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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 7-Day Shanghai Travel Guide for Couples & Food Lovers on a Budget
Romantic dates, budget-friendly eats, and iconic landmarks in China's cosmopolitan gem
Couples TravelFoodie GuideBudget Travel7 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China, Yangtze River Delta
Famous For: The Bund night views,Shanghai Disneyland,Xiaolongbao dumplings,Modern skyscrapers
Daily Cost: $100-150 per couple
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Why Shanghai for Couples & Foodies
Optimal Seasons for Shanghai Exploration
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) for outdoor exploration
🌱Spring: Mild 20°C weather perfect for 外滩 strolls. Cherry blossoms at 上海世纪公园 create romantic photo backdrops
☀️Summer: Hot 30°C+ days with frequent rain, but discounted hotel rates. Ideal for indoor attractions like 上海博物馆
🍁Autumn: Crisp 18°C autumn with cultural festivals. 南京路步行街 hosts Mid-Autumn Festival decorations
Arrival & Local Transport
Affordable metro system ($0.35-1.50 per ride) covers 90% of attractions. Didi taxi starts at $3. Citi Bike rentals ($0.30/min) perfect for 武康路 exploring
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
30km east of city center. Metro Line 2 connects to downtown in 80min ($7). Taxis cost $120-150 (60min)
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
40km west of downtown. High-speed trains connect to Beijing (4.5hr), Hangzhou (1hr). Metro Line 10 to city center ($6)
Best Neighborhoods for Romantic Stays
Must-Visit Attractions
The Bund
Iconic riverfront with 52 historic buildings. Take evening cruises for dazzling skyline views
Oriental Pearl Tower
632-meter skyscraper with glass-bottomed Skywalk and interactive museums
Shanghai Disneyland
Enchanted Storybook Castle and immersive Marvel attractions. Arrive at opening for fast passes
Shanghai's Must-Try Dishes & Eateries
Recommended Restaurants
Shanghai 7 Days Itineraries for Couples
DAY 1
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Farine:French bakery with croissants and European ambiance
Walk 外滩历史纪念馆:Guided heritage trail along 52 historic buildings
🥗Lunch at Lujiaxiang:Specialty soup dumplings and Shanghai-style noodles
Shop at 南京路步行街:Asia's busiest shopping street with historic department stores
🍽️Dinner at M on the Bund:Award-winning fusion cuisine with river views
DAY 3
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at 南翔馒头店:Original branch famous for crab-filled soup dumplings
Explore 豫园:16th-century classical garden with koi ponds and rock formations
🥗Lunch at 绿波廊:Michelin-starred restaurant serving upscale Shanghainese cuisine
Visit 城隍庙:Bustling market street selling souvenirs and street food
Tea ceremony at 湖心亭:Historic teahouse offering traditional tea tastings
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at PAUL LAFAYET:Belgian bakery with excellent coffee and pastries
Visit 上海当代艺术博物馆:Free modern art exhibits in a former power plant
🥗Lunch at 誉八仙:Modern Cantonese dishes with creative presentation
Stroll 武康路:Tree-lined street with vintage shops and cafes
Visit 武康大楼:1920s Art Deco landmark with observation deck
DAY 6
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Early meal before full-day trip
Visit 上海野生动物园:Drive-through safari with giant pandas and white tigers
🥗Lunch at park restaurant:Quick bites between animal viewing
Explore 上海植物园:600-acre botanical gardens with traditional Chinese pavilions
🍽️Dinner at 新天地:Dining and nightlife complex in restored shikumen houses
Shanghai Travel FAQs
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