Leisure· Leisure
These streets are where the bustling old neighborhoods get a little more crowded. Brimming with street life, a mix of historical deco architecture and contemporary developments are home to boutiques restaurants, cafes and bars.
Shanghai Guide
This guide is our own take on what's cool in Shanghai. It isn't exhaustive, it's curated. These are the places we love, the ones we take our own guests to, and a few newer arrivals we think are worth your time.
100 spots
Leisure· Leisure
Starting on Anfu Lu near Wulumuqi Lu, walk westwards along this bustling avenue and when reaching Wukang Lu turn left and follow all the way to Huaihai Lu at a 6-ways intersection. Stand on the opposite corner to get a perfect view of Shanghai’s flatiron— the Wukang Building. Along the way are countless boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Don’t be in a rush.
Shopping· Fashion
A new Chinese high-tech outdoor brand specialising in beautiful, unique, multi-functional garments with a timeless aesthetic of slates and khakis.
Shopping· Fashion
A local Shanghai lifestyle and streetwear brand. Great for gifts (and do check out the cool neighborhood).
Food & Drink· Michelin
Chef Stefan Stiller has been a staple of Shanghai fine dining and his degustations are a work of art and sensory overload. Sit around the open kitchen and enjoy the performance.
Shopping· Fashion
Ethos is a contemporary fashion store featuring some of the most unique and edgy brands from Japan and around the world. With a literal underground feel, its dark interior is full of fashion-savvy corners and intriguing items waiting to be discovered.
Food & Drink· Local
Our favorite Yunnan in a stunning new location with professional service, authentic Dai tribe flavour, local wines, but no burgers! (Also another branch on Dingxi Lu)
Leisure· Spas & Bathhouses
A luxurious 24-hour hot spring experience offering saunas, pools, massages, and unlimited snacks like fresh fruits and more.
Shopping· Yongyuan Lu
One of China’s most-watched streetwear labels, collections blend sportswear, denim and workwear, marked by signature cross- flower motifs, graffiti details and metal rivets. This location is inspired by a spacecraft capsule.
Food & Drink· Local
A cozy fusion restaurant serving modern Hunan cuisine. Their beef tartare, salt-shaved duobao fish, and churros are a must-try, and pre-order the fish head if you are game.
Food & Drink· Local
Crispy Beijing duck served to perfection with a full menu of contemporary styled northern Chinese food. Be prepared to queue. (Also a branch in HK Plaza above Apple Store maybe less crowded)
Leisure· Spas & Bathhouses
A design-forward boutique spa hotel blending Shanghai’s old- lane charm with immersive water-inspired architecture.
Shopping· Streetwear
Quirky Guangzhou-born apparel and accessory store featuring industrial shelving and playful displays.
Shopping· Streetwear
FruityShop — records and apparel. Two doors here: No. 617 Changle Road for well-curated vinyl and guest DJs, and No. 609 for Fruity streetwear in a raw concrete-and-steel space.
Shopping· Yongyuan Lu
Common Scents is a Chinese brand making gender neutral wardrobe staples. Classic outerwear, textured knits and relaxed tailoring - designed to be “basic enough, yet unique.”
Shopping· Yongyuan Lu
PANE reworks vintage style training shoes into unisex sneakers with slim soles, clean lines and all-day comfort. They’re understated and distinctly Shanghai, and the beautifully designed store is worth a visit.
Clubs
INS 乐园 is the kind of place you can just turn up to when stuck for somewhere to go. A 5 story building packed with different F&B and entertainment options. One ticket to get in and the choice is yours.
Bars
Occupying two floors in INS, Sober Company is split into 4 smaller bar areas each with a different inspiration of traditional Japanese eateries.
Bars· Nanchang Lu
An offshoot of its HK parent and one of Asia’s Top 25 bars, the cocktails are custom brewed, fermented and infused with a closed-loop circular philosophy of reusing ingredient by-products to reduce their carbon footprint. Brilliant drinks and great service. Check out the lab on the 2nd floor.
Clubs· C-Park
Underground club in CPark focused on cutting-edge club sounds and visuals - it's like the Children of ALL Club opened their own club.
Clubs· C-Park
Earthy, comfortable, warm, dog-friendly, and eminently chill, Wigwam sits perfectly between a listening bar and a club or lounge.
Clubs· C-Park
Reactor is a huge dance club in C-Park, the Changning development that is quickly becoming "the underground INS." The space is a big, minimal, dark, and windowless concrete space with red lights and two big dancefloors, plus another room which is the size of a lil club.
Food & Drink· Dim Sum
Cantonese classics with some contemporary remixes served over crisp white table cloths and efficient service.
