30 Tips to Save Money - Visit Shanghai on a Budget

Author: Shanghai Props

How to visit Shanghai on a budget? A simple guide on how to visit Shanghai on a budget.

This post provides 30 tips for those visiting Shanghai on a budget, from where to stay on a budget, cheapest way to get around, to free things to do, and more.

Cheapest Way to Get to Shanghai

Traveling to Shanghai by cheap flights is an affordable option. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip smoothly:

Choose the right cheap flight. Learn about the major budget airlines and their routes and choose the flight that is right for you.

Book your flight in advance. Cheap flight tickets usually vary according to demand and booking time. You can often get a lower price by booking your flight in advance.

Be aware of additional costs. Cheap flights typically split their fares into base fares and additional charges, such as checked baggage, seat selection, meals, and so on.

How to Get Around Shanghai for Cheap

Taking the subway is one of the main transportation options for tourism in Shanghai. There are some tips to help you save money when taking the subway in Shanghai:

Study the Shanghai Metro Line Map. The Shanghai subway network is very complex, and understanding the route map can help find the most direct path. This can avoid unnecessary transfers and additional costs.

Purchase a one-day or three-day subway ticket. If you plan to use the subway frequently in a short period of time, purchasing a one-day or three-day ticket may be more cost-effective than buying multiple one-way tickets.

Avoid peak hours. Try not to travel during the rush hour on weekdays, around 7:30-9:00 in the morning and 17:00-19:00 in the afternoon. Not only can this avoid the crowds, but sometimes you can also enjoy discounted prices during off peak hours.

Best Free Things To Do in Shanghai

As an international metropolis, Shanghai has rich tourism resources. There are many free ways to experience the city for those who want to save money on their travels.

Plan your trip in advance. Do your research before you travel to find out which places are free, as well as their specific opening hours and requirements.

Free Open Day. Many museums and art galleries offer free admission on certain days, such as Mondays or Tuesdays.

Visit free attractions. When making travel plans, first consider those places that do not charge entrance fees, such as The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Xintiandi, Huaihai Road, etc.

Visit free parks. There are many parks in Shanghai that are open to the public for free, such as People's Park, Huangpu Park, and Fuxing Park.

Where to Stay in Shanghai on a Budget

Here are some tips that can help you save on accommodation costs while ensuring comfort.

Choose a youth hostel. Youth hostels usually offer shared dormitories at very affordable prices, suitable for travelers with limited budgets.

Choose vacation rentals. Compared to high-end hotels, homestays usually have lower prices and sometimes even provide a homely feeling.

Choose hotels in the suburbs. Central hotels often have higher prices due to their convenient location. Living in the suburbs can save you a lot of money.

Choose economy hotels. Economy hotels typically offer basic accommodation services, which may not have luxurious amenities but are relatively affordable.

Affordable Shanghai Shopping Spots

Here are some tips to help you save money during shopping:

Avoid shopping in high-priced shopping districts, where specialty markets often offer better value for money for handicrafts and souvenirs.

Shopping in specialty markets, such as Yuyuan Bazaar, Tianzifang, Qibao Old Street, etc. These places not only have unique products, but also relatively affordable prices.

Compare prices. Compare the price of the same product at different stores and choose the most cost-effective one.

Bargain when shopping to get a better price. Merchants usually leave some room for negotiation.

How to Eat in Shanghai on a Budget

By planning a daily dining budget, you can effectively save money on meals and drinks while traveling in Shanghai.

Find cheap western restaurants. There are many inexpensive western restaurants and fast food restaurants in Shanghai with diverse menus to meet different needs.

Try local snacks. There are many special snacks in Shanghai, such as Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao) , Sheng Jian Bao (Shanghai Pan-Fried Pork Buns), and so on, which are not only delicious but also relatively low in price.

Convenience stores. Shanghai is dotted with convenience stores offering a wide variety of fast food at cheap prices.

Restaurant coupons and deals. Pay attention to some restaurant deals, sometimes you can find a good discount.

Cooking by yourself. If you plan to stay in Shanghai for a long time, you can rent an apartment with a kitchen. Save money by cooking your own meals.

Conclusion

Through the above tips, you can fully explore Shanghai within your budget and enjoy the unique charm of this city.

We are willing to provide you with professional travel planning services to help you enjoy an economical and rich travel experience in Shanghai. Contact Us to make your journey easier.

Last Updated: August 27
Reading Time: 5 mins
Written by Shanghai Props