There are plenty of places around town frequented by expats. Go join the shitshow at Yongkang Lu, check out dive bars, clubs or live music venues, head to a sports bar during a big game, organise a meet on here, whatever.

Is Shanghai expensive for tourists?

Compared to most of the rest of China, Shanghai is quite expensive. Still, travelers on a budget can find decent hotels at prices well below those in Europe, and on a similar level with much of the rest of larger Asian cities.