This is the ultimate guide to selecting the best hotel and neighborhood in Shanghai.
I know, that’s quite a statement!
But I’ve lived here for over a year (3 years in China), visited it more than 15 times, worked at a Chinese company in Shanghai, tested hotels across the city’s districts, and helped dozens of friends and family members pick their perfect spot.
So, if you want the real deal on the best areas and the best hotels in Shanghai from someone who’s actually lived here, this guide is for you.
Let’s go! (or as they say in China: 走吧 zǒu ba!)
Where To Stay Cheat Sheet (Save This!)
Lived 3 years in China, 1 year in Shanghai, worked at a Chinese company in Shanghai. Here are the best 5 areas to stay:
Where to Stay in Shanghai
Here are the top 5 areas to stay in, along with my hotel recommendations:
1. the Bund: It’s Touristy, but There’s a Reason
When people ask me where to stay in Shanghai as a first-time visitor, I usually point them toward The Bund.
I know it’s touristy, but the location is absolutely unbeatable, there‘s plenty to do, and you can walk to both old and new Shanghai. If you’re wondering where to stay in Shanghai, this area is one of my top choices.
Why I send my friends to the Bund: You can walk to Yu Garden, seen below, go to Nanjing Road for shopping, catch the ferry to Pudong, which is cheap, and it’s an incredible scenic ride, there are restaurants like Fellas Terrace with incredible views, and there is a light show everyday starting at 6pm (7pm in the summer).
Overall, a lot is happening in this area!
On Nanjing road you can find everything from local Chinese products to Western brands.
Nanjing Road is one of the busiest areas of Shanghai, but the street is incredibly wide and spacious, so it never feels super crowded.
Nanjing Road is one of the busiest areas of Shanghai, but the street is incredibly wide and spacious, so it never feels super crowded.
Where to stay in Shanghai for shopping
The Bund is the best area to stay in Shanghai for shopping. More specifically, Nanjing Road, which starts (or ends) at the Bund, has shops from famous Western brands and gigantic malls, one of the coolest Nike Stores, and more local stores.
The downside: The downside of this area is that the Bund and Nanjing Road are just very crowded. Not always. During the week before mid-afternoon, it can be more relaxed, but overall, it is crowded, and cafes near the Bund will be more expensive.
Quick tip on where to Eat at The Bund:
These two restaurants have an incredible view over The Bund: Fellas Terrace and The Captain. There's a link to make a reservation on their Instagram page. Make sure to make a reservation a few days upfront!
Tip 2: Almost every day, there is an incredible light show at The Bund. It usually starts around 6:00 PM and lasts until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM, depending on the season, and is worth the visit!
My favorite hotels close to the Bund
These are my 3 favorite hotels on the Bund, ranging from low to mid and high budget:
Campanile The Bund: The place to stay on a budget in Shanghai. Nothing fancy, but a great location, and I always had a good experience there. It’s within walking distance from the Bund (a nice scenic walk through some local streets), and it is very affordable. Breakfast is OK with Western and local options.
Waldorf Astoria: Absolutely incredible place, classic and romantic style, right at the Bund. Walking distance from Yu Garden, the Bund, and Nanjing Road. Especially for first-time visitors, this is a superb hotel. The ferry to Pudong is also right across the street.
J Hotel: Expensive, but the views are insane, and the whole place feels like you’re in a sci-fi movie. The J Hotel is more of a treat for a one-night or short stay since it’s on the Pudong side, so it’s not as centrally located as the Waldorf Astoria.
If you’re looking for a more local and laid-back experience, then the French Concession (which is where I used to live) is one of the best areas to stay in Shanghai.
2. French Concession: Best Area to Stay in Shanghai
The French Concession is my favorite area and one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Shanghai if you want to feel like you’re living there like a local, rather than just visiting.
I’m not even kidding.
This is the place I’ve lived on Panyu Road for over a year, and I miss it so much. If I were visiting again, this is where I’d book a hotel.
When my Chinese friends get asked where the best area is to stay in Shanghai, this neighborhood always comes up. There are lots of trees in the streets, incredible coffee shops, wine bars, pop-up stores, local shops, and the perfect mix of old Shanghai charm, and it is much less crowded than the Bund.
Why is it called the French Concession?
