Shanghai stands out as a city of contrasts—where historic alleyways meet soaring skyscrapers, and traditional breakfast stalls sit beside modern cafes. This bustling metropolis offers an intriguing backdrop for coffee tours that reveal both its rich past and its evolving café scene. Among these, the Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour charms with its intimate small-group format and focus on local breakfast specialties, making it perfect for those who want a taste of Old Shanghai while enjoying a hearty morning meal. Meanwhile, the bike tours offer a dynamic way to explore Shanghai’s different neighborhoods, with options such as the 3-hour bike tour with coffee break and the Shanghai 3 hour bike with coffee break, which combine sightseeing with relaxed coffee pauses. For a more curated experience, the Shanghai: Coffee and Breakfast Guided Experience focuses on the city’s best cafes and Western and local breakfast staples. Whether you’re after a cultural walk, a scenic bike ride, or a gourmet coffee crawl, Shanghai has a tour that fits your style.
Quick Overview
Our list features four top coffee-related experiences in Shanghai, each offering a unique way to enjoy the city’s vibrant café culture and historic streets. You’ll find options ranging from walking food tours to bike adventures, all with a focus on quality local food, coffee, and authentic neighborhoods. For more details, explore the tours below and pick the one that fits your interests and schedule.
1. Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour
This small-group morning tour takes you through Old Shanghai, combining local breakfast tastings with a visit to the Xiahai Temple. The tour stands out because it includes local breakfast foods such as beef pancakes, savory crepes, and doughnut sticks, giving you a real taste of Shanghai’s morning rituals. Your guide shares insights into the neighborhood’s history while leading you through six hidden eateries, making this a great choice for food lovers who want a more intimate experience. The tour’s highlight is the visit to Xiahai Temple, with entrance fees included, offering a peaceful break from the busy streets. With a maximum of 10 people, your guide can answer all your questions and tailor the experience to your interests.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on Old Shanghai’s lively street life and culinary traditions. The walk lasts about three hours and costs $65 per person, making it a good value considering the food and culture. Reviews praise the tour for its fun, local atmosphere, and the guide’s wealth of knowledge. This experience suits travelers who love local food, history, and small-group intimacy.
Bottom Line: If you want an authentic introduction to Shanghai’s morning scene with delicious bites and a peaceful temple visit, this tour offers personalized attention and a taste of real Shanghai life.
2. 3 hour bike tour with coffee break
Taking a bike ride through Shanghai is a fantastic way to see the city’s diverse neighborhoods and get some exercise while enjoying a coffee stop. Starting at Xiangyang Park, this tour covers iconic landmarks and scenic routes in the French Concession and beyond. Cycling through the streets allows you to experience Shanghai’s blend of colonial charm and modern development in a way walking can’t match. The guide takes you to some hidden corners and offers insights into the city’s history and culture, with a relaxed coffee break to recharge.
This tour is highly rated, with reviews describing it as an “excellent way to see more of Shanghai,” and praising guide Jill for her friendly, informative style. It runs for about three hours and costs $45 per person, making it budget-friendly given the personalized experience. The tour’s route includes scenic spots and lesser-known streets, perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with physical activity and a break for good coffee.
Bottom Line: For active travelers eager to explore Shanghai’s neighborhoods on two wheels, this tour offers a well-rounded experience with a memorable coffee stop and plenty of local flavor.
3. Shanghai 3 hour bike with coffee break
This one-review wonder is a straightforward, well-reviewed bike tour that prominently features Shanghai’s evolving skyline and historic architecture. It starts in central Shanghai, where you’ll cycle past colonial-era buildings, modern skyscrapers, and scenic spots like the Bund. The tour emphasizes the city’s contrasts: traditional versus contemporary. The guide leads the group through these iconic sights, with a pause for coffee at a local café, making it ideal for those who want a compact but immersive experience.
Although it only has one review, it’s a perfect fit for travelers short on time but eager for a lively, guided ride. The $49 per person price delivers solid value, especially for those looking to combine sightseeing, culture, and cafe culture in a few hours. The route’s focus on scenic views and historical sites makes it particularly good for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a compact bike tour that highlights Shanghai’s architecture and offers a cozy coffee break, this tour is a smart choice with its straightforward route and positive review.
$49.00 per person
4. Shanghai: Coffee and Breakfast Guided Experience
This guided experience dives deep into Shanghai’s café scene, pairing visits to top cafes with tasting local and Western breakfast dishes. It costs $102 per person, reflecting the curated nature of the experience. The tour explores trendy and historic neighborhoods, such as the French Concession, and includes tastings of coffee drinks like matcha lattes or rose cappuccinos, plus baked goods from a well-loved bakery.
What makes this tour special is its focus on Shanghai’s coffee culture—sampling a variety of brews in top cafés—combined with the city’s breakfast staples. It’s particularly suited for coffee aficionados and those wanting a more relaxed, sit-down experience. The guide’s narrative adds context to the cafes’ histories and the city’s evolving coffee scene. Participants rave about tasting both Western and local treats, making it a flavorful exploration.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want a leisurely, cafe-focused experience with expert guidance and diverse tastings, this tour offers a premium taste of Shanghai’s coffee scene.
$102 per person
How to Choose
When selecting a coffee tour in Shanghai, consider your interests and schedule. If you prefer a hands-on breakfast experience with local foods, the Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour is your best bet, especially for small groups. For active explorers who want to see the city on two wheels, the bike tours and Shanghai 3 hour bike offer fun, scenic routes with convenient coffee stops. If your focus is on sampling the best cafés and coffee drinks, the Shanghai: Coffee and Breakfast Guided Experience will satisfy your craving for quality brews and tasty bites.
Timing, budget, and your fitness level will also influence your choice. For example, the bike tours are suitable for active travelers comfortable cycling in city traffic, while the food-focused tours suit those interested in cultural details and local flavors.
Final Thoughts
Shanghai offers a range of coffee-related experiences that cater to different tastes and schedules. For a relaxed, food-focused morning, the Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour stands out as a top pick with its small-group intimacy and delicious local breakfast. For active explorers, the bike tours provide a dynamic way to see key neighborhoods while enjoying coffee and scenic views. And for those after a curated café visit, the guided coffee experience delivers a flavorful journey through Shanghai’s modern coffee scene.
To get the most out of your trip, book early—these tours tend to fill up quickly, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Whether you’re a caffeine connoisseur or a curious traveler eager to combine sightseeing with a good cup of coffee, Shanghai’s diverse offerings ensure you’ll find a tour that matches your style.