visit to shanghai in may- suggestions? (Shanghai)

Dear All,

I will be travelling to china with a friend in May. It is an organised tour and we will have one free day iin shagnhai. The operator is offering us some tours in shanghai. i would like to see the old Shanghai and my friend wants to climb the oriental pearl tower and go on the maglev.
I saw the suggestions Matteo gave ion another post and was wondering if it is easy to find your way on your own if you don't understand chinese at all.
Also does anyone know reliable tour operators in Shanghai?

Thanks!

Virginia