The French Concession was an area of Shanghai that China was forced to cede to France to administer from 1849 to 1946, following its defeat in wars against Western powers. It’s called a “concession” because China had to concede (give up) this territory.
Still not sure where to stay in Shanghai?
I built this quiz below after living in Shanghai for over a year, exploring neighbourhoods and helping dozens of friends figure out where to book. The questions are based on real decisions. Every hotel in the results is a place I’ve either stayed at, visited, or had someone I trust report back on. Try it and find your spot in Shanghai!
My 3 Favorite Hotels in the French Concession
Moller Villa Hotel: An affordable 5-Star hotel that’s nothing like you’ve ever seen anywhere else. This is such a peculiar building; it’s definitely a memorable stay in Shanghai.
It’s a bit on the edge of the French Concession, but it is on a street that is quite fun (Shanxi Road); lots of local cafes, restaurants, and even some outside terraces to have a drink, which is rare in China. It’s also within walking distance of the Jing’an Temple.
Pullman Shanghai Skyway: Staying here means you’ll be close to some great activities in the French Concession. There are countless alleys and local shops to explore like in Tianzifang, which is just above the hotel. I have been here so many times, and it’s honestly my favorite part of Shanghai (and the hotel isn’t too expensive).
City Hotel Shanghai: A more local option and the cheapest hotel I’ve stayed at (wifi registration didn’t work for me with an international number), but it’s in a fantastic part of Shanghai, with coffee shops, bars, and outside terraces. My brother had to DJ in Shanghai, and so we stayed here for 1 night.
What surprised me was the breakfast; there was so much to choose from, and I loved it!
If I had to choose again, I’d spend a weekend at the Pullman in the French Concession, as the location is perfect (close to Xintiandi) and it’s not too expensive.
Why this is honestly the best area: You’re surrounded by excellent restaurants, vintage shopping that locals actually go to, and parks where people do tai chi in the morning. Plus, you can get anywhere in the city within 15 minutes.
It’s a place where my friends and family always say, “Wow, I can’t believe this is China!”
Just so you know: Some streets in the French Concession can be confusing to navigate, and it gets pretty quiet at night compared to other areas. It's lovely to walk around there at night, and perfectly safe!
Getting around
Lines 1, 7, 9, and 10 all run through here. Pudong Airport is approximately 45 minutes by metro, and Hongqiao is about 20 to 30 minutes.
Food situation
You can find an incredible number of local and international restaurants here, though the food scene leans more toward lunch spots and coffee shops.
If you’re looking for a more metropolitan city vibe, you can take a taxi or subway to the Bund, Pudong, or even Jing’an, which offers a mix of vibes. Check out all my favorite restaurants in my complete French Concession guide.
3. Jing’an: the Most Central Area
When friends want a central location that’s not too crowded with tourists (it does get crowded tho with locals), I tell them about Jing’an. There are excellent metro connections and shopping options, and it has a nice mix of local, modern, and residential vibes.
My Favorite Hotels in the Jing ‘An Area
Paramount Gallery Hotel: Right across the temple and very affordable! Some staff don’t speak English that well, but there is always someone who does.
PuLi Hotel: A Mix between a big hotel and a boutique spot with an awesome spa and outdoor pool, which not many hotels have!
Why I recommend this area: Walking distance to People’s Square, plenty of museums, malls, Nanjing Road is close by, and the French Concession isn’t too far away. Plus, visiting Jing’an Temple is cheap and is really worth seeing!
Getting around: Lines 2 and 7 make getting anywhere very easy. You can go to most Shanghai attractions in 20-30 minutes.
A huge plus about staying in either Jing’an or the French Concession is that the Shanghai Train Station and Hongqiao Airport areas are nearby. Without too much traffic, you can be there in 20 to 30 minutes by taxi.
4. Pudong: Future Shanghai Vibes
Stay here if you want the “I’m in the Future” experience. It’s also super practical if you’re flying in and out of Pudong Airport a lot. When people ask about great areas in Shanghai for tourists seeking a full modern Chinese experience, Pudong is the best choice.
Pudong is Perfect for Business travelers, first-timers who want the modern China experience, and anyone who values airport convenience if you’re landing at Pudong Airport.
But just so you know, Pudong can feel pretty sterile compared to other neighborhoods on the other side of the river, and your dining options are mostly fancy hotel restaurants or shopping mall food courts.
