Indoor Fun in Shanghai: Cool Places to Explore, No Sweat!

🌟 Looking for fun without facing the heat?

Whether you're a culture lover, an arcade fan, or just need a cool, fun day in the city—Shanghai has plenty of indoor spots perfect for locals and travelers. No sweating, no stress—just grab your metro card and dive into art, games, and food. Here’s your go-to guide for beating the heat while enjoying the city to the fullest. All spots are foreigner-friendly, easy to reach, and surrounded by good eats!

Step into a living, breathing artwork where light, sound, and movement surround you. You can chase digital butterflies, walk through floating flower fields, or get lost in a maze of mirrors. The space constantly shifts—no two visits feel the same. Great for couples, content creators, or those who want to feel like they’re in a dream.

📍 Location: 100 Century Avenue, Pudong (inside Huanmao Mall)
🚇 Metro: Lujiazui Station (Line 2/14), Exit 6 → 5 min walk
 Tickets: Yes, book in advance via official website or WeChat mini program (passport accepted)
 Nearby Eats: Try Xiaonanguo (小南国) for Shanghai-style cuisine or % Arabica coffee inside the mall
 Tip: Go early to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to charge your phone—you’ll want to film everything!

This museum offers both grandeur and calm—its architecture alone is worth a visit. You’ll find huge galleries showcasing everything from ancient bronzes to multimedia art. It’s fully bilingual (English/Chinese), uncrowded, and perfect for cultural immersion without the tourist rush. Also, the basement levels are a hidden treasure trove of history. 

📍 Location: 260 Century Avenue, Pudong (beside PAM)
🚇 Metro: Lujiazui Station (Line 2/14), Exit 6 → 8 min walk
 Tickets: Free for standard entry; special exhibits may require online booking (passport accepted)

 Nearby Eats: Walk over to The Press by Seems café or explore lunch spots at IFC Mall
 Tip: Don’t miss the underground porcelain gallery—it’s massive and surprisingly quiet.

This sky-high bookstore combines panoramic Bund views with stylish book displays, art installations, and cozy reading corners. A hidden gem for creatives and solo travelers.  Cloud-level reading at 239m! Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Pudong’s skyline. 

Secret: Buy ¥35 coffee for access to “cloud corridors”.

📍 Location: 52F, Shanghai Tower, Lujiazui, Pudong
🚇 Metro: Lujiazui Station (Line 2/14), Exit 6 → walk 10 mins
 Tickets: Bookstore is free; access via Shanghai Tower’s official entrance
 Nearby Eats: % Arabica, Wagas, or Starbucks Reserve downstairs
 Tip: Go on weekdays to enjoy quiet time and amazing city views—sunset hour is magical!

A neon-lit throwback paradise where you can roller skate to retro beats, play arcade games, and sip on funky cocktails or bubble tea. It’s a safe, cool, and Instagrammable hangout with strong community vibes. Great spot for birthday parties, casual hangouts, or solo skaters who want to chill in a stylish setting.

📍 Location: 358 Kangding Road, Jing’an District
🚇 Metro: Changping Road Station (Line 7), Exit 1 → 8 min walk
 Tickets: No entry fee! Just pay to skate (~80 RMB/hr), walk-ins welcome
 Nearby Eats: Grab a slice at Homeslice Pizza or chill with coffee at Seesaw Café in nearby Reel Mall
 Tip: They have themed nights + happy hour deals. Check Instagram @riink.sh for updates.

Whether you want to bowl, play cards, or just chill indoors, this spot is perfect for a casual afternoon. Air-conditioned, English-friendly, and great for groups. Beyond just bowling, this is a playground for all ages—board games, VR rooms, photo booths, and even themed drinks. Located in one of Jing’an’s busiest malls, you can easily combine fun with food and fashion. Great choice for rainy days or spontaneous group outings.

📍 Location: B1, DiMei Shopping Centre, No.221 Renmin Avenue
🚇 Metro: Site of the First CPC National Congress·South Huangpi Road Station (Line 14), Exit 5 → 500m walk
Tickets: Pay per game (approx. 100+ RMB). Walk-in friendly
Nearby Eats: The Peacock Room & Lost Heaven
Tip: Go early afternoon to avoid queues. 

A villa turned lounge, Cotton’s offers plush interiors, soft jazz, and laid-back conversation corners. Sometimes hosts mahjong nights, cocktail classes, or language exchange meetups. With its cozy atmosphere and international crowd, it’s the kind of place where you can arrive solo and leave with new friends.

📍 Location: 294 Xinhua Road, Changning District
🚇 Metro: Jiaotong University Station (Line 10/11), Exit 7 → walk 10 mins
 Tickets: Free entry; pay for drinks or events (some nights offer mahjong or mixology classes)
 Nearby Eats: Cotton’s has a great Western menu; nearby Mikkeller or Pie Society also solid choices
 Tip: Check @cottonssh for event nights—live jazz, game nights, or cultural mixers.

Not just a bathhouse—New Star is a whole-day retreat. Sweat it out in herbal saunas, nap in reclining chairs, try Korean jjimjilbang-style spa rooms, or get a full-body scrub. Perfect for a detox day or post-flight recovery. No Chinese needed—menu and services are available in English too.

📍 Location: 288 Dongxiu Road (1km walk from Amplitude Plaza)
Tickets: Entry ~168 RMB (unlimited hours); no booking needed
Nearby Eats: Try the onsite Korean BBQ restaurant, or head to Takashimaya Mall nearby
Tip: Bring your own swimsuit if you want to use the pools. Great spot to relax and recharge on hot days.

Shanghai summer doesn’t have to mean sweating through your sightseeing plans. From immersive digital art to retro skating rinks and peaceful galleries, these indoor gems offer fun, flavor, and a break from the heat—all with easy metro access and great local eats. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families. So next time you're wondering what to do indoors in Shanghai?—you’re all set.