Food & Drink· Casual Bites
Laid-back Taiwanese pub with izakaya-style charm, offering cozy communal ambience and vibrant bites like three cup chicken and crispy fried oysters alongside local craft beers.
Food & Drink· Xiao Long Bao
The crab xiao long bao or soup dumplings here are so creamy you'll want to queue up again for a second run.
Leisure· Spas & Bathhouses
A modern, all-in-one spa complex combining hot springs, massages, games, and dining in a clean, photogenic setting ideal for solo or group-relaxation.
Shopping· Markets
Three floors of textiles, tailors and ready made clothing including cashmere, leather and fun. Everything can be custom-made to size.
Shopping· Mall
A high-end mall with architecturally striking design and close ties to the city’s creative and cultural scene, now hosting the LV Cruise Ship “The Louis.”
Art & Culture
Renowned gallery from Stockholm, Fotografiska, has recently landed in Shanghai occupying a historic warehouse on the North Suzhou Creek. Fotografiska brings together the legendary works of international photography masters and the creations of local avant-garde visual artists.
Art & Culture
ShanghART SUHE is the project space of ShanghART Gallery, established in 2024 on the second floor of Suhe Haus overlooking the Suzhou River. It is ShanghART's third exhibition space in Shanghai.
Art & Culture
A long-standing fixture of Shanghai’s Moganshan Lu art district, fusing digital media with traditional craft to create works that are playful, provocative, and distinctly local.
Art & Culture
This large Swiss-owned gallery opened its doors on Moganshan Lu in 1996. ShanghART was the first gallery in China to participate in major international art fairs, such as Art Basel.
Art & Culture
Shanghai’s iconic art district set in a former factory space along Suzhou Creek. Home to artist studios, galleries, street art, as well as contemporary art exhibitions and a creative community.
Clubs
Heim [haim], which means "home" and "sanatorium" in English, is an underground electronic music nightclub in Shanghai, but also a relaxing place and community that brings together all music lovers and kindred spirits.
Clubs
Mid-sized basement club on Xingfu Lu with a solid Funktion-One soundsystem. Music leans towards underground: techno, house, and club music.
Clubs
Shanghai's home for hard techno, hard groove, hard electro, and other heavy, hard, high bpm electronic music (occasionally even gabber).
Bars
A low-key, hidden music cave on Tai'an Lu, Tǎng is true to its name (躺) - it's a place to lie down, literally. Napping is acceptable here.
Bars
Slip into a dark corner and lose yourself to the silky cocktails and even silkier conversations happening on the next banquette. For more visible encounters, curbside seats capture the passing trade!
Bars
Stylish bar with a super nice ambience, serving experimental twists and classic cocktails alike.
Bars
Hidden underground with a sleek, intimate vibe — great cocktails for cool kids.
Bars
A private, retro bar only accessible by appointment. There is a different DJ throughout the week, creating a lively, yet calming atmosphere - perfect for the late night after hours vibe.
Bars
An offshoot of Hong Kong’s No. 1 bar in Asia, COA spans four Mexican-themed floors, each with a different focus: a ground-floor taqueria, food at the second-floor cantina, a cocktail salon on the third, and mezcal drinks on the top floor.
Bars
One of the oldest bars in Shanghai, Lab is an elegant, two story bar known for their whisky variety, calm environment, and soothing music.
Bars
Behind a non-descript facade, Dead Poet waxes lyrical with amazing cocktails, mouth tingling bar snacks and sultry sino-industrial vibe.
Bars
Hidden behind a secret door in a bartending equipment shop, this bar winds up over 4 floors each with a different vibe.
Bars
Wood, warmth and a touch of irreverence—think 80s-90s Italian sports bar meets modern mixology: Filthy Martinis with their own brine, fig-leaf Negronis, and smoked olives so good they call them “World’s best”. At the center of it all, a U-shaped bar bridges cocktails and stories.
Bars· Nanchang Lu
A vinyl bar inspired by Japanese listening bars, known for its high-fidelity sound system playing classic jazz and funk, and handcrafted cocktails by the Japanese maestros.
Bars· Nanchang Lu
A botanical bar, decorated with a variety of plants and flowers, giving a very retro atmosphere. Drinks are flower and perfume inspired, all with a unique story and twist of their own.
Bars
An audiophile listening bar pairing crafted cocktails with Japanese hi-fi components and a jazz-leaning soundtrack suited to easy conversation.
Bars· Shaoxing Lu
A bespoke space with a finely tuned cocktail list designed around rice-based drinks.