Getting around: Line 2 goes straight to both airports. Plus, you’re close to the Maglev train to Pudong Airport – 8 minutes, though it costs more than a decent meal.
The buildings you see below are on the ‘Pudong side’ of Shanghai.
Fun fact: "Pu" means river, and "dong" means East. The left side of the river is called Puxi (West of the river), and Pudong means East of the river.
My 2 favorite hotels in Pudong
J-Hotel: Tallest building in China! And the hotel is at the very top… So, if you’re not afraid of heights, this is a mind-blowing place to stay.
Shangri-La: Nothing crazy like the Moller Villa hotel, nor an overly classic style like Waldorf Astoria. But everything’s just really good. Great location on the Pudong side of the Bund, you can easily walk to the riverside, where you’ll find lots of restaurants nearby. Perfect for a short stay in Shanghai. Especially if you’re flying from Pudong Airport.
5. Xintiandi: Pretty but Pricey
Every Shanghai guide mentions Xintiandi because it’s undeniably convenient and looks Instagram-perfect. It’s also where you’ll pay premium prices to stay in a kind of Disney version of old Shanghai.
In my opinion, Xintiandi is worth visiting, but it feels less authentic than Jing’an or the French Concession.
Where I stayed in Xintiandi
The Langham Xintiandi is a luxury option right in the middle of Xintiandi. Stayed here one night on a business trip. It scores a 9.1 on Booking.com (location 9.7) and I completely agree with that.
It’s a hotel in a perfect location with amazing service that really makes you feel welcome. From my experience, it even saves quite a few taxi rides because almost everything is within walking distance, except the Bund, which is around 30 minutes walking.
Getting around: Line 1 puts you right in the heart of everything. Easy access to most major stuff on foot or quick metro rides. The area is quite central overall.
Food: Trendy restaurants (with great food) and bars that look great on Instagram, but expect to pay a lot more!
I believe this was a cake that went viral on Chinese social media, so we went to Xintiandi because I had to have it, of course! 😉
Yes, I waited in this line for a cake…
Where to Stay for the Best Nightlife
China is known for its insane clubs. I performed as a DJ in over 40 cities, doing almost 100 shows.
Shanghai is no doubt the city in China with the most clubs and bars (correct me if I’m wrong).
The Bund: Rooftop bars with sick views, but expect to pay ¥100+ per cocktail. Great for special occasions, less great for your wallet. Waldorf Astoria, is my favorite. Go for the Deluxe Room with River View.
French Concession: Best bar scene in Shanghai, hands down. Everything from hidden places to chill wine bars. This is where locals and long-term expats go out. Huai Hai Lu is a famous (very long) street with clubs and bars and this one as well. Tianzifang is also a great spot.
Just above Huai Hai Lu is ‘Found‘, a fun and infamous area filled with bars and smaller clubs, home to a mix of expats and locals. You’ll have to go underground, where you find an area with bars.
Pudong: Limited to hotel bars and mall entertainment. It’s not as exciting as the previously mentioned areas. But great for a one-night-stay in Shanghai.
Xintiandi: Polished but touristy. Good for business drinks and fancy ice cream.
Jing’an/Hongkou: More local scene – karaoke, neighborhood bars, late-night food spots where you’ll actually practice your Mandarin.
Hotels for the Most Luxurious Experience
Shanghai is a city where you can totally choose you own type of holiday, you can go local or you can go on a full-on next-level luxurious experience.
What’s so great about Shanghai is that 5-star hotels are really super affordable compared to other major cities in the world like New York, Amsterdam or Seoul.
During my time performing as a DJ in China, accommodation was always included, including some of the most luxurious hotels I’ve ever stayed at.
Best 5-star hotels in Shanghai:
| Hotel | Best For | Price | Highlight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria | Historic luxury on the Bund | $350+ | 1920s Art Deco masterpiece | Book Now |
| Moller Villa Hotel | Unique boutique experience | $150+ | Gothic castle architecture | Book Now |
| Shangri La | Classic | $150+ | Great Location in Pudong | Book Now |
| JW Marriott Tomorrow Square | Business travelers | $170+ | Sky-high executive floors | Book Now |
| J Hotel | Ultimate luxury seekers | $400+ | World’s second-highest hotel | Book Now |
Check out my complete review of these 5, 5-star hotels.
