3 Days in Shanghai 2025: The Perfect Modern Metropolis Itinerary
Discover Shanghai in 3 perfect days: Bund views, French Concession charm, Pudong heights, and water towns. Complete itinerary with timings, costs, and insider tips.
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What's the perfect 3-day itinerary for Shanghai, China?
Spend Day 1 exploring the historic Bund and Old City, Day 2 discovering French Concession charm and museums, and Day 3 experiencing futuristic Pudong and water towns. Budget ¥250-500 per day including metro and attractions.
Related questions:
- • How much does 3 days in Shanghai cost?
- • What's the best area to stay in Shanghai?
- • Is 3 days enough for Shanghai?
Your 3-Day Shanghai Adventure
TL;DR: Explore Shanghai's highlights in 3 action-packed days covering 17 attractions with a budget of €¥750-¥3000 per person.
- 1 Day 1 covers the iconic Bund, Yu Garden, and Old City temples (¥50-100 in fees)
- 2 Day 2 explores French Concession lanes, art museums, and Xintiandi (¥80-150 entries)
- 3 Day 3 features Pudong's skyscrapers and optional water town visit (¥150-300 total)
- 4 Book Shanghai Tower tickets online to skip queues, especially for sunset slots
- 5 Stay in French Concession for charm or near People's Square for convenience
- 6 Total 3-day budget: ¥750-1500 (budget), ¥1500-3000 (mid-range), ¥3000+ (luxury) per person
Shanghai dazzles with its extraordinary blend of colonial elegance and futuristic skylines, where Art Deco mansions line tree-shaded streets just minutes from the world's second-tallest building. This carefully crafted 3-day itinerary balances iconic Bund views with hidden garden oases, from morning tai chi in Fuxing Park to cocktails atop cloud-piercing towers. With daily costs ranging from ¥250 to ¥1000 per person, Shanghai offers everything from street food adventures to Michelin-starred dining experiences. The best time to visit is April-May or September-November when temperatures are comfortable for exploring on foot. This itinerary covers approximately 22 kilometers through China's most cosmopolitan metropolis, revealing both its glamorous surface and authentic local life.
Your 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary
Day 1: The Bund & Old Shanghai
Historic Shanghai
Day 1
Journey from colonial-era grandeur along the famous Bund to ancient temples and classical gardens in the atmospheric Old City
Total Cost
CNY250-800
Walking Distance
8 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 8 km journey!
Day 1 Schedule
Morning (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
The Bund (Waitan)
Start with a morning stroll along Shanghai's most famous waterfront. The 1.5km promenade showcases 52 historic buildings on one side and Pudong's futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River
💡 Tip: Morning light best for photos of Pudong. Return at night for illuminated buildings. Free Bund History Museum in basement
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Walk west on China's premier shopping street. Mix of heritage department stores, modern malls, and street performers
💡 Tip: Tourist prices on main drag. Side streets have better local shops. Try the tourist train for ¥10
People's Square
Shanghai's central square with museums, theaters, and the famous marriage market on weekends where parents advertise their children
💡 Tip: Weekend marriage market 12-5 PM is fascinating. Urban Planning Museum worth a quick visit for city model
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Jia Jia Tang Bao • Shanghai soup dumplings
💰 CNY30-60 per person
Must try: Pork soup dumplings, Crab meat dumplings, Shrimp wontons
Budget option: Yang's Fry Dumplings for ¥15-25
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
Explore this 400-year-old classical Chinese garden with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. The surrounding bazaar offers traditional crafts and snacks
💡 Tip: Visit on weekdays or early morning to avoid crowds. Garden less crowded than bazaar. Combo ticket includes all areas
Old City Temples
Wander the atmospheric old streets visiting City God Temple and surrounding traditional architecture
💡 Tip: City God Temple is active Taoist site. Respectful dress. Streets around temple have best snacks
