Best Things to Do in Shanghai
So I just got back from Shanghai, and wow, what a whirlwind. If you're looking for the best things to do in Shanghai, let me tell you, it went way beyond what I expected. It was like stepping into a vibrant collage of flavors, sights, and experiences, from the futuristic skyline to the traditional tea houses. I can't wait to share this over coffee.
This spot? Total surprise.
You know how you think you have things planned out, and then something flips the script completely? So, I had this grand plan to hit all the tourist traps: The Bund, Yu Garden, all that good stuff. But here's the kicker—I stumbled into this little alleyway in the French Concession. Honestly, I'd just turned down a street because my phone decided it didn't feel like cooperating anymore. As I meandered, I saw a café with the most inviting outdoor seating. No idea why I even went there; the place looked like it could either be a beautiful gem or a total bust.
But I went in, and I'm so glad I did. It was called The Coffee Academics—yeah, I know, just another coffee shop, right? But the vibe was something else. Mismatched furniture, scattered books, and art on the walls that just felt so personal. I got this flat white, and it was hands-down one of the best I've ever had. Somehow, this accidental detour turned into spontaneous journaling time. It was just me, my coffee, and the world rolling by outside. It felt real, you know? Like I was getting a sneak peek into a life that wasn't mine.
Street food that messed me up in a good way
Then there was the street food. Oh my god, if you think you're prepared for all those “spicy and kind of gray-looking” delicacies, just wait. I found a stall selling spicy boiled dumplings. Not the cute fill-your-belly kind; these were the “I-don't-know-what-I'm-eating-but-this-is-amazing” kind. The woman behind the counter was a whirlwind. One minute she was yelling at her helper, and the next, she was handing me a paper boat filled with dumplings dripping in chili oil. I had no idea how to order—in fact, I didn't even really know what I was getting.
I took a bite, and the flavor burst open like a firecracker. It felt rogue, you know? The spice hit me hard enough to make my eyes water, and at that moment, I knew I'd never get a meal like this back home. I still have a vague recollection of the spicy crunch, and it just makes me smile now. Totally unexpected but was probably the best meal of my trip, hands down.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
But then there was that one afternoon when I got all turned around at People's Square. I don't know how, but I left my hotel with one plan, and ended up on the complete opposite side of the city. At first, I was frustrated. I mean, I was all set to hit that famous Shanghai Museum, and here I was wandering madly, trying to decipher the smudged maps on my phone.
But here's the thing—I ended up at this small park where locals were practicing Tai Chi. I plopped down on a bench, finally allowing myself to breathe. All that urgency from earlier melted away. Watching these folks was incredible; they moved with such grace, like water flowing through rocks. Of course, there were some kids playing nearby, chasing after kites and just being full of life. I sat there, not really thinking about anything, just feeling this profound sense of peace wash over me.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from that park; it wasn't on any of the must-see lists I'd read. But it kind of changed my whole mood that day. Sometimes, I think you discover the most genuine parts of a place when you're not actively hunting for them.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
And can we talk about my ninja-level poor sense of direction? One evening, I hopped on the metro, thinking I'd head to this famous rooftop bar for drinks. I thought it was pretty straightforward. But naturally, I took a wrong turn. Instead of getting off at the right stop, I ended up somewhere totally unplanned.
Let's just say I was not prepared for what I found: a tiny bookstore-cum-bar. I thought I was lost—it was just overflowing with books! Walls lined with novels, mismatched chairs, and cozy nooks. I was about to leave when the barista caught me. “You can't leave without trying our cocktails!” she said, with the kind of enthusiasm that just pulls you in.
I ended up ordering some concoction called the “Shanghai Sling,” and it was delicious. We ended up talking about books and drinks for over an hour—it felt like a secret clubhouse. I walked away with a new favorite cocktail and an unexpected connection with someone who was so passionate about what she does.
Unfiltered moments that stay with you
I think that's the heart of the best things to do in Shanghai: it's unfiltered, raw moments like this that stick with you. It's not just big buildings and light shows—though, okay, the skyline at night is something out of a sci-fi movie! It's more about those little quirks you find when you let yourself wander.
So when people ask me about my trip now, it's less about what I ticked off an itinerary and more about those unapologetic detours. Each one cracked the shell of what I thought I knew about travel. I might have misread a sign or two, but I found spontaneous laughter instead.
I'm still sifting through it all, trying to make sense of how a few wrong turns and unexpected stops turned into a treasure trove of memories. Still sipping the last bit of coffee and thinking about that crazy city, I can't help but smile. It was a trip for the books.
