Day One: The Bund and Yu Garden

The first stop on your Shanghai itinerary should be The Bund. This famous waterfront area is known for its stunning views of the skyline, boasting iconic buildings such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and watch the boats and ships sail past.

After exploring The Bund, make your way to Yu Garden, a beautiful and unique garden in the heart of the old city. This garden dates back over 400 years and is a true masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping. Be sure to visit the Mid-Lake Pavilion and enjoy the peaceful view of the pond.

For lunch, make a stop at Yuyuan Bazaar, a nearby street food destination filled with delicacies such as xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and jianbing (Chinese-style crepes).

Once the sun goes down, head back to The Bund to enjoy the city skyline in its illuminated glory. There are several restaurants and bars in the area where you can indulge in a drink or two.

Day Two: French Concession and Shanghai Tower

The second day of your itinerary should start with a visit to the French Concession, an enchanting area filled with tree-lined streets, trendy boutiques, and old villas. Take a few hours to stroll around and appreciate the unique architecture. You can choose to visit Fuxing Park, Tianzifang, or the former residence of Sun Yat-sen.

For lunch, you'll find several brunch spots in the area, including Egg, Kommune, and Franck, which offer a variety of western-style dishes.

You can spend the afternoon exploring Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building. Take the elevator to the observation deck on the 118th floor to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid crowds and queues.

In the evening, return to the French Concession for dinner. The area has several restaurants and bars to suit different dining preferences, including Lost Heaven, Mercato, and Liquid Laundry.

Day Three: Oriental Pearl Tower and Nanjing Road

On your last day, head to the Oriental Pearl Tower, another iconic landmark, standing at over 468 meters tall. You can enjoy various attractions in the tower, including an observation deck, a glass walkway, and several restaurants. As always, make sure you book your tickets in advance.

Afterwards, take a short walk to Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. You can browse through an array of stores that cater to various budgets and interests. Take your time and enjoy the vibrant energy of the area.

For lunch, try some local snacks and street food vendors to get a quick bite while on the go.

In the evening, head to The Bund to catch the Huangpu River Cruise, which takes you along the Huangpu River and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. The cruise is especially enchanting at night, as the buildings twinkle with lights.

Accommodation

Shanghai offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. You might consider the Waldorf Astoria on the Bund, Fairmont Peace Hotel, and Okura Garden Hotel. However, if you're looking for budget-friendly options, hostels such as Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel and Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel are perfect.

Book your accommodation in advance, particularly during peak season, and ensure that you're close to public transportation to make it easier to travel around the city.

Follow this three-day itinerary for an excellent experience of Shanghai's iconic landmarks, traditional gardens, and trendy neighborhoods. Enjoy your stay!