CityBuddy
Nanjing Road
Best time to visit
Early evening after sunset shows the neon signs and cooler temperatures. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Budget tips
No entry fee, strolling is free; expect to pay for shopping and snacks. Use the subway (lines 2 and 10) to save taxi fares, pay with Alipay or WeChat for speed, and pick lunchtime set meals or street stalls for cheaper food.
Recommended for
Shopaholics, Street food lovers, Photography enthusiasts, First-time Shanghai visitors
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: A commercial pedestrian street over one kilometer long, lined on both sides with thousands of shops and restaurants. You can always find unexpected little stores in the corners. The streets are often crowded with people, with peak foot traffic reaching hundreds of thousands. At night, neon lights and the aroma of street snacks slow down your steps to take in the sights and smells.
Highlights: The grilled aroma and soup scents of street snacks draw people in. Nearby stalls often sell hundreds of portions in a single day. While waiting in line, you can hear the irregular rhythm of spatulas hitting pans. An old craftsman in a corner often repairs pocket watches with vintage tools. He fixes about 5 to 10 watches daily. Customers gather around to watch the tiny movements under his magnifying glass. The sounds are quiet and precise, like the heartbeat of a clock.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, pavements are long and often crowded.
- Grab a photo at the Bund end facing People’s Park for classic skyline and pedestrian flow.
- Skip the overpriced branded cafés on the main stretch and try side-street vendors for local snacks.
- Visit early morning or weekday late afternoon to avoid the heaviest tourist crowds.
Practical info
Where to Stay in Shanghai
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in ShanghaiPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Shanghai, China, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
