Originally Posted by
LHR/MEL/Europe FF
As others have said - it all depends on your specific interests.
But Shanghai (to me at least) really is about the food, drink and hanging out.
My plan would be something like this:
stay: Astor House on the Bund (lots of history and rooms for about $100 a night)
I love staying at the Astor House. BUT, only in the "celebrity" rooms. Great history. And one time when I was staying in Marconi's room, I was quite amused that the Internet was not working.
It also has the one hotel name in SHA I remember and can pronounce well enough to get a taxi driver to take me there reliably without a hotel card.
The western breakfast is definitely sub-par, though. And don't even consider eating any other meal at the hotel restaurant!
visit: the Bund (day and night), walk through the former French Concession, or take on of the many day tours or speciality available.
eat: Din Tai Fung Dumplings; Lost Heaven on the Bund
I love both DTF and Lost Heaven. Two of my favorite restaurants!
drink: the restored Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria, Glamour Bar (on the Bund), the Peace Hotel, and for something new Barbarossa (People's Square)
I like the Long Bar, too. But on the Bund my favorite (if the weather is nice) is Sir Elly's Terrace (outside) at the Peninsula. Amazing view of the Bund and Pudong.
ride: the Maglev (at least one way)
I'm over this now, but when I'm with someone on their first trip to Shanghai, it's a must.
If you can try and sample the above then you start to scratch the amazing history of Shanghai.