Itineraries for Your Trip to Shanghai
2 Days in Shanghai for First Timers
With a population of roughly 25 million people, Shanghai is one of the biggest cities on Earth. It certainly feels larger-than-life—its towering skyscrapers soar higher, its lights seem to glow brighter, and its bustle is ceaseless. At least, that’s how it appeared to me on my first Shanghai trip. I was instantly won over by the city’s dynamism and vitality (if slightly overwhelmed by its sheer scale and spectacle).
However, visiting doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and even two days in Shanghai is enough time to see the city’s top attractions (plus squeeze in a half-day trip to a tranquil water town). From major landmarks and museums to must-try bites (including soup dumplings), here’s an essential guide for first-timers.
Shanghai’s climate is subtropical, but it still experiences all four seasons—pack for humid summers and chilly winters.
If you only have time for one thing, make it an evening boat ride along the Huangpu River—it’s a great way to admire skyline favorites like the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Shanghai is known for its record-breaking skyscrapers and ceaseless energy—but it’s not all ultra-modern. Instead, if you’re spending your first time in Shanghai, ease your way in with a morning tour of the atmospheric French Concession. With its leafy parks, historic buildings, and tranquil atmosphere, this segment of Old Shanghai is the perfect place to start your sightseeing (especially when you book a tour that also includes tastings).
After a gentle morning of sightseeing, turn your attention to some of Shanghai’s key cultural hot spots. As part of a guided walking tour, you can discover many of the must-see attractions in Shanghai in one afternoon, from The Bund (a bustling stretch of the Huangpu River waterfront that’s home to numerous historic buildings) and the Jade Buddha Temple to the Yu Garden, a Ming dynasty Chinese garden.
End your first day in town on a high note—quite literally. No Shanghai itinerary for first-time visitors is complete without visiting one of the city’s sky-high observation decks. And they don’t get higher than the one at the Shanghai Tower—officially the tallest building in China. Head up to the 1,791-foot (546-meter) Top of Shanghai Observatory for panoramic views of the sunset.
One of the best things to do in Shanghai for first timers is to leave the city altogether. That’s because Shanghai is located just a quick trip from many of Eastern China’s celebrated “water towns”—historic towns known for their traditional Chinese architecture and picturesque canals. While many are only accessible on a full-day tour, a morning trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town is easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
Once you’re back in town, trade your waterside wandering for an indoor cultural experience. Shanghai is home to a number of fascinating museums, from the vast Shanghai Natural History Museum to the Shanghai Museum (home to Chinese art and artifacts) and the Shanghai History Museum. Whichever you choose, prebook tickets where possible for hassle-free sightseeing—and opt to explore with a guide for a more in-depth experience.
There are few better ways to cap off a 2-day Shanghai itinerary than with an evening sailing trip along the Huangpu River. Rewarded with up-close views of the glittering cityscape, you’ll enjoy prime views of the Pudong skyline and the opportunity to upgrade for an on-board dinner. Some tours even include a rooftop bar-hopping trip, if you really want to make a night of it.
