Top 50 Best Things to Do in Shanghai
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Shanghai

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • The Bundtop_1
    󰺂10
    Shanghai.The Bund Area1.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱤎Distant view of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone
    󱓊Luminous views of colonial buildings
    󱨠Saved by 14299 users󱨠128517 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    The Bund, located in Shanghai, is a dazzling pearl in this bustling metropolis. By day, it's a vibrant hub of traffic and throngs of tourists, who stroll along, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. At night, the Bund takes on a completely different charm; as the lights come on and neon signs shimmer, it transforms into a fairyland.

  • Shanghai Disney Resorttop_2
    󰺂10
    83125
    Shanghai.Shanghai Disney Resort20.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCome to Zootopia and enjoy the City Life Festival | Nov 18, 2025-Jan 27, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Watch the Phantom Show at Gardens of Imagination
    󱨜The world's largest Disney castle
    󱨠Saved by 29937 users󱨠169545 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    SchulieSchulie

    A magical journey awaits you at Shanghai Disneyland – a journey you'll want to visit again and again! When the spire of the Enchanted Storybook Castle pierces the sky, and you don Mickey's ears, it's like stepping into the most vivid dream of your childhood – that's the magic of Shanghai Disneyland, allowing visitors of all ages to rediscover pure joy. Eight themed lands each hold surprises. From "Soaring Over the Horizon" in Adventure Isle, which takes you on an immersive world tour, to "TRON Lightcycle Power Run" in Tomorrowland, experiencing the thrill of speed and the future, to the globally unique "Zootopia," where you embark on an adventure with Judy and Nick, every attraction brings fairytale imaginations to life with cutting-edge technology. The family-friendly "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" offers gentle thrills, while the realistic scenes of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure" make you feel like you're actually there. And the nighttime "Enchanted Storybook Castle" creates a truly immersive atmosphere, with lights, fireworks, and the castle intertwining to bring the love and courage from Disney stories to life. Beyond the rides, the park's attention to detail is truly remarkable. During the Christmas season, Mickey Avenue is adorned with wreaths and colorful lights. Characters from the "Enchanted Winter Parade" dance in winter costumes, and the Mickey Magic Christmas Tree lighting ceremony brings down romantic "snowflakes." On a daily basis, the enthusiastic interactions with Mickey and his friends, the patient guidance of the cast members, and even the readily available drinking fountains, stroller rentals, and family restrooms ensure a comfortable and worry-free experience. To save time queuing, premium pass packages or early entry privileges can make your trip more efficient, and the single-entry lane is a hidden perk for solo travelers. The pleasures of the palate are equally indispensable. Barbossa's secret-recipe pork ribs, the Marvel-themed burgers at the Starlight Terrace Restaurant, and adorable Mickey and Minnie desserts—every bite is a double satisfaction of taste and fairytale. Before leaving, pick up a souvenir at the M Avenue shopping arcade, use the free luggage storage service to relax and enjoy your visit, and take the magic home with you. Shanghai Disneyland is more than just a theme park; it's a utopia where adults can temporarily unwind and children can laugh freely. Here, every attraction holds a surprise, every show conveys warmth, and every detail is imbued with a sense of ritual. No matter when you visit, you'll be healed by this age-defying joy—that's perhaps the most touching aspect of Disney—it makes everyone believe that magic truly exists. Need me to help you create a "time-saving and hassle-free Disney day trip itinerary"? It covers must-see attractions, show times, and dining recommendations, allowing you to efficiently unlock all the excitement.

  • Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Towertop_3
    󰺂8.6
    41459
    Shanghai.Lujiazui Area2.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Stroll along the transparent observation corridor
    Shanghai landmark (1,535ft)
    󱨠Saved by 11749 users󱨠102792 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    o_Ohmyo_Ohmy

    Symbolic place for Shanghai, must visit. Better in a dark time, everything is neon, great timelapse. Not crowded at all! I had a bad experience with an 2h queues with Eifel Tower. But here everything went smoothly well!

  • Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park
    4
    󰺂8.3
    51875
    Shanghai.Dishui Lake and Lin-gang Area54.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoShanghai-born orca Pang Dou Bao celebrates 2nd birthday
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜World's first Ultraman-themed pavilion
    󰀆Float parade show (Nightly)
    󱨠Saved by 5830 users󱨠45845 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    110***76110***76

    The atmosphere was great, and my child was excited throughout; so many Ultraman characters were dazzling. The kids also thoroughly enjoyed the stage play, but the price seemed a bit high, so the value for money was just average.

