Want an itinerary like this for your trip?
Tell us where you're going and get a personalized plan in seconds — completely free.
Plan My Trip

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

Viewed by 770 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Shanghai

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
Find Hotels in Shanghai

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
Find Hotels in Shanghai

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
Find Hotels in Shanghai

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
Find Hotels in Shanghai

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
Find Hotels in Shanghai

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
Find Hotels in Shanghai
0

More About shanghai

Trip Packing List: Shanghai (late Feb–early Mar 2026)
Packing List
32-Day Winter: Tokyo → Europe (Amsterdam, Bordeaux/Paris stopover, London, Lucerne/Zurich + Mt Titlis 2–3 days) → Shanghai stopover
Packing List
Shanghai Weather & Climate: A Year-Round Guide for Travelers
Weather Guide
Essential Tips Before Visiting Shanghai, China
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your shanghai Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go