The best of Shanghai - hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and sightseeing
Shanghai has several nicknames - “The Paris of the East”, “Pearl of Asia” - but it’s more importantly one of the most vibrant and fast-moving not to mention trend-setting destinations out there. The city itself is the largest most populated city in the world and travelers cut through coastlines to reach this busy city which is sort of a global hub for finance, economics and of course pleasure-seeking. When you touch down at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the lights from the shooting business towers and skyscrapers create a dreamy and futuristic skyline. So needless to say this is a concrete jungle filled with amazing things to see and explore such as The Bund - the famed protected waterfront lined with colonial-style buildings along its gorgeous promenade. Many love to stay at luxurious hotels overlooking The Bund. It’s the perfect romantic escape. But don’t miss the natural beauty of Shanghai either. The city may be buzzing with nightlife, business trips, seaports and iconic sphere landmarks but there’s also the sprawling Yu Garden with traditional pavilions, towers and ponds. The picturesque water towns are begging to be explored and nothing beats the signature cuisine here that’ll leave you wanting more day and night.
We’ve got a complete Shanghai city guide in the WKNDTRP app but here’s some suggestions for a short Shanghai weekend.
The best hotels in Shanghai
The Aman group of hotels puts a special emphasis on wellness and star-class gastronomy with a wide variety of restaurants so if you’re looking for a sleek, stylish stay in the ambience as a serene as a lotus pond then do book here at Amanyangyun. You have thirteen villas to book from, each of them antique and dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasty and the resort’s remarkable architecture, courtyard suites and massive spa is the perfect way to unwind and soak in the classic Shanghai hospitality and Chinese heritage.
Hyatt is pulling out all the stops for the best Shanghai hotel stay on your weekend trip. This upscale hotel is just a hop and skip away from the People’s Square and the inside of the hotel is just as glamorous as the glistening façade. When you check into your room you’ll welcome with its contemporary design, floor-to-ceiling windows and sumptuous amenities such as the mini-bar, rooftop terrace, Asian restaurants, tea room, hot tub, sauna and relaxing spa. But what makes this stay five-star is possibly its location on The Bund offering incredible panoramic views from Huang Pu River.
Eat, drink and party in Shanghai
If a restaurant was a mood it would be Ultraviolet. This restaurant takes out-of-the-box to another level. French chef Paul Pairet is a master of exceptional cuisine but also and electric atmosphere that adds to the entire visceral experience of fine dining. Book a mad, avant-garde meal at a restaurant which is the first of its kind mixing food with multi-sensorial technologies to create a brand new “immersive” food genre. Definitely a must-try for a fun dinner and an incredible tasting menu.
This the Bund nightlife scene. M1NT is one of the trendiest spots in Shanghai for clubbing nights. And its location perched at the top of a skyscraper on the Bund just adds to the stylish ambience and atmosphere you look for in any great nightclub spot. It’ll be an experience getting to the top of the skyscraper but worth it in the end when you enter the floor and feel the energy of the crowd and the music that pumps you up all night long. You’ll find classy décor, shark tanks plus a upscale restaurant and lounge area for when you crave cocktails in between.
The best things to do in Shanghai
Shop till your drop
China itself is a shopping paradise so it no wonder that Shanghai would be packed to the brim with big names, luxury malls, boutique stores, handcrafts, electronics and so much more. But for fashion and style, there are an array of shopping streets, and stores to spend hours at with your credit card. The city is seen as a style capital of China home to glittering flagships and boutiques for labels like Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs and Versace. Shopping addicts will need to get good at bargaining and maybe buy up additional suitcase space because Shanghai’s curated shopping experiences are incredible.
The Yu Garden is a botanical garden great that will give you a taste of the peace and tranquility that Chinese heritage and nature scenes can offer you on a weekend trip. It was created and established in 1577 during the Ming Dynasty by the “Pan” family. The garden is a sprawling 5 acre green space next to the City God Temple in the North East of the Old City in Huang Pu and is the place where many come to sit still and observe the natural beauty. There is a 400 year old wall surrounding the garden and it is so relaxing to be here. Be cautious that it can get crowded over the weekend.
Huang Pu river cruise on the Bund
It’s one thing to stay at a beautiful hotel overlooking the Bund, or take stroll along its promenade to glimpse the lights and exquisite architecture. But it’s a totally different thing seeing Shanghai by boat, and even better - a cruise ship. A trip to Shanghai would not be complete without a river cruise along the Bund where famous landmarks jump out at the corners and off better visibility of the old and new styles of architecture you can notice in the city.
Get our complete Shanghai city guide and see more incredible travel suggestions to best explore this stunning city.