3 Days in Shanghai Things to Do and Must Sees, Hotels and Where to Stay

Travel Tips in Shanghai China:

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture. To make the most of your visit to this cosmopolitan city, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:

Take advantage of the efficient public transportation system in Shanghai, which includes the metro, buses, and taxis. The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city.
Make sure to carry a map or a translation app with you, as English is not widely spoken in Shanghai.
Be cautious of scams targeting tourists, such as overcharging at restaurants or shops. Always double-check prices before making a purchase.
Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering a home or temple.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as Shanghai can get hot and humid during the summer months.
Try the local cuisine, including famous dishes like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings).
Visit popular tourist attractions during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long lines.
Stay in a centrally located hotel to easily access major sights and transportation hubs.

Top Sites and Monuments to Visit in Shanghai / Things to Do in Shanghai:

The Bund: A historic waterfront area in Shanghai with colonial-era buildings. Pricing: Free to visit Reference link: The Bund
Yu Garden: A classical Chinese garden located in the Old Town area of Shanghai. Pricing: Entrance fee around 30 CNY Reference link: Yu Garden
Shanghai Museum: Houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese artifacts and art. Pricing: Free admission Reference link: Shanghai Museum
Tianzifang: An arts and crafts district with narrow alleyways and trendy boutiques. Pricing: Free to wander, shopping prices vary Reference link: Tianzifang
Shanghai Tower: The second-tallest building in the world offering panoramic city views. Pricing: Observation deck ticket priced at 180 CNY Reference link: Shanghai Tower
French Concession: A charming area with tree-lined streets, cafes, and boutiques. – Pricing: Free to explore, shopping and dining costs vary – Reference link: French Concession
Xintiandi: A stylish pedestrian street with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Pricing: Free to walk around, costs for dining and shopping vary Reference link: Xintiandi
Shanghai World Financial Center: Known for its distinctive bottle opener shape and observation deck. Pricing: Observation deck ticket priced at 180 CNY Reference link: Shanghai World Financial Center
Jade Buddha Temple: A famous Buddhist temple featuring two jade Buddha statues from Burma. Pricing: Entrance fee around 20 CNY Reference link: Jade Buddha Temple
Longhua Temple: One of the oldest and largest ancient temples in Shanghai with a pagoda.
- Pricing: Entrance fee around 10 CNY
- Reference link: Longhua Temple
Power Station of Art: Contemporary art museum housed in a converted power plant.
- Pricing: Free admission to most exhibits
- Reference link: Power Station of Art
Oriental Art Center: A cultural complex with theaters, galleries, and performance spaces. – Pricing: Prices vary depending on events and shows – Reference link: Oriental Art Center
People’s Square: A large public square in the heart of Shanghai surrounded by important buildings.
- Pricing: Free to visit
- Reference link: People’s Square
Shanghai Wild Animal Park: A zoo with a large collection of animals and interactive experiences.
- Pricing: Entrance fee around 130 CNY
- Reference link: Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Century Park: The largest park in Shanghai with lakes, gardens, and walking paths.
- Pricing: Entrance fee around 10 CNY
- Reference link: Century Park
Nanjing Road: A bustling shopping street with a mix of luxury boutiques and traditional shops.
- Pricing: Free to walk around, shopping prices vary
- Reference link: Nanjing Road
Zhujiajiao Water Town: A historic water town with canals, bridges, and ancient buildings.
- Pricing: Entrance fee around 80 CNY
- Reference link: Zhujiajiao Water Town
Shanghai Natural History Museum: A museum displaying natural history exhibits including dinosaur skeletons.
- Pricing: Free admission to most exhibits
- Reference link: Shanghai Natural History Museum
Shanghai Disneyland: A theme park with rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.
- Pricing: Ticket prices vary, starting from 399 CNY
- Reference link: Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum: A museum documenting the Jewish refugee history in Shanghai during World War II.
- Pricing: Entrance fee around 20 CNY
- Reference link: Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum

Don’t forget to get Travel Insurance Before You Travel

If you’re looking for travel insurance, we recommend the following travel insurance provider:

Our Top Travel Gear and Equipment Recommendations: Best Camera, Photo and Video Equipment for Your Travels

If you’re interested in our recommended travel gear and photo/video equipment:

Best and Most Useful Travel Gear:

Best photo / video cameras and equipment for Travel:
- Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras
- Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras for Amateur and Professional Photographers
- Best Drones and Aerial Photography Cameras
- Best Tripods, Monopods and Selfie Sticks for Photography and Videography

Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones, Best Laptops and Computers for Travel:
- Best Laptops and Computers for Travel and Remote Work
- Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones for Travel, Photo and Video

Day 1:

Visit The Bund and take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to admire the skyline of Pudong.
Explore Yu Garden and the surrounding Old Town to experience traditional Chinese architecture and gardens.
Have dinner at a local restaurant to try authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 2:

Spend the morning at the Shanghai Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture.
Take a river cruise on the Huangpu River to see the city from a different perspective.
Visit Tianzifang, a trendy arts and crafts district, for shopping and souvenirs.

Day 3:

Start the day with a visit to the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world, for panoramic views of the city.
Explore the French Concession area for charming streets, cafes, and boutiques.
End your trip with a visit to Xintiandi, a stylish pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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Top Rated Hotels in Shanghai / Where to Stay in Shanghai

Shanghai is a dynamic city with a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are some highly-rated hotels in different price ranges:

Best Reviewed Shanghai Hotels priced over $200 per night:

Best Shanghai Hotels priced between $100 to $200 per night:

Highest Rated Shanghai Hotels priced between $50 to $100 per night:

Top Shanghai hotels priced below $50 per night:

We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you plan your trip to Shanghai in China and make the most of your time in this fascinating city. Enjoy your travels!

Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.

For more about China, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Guilin, Chengdu, Xi’an, Xiamen and more China travel destinations read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.

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