Huangpu River Walk
Return to the Bund area via the riverside promenade. Great views and less crowded than main Bund
💡 Tip: South Bund has trendy cafes and galleries. Cool Docks area good for drinks
Evening (6:30 PM onwards)
Duration: 3+ hours
Bund Evening Lights
Return to the Bund for the spectacular evening illumination. Buildings light up at dusk creating magical atmosphere
💡 Tip: Arrive 30 min before sunset for transition. Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to Pudong is touristy but fun (¥70)
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
Lost Heaven • Yunnan ethnic cuisine
💰 CNY150-300 per person
Must try: Tea-smoked duck, Wild mushroom hot pot, Dai minority dishes
Romantic colonial villa with exotic decor
🌙 Evening Options
- • Bar Rouge - Bund rooftop views, ¥100-150 cocktails
- • Peace Hotel Jazz Bar - Old Shanghai glamour, ¥120 cover
- • Huangpu River cruise - ¥100-150 for night views
🚇 Getting Around
start Point: East Nanjing Road metro (Lines 2/10)
end Point: Bund area
public Transport: Metro Line 10 covers most stops, Bus 20 along Bund
walking Route: Mostly walkable, 8km total
taxi Tips: ¥15-25 between areas, use Didi app
🏨 Where to Stay: Stay near People's Square for Day 1 convenience. Budget: ¥200-400 hostels, Mid-range: ¥600-1200 hotels near Nanjing Road
Day 2: French Concession & Cultural Shanghai
Culture & Lifestyle
Day 2
Explore tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, world-class museums, and the trendy Xintiandi entertainment district
Total Cost
CNY300-900
Walking Distance
7 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 7 km journey!
Day 2 Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
French Concession Walking Tour
Wander the plane tree-lined streets of Shanghai's most charming neighborhood. Historic villas, boutique shops, and hidden cafes await
💡 Tip: Start at Wukang Road for best architecture. Download a self-guided tour app. Early morning has best light and fewer crowds
Fuxing Park
Join locals for morning exercises in this French-style park. Ballroom dancing, tai chi, and Chinese opera practice create unique atmosphere
💡 Tip: 7-9 AM most active. Free dancing lessons if you're brave. Rose garden beautiful in season
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Jesse Restaurant • Shanghainese home-style
💰 CNY60-120 per person
Must try: Hong shao rou (red-braised pork), Lion's head meatballs, Stir-fried river shrimp
Local favorite, no-frills authentic
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Shanghai Museum
World-class collection of Chinese art including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. Building shaped like ancient cooking vessel
💡 Tip: Free entry but bring passport. Audio guide worth ¥40. Don't miss bronze and ceramic galleries
Xintiandi
Restored shikumen (stone gate) houses turned into upscale shopping and dining complex. Also visit the site of Communist Party's first meeting
💡 Tip: Overpriced shopping but nice for window browsing and people watching. CCP museum free and interesting
Evening (6:30 PM onwards)
Duration: 3+ hours
Tianzifang
Explore this artsy maze of narrow alleys filled with galleries, craft shops, cafes, and bars in renovated shikumen buildings
💡 Tip: Gets packed on weekends. Better prices than Xintiandi. Rooftop bars for sunset views
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
Din Tai Fung • Taiwanese soup dumplings
💰 CNY100-200 per person
Must try: Xiaolongbao, Truffle dumplings, Pork chop fried rice
Michelin-starred dumpling perfection
🚇 Getting Around
walkability: French Concession best explored on foot
metro Stops: Shanghai Library, Hengshan Road, Xintiandi
bike Option: Mobike/Hello perfect for lane hopping
taxi Note: Hard to find in narrow lanes, walk to main roads
🏨 Where to Stay: French Concession boutique hotels offer best atmosphere ¥800-2000, or Airbnb in lane houses
Day 3: Futuristic Pudong & Water Towns
Modern Meets Ancient
Day 3
Ascend Shanghai's space-age skyscrapers for breathtaking views, then escape to ancient water towns for a glimpse of traditional Jiangnan culture
Total Cost
CNY350-1000
Walking Distance
7 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 7 km journey!
