72 Hours in Shanghai: The Perfect First-Timer's Itinerary

Your first day in Shanghai should be all about orientation and tackling those bucket-list landmarks that make the city instantly recognizable. Start early (jet lag will probably help with this) and head straight to the Bund, Shanghai's historic waterfront promenade. I typically arrive around 7am when the early morning light casts a magical glow across the Huangpu River and the crowd levels are manageable. The contrast between the colonial-era buildings on the Bund side and the futuristic Pudong skyline across the water perfectly encapsulates Shanghai's dual identity.

After soaking in those postcard views, grab breakfast at one of the many cafés along Nanjing Road. I'm partial to Baker & Spice where their coffee rivals anything I've had in Santa Ana, and their egg dishes make for perfect fuel for a day of exploration.

By mid-morning, dive into Shanghai's past at Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a 400-year-old classical Chinese garden in the Old City. The intricately designed pavilions, rock gardens, and koi ponds offer a serene counterpoint to the city's modern energy. Don't rush this experience—the details in the architecture tell stories of Shanghai's merchant history. The surrounding bazaar is admittedly touristy, but the atmosphere is undeniable. This is where I found an incredible hand-embroidered silk scarf that now makes regular appearances in my buying presentations back home.

For lunch, brave the lines at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in the Yu Garden Bazaar for their world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). The technique for eating these without burning yourself is an art form—pierce the top, slurp the soup, then enjoy the dumpling. Trust me, it's worth mastering.

Spend your afternoon exploring People's Square and the Shanghai Museum, which houses one of China's finest collections of ancient artifacts. The bronze and ceramic exhibitions are particularly impressive, and I always find inspiration for upcoming seasonal color palettes in the traditional textile displays.

As evening approaches, head to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street—China's premier shopping district. While it's more mainstream retail than the boutique experiences I'll recommend for day two, the energy and light displays as dusk falls are quintessential Shanghai. I always pack my portable tripod for capturing the neon light trails and bustling street scenes that define Shanghai after dark.

Cap off your night with dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund for sophisticated Yunnan cuisine with views that showcase Shanghai's illuminated skyline in all its glory. Their Dai minority-style chicken with chili and lemongrass pairs perfectly with a craft cocktail and that glittering view.

Day two is dedicated to my specialty—exploring Shanghai's incredible retail landscape. The French Concession district is where you'll find the perfect blend of history, style, and local creative energy. Start your morning with a stroll down Wukang Road (formerly Ferguson Road), lined with platane trees and gorgeous Art Deco villas that house some of the city's most interesting concept stores.

My go-to breakfast spot here is Kommune, tucked inside Tianzifang, a labyrinth of lane houses converted into boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Their avocado toast rivals anything in California, and the people-watching is unparalleled. Fuel up—you've got a day of serious retail exploration ahead.

After breakfast, lose yourself in Tianzifang's narrow alleyways. Unlike the manufactured feel of some tourist areas, this creative enclave evolved organically from a residential neighborhood. The mix of local designers, international brands, and artisanal workshops creates a retail experience you won't find anywhere else in China. I discovered an incredible independent designer here who hand-dyes natural fabrics using traditional techniques but with contemporary silhouettes—exactly the kind of unique sourcing find that makes my buying trips worthwhile.

For lunch, I recommend Sichuan Citizen nearby. Their mapo tofu strikes that perfect balance between numbing Sichuan peppercorns and fiery chilies. Pro tip: their tea-infused cocktails are also fantastic if you're ready for an afternoon libation.

After lunch, head to Xintiandi, where Shanghai's shikumen (stone gate) houses have been transformed into an upscale shopping and dining district. The architecture preserves the city's heritage while the retail curation is thoroughly modern. Don't miss Xintiandi Style Mall, where Chinese designer brands like Exception de Mixmind and Zuczug showcase why China is becoming a fashion powerhouse in its own right.

As the afternoon progresses, make your way to Anfu Road, my personal favorite shopping street in Shanghai. This tree-lined avenue houses multi-brand boutiques like Dong Liang and Triple-Major that showcase emerging Chinese designers you'll want to remember before they hit the global stage. I always pack my compact camera to document window displays and merchandising details that inspire my own buying strategies back home.

For dinner, try Mercato at Three on the Bund for Italian cuisine with a Shanghai twist. The burrata with Chinese truffle honey is a cross-cultural masterpiece, and the restaurant's stylish clientele provides excellent fashion-spotting opportunities. End your evening with drinks at Senator Saloon, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar that would feel at home in 1920s Shanghai—their Old Fashioned is perfectly balanced and the vintage atmosphere is transportive.

Your final day is all about experiencing Shanghai's cutting-edge present and glimpsing its future. Begin with breakfast at RAC Coffee, a minimalist specialty coffee bar in the up-and-coming West Bund district. Their pour-overs are exceptional, and the industrial-chic space offers the perfect aesthetic backdrop for planning your day.

The West Bund has transformed from forgotten warehouses to Shanghai's most exciting arts district in just a few years—a testament to how quickly this city evolves. Start at the Long Museum West Bund, housed in a converted coal hopper with architecture as impressive as the contemporary Chinese art inside. Next door, the Yuz Museum occupies a former aircraft hangar and showcases international contemporary art with thoughtfully curated exhibitions.

What I love about this district is how it represents Shanghai's ambition to become a global cultural capital. The exhibitions here rival anything I've seen in New York or London, but with a distinctly Chinese perspective that offers fresh insights for Western visitors.

For lunch, head to Commune Social for chef Jason Atherton's tapas-style plates in a stylish industrial setting. Their scallop ceviche with cucumber, jalapeño, and lime is perfect for Shanghai's typically humid climate.

