Things to do in Shanghai

Best Things to do in Shanghai

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Shanghai? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 1679 activities in Shanghai, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 287, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Shanghai in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Shanghai

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a city where tradition and modern life meet. On one end, you have centuries-old temples and quiet gardens, while on the other, the skyline of Pudong with glass towers light up every evening.

The contrast is what makes the city exciting to explore. You can start with the Bund for its famous river views, spend time in the French Concession with its tree-lined streets and cafés, or step into a water town just outside the city for a slower pace. The range of things to do in Shanghai stretches from simple daily moments to once-in-a-lifetime sights.

What makes the city stand out is how much it offers. You can spend a morning in a museum, wander through markets in the afternoon, and then take in the skyline at night.

Unique Experiences

Private Tea Ceremony with a Master

This is one of those things to do in Shanghai that allows you to learn the ritual of a tea ceremony from someone who understands it deeply. It’s a gentle reminder of the city’s traditions tucked beneath its modern surface.

• Where: A central Shanghai tea studio with an experienced tea master
• Pricing: It starts from INR 11,000 per person
• Timing: About 2 hours; starts at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round, though cooler months (October to April) make it more comfortable

Morning at Zhujiajiao Water Town

Stepping into Zhujiajiao is like passing into another place altogether with quiet canals, old houses, and a slow boat ride waiting for you. It is undoubtedly one of the most memorable things to do in Shanghai, especially when you want a mix of heritage, calm, and a break from the city hum.

• Where: Zhujiajiao Water Town, around an hour’s drive from central Shanghai
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,700 per person
• Timing: About 4 hours round trip; slots from 8 AM to 12 PM
• When to Visit: September to November for mild weather and manageable crowds

Bicycle Ride Along the Huangpu River in the Early Evening

Pedalling along the river with the skyline lighting up across the way is quietly one of the easiest things to do in Shanghai that feels special. It’s active, atmospheric, and just enough to excite you without wearing you out.

• Where: Starting point near the Bund’s west promenade, ride toward Lujiazui and back
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,200 per person
• Timing: Around 2 hours
• When to Visit: April to October

Top Attractions

The Bund

The Bund is where Shanghai shows its full diversity with colonial-era buildings on one side, and the Pudong skyline shining on the other. It’s one of the most classic things to do in Shanghai, whether you visit in the morning light or when the towers glow at night.

• Where: Zhongshan East 1st Road, along the Huangpu River
• Pricing: Free to explore
• Timing: Open all day and night
• When to Visit: Evenings are best for the skyline lights

Yu Garden

Yu Garden has pavilions, koi ponds, and traditional bridges. It’s both beautiful and historic, ranking among the 10 things to do in Shanghai if you want heritage within walking distance of modern streets.

• Where: No. 218 Anren Street, Old City area
• Pricing: It starts from INR 700 per person
• Timing: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
• When to Visit: March to May and September to November for pleasant weather

Shanghai Tower

Rising high over Pudong, Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the world. The observation deck gives you unmatched views across the city. It’s one of the most modern things to do in Shanghai, and also one of the more interesting things to do in Shanghai if you like cityscapes from above.

• Where: No. 501, Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,000 per person
• Timing: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily
• When to Visit: Clear days year-round, with evenings offering the best mix of sunset and city lights

Sightseeing Tours

Wander through Zhujiajiao Water Town

Just outside the city, this ancient canal town is full of calm charm. You’ll cross stone bridges, float along narrow waterways by boat, and try snacks from stalls along the banks. It’s one of the more relaxed things to do in Shanghai, offering real pace and beauty.

• Where: Zhujiajiao, about an hour from central Shanghai via road
• Pricing: It starts from INR 20,000 per person
• Timing: Around 8 hours total, including town visit and lunch; slots from 8 AM to 10:30 AM
• When to Visit: September to November, for mild weather and fewer crowds

Explore Wuzhen and Xitang on a Water Town Evening Visit

These two water towns offer a nostalgic take on old China with lantern-lit streets and quiet canals. Wandering through them as the light fades is one of the activities in Shanghai that feels unforgettable and rooted in heritage.