Day 3 Schedule
Morning (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Shanghai Tower
Ascend the world's second-tallest building to the observation deck on the 118th floor. The world's fastest elevators whisk you up in under a minute
💡 Tip: Book online for discount and timed entry. Clear mornings best for views. Bring jacket - AC is strong
Lujiazui Central Green Space
Circular elevated walkway connecting Pudong's skyscrapers. Great for photos and understanding the scale of the financial district
💡 Tip: Free to walk. Best angle for three towers photo. Morning exercisers add local flavor
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
One of Asia's largest aquariums with the world's longest underwater tunnel. Great for families or escaping weather
💡 Tip: Skip if doing water town. Combo tickets with other attractions available. Avoid weekends
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Super Brand Mall Food Court • Various Asian cuisines
💰 CNY40-100 per person
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Escape to this 1,700-year-old water town with canals, bridges, and traditional architecture. Called 'Venice of Shanghai'
💡 Tip: Takes 1 hour each way. Go independently by bus (¥12) from Pu'an Road Station or tour (¥150-200). Weekdays much less crowded
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Duration: 3+ hours
Nanjing West Road
Return to city center for evening shopping and dining along Shanghai's other famous commercial street
💡 Tip: More upscale than Nanjing East Road. Jing'an Temple beautifully lit at night
🏨 Where to Stay: Stay near Jing'an or People's Square for easy airport access on departure day
Complete Budget Breakdown
Complete 3-day costs per person in Shanghai, excluding accommodation. All prices in CNY (¥) for 2025.
Budget Traveler
💰¥250-400 per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Eat at local restaurants and food courts
- • Many museums free with passport
- • Walk French Concession instead of taxis
- • Happy hour drinks at Western bars
3-Day Total
¥750-1200
Attractions
¥300-450 total
Meals
¥240-450 total
Transport
¥60-120
Extras
¥150-180 (souvenirs, snacks)
Mid-Range
💎¥500-800 per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Mix street food with nice restaurants
- • Book combo tickets online for savings
- • Take taxis during rush hour
- • One rooftop bar experience daily
3-Day Total
¥1500-2400
Attractions
¥450-750 total
Meals
¥600-1050 total
Transport
¥150-300
Extras
¥300-300 (shopping, drinks)
Luxury
👑¥1000+ per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Michelin restaurants require reservations
- • Private guides offer insider access
- • Helicopter tours available
- • Spa treatments at luxury hotels
3-Day Total
¥3000+
Attractions
¥900-1500
Meals
¥1500+
Transport
¥600+
Extras
¥500+ (shopping, experiences)
💡 Smart Money-Saving Tips
Shanghai Museum and many galleries are free
Metro day pass (¥18) after 3 trips
Lunch sets at restaurants 30-50% cheaper than dinner
French Concession best explored on foot
University area restaurants welcome public
✨ Worth the Splurge
Shanghai Tower at sunset - unforgettable views ¥180
Lost Heaven dinner - unique Yunnan cuisine ¥200
ERA Acrobatics show - world-class performance ¥280
Bund rooftop cocktails - iconic experience ¥100+
Note: All prices are estimates for 2025 and exclude accommodation. Actual costs may vary by season and booking timing. Prices shown in EUR.
Essential Planning Tips
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-November offer pleasant weather. Avoid Chinese holidays and July-August heat. March sees plum blossoms, November has clear skies.
Getting Around
Shanghai Metro is excellent (¥3-10 per trip). Download Metro Man app. DiDi works for foreigners with international cards. Taxis plentiful but drivers rarely speak English.
Digital Payments
Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate. Many places don't accept cash. Link international card to Alipay for tourists or bring sufficient cash.
Language Tips
More English spoken than Beijing. Download Pleco dictionary. Have hotel write addresses in Chinese. Learn 'xie xie' (thank you) and 'duo shao qian' (how much).
Internet Access
Google, Facebook, Instagram blocked. Download VPN before arrival. Many cafes have WiFi. Get local SIM at airport for ¥100-200.
Cultural Etiquette
No tipping expected. Queue jumping common but frowned upon. Slurping noodles is fine. Business cards exchanged with two hands.