Bars· Shaoxing Lu
No standing room here to ensure the comfort of all customers in a relaxed warm lounge vibe. Light nibbles to accompany a well designed drinks list. We suggest booking a slot on Friday’s and Saturdays or be prepared to queue.
Bars· Shaoxing Lu
Industrial-finished shisha bar with a sound system, serving curated cocktails.
Food & Drink· Casual Bites
Not only for the Bourgeoisie, Bird Hut offers top-tier canto-bbq meats at a polished counter top with raw touches of urban cool. At night, it turns into a low key bar with DJ.
Food & Drink· Casual Bites
A trio of circular counter grills serving up uber-delicious Japanese hamburg steaks and rice bowl with an orgy of condiments. Mouth watering! Feels like Roppongi.
Food & Drink· Casual Bites
Easy-going Chinese-Italian fusion joint with a relaxed vibe and fantastic Negronis, renowned for its house-made wide noodles topped with slow-braised lamb ragù as the signature dish.
Food & Drink· Breakfast
O’Mills is the original café and bakery location, offering a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Known for fresh sandwiches, wholesome salads, and a selection of drinks, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed meal or coffee break. If you spot a street food vendor making JianBing in the morning, don’t hesitate to grab one. These delicious and cheap pancake wraps with egg, lettuce, pickles and other flavors are a ubiquitous morning snack found in almost every local neighborhood.
Food & Drink· Breakfast
Vegetarian-friendly spot known for great breakfast options and all-day comfort food. Great coffee, chill and cozy vibe. Add an egg to any order, it’s in the name! It opens from 8:00am to 6:30pm, earlier than most Shanghai cafés.
Food & Drink· Breakfast
French daily cafe classics - Croque Monsieur, galettes or breakfast burgers anyone? Also the perfect afternoon aperitif with great wines and draught beer.
Food & Drink· Xiao Long Bao
A famous old Shanghai brand of special soup dumplings (TangBao), including their famed crab, or black truffle flavours for a fraction of the price of DTF and just down the road from Central Studios.
Food & Drink· Xiao Long Bao
Now a global brand, Din Tai Fung is still the best eaten in Shanghai with every dumpling still made by hand.
Food & Drink· Dim Sum
The go to weekend casual dim sum. Easy with a hangover or with kids, and the food here is a cure for both.
Food & Drink· Dim Sum
Set in restored shikumen of Xintiandi, this room is a step back in time. Romantic, yet approachable - perfect for families, a date, or visiting friends from abroad.
Food & Drink· Local
One of Shanghai’s legendary local restaurants with rude waiters, low ceilings and a veritable who’s who of the local elite sitting on the next table. Lucky they banned indoor smoking!
Food & Drink· Restaurants
Plenty of social buzz, yet remains cozy—low lighting, closely set tables, and a crowd that’s always ahead of the curve on new F&B openings. It’s an Italian-fusion spot worth booking early on WeChat, as reservations are already filling up.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
A hole in a wall bistro with a curated menu paired with a wine list chosen for the geography of the actual vineyards rather than the name on the label.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
Italian trattoria in a raw, yet intimate location serving hand made pasta, rustic pizzas and seafood. The wine list has a good weighting of natural wines.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
The woodfire oven hits you as the elevator opens and then the Bund views close the deal. Share plates, Italian favourites, grills and pizzas with excellent cocktails and wine list.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
Ginger Shanghai is a vibrant, modern restaurant with a creative menu blending contemporary flavors with Asian influences. With a warm, stylish atmosphere and attentive service, it’s perfect for casual dining and special occasions, with a terrace overlooking the park.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
A sleek, modern Japanese grill specializing in yakiniku, yakitori, and dry-aged wagyu—served from an open counter bar in an intimate two-floor space. Their signature dishes include purebred wagyu sushi, crab rice, etc.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
Madam Ching is the new kid on this popular Yanping Lu block. Chef Dali reinvents popular cantonese dim sum with a modern take and unique pairings. Later on the volume turns up and the cocktails flow.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
Neon disco inspired funky futuristic contemporary Chinese fusion done very very well with great cocktails and well crafted natural wine selection.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
Villa Le Bec has taken over a full building with a range of F&B to suit all occasions - from bistro downstairs to whiskey and cigars up top.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
French bistro by Simon Briens (RAC co-founder), in the old el Willy/elefante villa. Still on brand: subtle French twists and natural wines, but no crepes or brunch. Opens at 6pm — dinner and drinks only.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
Set in a botanical industrial atrium, Something offers northern European inspired molecular style recipes in an approachable and delicious manner. Perfect location for a weekend brunch.
