48 Hours in Shanghai: A Whirlwind Itinerary Through China's Most Dynamic City

‍DAY 1: ICONIC SHANGHAI

Morning

Before you head out, grab breakfast from wherever you're staying.

Food in Shanghai is literally everywhere, all day, every day, so you’ll never go hungry.

A warm bowl of soy milk and fried dough, some dumplings, or even a quick noodle soup from a local stall will set you up for the day ahead.

Take your time to enjoy the flavours - this is China, after all, and mornings are basically made for carbs and comfort.

Once your belly is sorted, start your day with a walk along The Bund, the iconic riverfront promenade that gives you that postcard-perfect skyline view of the Lujiazui financial district.

The early morning is perfect because it’s quieter and bathed in that dreamy, hazy sunrise glow.

Watch the skyscrapers catch the light as the city slowly wakes - it’s kind of magical.

From there, stroll south along the riverbank toward Yu Garden, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the city.

Entry is just 30 yuan (about £3), and you’ll need your passport or ID to get a ticket. Inside, it feels like stepping into a living scroll painting - rockeries, koi ponds, pavilions, and teahouses at every turn.

Wander at your own pace, pause to sip tea, snap a few photos, and really soak up the calm before the city picks up pace.

Afternoon

Once you exit Yu Garden, you’ll find yourself in Yu Garden Old Street, a buzzing maze of souvenir stalls, snack shops, and, yes, more dumplings.

While everything looks tempting, pace yourself because later we’re hitting the truly unmissable dumpling spots. Or you can check out my Shanghai Dumpling Guide.

For now, enjoy the atmosphere, grab a quick snack, and watch the city flow around you.

For a change of scenery, hop on the metro to Lujiazui, the skyscraper-packed financial heart of Shanghai, home to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.

You can go up the tower (tickets are about 160 yuan/£17, passport or ID required), but personally, I love to watch the sunset from the nearby park.

Or, if you’re feeling fancy and the weather is giving, hop on a Huangpu river cruise for 360-degree skyline views. It’s the perfect time to see the city shimmer.

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Evening

For dinner, Shanghai is never short of food options.

No seriously, every time when it comes to meal times I get overwhelmed with picking somewhere to eat. There are just way TOO much choice and every option is enticing in their own way...

But one thing the locals are obsessed with is crab roe.

It’s rich, savoury, and considered a delicacy here - served over noodles or tucked into soup dumplings.

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Your post-dinner walk is most likely going to be a stroll along the Bund.

At night, The Bund turns into a sea of people, and I don't just mean a usual crowded street - this is the place to be for the views.

For a calmer experience with the same epic views, north of the Bund. The further north you get the quieter it gets and you can have a much better viewing experience that way.

Or for a night cap and more peace and quiet, head to the rooftop bar Condé at the Royal Regent Hotel.

Sip on a delicious cocktail and enjoy the city skyline in style.

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DAY 2: SLOW LIVING IN THE FRENCH CONCESSION

Morning

Grab some classic Shanghai breakfast and start your second morning in the French Concession, particularly around Huaihai Road and Anfu Road.

This area is full of leafy boulevards, hidden alleys, colonial architecture, and boutique cafés. It's the perfect place to get lost in.

Go for a slow wander, a spot of breakfast and coffee, some window shopping, and a cheeky ice cream from a tiny local kiosk.

No need for a rigid plan - just explore and follow your senses. There are plenty of shops and cafés to keep you occupied and quenched.

Afternoon

If you keep strolling north on Anfu Road, you’ll end up near the golden-roofed Jing’an Temple.

You can buy a ticket to enter, but honestly, I usually come for the vibe and the surrounding restaurants and malls.

This area has plenty of non-Chinese options too, and in particular, if you’re craving a taste of the West, then check out Xintiandi.

Xintiandi is a trendy area filled with cocktail bars, pasta spots, and international shops. It’s a polished pocket of Shanghai that shows just how global this city really is.

Nearby, don’t miss Zhang Yuan, a recently revitalised heritage complex mixing old Shikumen houses with modern boutiques and dining. This is where I discovered Lai Lai Xiaolong, one of my favourite spots from the dumpling guide.

Evening

If you’ve still got some energy to spare, head toward West Nanjing Road or Wujiang Road, two popular nightlife strips packed with great bars and a buzzy evening atmosphere.

These areas are full of locals and visitors soaking up the night. Whether you're after a sophisticated rooftop drink or some rowdy karaoke, the city’s got you covered.

Taxis are cheap in Shanghai, so if your stamina holds up, there's really no excuse not to keep the night going.

The city never sleeps, and frankly, neither should you.

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Wrap-Up

And just like that, your 48 hours in Shanghai are up.

From skyscraper sunsets to sleepy alleys and steaming dumplings, this city is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you leave.

Let me know what you'd love to see next - or better yet, when you're booking your flight.

Travel Tips Recap:

• Use the Shanghai Metro: It's clean, efficient, and super affordable.
• Start early for crowd-free views.
• Save your dumpling cravings for the good spots.
• Don’t be afraid to get a little lost in the French Concession.
• Always, always stay for sunset.

Until next time, Shanghai ❤️

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