Shanghai rewards a plan. This 3-day itinerary groups the city by area so you spend your time seeing Shanghai rather than crossing it — with a complete day-by-day schedule below, plus where to stay, eat and get around for every budget.
Day 1 Historic Waterfronts & European Elegance
Stroll Along The Bund
Begin your Shanghai journey with a captivating walk along The Bund, admiring the majestic colonial-era architecture that lines the Huangpu River. Witness the stark contrast with Pudong's futuristic skyline across the water. This iconic promenade offers unparalleled photo opportunities.
Explore Yu Garden & Old City God Temple Area
Delve into the heart of old Shanghai. Wander through the exquisite classical Chinese gardens of Yu Garden, a serene oasis amidst the bustling Old City. Afterward, explore the vibrant surrounding market streets and the historic City God Temple, sampling local snacks and soaking in the traditional atmosphere.
Traditional Shanghai Lunch
Enjoy an authentic Shanghai lunch in the Old City, perhaps sampling xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) or other local delicacies from a highly-regarded, non-touristy eatery tucked away on a side street.
Wander the French Concession
Immerse yourself in the tree-lined avenues and historic villas of the former French Concession. Explore streets like Wukang Road and Fuxing Road, admiring the unique blend of Art Deco architecture and charming boutiques. Discover hidden cafes and art galleries.
Dinner & Rooftop Cocktails
Indulge in a sophisticated dinner within the French Concession, choosing from a range of elegant restaurants. Conclude your day with a memorable cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking The Bund, enjoying the dazzling night lights of both the historic and modern skylines.
Day 2 Futuristic Visions & Artistic Expressions
Ascend a Pudong Skyscraper
Cross over to the Pudong district and ascend one of its iconic skyscrapers, such as the Shanghai Tower or the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city, truly appreciating Shanghai's rapid development and architectural prowess from above.
Explore Lujiazui Financial District
Wander through the futuristic landscape of Lujiazui. Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (if open) to understand the city's incredible growth, or explore the modern Pudong Art Museum.
Upscale Lunch in Lujiazui
Enjoy a sophisticated lunch within one of Lujiazui's high-end shopping malls (like IFC Mall) or a restaurant offering views, sampling contemporary Chinese or international cuisine.
Discover M50 Creative Park
Journey to M50 Creative Park, a vibrant contemporary art district housed in former industrial buildings. Browse numerous galleries, studios, and art spaces showcasing cutting-edge Chinese and international artwork. It's a fantastic spot for art lovers and unique souvenirs.
Jing'an District Dinner & Temple Night View
Head to the Jing'an District for dinner, known for its mix of modern establishments and traditional charm. After your meal, witness the illuminated Jing'an Temple, a stunning contrast of ancient Buddhist architecture against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers.
Day 3 Cultural Depths & Local Lifestyle
Immerse in Shanghai Museum
Spend your morning at the Shanghai Museum in People's Square, one of China's finest museums. Explore its extensive collections of ancient Chinese art, bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and more, offering deep insights into thousands of years of Chinese culture.
Observe Local Life in People's Park
Step into People's Park, a vibrant green space in the heart of the city. Witness local life unfold, from tai chi practitioners and dancers to the famous 'marriage market' where parents seek suitable partners for their adult children. A truly unique cultural experience.
Stylish Lunch in Xintiandi
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Xintiandi, a car-free area known for its reconstructed traditional 'shikumen' (stone-gate houses) that now house upscale restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. It's a blend of old Shanghai charm and modern sophistication.
Wander Tianzifang Art Lanes
Explore Tianzifang, a labyrinthine maze of narrow alleyways filled with art studios, quirky boutiques, craft shops, and charming cafes and bars. Similar to Xintiandi but with a more bohemian and less polished feel, it's perfect for discovering unique treasures.
Huangpu River Cruise & Farewell Dinner
Conclude your Shanghai adventure with a spectacular evening Huangpu River cruise. Witness the city's iconic landmarks illuminated against the night sky, offering a truly magical perspective. Follow with a memorable farewell dinner at a premium restaurant, perhaps on The Bund or in the French Concession.
Where to stay, eat & get around
Shanghai works on every budget. Here is how it breaks down across three tiers.
🛌 Where to stay
🚉 Getting around
🍽 Where to eat
💰 Estimated daily cost
Want this plan in your pocket?
Get this full Shanghai itinerary — with maps, calendar sync and offline access — free in the Plan My Travel app. Every city includes a free 2-day preview.
Get the free appShanghai in 3 days: common questions
Is 3 days enough to see Shanghai?
Yes — 3 days covers the main highlights of Shanghai when you group attractions by area to cut travel time, which this day-by-day itinerary does.
How much does 3 days in Shanghai cost?
Plan on roughly $250 per day for this trip, excluding international flights. Costs vary with your choice of hotels, dining and transport.
What is the best way to get around Shanghai?
The itinerary above includes a transit strategy for Shanghai across budget, mid-range and luxury options — from public transport to private transfers.
Unlock bonus travel perks
Enter your email to win bonus multi-day itineraries, custom budget templates, and curated food & hotel recommendations for 150+ global cities — plus weekly surprises straight to your inbox.