  • Shanghai Museum
    5
    󰺂8.1
    Shanghai.People's Square Area300m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExhibition of Masterpieces of Chinese Fan Painting and Calligraphy from the Shanghai Museum Collection Opens | Nov 14, 2025-Feb 22, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Over 1.02 million pieces of artifacts collection
    󱨜Tripod-shaped building (Coin-like appearance)
    󱨠Saved by 5026 users󱨠7060 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    The Shanghai Museum, located in the bustling heart of Shanghai, is a large, comprehensive museum. It houses a vast collection of precious historical artifacts and works of art, ranging from ancient bronzes to modern paintings and calligraphy. The museum not only showcases the profound depth of Chinese culture but also reflects the historical evolution of Shanghai.

  • Shanghai Wild Animal Park
    6
    󰺂8.1
    26875
    Shanghai.Kangqiao, Nanhui Area30.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoShanghai Wild Animal Park Giant Anteater's New Home Renovation
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Over 200 species rare wildlife | Nocturnal animals
    󰀆Sea lions & acrobatic shows
    󱨠Saved by 8581 users󱨠74684 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Worth the visit, lots of animals and the quantity is huge! Booking was fast and easy to use , just scan the QR code at entrance without the need to exchange tickets at counter or present passport. Fun experience for the kids too!

  • Shanghai Astronomy Museum
    7
    󰺂7.9
    6250
    Shanghai.Dishui Lake and Lin-gang Area55.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Special “three-body” structure building
    󱓊Chang'e 5 lunar soil samples
    󱨠Saved by 4511 users󱨠7313 positive reviews
    4.9/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    The Shanghai Astronomy Museum is a place full of mystery and allure. Here, you can explore the secrets of the universe and learn about galaxies, constellations, and celestial bodies. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or a casual visitor, endless surprises await you.

  • Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
    8
    󰺂7.9
    32292
    Shanghai.Lujiazui Area2.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoPharaoh Cuttlefish Eggs Appear at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Panoramic undersea tunnel (508ft long)
    󱓊Chinese sturgeon & Yangtse crocodiles
    󱨠Saved by 5625 users󱨠32225 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    PenangkiaPenangkia

    It's good to visit if your family likes oceanic creatures. The ticket price is quite steep for the size of the aquarium as we covered the entire aquarium in about 4 hours. If there're better things to do in your itinerary, this is skippable.

  • LEGOLAND® Shanghai Resort
    9
    󰺂7.6
    72709
    Shanghai.LEGOLAND RESORT52.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoLEGOLAND® Shanghai Resort opens | Jul 5, 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨜Enjoy 8 themed areas at Legoland Theme Park
    󰀆Experience the charm of Shanghai culture at Legoland
    󱨠Saved by 1679 users󱨠1023 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    小麒麟六太小麒麟六太

    The park is definitely better when it's new. To truly enjoy it, one day isn't enough; I'd recommend a day and a half. You can spend half a day shopping and ordering custom LEGO minifigures! Looking forward to the Monkie Kid Rafting ride opening so I can come back for a second visit! The food inside the park is pretty good, generally better than Disney's. Aside from being a bit far from the airport, it's pretty good. There are two rides suitable for adults, which are quite thrilling; the others are more suitable for children. But if you like LEGO, no matter your age, you'll have a lot of fun!

  • Shanghai Romance Park
    10
    󰺂7.6
    28959
    Shanghai.Pudong New International Expo Center/World Expo Area5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoShanghai Romance Park reopens | Jul 1, 2023
    trip best small logoNo. 7 of Night Attractions in Shanghai
    Highlights:
    󰀆Large-scale song and dance show | Interactive projects
    󱨞Trendy parties(every week) | Dress-up experience
    󱨠Saved by 3263 users󱨠3235 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    swilongswilong

    The multiple shows were interesting, and performances were done professionally and with great skills. Totally enjoyed the experience, would recommend!!!

Best things to do in Shanghai (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Shanghai? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Shanghai offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Shanghai

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Shanghai experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

The Bund

• Shanghai.The Bund Area | 1.8 km from downtown

• : Distant view of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone,Luminous views of colonial buildings

Shanghai Disney Resort

• Shanghai.Shanghai Disney Resort | 20.4 km from downtown

• : Watch the Phantom Show at Gardens of Imagination,The world's largest Disney castle

Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower

• Shanghai.Lujiazui Area | 2.7 km from downtown

• : Stroll along the transparent observation corridor,Shanghai landmark (1,535ft)

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Shanghai

If you want to explore attractions just outside Shanghai, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Shanghai, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Shanghai special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Shanghai

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Shanghai

Ready to explore the best of Shanghai? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Shanghai?
These are all Best Things to Do in Shanghai:The Bund, Shanghai Disney Resort, Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, Shanghai Museum
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Shanghai?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Shanghai include:The Bund:4.8, Shanghai Disney Resort:4.7, Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower:4.7, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park:4.6, Shanghai Museum:4.6
At what locations in Shanghai can Best Things to Do in Shanghai be found?
The Best Things to Do in Shanghai are mainly located in:The Bund:Shanghai, Shanghai Disney Resort:Shanghai, Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower:Shanghai, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park:Shanghai, Shanghai Museum:Shanghai
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