• Where: Wuzhen and Xitang, both accessible by road from Shanghai
• Pricing: It starts from INR 23,000 per person
• Timing: About 8 hours; Xitang tour starts around 2:30 PM
• When to Visit: October to April

Day Trips

Full-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town & Shanghai Highlights

Combine the graceful lanes of Zhujiajiao with the beauty of the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, or the city skyline later in the day. It’s a neat way to explore both heritage and architecture in a single stretch of things to do in Shanghai without hopping between hotels.

• Where: Pickup from Zhujiajiao, followed by central city highlights like the Bund and Gardens
• Pricing: It starts from INR 20,600 per person
• Timing: 8 hours approx; usually starts from 8 AM to 10:30 AM
• When to Visit: April to June for clear skies and moderate heat

Day Trip: Hangzhou and West Lake Experience

If you’ve got a full day, heading out to Hangzhou is one of the most rewarding things to do in Shanghai. You can take a boat ride, walk along willow-lined paths, and stop at the Longjing tea plantations for fresh brews. It blends nature, history, and daily life in a way that feels very different from Shanghai’s rush.

• Where: Pickup in Shanghai, then head to Hangzhou (by high-speed train) and explore West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and tea plantations
• Pricing: It starts from INR 23,200 per person
• Timing: About 8 hours; slots from 12 PM to 2 PM
• When to Visit: March to May for spring flowers, or September to November for crisp autumn skies

Boat Tours

Evening Huangpu River Light Cruise

Drifting along the Huangpu River gives you the most striking things to do in Shanghai view with old buildings and neon-lit towers reflecting in the water. It’s a peaceful bridge between the city’s past and its modern energy.

• Where: Embark from a pier near the Bund, cruise along the river
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,100 per person
• Timing: 2 hours 30 minutes; starts at 6:30 PM
• When to Visit: Spring and autumn evenings are best

Private VIP River Cruise with City Lights

With comfort, wine, and high-rise views, this cruise feels a little elevated. You float past illuminated skyscrapers and get dropped back in the heart of town. It’s a breezy, fun thing to do in Shanghai when you want a mesmerising experience on the water.

• Where: Hotel pickup included; private cruise along Huangpu River’s lights
• Pricing: It starts from INR 11,500 per person
• Timing: 3 to 4 hours in the evening; starts at 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM
• When to Visit: Evening cruises are best April through October

Getting Around

• Metro: The metro is fast, clean, and connects most of the big districts. It’s handy when your list of things to do in Shanghai includes both modern sights in Pudong and historic corners in the French Concession.
• Buses: Buses cover more local routes and give you a slower look at street life, as you move from one place to another.
• Taxis: Taxis are easy to find, especially near hotels, malls, and main streets. They’re useful if you want a more customised route while ticking off things to do in Shanghai spread across different districts.
• Walking: While you are walking, you’ll catch small parks, food stalls, and unexpected street performers that add to the rhythm of Shanghai fun things to do.
• Cycling: Bike lanes and shared bikes make it simple to ride through tree-lined streets. This is perfect if you want a little exercise between stops.
• High-speed trains: These connect Shanghai with nearby cities like Hangzhou or Suzhou, allowing you to travel with ease.

Traveller Tips

• Time your visit right: Summers in Shanghai can feel sticky, and winters are often grey and damp. If you want to enjoy outdoor things to do in Shanghai like the Bund or a stroll through Yu Garden, spring and autumn are far more pleasant.
• Keep some small change handy: Not every stall takes cards, especially at food streets or local markets. If you’re planning things to do in Shanghai that involve snacking or picking up souvenirs, coins and smaller notes make life easier.
• Go early for the big sights: Spots like Yu Garden and the Shanghai Tower observation deck fill up quickly. Arriving in the morning means shorter lines and quieter moments.
• Pack for both comfort and style: People in Shanghai tend to dress well, especially in the evenings. If you’re heading for a dinner cruise or a high-rise bar, leaning into the smart look feels right, as it’s a simple way to enjoy the vibe of luxury things to do in Shanghai.
• Don’t skip the small food streets: Beyond the main restaurants, Shanghai’s backstreets are full of dumplings, noodles, and quick bites. Mixing these stops into your list of things to do in Shanghai often ends up being more memorable than a sit-down meal.