Customize Your Itinerary
Customize your 3 days based on interests and travel style
Art & Design
- ✓ Add Power Station of Art (Day 1)
- ✓ Full day M50 + West Bund art (Day 3)
- ✓ Rockbund Art Museum (Day 1)
- ✓ Design Republic shopping (Day 2)
Additional cost: ¥200-400 for galleries and tours
Food Adventure
- ✓ Morning wet market tour (Day 2)
- ✓ Cooking class in French Concession (Day 2)
- ✓ Street food tour instead of mall (Day 3)
- ✓ Michelin restaurant crawl
Additional cost: ¥400-800 for classes and tours
Shopping Focus
- ✓ Nanjing Road deep dive (Day 1)
- ✓ Outlet shopping in Pudong (Day 3)
- ✓ Fabric Market for tailoring (Day 2)
- ✓ Antique markets exploration
Additional cost: Depends on purchases
Family Friendly
- ✓ Shanghai Science Museum (Day 3)
- ✓ Disney Resort full day (Day 3)
- ✓ Ocean Aquarium extended visit
- ✓ Maglev train experience
Savings: ¥200-300 on child discounts
Architecture Buff
- ✓ Bund architecture walking tour (Day 1)
- ✓ 1933 Old Millfun visit (Day 2)
- ✓ Lilong lane house tour (Day 2)
- ✓ Thames Town day trip (Day 3)
Nightlife Scene
- ✓ Late start each day
- ✓ Rooftop bar crawl (Day 1)
- ✓ Club hopping in Found 158 (Day 2)
- ✓ 24-hour restaurants finale
Additional cost: ¥500-1000 for drinks and covers
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
spring
March-May • 15-25°C, occasional rain
Highlights:
- • Cherry blossoms in parks
- • Comfortable walking weather
- • Qingming Festival
Events:
- • Shanghai International Film Festival
- • Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix
summer
June-August • 25-35°C, humid and rainy
Highlights:
- • Long daylight hours
- • Vibrant nightlife
- • Sales season
Events:
- • Dragon Boat Festival
- • Shanghai International Beer Festival
fall
September-November • 15-25°C, dry and clear
Highlights:
- • Perfect weather
- • Crab season begins
- • Clear skyline views
Events:
- • Shanghai Tourism Festival
- • China International Import Expo
winter
December-February • 0-10°C, cold and damp
Highlights:
- • Fewer tourists
- • Chinese New Year
- • Hot pot season
Events:
- • Christmas decorations
- • Spring Festival celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Days in Shanghai
1 Is 3 days enough to see Shanghai?
Three days allows you to experience Shanghai's major highlights including the Bund, French Concession, and Pudong skyline, plus a water town visit. You'll cover about 75% of must-see sights. For deeper exploration including more museums and day trips, 5-6 days is ideal.
2 What's the best area to stay in Shanghai for tourists?
The French Concession offers the most charm with tree-lined streets and boutique hotels (¥600-2000/night). People's Square/Nanjing Road provides central location and easy metro access (¥400-1200/night). The Bund area offers luxury with views but is pricey (¥1000+/night).
3 How much money do I need for 3 days in Shanghai?
Budget ¥750-1200 for basic costs (¥250-400/day), ¥1500-2400 for comfortable travel (¥500-800/day), or ¥3000+ for luxury (¥1000+/day). This covers all meals, attractions, and transport but excludes accommodation. Add ¥200-2000 per night for lodging.
4 Is Shanghai more expensive than Beijing?
Shanghai is generally 10-20% more expensive than Beijing, especially for dining and entertainment. Western restaurants and rooftop bars particularly pricey. However, the metro is similar price and many museums are free.
5 Do I need to speak Chinese in Shanghai?
Shanghai has more English speakers than other Chinese cities, especially in tourist areas and international hotels. However, downloading translation apps and having addresses written in Chinese is still essential. Taxi drivers rarely speak English.
6 What should I book in advance for Shanghai?
Book hotels 1-2 months ahead for best rates. Shanghai Tower tickets can be booked online for discounts. Popular restaurants like Ultraviolet need weeks of advance booking. Acrobatics shows and tours can be booked 2-3 days ahead.
Is 3 days enough to see Shanghai?
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