7-Day Shanghai Itinerary: Explore Culture, Cuisine, and Cityscape

Day 1: Iconic Riverside Views

Shanghai, China on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fuxing Park Café

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the cozy Fuxing Park Café, offering great coffee and Western-Chinese fusion dishes to start your day.
CNY 50, 1h

9:30am

Stroll The Bund

Walk along the historic waterfront promenade and admire iconic colonial architecture and panoramic views of the Pudong skyline.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Dine at Lost Heaven, known for its flavorful Yunnan cuisine and elegant atmosphere with views overlooking the river.
CNY 150, 1h30m

2:00pm

Nanjing Road Shopping

Explore Shanghai’s famous shopping street filled with boutiques, department stores, and local vendors.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Huangpu River Cruise

Take a 1-hour evening cruise on the Huangpu River to see the city illuminated, including the famous skyscrapers of Pudong.
CNY 120, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Savor authentic Shanghai-style xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other delicacies at this well-known restaurant.
CNY 100, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Historic Gardens & Old City

Shanghai, China on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wagas

Start your day with fresh pastries, coffee, and healthy breakfast options at Wagas nearby the Old City.
CNY 60, 1h

9:00am

Yu Garden

Visit the classical Chinese garden featuring traditional pavilions, rockeries, and ponds that showcase Ming Dynasty architecture. Opens 8am-5pm.
CNY 40, 2h

11:30am

Explore Old City Bazaar

Wander the bustling bazaar near Yu Garden for souvenirs, street food, and cultural arts.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Try the famous steamed buns (xiaolongbao) at this historic, local favorite restaurant within the Old City.
CNY 70, 1h

2:30pm

Shanghai Old Street

Walk along this pedestrian street filled with Qing Dynasty style buildings and shops, perfect for photography.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Tea Tasting at Huxinting Teahouse

Experience traditional Chinese tea culture in this historic teahouse adjacent to Yu Garden, open until 6pm.
CNY 80, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Old Jesse

Enjoy authentic Shanghainese cuisine at this beloved local restaurant known for dishes like braised pork belly.
CNY 120, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Art & Culture

Shanghai, China on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café del Volcán

Have an energizing breakfast with excellent coffee and baked goods at this stylish café near People’s Square.
CNY 50, 1h

9:30am

Shanghai Museum

Explore one of China's top museums featuring ancient Chinese art, ceramics, jade, and calligraphy. Open 9am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Grandma's Home

Dine on home-style Shanghainese dishes at this popular chain known for fresh ingredients and welcoming ambiance.
CNY 80, 1h

1:30pm

People's Square & Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Visit People's Square park and the Urban Planning Exhibition Center showcasing Shanghai’s architectural future and history. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY 30, 2h

4:00pm

Photo Walk in Jing'an Temple Area

Relax with a stroll near Jing’an Temple, taking in the mix of modern and traditional architecture and the temple itself.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on Yongfu Road

Sample ethnic Yunnan dishes in a cozy, atmospheric setting in the French Concession area, open until 10pm.
CNY 150, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: French Concession Charm

Shanghai, China on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Enjoy artisanal pastries and breakfast dishes made with fresh, local ingredients in a chic French Concession bakery.
CNY 70, 1h

9:30am

Walk through French Concession

Explore tree-lined streets, historic villas, and boutiques in this charming and artistic neighborhood.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Xintiandi

Head to Xintiandi for lunch in a vibrant area mixing traditional Shikumen architecture and modern shops and cafes.
CNY 150, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Discover a fascinating collection of propaganda posters from 1949 to the 1980s. Open 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
CNY 40, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Fuxing Park

Unwind in this peaceful park with a blend of French and Chinese landscaping styles, great for people-watching.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at El Willy

Enjoy creative Spanish tapas and a lively atmosphere at this trendy restaurant in the heart of the French Concession.
CNY 180, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Modern Skyline & River Views

Shanghai, China on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Moka Bros

Fuel up with healthy, Western-style breakfast options and coffee perfect for gearing up for a day in Pudong.
CNY 60, 1h

9:30am

Oriental Pearl Tower

Visit Shanghai’s iconic skyscraper with observation decks offering sweeping city views and a history museum. Open 8:00am-9:00pm.
CNY 160, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Pudong)

Enjoy world-class dim sum and xiaolongbao in the modern Pudong area for lunch.
CNY 100, 1h

1:30pm

Shanghai Tower

Ascend China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world for breathtaking panoramic views. Open 9:00am-9:30pm.
CNY 180, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Experience impressive marine life exhibits near the Oriental Pearl Tower, open 9am-5pm.
CNY 160, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Nest

Dine at The Nest for innovative seafood and cocktail combinations in a chic setting near the river.
CNY 200, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Water Town Day Trip

Shanghai, China on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick and hearty breakfast at your hotel before the day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Take a 1-hour drive or metro-then-bus trip to this picturesque ancient water town known as ‘Venice of Shanghai.’
CNY 30, 1h

9:00am

Explore Zhujiajiao

Wander canals, ancient bridges, and traditional shops; experience boat rides and sample local snacks. Town opens early and stays lively throughout daytime.
Free entrance; boat ride approx. CNY 60, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Riverfront Eatery

Enjoy fresh river fish and traditional dishes at a small local restaurant by the waterfront.
CNY 80, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Shanghai

Travel back to Shanghai in the afternoon allowing time to rest or explore more at your leisure.
CNY 30, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Nearby Café

Take some time off to recharge before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Sample excellent soup dumplings at this beloved local spot known for quick service and quality. Great for a low-key last dinner in Shanghai.
CNY 50, 1h
View Hotels

Day 7: Last Day Art & Departure

Shanghai, China on July 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Enjoy a calm breakfast with freshly baked goods in the French Concession to start your final day.
CNY 70, 1h

9:30am

Tianzifang Art District

Explore a maze of narrow alleys filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cafés housed in renovated traditional Shikumen buildings.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Montmartre

Enjoy French cuisine with a Shanghai twist in the artistic hub of Tianzifang, open until 2pm for lunch.
CNY 150, 1h30m

2:00pm

Last-minute Shopping or Walk Along the Suzhou Creek

Spend your afternoon soaking in the city ambiance along the Suzhou Creek or picking up last souvenirs.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to your hotel to collect luggage and head to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Hongqiao Airport as per your flight schedule.
Varies, Varies
View Hotels