Best travel tips for Shanghai

Shanghai is a city where ancient temples meet futuristic skylines.

The street food stalls sit beneath luxury malls and every neighborhood tells a different story. It’s one of the most dynamic and fast-paced cities we have ever visited, bold, vibrant, and full of surprises. Whether you are here for a few days or a longer stop on your journey through China, our tips will help you make the most of your Shanghai adventure.

When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Timing your trip can make a big difference.

Spring (March to May): One of the best times to visit. Mild temperatures, blooming parks, and less humidity make for pleasant city exploration.
Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temps regularly over 30°C. Air-conditioned malls and museums offer relief, but outdoor exploring can be draining.
Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and crisp air, ideal for sightseeing and walking tours.
Winter (December to February): Cold but usually dry, with occasional frost. Still great for food lovers and cultural visits.

We visited in the second half of september, and experienced mostly dry weather with warm afternoons and cool evenings, perfect for rooftop views and exploring the city on foot.

How to get to Shanghai?

By Air: Shanghai has two international airports, Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA). Pudong handles most international flights and is well-connected by metro and Maglev bullet train.
By Train: Shanghai is a major stop on China’s high-speed rail network. You can reach Beijing in under 5 hours and Suzhou or Hangzhou in under 1 hour
Visa Policy: Depending on your nationality, you may qualify for a 240-hour visa-freevisit to China. Always double-check the rules here before traveling.

Tip: If you fly into Pudong, Do not miss the Maglev bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It got us downtown in just over 7 minutes! Book it here in advance!

How to get around Shanghai?

Metro: The metro is extensive, affordable, and has signs in English. Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for easy tap-in/tap-out travel.
Taxis: Cheap by Western standards, but drivers often don’t speak English. Show your destination in Chinese characters or use a translation app.
Ride-hailing apps: DiDi is the Chinese version of Uber. Foreign credit cards sometimes don’t work, but DiDi is now integrated in the English Alipay app.

Walking: In areas like the French Concession, walking is the best way to soak up the local charm, tree-lined streets, Art Deco villas, and cozy cafés await.

How to pay in Shanghai?

Paying for things in Shanghai is a very different experience than in most Western countries, it is fast, digital, and almost entirely mobile.

WeChat Pay & Alipay: These are by far the most common payment methods, from restaurants and shops to metro rides and street food stalls.
• The tricky part: Chinese versions are linked to Chinese bank accounts. However, both now have an English version and support international cards (Visa, Mastercard), allowing tourists to use them for short stays.
• You will need to download the app, verify your passport, and add a supported card. Once set up (easy), it is super convenient.
Cash: Technically still accepted, but not everywhere. Many small vendors, cafés, and even ticket machines may not take cash at all.
Credit Cards: Only accepted in hotels, malls, and some large restaurants. Don’t count on using Visa or Mastercard in local places.

Our Tip:
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for tourists before or shortly after you arrive, it will make your trip infinitely easier. We used it for everything: MRT rides, coffee, groceries, even temple donations. No QR code = no payment in Shanghai!

Fun Fact: Even local beggars in Shanghai carry laminated QR codes around their necks, ready for you to scan with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Welcome to the future!

What are the Top Attractions in Shanghai?

From traditional temples to futuristic towers, Shanghai offers a stunning contrast of old and new:

The Bund: A must-visit for views of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Go both day and night like we did!
Yu Garden & Old Town: Classic Chinese architecture and tea houses tucked behind buzzing shopping streets.
Shanghai Tower: China’s tallest building. Take the world’s fastest elevator to the top for a 360° city view.
French Concession: A neighborhood full of history, cafés, boutiques, and leafy charm.
Tianzifang & Xintiandi: Creative hubs with art galleries, eateries, and preserved Shikumen alleys.
Jade Buddha Temple: A tranquil spot to reconnect with tradition amidst the urban hustle.
Nanjing Road: The pedestrian shopping road and district between People’s Park and the Bund

If you want to book tickets in advance to any attraction in Shanghai, for example Shanghai Tower, book them here in advance!

What to eat in Shanghai?

Shanghai is a food lover’s playground, and yes, you will want to eat all day.

