art museum. And guess what? Admission is free. The industrial space is vast and dramatic, perfect for large-scale installations and major exhibitions.
It hosts the famous Shanghai Biennale. The shows here are often bold, political, and thought-provoking. The rooftop offers great views of the river and Pudong. It’s a place to see what Chinese artists are thinking about right now.
For cutting-edge culture without the price tag, this museum is a crucial stop for any art lover exploring Shanghai’s best places.
Conclusion
Shanghai is a city that refuses to be pinned down. It’s a thrilling dance between ancient gardens and cloud-piercing towers, quiet water towns and buzzing shopping streets. Every corner offers a new story.
Your adventure is waiting. Book that flight, mark this map, and dive headfirst into the energy. This list of the best places to visit in Shanghai is just the beginning. Now go write your own story in this unbelievable city.