Shanghai stands out not just for its towering skyline and bustling streets, but also for its mix of old-world charm and cutting-edge modernity. For travelers, the city offers an array of tours that combine cultural exploration, culinary delights, and unique experiences. We particularly like the Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour, which seamlessly blends a scenic water town visit with the city’s highlights—perfect if you want a taste of both worlds without missing out. The private nature of many of these tours means you’ll get personalized attention, making each experience more enriching.
If you’re keen on discovering the city’s rich history, the Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights offers a flexible itinerary that covers iconic landmarks like The Bund, Yu Garden, and even the Jade Buddha Temple. For those who prefer to indulge their palate, the Shanghai Night Food Tour takes you off the tourist trail into local eateries, where you can sample regional dishes and learn about Shanghai’s culinary traditions. Whether your interest is history, food, or city sights, there’s a tour designed to fit your style.
1. Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour
Save time while experiencing the best of both worlds with this private guided tour. It starts with a visit to Zhujiajiao, a water town with over 1,700 years of history. Here, you’ll explore old bridges, narrow lanes, and traditional houses, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride through canals. The tour includes a local lunch, giving you a true taste of regional cuisine. In the afternoon, you’ll explore Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved 400-year-old landscape, and take in panoramic views from the Shanghai Tower. Because it’s private, you can customize the afternoon to include the Shanghai Museum or another skyscraper of your choice. With a 5-star rating and over 800 reviews, this tour is praised for its flexibility and engaging guides. It’s ideal for travelers who want an immersive day with a personal touch.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a comprehensive day combining history, scenery, and city views, all tailored to your interests.
2. Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights
At number 2, this fully customizable private tour offers a flexible experience of Shanghai’s top attractions. You can start with a visit to The Bund, where colonial-era buildings line the Huangpu River, offering stunning views of the skyline. Then, explore Yu Garden and its colorful bazaar, or visit the Jade Buddha Temple to see ancient relics. The tour also includes a trip up one of Shanghai’s tallest skyscrapers, with optional upgrades for private transport, lunch, and entrance tickets. Reviewers often mention guides like Sammi and Ruby, who bring history and culture to life with detailed commentary. Priced affordably at $108, this tour is a great choice for travelers wanting a deep dive into both the old and modern sides of Shanghai.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for travelers craving a flexible, full-day overview with the ability to customize to your preferences.
3. Eat Like A Local: Shanghai Night Food Tour
This three-hour evening tour is the perfect way to explore Shanghai’s culinary soul. It takes you into Changning and Jing’an, neighborhoods where locals dine in family-run eateries and street stalls. Expect to sample regional Chinese dishes, including Shanghai’s famous xiaolongbao, along with beers and spirits. The small group size (capped at 12) allows for an intimate experience, and you’ll learn about the city’s food culture from your knowledgeable guide. Travelers love how this tour reveals authentic flavors and local customs. Plus, it’s a terrific way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or to kick off a night of exploring Shanghai’s nightlife.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers eager to taste authentic regional dishes and discover local dining customs in a relaxed setting.
4. Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride
For around $145, this half-day private tour takes you to Zhujiajiao, known as the “Venice of Shanghai.” It includes a leisurely exploration of Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, traditional houses, and bustling markets. A highlight is the scenic boat ride along the canals, offering a peaceful view of the water town’s architecture and daily life. Your private guide makes sure you see the best spots and learn about the area’s history. Recent reviews praise the professionalism of guides like Snow, who makes the experience comfortable and informative. The tour is perfect if you want a relaxed, intimate glimpse into traditional water town life.
Bottom Line: A calm, personalized escape from Shanghai’s city buzz with scenic waterways and cultural insights.
5. Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option
At number 5, this full-day trip to Suzhou features the city’s famous gardens and waterways. With options to travel by private car or bullet train, it’s flexible for different preferences. The Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the centerpiece—delightfully designed with delicate pavilions, ponds, bonsais, and Taihu rocks. Visitors often mention guides like Melinda and Annie, who make the history and design come alive. The tour also includes a boat ride and an authentic lunch, making it a well-rounded experience for those interested in Chinese horticulture and architecture. The price of $180 represents good value, given the personalized service and extensive sights.
Bottom Line: A fantastic way to explore one of China’s most famous garden cities, with optional high-speed train travel included.
6. Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights
Ranked sixth, this 8-hour tour covers many must-see landmarks. Starting with panoramic views from Shanghai Tower, it moves through The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and the French Concession. The tour offers both public transport and private vehicle options, with guides like Peggy and Apple praised for their engaging storytelling. Visitors enjoy the blend of old-style architecture, modern skyscrapers, and cultural sites like the Confucius Temple. Entry to Shanghai Tower’s observation deck is included, providing spectacular city views. The price of $109 offers good value considering the depth and variety of sights covered.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers wanting a broad overview of Shanghai’s cityscape and cultural highlights.
7. Half-Day Bike Tour of Shanghai Old Town with Food Tasting
For those who prefer active exploration, this four-hour bike tour takes you through Fuxing Park, Fazang Temple, and the Old Town streets. Riding through narrow lanes, you’ll experience local life firsthand, visit a Buddhist temple, and wander a traditional wet market. The tour includes a breakfast stop at a cozy café, making it a true morning immersion. With rave reviews praising guides like Charlie and Claire, you’ll get a mix of cultural insights and physical activity, suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level. It’s a refreshing way to see Shanghai’s historic neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers wanting a hands-on look at Old Shanghai and local markets.
8. Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience
This three-hour evening experience combines a Huangpu River cruise with a Xinjiang halal dinner. It’s an efficient way to see Shanghai’s skyline lit up at night, including landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower. Your private guide and vehicle make transfers smooth, and the dinner offers a taste of Xinjiang’s famous cuisine. Recent reviews highlight the ease of the private transport and the quality of the halal meal. Perfect for travelers short on time but wanting a memorable impression of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a relaxed evening combining sightseeing and regional cuisine.
9. Private Shanghai Gangster Tour
This two-hour themed tour dives into Shanghai’s darker past. Led by a character from the city’s colonial-era underworld, you’ll visit historic mansions and learn about notorious crime lords like “Big Eared” Du. The tour includes a free drink at a historic property and a fun lesson on gambling tricks. It’s a playful, different way to explore the city’s lesser-known stories. Guides like Judy earn praise for their engaging storytelling. It’s suited for travelers interested in a more theatrical, offbeat experience of Shanghai’s history.
Bottom Line: Great for curious travelers wanting a fun, unconventional take on Shanghai’s past.
10. Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai’s French Concession
This small-group food crawl takes you through the French Concession, sampling more than 10 local dishes. You’ll visit four authentic eateries, from dumpling joints to noodle shops, topped with a craft beer at the end. The guide shares recipes and stories behind Shanghai’s cuisine, making it a delicious cultural lesson. Reviewers love the intimate atmosphere and the variety of dishes, especially the regional signatures. It’s perfect for foodies eager to go beyond tourist restaurants and taste real local flavors.
Bottom Line: Excellent for culinary explorers who want a deep dive into Shanghai’s food traditions.
11. From Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride
This half-day private tour offers a calm escape to Zhujiajiao’s charming canals and ancient bridges. With options for early or afternoon departures, your private guide takes you through scenic streets and local markets before enjoying a scenic gondola ride. The tour includes hotel transfers, making it extremely convenient. Customers praise guides like Caroline and Shirley for their friendly, informative approach. The combination of water town authenticity and personalized service makes it ideal for travelers wanting a peaceful cultural experience.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, personalized day trip perfect for those who enjoy scenic waterways and historic architecture.
12. Eat Like a Local: Street Breakfast Tour in Shanghai
Start your day with this morning food tour that takes you into Xiangyang Park, where vendors serve classic dishes like jianbing (Chinese crepes) and pulled noodles. You’ll observe tai chi practitioners and water calligraphers, then sample breakfast foods at street stalls and bakeries. The small group (limited to eight) means plenty of personal attention. Reviewers highlight the authentic experience and the chance to see local morning routines. It’s perfect for early risers who want to taste Shanghai’s breakfast culture firsthand.
Bottom Line: Ideal for morning enthusiasts eager to enjoy local breakfast and lively street scenes.
13. Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai’s French Concession
Enjoy Shanghai after dark on this three-hour walking tour. It explores Xintiandi and Zhaozhou Road, with stops at several restaurants serving hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, and regional specialties. The guide shares insights into the city’s history and architecture as you walk. Reviewers mention how Rebekah and Helen make the tour lively and informative. It’s perfect for night owls who want to combine cultural stories with authentic food in a relaxed, evening setting.
Bottom Line: Great for diners who want to experience Shanghai’s nightlife and culinary scene simultaneously.
14. Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden
This five-hour private tour visits Zhujiajiao’s beautiful water town scenery. You’ll stroll through traditional streets, visit the Kezhi Garden, and enjoy a canal cruise. The guide ensures you see the highlights and learn about local architecture and customs. Recent reviews commend guides like Lucy and Hippo for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. The boat ride and garden visits make it an enriching experience, especially for those interested in classic Chinese landscapes.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a well-rounded, private experience of Zhujiajiao’s peaceful beauty.
15. Shanghai: Circus World ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket
Finish your trip with one hour of astonishing acrobatic performances at the ERA Theatre. The show features performers on bikes, motorcycles, and daring stunts that will leave you in awe. It’s a family-friendly, lively way to end an evening, with prebooking recommended to avoid missing out. The show has a 4.9/5 rating and is praised for its entertainment value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a fun, energetic finale to your Shanghai visit, suitable for all ages.
How to Choose Your Best Shanghai Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and travel style. If history and architecture are your priorities, the Incredible Shanghai Highlights offers a rundown. For food lovers, the Night Food Tour and the French Concession Food Crawl provide authentic tastes of local cuisine. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic experience, the Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride or Water Town with Garden are ideal.
Budget-wise, tours like the Full Day City Tour or the Suzhou Day Trip give you detailed experiences without breaking the bank. For those craving a night out, the River Cruise & Xinjiang Dinner combines sightseeing and cuisine smoothly.
Book early, especially for popular options like the Zhujiajiao Water Town or Evening Food Tours, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
To sum it up, whether you’re after culture, culinary discovery, or sightseeing, Shanghai offers a rich palette of tours to match your interests. For a balanced experience, the private Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Tour is hard to beat for its blend of scenery and city highlights. Foodies should consider the Night Food Tour or the French Concession Food Crawl for authentic flavors. And for those who want a quick, fun show, the Circus Acrobatics will dazzle. With so many excellent choices, planning ahead and booking early will help you make the most of your time in this dynamic city.