New to Shanghai and want to know where other families go to enjoy all this city has to offer? Welcome to Our Favorite Things, where we spend time with a Shanghai family and find out their favorite places for you.
Meet the Stranieri family – Melinda and Domenic, their son Domenico (8) and daughters Giuliana (6) and Allegra (3). In December 2015, with three children under the age of six, the family bravely moved from Australia to Shanghai. Now, over two and a half years later, they have well and truly settled in and embraced the positive aspects of this wonderful city. Continually finding new and exciting places to eat, shop, be active and relax is what keeps this gorgeous family happy and content with life in bustling Shanghai.
Coffee Spot
Starbucks Reserve Roastery reminds us of the Italian cafes at home in Melbourne. It's not all about the coffee here, we also enjoy their freshly-prepared pizza and cakes.
Sunday Brunch
At M on the Bund, there is something for everyone to enjoy: excellent food, atmosphere, service and view. We also enjoy taking friends to 100 Century Avenue Restaurant on level 51 at Park Hyatt.
Weekend Activity
We love heading out to Disneytown. Even if we don’t go to the Shanghai Disney Resort, we enjoy the atmosphere and The Cheesecake Factory. Sometimes we head to Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill to watch the fireworks from the rooftop.
Image via Melinda Stranieri
Weekend Getaway
We love boarding a plane and heading to Okinawa, Japan. A quick two-hour flight makes for an easy way to escape the pollution for a weekend and spend time together.
Under the Radar Tip
You can pretty much get everything done from the comfort of your own home including your shopping, dry cleaning, fake eyelashes, pedicures and massages. So, don’t worry if you are not ready to explore Shanghai in the early days of living here, or you don’t have enough time as everything can come to you. Just ask around, and someone will have a contact for you.
Date Night
We like going to W Shanghai – The Bund for drinks and dinner as it's a little more adults-only style.
Bike Ride Location
We hire a four-wheeled or tandem bike and ride inside Century Park. It’s an experience for the whole family. Smaller kids can’t reach the pedals, so be prepared to do all the pedaling while the kids attempt to steer!
After Dinner Nightcap
Our go-to is the rooftop CHAR Bar & Grill, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund.
Image via Melinda Stranieri
Go-To Dessert
Haagen Daaz – we don’t have it in Australia, so experiencing ice-cream in different forms of dessert is such a treat. We love it, and so do the kids.
Shopping Spot
Shanghai Takashimaya Department Store, Changning. We love this place. The kids can play in a supervised area while we shop. It is clean and comfortable to wander around, with great Japanese food.
Family-Friendly Restaurant
Ok, I know it’s a cliché, but the kids love Blue Frog. This place ensures a dinner out with kids is easy, especially with so many convenient locations. This restaurant is our safety net.
Kids’ Party Venue
INSPORTCLUB near the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and Century Park. It's a lot of fun for a group of kids.
[Title image via Melinda Stranieri]
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