5 best things to do in Shanghai
The essentials of Shanghai with the booking notes that actually matter — which tickets sell out, which slots are quietest, which formats reward the advance purchase. Every booking happens with the provider you choose.
Browse all Shanghai activities
Attractions, tours, day trips and transport passes from major providers — instant mobile tickets.
The Shanghai shortlist
- The Bund & Pudong skyline — the colonial riverfront facing the neon towers; night is the format.
- Yu Garden & Old City bazaar — the Ming garden with the bazaar maze around it.
- Zhujiajiao water town half-day — the canal town on the metro’s edge; bridges and boats.
- Shanghai Tower observation deck — the world’s second-tallest building; sunset slot books first.
- French Concession plane-tree walk — the leafy lanes, boutiques and cafés of the old concession.
Flying in, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) serves the city — attraction districts sit 30–60 minutes away at typical city speeds.
Compare Shanghai activity providers
- Klook — Shanghai activities — the widest catalogue, instant QR tickets, strong on transport passes and day trips.
- KKday — Shanghai experiences — local-led formats and small-group tours.
- Tiqets — museums and landmarks with instant mobile entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Shanghai?
The Bund & Pudong skyline — the colonial riverfront facing the neon towers; night is the format. Start there, then build the itinerary around it.
Do I need to book Shanghai attractions in advance?
The headline attractions reward advance booking — timed-entry systems and quota tickets mean walk-up availability is worst exactly when you want to visit. Everything on this page links to providers showing live availability.
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
Three to four days covers the shortlist above at a humane pace for a first visit; add days for the day-trip formats rather than compressing the city itself.
Is a city pass worth it in Shanghai?
Run the arithmetic honestly: a pass wins when you would genuinely visit three-plus ticketed attractions in its window. Our provider links show pass options side by side with single tickets — compare before committing.