After lunch, it's time to experience Shanghai's famous fake markets—but with an insider's approach. Skip the touristy AP Plaza and instead head to the South Bund Fabric Market (officially the South Bund Soft-Spinning Material Market). As someone who works in fashion buying, I find this place fascinating not for knockoffs but for custom tailoring. Bring reference photos of pieces you love, negotiate hard (start at 30% of their asking price), and you can walk away with bespoke clothing at a fraction of Western prices.

When shopping here, I always bring my fabric swatch book to ensure I'm selecting quality materials. The vendors respect customers who demonstrate knowledge, and you'll get better results. I had a gorgeous cashmere overcoat made here during my last visit that consistently earns compliments back home.

As afternoon transitions to evening, make your way to Shanghai Tower—currently the world's second-tallest building. The observation deck on the 118th floor offers breathtaking 360° views of the city. Time your visit for sunset to watch Shanghai transform from day to night mode.

For your final dinner, experience the contemporary Chinese fine dining scene at Fu He Hui, a vegetarian restaurant that elevates plant-based cuisine to art form. Their seasonal tasting menu incorporates traditional Chinese ingredients with modern techniques—the perfect metaphor for Shanghai itself.

End your 72 hours with drinks at TOPS at the Banyan Tree Hotel. This rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the Bund and Pudong skyline all lit up in its nighttime glory—a fitting final image of Shanghai's harmonious blend of heritage and futurism.

After multiple buying trips to Shanghai, I've developed some strategies that help me navigate this massive metropolis efficiently. First and foremost: transportation. Shanghai's metro system is a marvel—clean, punctual, extensive, and with English signage throughout. Buy a reloadable Shanghai Public Transportation Card (jiaotong ka) upon arrival; it works for the metro, buses, and even taxis.

Speaking of taxis, they're abundant but language barriers can be challenging. I always keep my hotel's business card handy to show drivers, and I use the Baidu Maps app which has an excellent "show to driver" function that displays your destination in Chinese characters. DiDi (China's equivalent to Uber) is also available and slightly easier for non-Chinese speakers, though you'll need a Chinese phone number to register.

Connectivity is another crucial consideration. China's Great Firewall blocks many Western apps and websites including Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Before departure, I always set up a reliable VPN on all my devices. ExpressVPN has consistently worked well for me throughout China, allowing me to stay connected with my team back home and post those envy-inducing Shanghai skyline shots to Instagram.

Money matters are surprisingly straightforward in Shanghai. While China has rapidly embraced mobile payments through WeChat Pay and Alipay, these systems are challenging for tourists to set up. Fortunately, most mid-range to upscale establishments accept international credit cards, though American Express has less coverage than Visa or Mastercard. Always carry some cash (CNY) for smaller vendors, street food, and traditional markets.

Language barriers exist but are manageable in Shanghai's more international districts. Download a translation app that works offline—I recommend Pleco for its excellent Chinese dictionary and character recognition features. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases goes a long way in showing respect, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.

Finally, be prepared for the sensory intensity of Shanghai. The city moves at a relentless pace, and the crowds can be overwhelming for first-timers. Schedule decompression time at your hotel or in one of Shanghai's surprisingly serene parks. Fuxing Park in the French Concession offers a perfect respite when urban overstimulation hits—watching locals practice tai chi or play mahjong provides a peaceful counterbalance to the city's frenetic energy.

Shanghai offers accommodations ranging from ultra-luxury international brands to charming boutique hotels in restored historic buildings. For a first-time visitor with a mid-range budget, I recommend focusing on two key areas: the Bund/People's Square vicinity for convenient access to major attractions, or the Former French Concession for a more neighborhood-oriented experience.

During my most recent trip, I split my stay between two distinctly different properties that represent Shanghai's dual personality. For the first two nights, I chose The Waterhouse at South Bund, a boutique design hotel housed in a converted 1930s warehouse. With just 19 rooms, this industrial-chic property offers the kind of distinctive aesthetic experience that mass-market hotels can't match. The rooftop bar provides incredible views of the Pudong skyline, and the location at the cool southern end of the Bund puts you within walking distance of the fabric market and the up-and-coming Cool Docks area.

What I particularly appreciated about The Waterhouse was how the design preserved original structural elements while introducing contemporary interventions—exposed brick walls contrast with sleek furnishings, and weathered concrete plays against luxurious textiles. For someone who works in fashion and design, these thoughtful juxtapositions made the hotel itself a source of creative inspiration.

For my final night, I switched to The Middle House, part of the Swire Hotels' acclaimed House Collective. Located in the heart of Jing'an district, this luxury property designed by Piero Lissoni offers a more refined experience with its blend of minimalist aesthetics and traditional Chinese elements. The stunning pool and spa facilities provided the perfect rejuvenation after days of intensive city exploration.

If you're working with a mid-range budget but want a touch of luxury, consider booking just one night at a higher-end property like The Middle House while choosing more affordable accommodations for the remainder of your stay. The MI XUN Spa's thermal facilities alone justify splurging for a night.

For travelers prioritizing location over luxury, the URBN Hotel offers eco-conscious accommodations in a central French Concession location. Converted from a 1970s factory, this carbon-neutral boutique hotel features reclaimed materials and a serene courtyard garden that provides an unexpected urban oasis.

Wherever you stay, I recommend booking accommodations that include breakfast. Starting your day with a substantial meal not only saves time but also provides energy for Shanghai's walking-intensive sightseeing. I always pack my travel steamer to keep my outfits looking fresh throughout the trip—especially important in Shanghai, where style consciousness permeates the city.