Dumplings: Especially xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Try them at Din Tai Fung or a local hole-in-the-wall.
Shengjianbao: Pan-fried buns with juicy fillings, crispy on the outside, soupy on the inside.
Noodles & stir-fry dishes: Often made fresh and bursting with umami.
Street food: In the evenings, head to Shouning Road or local night markets for skewers, fried rice cakes, and sweet treats.
Plant-based options: Buddhist restaurants (often near temples) offer delicious vegetarian versions of classic dishes. Plus, apps like HappyCow help find vegan spots across town.

Where to stay in Shanghai?

The Bund / People’s Square: Central, iconic, and great for first-timers.
French Concession: Leafy, laid-back, and full of cafés and charm.
Jing’an: Trendy and local, with access to both culture and nightlife.
Pudong: Good for luxury stays or business travelers; skyline views are a bonus.

Prices range from affordable hostels to world-class hotels, with everything in between. Book early if you are visiting during Chinese holidays! And always book here!

Useful apps and tools for Shanghai

AliPay:
MetroMan or Explore Shanghai: Easy metro navigation.
Pleco or Google Translate: For language help — lifesavers when menus are only in Chinese.
DiDi: Ride-hailing, now with English interface.
WeChat: Essential if you stay longer — for chat, payments, directions, everything.

Note: Many Western apps (Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram) may be restricted. Use a reliable VPN to stay connected as usual, it works with the right VPN or at hotels with “unrestricted” Wifi connection.

Staying connected in Shanghai

eSIM (Best for Convenience & Quick Setup) (Book your eSIM in advance here)
• Easily purchased online before arrival. Works immediately after landing.
• Great for email, maps, and social media (with VPN).

Local SIM Card (Best for Budget & Full Access)
• China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom offer tourist SIMs with solid coverage and data.
• Bring your passport, registration is required.
• May offer faster speeds and fewer restrictions (especially for Chinese apps).

Our Verdict: An eSIM is perfect for a short visit, especially if you already have a VPN set up. For longer stays or heavier data use, a local SIM is better, just be ready to navigate some red tape.

Budget tips for traveling to Shanghai

Public transport: Metro rides start from under $0.50.
Eat local: Dumpling shops and noodle stalls offer hearty meals for just a few euros.
Free sights: Walk the Bund, explore parks like Fuxing Park, or visit temples.
Prepaid SIM + translation app: Makes navigating and budgeting easier.

Shanghai is still very affordable and can be done on a budget, as long as you eat local, ride the metro, and enjoy the many public spaces and neighborhoods.

Cultural tips for Shanghai

Cashless culture: Locals pay everything with Alipay or WeChat Pay. As a tourist, use Alipay and bring little cash.
Language: English is not widely spoken but people are improving every day in Shanghai. Especially among taxi drivers or in small restaurants, translation apps can help a lot.
Queueing: Not always a given, be assertive in crowds but respectful.
No Google, Instagram, WhatsApp: Download a VPN before arrival if you want access.

Shanghai is modern and fast-paced, but steeped in respect for tradition, a blend that makes it fascinating to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Shanghai

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?
A: For many nationalities, yes. However, China offers a 240-hour visa-free visit for selected countries, perfect for short visits.

Q: Is Shanghai safe for tourists?
A: Very safe. Low street crime, good infrastructure, and plenty of security in public places.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Shanghai?
A: No! Always drink bottled or filtered water, even in hotels.

Q: Do I need a VPN in China?
A: Yes, if you want to access services like Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Facebook.

Q: Should I get a local SIM or an eSIM?
A: For short stays, eSIM is easy. For full connectivity and data, local SIMs are better, especially if you use Chinese apps.

Ready to discover Shanghai?

Shanghai is bold, curious, and constantly evolving, a city that hits all your senses and keeps you wanting more. From sunrise on the Bund to soup dumplings in a side street, every moment has a story. Whether you are passing through or staying a while, Shanghai is sure to leave an impression that lasts long after your trip ends.

Got a question or your own Shanghai tips to share? Drop us a message or find us on Instagram, we would love to hear from you!

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