A Local’s Guide to Shanghai

Shanghai on Life

My husband and I lived in Shanghai for 1 year and loved exploring this crazy & magnificent city. Shanghai has a lot of different sides to it and most tourists only see the towering skyscrapers and restaurants the tour bus takes you. In this guide I will recommend where to stay, what neighborhoods to see, where (and especially what!) to eat and more!

Where To Stay

Shanghai has some of the top hotels in the world at reasonable prices (compared to other 5-star hotels) so I highly recommend spending at least a few nights in luxury to treat yourself in ways maybe you can’t normally on a trip. The first hotel I will recommend in the undeniable #1 hotel in Shanghai, The Peninsula Shanghai. This 5-star hotel boasts a massive 13,000 square foot spa and the location couldn’t be better on the historic side of The Bund looking across at the iconic skyline. You really won’t find a better view in Shanghai than here!

Where to stay: Another mention worthy splurge is my personal favorite, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. The hotel is on what I refer to as the “modern” side of The Bund situated alongside some of the world’s largest skyscrapers. The rooms here are what blow me away, their huge windows look right at The Pearl Tower and it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. And as if the room’s view wasn’t nice enough, the hotel boasts a stunning open air rooftop patio overlooking Shanghai as far as the eye can see. The massive pool has huge windows so you can relax and look at the hustle and bustle below. Hotels truly do not get nicer than this and it is worth the splurge.

Where to stay: The Intercontinental Shanghai World deserves an honorable mention just because it is so unique! The hotel is built right into the side of a quarry in a picturesque setting but there is so much more beneath the surface. Have you ever wanted to stay in an underwater hotel and have your bedroom window full of fish?! Bet you never thought you would read that sentence on a Shanghai post! This is quite the splurge for an “ocean” view room (yes they are actual ocean animals!) but you can also enjoy the hotel’s gorgeous underwater restaurant and bar and tons of other over-the-top amenities if you opt for a less opulent room. For more hotels check out The Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Shanghai

The French Concession: After a few nights living like the other half, I recommend changing scenery and staying where the residents of Shanghai actually spend their time (they do not hang out by the Bund and the tourist spots!). I love this colorful fun loft near the metro or this STUNNING french concession apartment with solarium kitchen. The French concession is a former French neighborhood with tons of character. This is a very multicultural neighborhood with great food and shopping and the streets have historic charm. Wandering around the tree lined streets is a must! Check out this walking tour that will help you get your bearings!

What To Do

French Concession - one of my favorite places in all of Shanghai is Tianzifang in the French Concession. Once you turn a corner you are instantly immersed in charming alleyways littered with boutiques and restaurants. I love how quant it feels and there are so many photo ops here. Try some fried dumplings or if you want a break from chinese food this is a good spot to find food from all over the world!

The Bund: you can’t miss this while in Shanghai, it really is impressive to contrast the old Shanghai with the new right across the river. The Bund consists of old English buildings representing a time of colonialism in China. You will sometimes see the word Canton which was the old term for China. Here you will find the top hotels and nicest restaurants. Try Lost Heaven on the bund which is a very trendy and has very delicious Chinese food. Also there are many rooftop bars here perfect for a cocktail after wandering around all day!

Nanjing Road: This is a very famous, historic Shanghai street that had some of the first cars in the city to now being the most popular shopping street. Take in the sights, lights and the chaos of it all, and if you do want to buy something prepare to barter. I will say I would not recommend buying souvenirs here because these are mass produced and overpriced and once you buy something I guarantee you will see it in 10 more shops (happened to my mother with a silk picture). I loved taking photos on this road with all the neon lights, people, and decorations around holidays!

Yu Garden: No trip to China is complete without a trip to a beautiful garden! Yu Garden is gorgeous and a tranquil spot right in the city. We came here quite often to get some nature in and feel like you stepped back in time.

Shanghai Financial Tower:

Peoples Square

Museums Museums Museums! This square is a hub of Shanghai and it is huge. It has a great metro station so it is easy to get to and it has every type of museum you could possibly imagine. We really enjoyed the Urban Planning museum because it was interesting to see what China’s future plans are for its country. Definitely take the time to stroll the parks and explore everything the square has to offer.