The 15 best things to do in Shanghai (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights

   Outty Ranking95

   This great 8-hour Shanghai city tour takes you to discover the must see sites in Shanghai from its old and modern perspectives, from its colonial Bund riverside to the modern skyscrapers Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai. 90+ Club at 95/100, 5.0/5 from 1,313 traveler reviews, 7h from $115, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai

   Outty Ranking94

   Delve beneath Shanghai's glitzy modern surface to discover the city's heritage and culture on this 8-hour private tour. Traveling either by public transport or private vehicle, you'll see People's Park, a classic Chinese. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 235 traveler reviews, 8h from $99, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated

   Outty Ranking93

   Discover Shanghai from its humble origins as a fishing village and hear the stories behind how it evolved to become one of the world's most exciting and cosmopolitan places! In 3.5~4 hours, our tour covers all the must-. 90+ Club at 93/100, 4.9/5 from 383 traveler reviews, 4h from $5, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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4. 

   4. Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights

   Outty Ranking92

   If you have very limited time in Shanghai, and want to go home with a great understanding of Shanghai, its people, history and culture, then this private day tour is perfect for you! You will visit both the east and west. 90+ Club at 92/100, 4.9/5 from 386 traveler reviews, 8h from $109, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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5. 

   5. Private Amazing Shanghai City Day Tour in Your Way

   Outty Ranking92

   Make the most of a day in Shanghai with this private customized highlights tour. Accompanied by your professional tour guide, visit the city’s top attractions, such as the city skyline on the Bund,the tallest observatory. 90+ Club at 92/100, 5.0/5 from 170 traveler reviews, 8h from $135, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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6. 

   6. Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai

   Outty Ranking91

   Taste a dozen traditional Shanghainese dishes in 3 hours during this culinary tour of Huangpi Road, the old border between the former French Concession and Shanghai residential areas. Sample soup dumplings with black vin. 90+ Club at 91/100, 5.0/5 from 1,632 traveler reviews, 3h from $79, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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7. 

   7. 4-Hour Private Shanghai City Tour with Old and New Highlights

   Outty Ranking91

   Discover the beauty of Shanghai from its history, culture, modern and ancient perspectives during this 4-hour ultimate private tour experience. The tour is 100% customized based on your schedule and interests, your local. 90+ Club at 91/100, 5.0/5 from 315 traveler reviews, 4h from $93, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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8. 

   8. Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai's French Concession

   Outty Ranking91

   In 1936, half of Shanghai was controlled by foreign powers. For decades, its had a negative birth rate and millions of immigrants, meaning the inheritance of the true cuisine of old Shanghai is limited to select insiders. 90+ Club at 91/100, 5.0/5 from 423 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $75, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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9. 

   9. Eat Like a Local: Street Breakfast Tour in Shanghai

   Outty Ranking90

   Savor the taste of Shanghai’s famous breakfast wontons, pulled noodles, savory pancakes and more on this 3-hour, small-group walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Begin your day with a stroll past water calligra. 90+ Club at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 250 traveler reviews, 3h from $60, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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10. 

    10. Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour

    Outty Ranking90

    Discover Shanghai’s most incredible city attractions and beautiful Zhujiajiao Water Town during this wonderful private day tour. Accompanied by a professional guide, stroll around the old lanes with antiquated architectu. 90+ Club at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 1,107 traveler reviews, 8h from $246, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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11. 

    11. 4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour

    Outty Ranking90

    Pick 2 to 3 most incredible Shanghai city attractions that you wish to discover during this 4-hour private tour. Accompanied by your professional guide with comfortable vehicle so that you can get around the city easier. Exceptional at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 314 traveler reviews, 4h from $115, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option

    Outty Ranking90

    Enjoy a fully guided private day trip to famed “Oriental Venice ” Suzhou under the lead of your personal expert guide with fully customizable itinerary. Immerse in the beauty of ancinet Chinese garden with UNESCO heritag. Exceptional at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 398 traveler reviews, 8h from $209, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train with All Inclusive Option

    Outty Ranking90

    Discover the beautiful city Suzhou on a full-day sightseeing tour from Shanghai. Departing at 9:30am at your Shanghai hotel, you will be accompanied by your private guide to discover the beautiful garden, such as Humble. Exceptional at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 346 traveler reviews, 8h from $220, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Half-Day Bike Tour of Shanghai Old Town with Food Tasting

    Outty Ranking89

    On our multi-theme & off-the-beaten-path bicycle experience, your experienced Tour leader will escort you for an interactive and fun way to enjoy Shanghai "like a local". Food, Architecture, History, Traditions, Religion. Exceptional at 89/100, 5.0/5 from 314 traveler reviews, 4h from $110, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated

    Outty Ranking88

    As they say, “Paris ne s’est pas fait en un jour!” (“Paris was not made in a day!”) And by the same token, neither was the French Concession of Shanghai. In 3 hours, hear captivating stories about the French Concession. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.9/5 from 117 traveler reviews, 3h from $5, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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