The Best Places to Stay in Shanghai: A Complete Traveler’s Guide
Shanghai is a city of dazzling contrasts—historic lane houses sit beside futuristic skyscrapers, tranquil gardens neighbor neon-lit malls, and every street seems alive with energy. As China’s financial powerhouse and one of Asia’s most dynamic metropolitan centers, the city offers an incredible variety of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Choosing where to stay can significantly shape your travel experience, whether you’re looking for luxury, nightlife, culture, or family-friendly surroundings.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the best locations to stay in Shanghai, organized by travel style, convenience, atmosphere, and budget. From iconic Bund views to trendy cafés in the Former French Concession, you’ll find the perfect area for your stay—whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.
The Bund (Waitan): Best for First-Time Visitors & Iconic Views
The Bund is undoubtedly Shanghai’s most famous landmark—a majestic waterfront lined with colonial-era architecture facing the ultra-modern skyline of Lujiazui. Staying near the Bund places you in the heart of the city’s postcard-perfect scenery.
Why Stay on The Bund
The Bund gives visitors immediate access to Shanghai’s top attractions while offering an unbeatable sense of atmosphere. The area is clean, safe, and highly walkable, making it ideal for first-time travelers.
Top Reasons to Choose This Area
• Breathtaking skyline views• Close to museums, high-end shops, and nightlife
• Luxury hotels with some of the world’s best rooftop bars
• Quick access to Metro Lines 2 and 10
Who This Area Is Best For
• Couples seeking a romantic stay• Travelers wanting iconic photos
• Visitors who prefer upscale dining and accommodation
Travel Tip
Book a river-view room—it’s worth every yuan, especially at night when the skyscrapers light up like a digital painting.
The Former French Concession (FFC): Best for Culture, Cafés & Boutique Hotels
The Former French Concession is Shanghai’s most charming district, known for its leafy streets, historic villas, and bohemian vibe. The area feels distinctly European yet unmistakably Chinese, creating one of the most unique urban atmospheres in Asia.
Why Stay in the French Concession
If you enjoy slow mornings in artisan coffee shops, browsing independent fashion boutiques, or exploring craft cocktail bars, this is your paradise.
Neighborhood Highlights
• Tree-lined avenues perfect for wandering• Trendy brunch spots and international restaurants
• Small museums, galleries, and design studios
• Relaxed nightlife without big crowds
Best for These Types of Travelers
• Digital nomads• Solo travelers
• Foodies
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Anyone seeking a peaceful yet stylish environment
Where Exactly to Stay
The FFC is large. Popular micro-districts include:
• Xintiandi – chic, polished, and modern• Tianzifang – artsy and full of small alleyways
• Hengshan Road – lively bars and nightlife
People’s Square & Nanjing Road: Best for Shopping & Central Location
If convenience is your priority, People’s Square is one of the most practical places to stay. Located in the geographic center of Shanghai, it is surrounded by museums, metro lines, and the city’s busiest shopping street—Nanjing Road.
Why This Area Works Well
• Direct access to Metro Lines 1, 2, 8, and more• Walking distance to the Shanghai Museum and Grand Theatre
• Plenty of hotels ranging from budget to high-end
• Constant activity and a great urban vibe
Perfect For
• Shoppers• Families wanting convenience
• Travelers staying only 1–2 nights
Don’t Miss
Take an evening stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the brightest and busiest shopping avenues in the world.
Lujiazui (Pudong): Best for Luxury, Skyscrapers & Business Travel
On the opposite side of the Huangpu River from the Bund lies Lujiazui, Shanghai’s hyper-modern financial district. Known for its towering skyscrapers—including the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center—Lujiazui feels like a glimpse of the future.
Why Stay in Lujiazui
This is the place for stunning panoramic views, top-tier hotels, and easy access to business venues and high-end malls.
Travel Advantages
• Home to Shanghai’s most luxurious hotels• Convenient for business travelers
• Close to family-friendly attractions like Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
• Easy metro access to the rest of the city
Who Will Love This Area
• Business travelers• Families wanting modern hotels
• Travelers who love cityscape photography
Good to Know
Nightlife here is more upscale and quieter than Puxi (the western side of the river).
Jing’an District: Best for Balanced Travel & Mid-Range Options
Jing’an is one of Shanghai’s most desirable local districts, combining convenience, culture, and stylish living. Named after the historic Jing’an Temple, the area blends traditional landmarks with modern shopping malls, international restaurants, and cozy cafés.
Why Jing’an Stands Out
It offers a residential feel while still being central. You’ll find everything from affordable hostels to chic boutique hotels.
Highlights of the Area
• Jing’an Temple• Kerry Centre mall
• International dining scene
• Vibrant nightlife
Best for Travelers Who Want
• A balanced mix of local life and convenience• Mid-range accommodation options
• Easy metro access
Jing’an is great for travelers wanting access to both business districts and cultural areas without compromising comfort.
Huangpu District (Old Town): Best for History Lovers
South of the Bund lies Old Shanghai, a district filled with narrow lanes, traditional architecture, and markets. Staying here puts you close to some of the city’s most historic attractions.
Why Stay in Old Town
This is the best place to experience authentic Shanghai culture, especially if you enjoy temples, tea houses, and local street food.
Key Landmarks
• Yuyuan Garden• City God Temple
• Classical Chinese pavilions and markets
Ideal For
• Cultural travelers• Photographers
• Those who prefer traditional atmospheres
The area can be busy during peak tourist seasons but is filled with charm and history.
Xujiahui: Best for Families & Convenience
Xujiahui, located in Shanghai’s southwest, is one of the city’s biggest shopping and transportation hubs. It’s modern, clean, and packed with dining options.
Why Families Love Xujiahui
• Excellent metro connections• Large malls with entertainment for kids
• Safe, organized streets
Nearby Attractions
• St. Ignatius Cathedral• Local parks
• Science and technology shopping centers
Perfect For
• Families• Shoppers
• Travelers wanting convenience without the noise of central districts
Hongkou District: Best for Budget Travelers & Local Vibes
If you're seeking an affordable yet interesting neighborhood that still offers quick access to tourist attractions, Hongkou is an excellent choice.
Why Stay in Hongkou
• More local atmosphere• Great value hotels and hostels
• Short metro ride to the Bund and People’s Square
Must-See Spots
• Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum• Lu Xun Park
Who Will Appreciate Hongkou
• Budget travelers• Backpackers
• Visitors wanting quieter streets
So, Where Should You Stay in Shanghai?
Each area of Shanghai has its own strengths. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
• The Bund – Best overall, iconic views• Former French Concession – Best for culture, cafés, and boutique style
• People’s Square/Nanjing Road – Best for convenience and shopping
• Lujiazui – Best for luxury and business travel
• Jing’an – Best for balanced travel
• Old Town (Huangpu) – Best for history lovers
• Xujiahui – Best for families
• Hongkou – Best for budget travelers
No matter where you stay, Shanghai’s world-class metro system makes it easy to explore the entire city.
Final Thoughts
Shanghai is a city that rewards curiosity. Each district offers something unique—whether it’s cultural depth, futuristic architecture, trendy food scenes, or luxury comforts. Choosing the right neighborhood will elevate your trip, ensuring you experience the version of Shanghai that matches your travel style.
With so many options, there’s no single “best” place to stay—but there is a perfect area for you. Use this guide as your starting point, and you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