Food & Drink· Michelin
Elevating Chinese cuisine to the sublime set in a colonial building on the Bund. Impossibly hard to book so plan ahead.
Food & Drink· Michelin
It’s tough for a vegetarian in China, but this fine dining option makes the trouble worthwhile. Set menus - pricy and posh.
Food & Drink· Restaurants
Four venues share this multi-storey dining destination by Craig Willis: Baker & Spice on the ground floor, La Strada for wood-fired pizza and Italian dishes, Mi Thai upstairs, and Mr. Willis on the third floor for modern Australian comfort food.
Leisure· Sights
Shanghai Disneyland is a great choice for thrill-seekers and fans of unique attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. It delivers a distinctive Disney experience infused with Chinese cultural elements.
Shopping· Bucket List
As a member of The Bicester Collection, Shanghai Village is an ideal one-stop lifestyle destination for shopping, dining, and travel. Featuring over 200 boutiques and restaurants with exceptional year-round value and signature hospitality, guests are invited for an unparalleled experience.
Shopping· Markets
Qipu Lu (pronounced cheap-poo) AKA "cheap" street – is a series of malls crammed, jammed, and stuffed full of cheap, cheap, cheap clothes, some fakes, knockoffs, and random items. Mix and match with your favorite luxury marque.
Shopping· Markets
With all the amenities of your standard fake market, you can find precious stones, jewellery and other artefacts here.
Shopping· Markets
AP Plaza is the biggest "fake market" in Pudong, and probably all of Shanghai. Conveniently located underground in Metro Line 2's Science & Technology Museum station, it's a collection of stalls, touts, and pushy salespeople all looking to do a deal. Fakes of all shapes and sizes.
Leisure· Sights
Yu Garden is Shanghai’s oldest area that is currently caught between massive redevelopment and historic preservation. Unfortunately the neighborhoods around here are largely being demolished, but there are still some interesting things to see. Although a tourist Mecca, strolling through the jiangnan-style Yu Garden, is a surprising retreat from the bustle of the specialty and traditional snack shops outside.
Leisure· Spas & Bathhouses
A stylish, multi-level Korean bathhouse featuring hot tubs, saunas, a rooftop lounge, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Shopping· Mall
A newly opened series of laneways in restored terrace houses. A popular location for pop-ups and events with some very individual boutique retail concepts.
Shopping· Mall
This upscale mall houses big-name boutiques on the first two floors, including Prada, Gucci, Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang
Shopping· Mall
Spread out over 5 floors in a popular mall, Reel fashion offers an incredible selection of local and international brands, with great F&B options.
Shopping· Streetwear
Japanese streetwear staple with an expansive location and streetside café.
Shopping· Streetwear
Originally a repair shop, now a vintage destination where reworked pieces get a second life.
Shopping· Streetwear
FLY Streetwear is where China’s skate scene began. The gang are known for their Nike SB collaborations.
Shopping· Streetwear
NYC legend has created their Shanghai home complete with an indoor skate bowl. Watch out for regular queues.
Shopping· Fashion
Shop for Chinese designer brands in a historical neighborhood.
Shopping· Fashion
Korean white-hot eyewear brand known for its life-size retail installations. This location also features a great cafe.
Shopping· Fashion
A tranquil space for the aroma of an eastern lifestyle.
Shopping· Fashion
A slow space with cafe and local designs for daily lifestyle.
Shopping· Fashion
Popular agency Labelhood has opened this peaceful oasis in an old mansion showcasing brands they represent.
Shopping· Fashion
Lolo Love Vintage is the original vintage store in Shanghai. Once you step through the gates, you enter the magical world of Lolo. Their new home is not too dissimilar from their previous locations, hidden, special, and beautifully merchandised with authentic vintage pieces, as well as Lolo’s own collection inspired by the 1930s period.
Art & Culture
Non-profit organization founded by Fosun Group and Fosun Foundation. The Art Center is co-designed by British design firm Foster + Partners and creative director Heatherwick Studio. The building features three layers of moving veils in appearance. The Art Center promotes contemporary arts.
Art & Culture
Long Museum West Bund is a stunning concrete art space that hosts visiting shows, events and exhibitions. Check what’s on as each show usually involves a big install so there are down periods. With a location on the West Bund promenade, the riverside is a lovely place to stroll and catch locals relaxing and enjoying outdoor activity.
Art & Culture
Located on the river in the heart of Lujiazui, Museum of Art Pudong is Shanghai’s newest Art institution hosting the best of Chinese contemporary art and international works. The top floor boasts an amazing terrace with gun barrel views across to the Bund or the Oriental Pearl Tower behind.