Under $100: Shanghai

There are a number of things to do in Shanghai and keeping your budget less than $100 for a day is as easy as spending $1,000. But, let’s face it, the city is massive and this guide will keep you from walking more than a couple/few miles.

Start the day with jianbing, a Shanghai staple. It’s somewhat close to a savory crepe filled with egg, cilantro, bean paste and optional hot sauce and a crunchy fried thing for a bit of texture and backbone. While available on most streets, start with a Costa Coffee (to go) where Nanjing Xi Lu runs into People’s Square. Walk through the Marriott and enjoy your jianbing from one of its best vendors, in front of Mingtown Hostel on Tianjin Road.

People’s Square © Pixattitude | Dreamstime

A few blocks away lies People’s Square with nothing less than a full day’s activities for you while also hosting a number of nice restaurants. Start with the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, which includes an impressive scale model of the city that changes each day. Head to Barbarossa for lunch where a three-course meal with a glass of wine won’t set you back more than about $13.

Back to the museums for a bit (you have choices including the Shanghai Modern Art Museum) until your body screams it’s time for a martini before dinner. Head back to the Marriott you’ve already walked through today and head to JR’s Lounge on the 40^th floor for a well-made cocktail and a panoramic view of Puxi (Shanghai west of the Huangpu River).

Shanghai World Expo © Hupeng | Dreamstime

While you have plenty of money left to eat in one of the hotel’s myriad restaurants, don’t. You’re a 10-minute walk from one of the world’s best food streets in the three blocks of the looping Wujiang Lu. Yes, it was closed for the World Expo, but like Mark Twain, rumors of its demised were greatly exaggerated. There is far too much to choose from to make suggestions; let your eyes and nose guide you and do spend a few hours.