Near Disneyland Shanghai
If you’re visiting Disneyland, don’t stay in central Shanghai. The metro takes 45 minutes each way, and taxis hit traffic jams at the end of the day. There are some really fun boutique hotels close to Disney with themed rooms, slides, and free shuttle service. We stayed at two of them with our toddler and it made a huge difference. I wrote a full guide on where to stay near Disneyland Shanghai with all my tested picks and practical tips.
Where to Stay in Shanghai Map
Below is an interactive map of currently available hotels in Shanghai.
9 Essential Tips About Hotels in Shanghai
No matter where you end up staying, here’s what you need to know when staying in Shanghai:
- Getting refused at hotels: You may have heard that hotels are not accepting foreign tourists. I can confirm that I have been rejected multiple times at hotels (local brands), which was super weird! However! I’m happy to tell you that this is no longer the case. Back then, hotels required a permit to accommodate foreigners, and not every local hotel had obtained one, as the process involved high costs and extensive administration. This is why foreigners were rejected; if the hotel didn’t have the right permit, they could face a fine. However, this is no longer the case; good to know!
- Staying with pets: Did you know there are plenty of hotels in Shanghai that allow pets? You can search on booking.com and filter for hotels that accept pets inside the room, dogs, and cats! Even the W Hotel accepts pets!
- VPN: Download VPN apps before you land if you need Google, Facebook, or even Dropbox, Netflix, etc. Please don’t wait until you’re here, as it will be impossible to access a VPN or most international websites. I used Astrill a lot.
- Language: International hotels often have English-speaking staff, but not all of them, even among the bigger hotel brands. You’d be surprised! Get Google Translate ready (if you have a VPN), but WeChat works best. You can also scan Chinese text and translate it with WeChat.
- Internet: Obtain a SIM Card from Airalo or another brand that offers international SIM Cards. I found that Airalo works best, and you don’t even need a VPN. Alternatively, get a Chinese SIM card ASAP at the airport, as many hotels require phone verification that often doesn’t work with foreign numbers.
- Safety: Shanghai is incredibly safe, so there’s no need to worry about walking around at night. But! I do urge you not to chat online about sensitive subjects such as the government, Taiwan, the president, or anything else that’s sensitive in China. They will see it, and there is a chance that the police will contact you if you do.
- Prices: Prices tend to increase significantly during holidays and trade fairs, so I recommend booking your trip outside of these periods. Train tickets sell out fast, as well, around holidays.
- Transportation: Always check if your hotel is near a metro station – taxi traffic is fine, but it makes the trip just a bit easier.
- Money: Shanghai is almost cashless, but it is still smart to carry some with you for a taxi if your card isn’t working. Everything is paid by either WeChat or Alipay, and luckily, you can now connect your credit card to Alipay.
Airbnb & Guesthouses
There are more options for staying in Shanghai than just hotels, but the main thing you should know is this: When renting an Airbnb or something similar, you HAVE to register at the nearest police station within 24 hours of arriving. When staying at a hotel, you don’t need to register (they do that for you). Please keep this in mind!
It sounds a bit scary, but I assure you it is not; the police are super friendly (I’ve had countless interactions). Just go there, and they will help you, or the host of the Airbnb will help you.
It works as follows: At the police station, you scan a QR code, enter your name, passport details, and a photo of your passport, and enter your email address. Upload it and within an hour you’ll get a confirmation. You don’t have to wait for the confirmation; you can go. The whole thing takes like ten minutes.
Serviced Apartments: If you’re staying over a week or two, check out Ascott or Fraser Suites. Kitchen facilities and better weekly rates than hotels. I’ve stayed at Frases several times across China, which I can definitely recommend.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August): Shanghai gets hot and humid. Stay somewhere with great AC and near covered malls for an escape. The French Concession’s trees help a bit, but Pudong feels like a hot concrete jungle.
Winter (December-February): Older buildings have not-so-good heating. Stick to international chains or newer local hotels. The Bund gets windy and cold, but at least indoor stuff is nearby.
Spring/Fall: The best time of the year to visit; walking in the city is super pleasant.
When Not to Come to Shanghai
Perhaps just as important: when you shouldn’t stay in Shanghai!
Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb): Half the city shuts down for 2-3 weeks. Restaurants close, there’s not much to do, and hotel prices go up. Fireworks originate from China, but you won’t see any in the big cities — that surprised me. Dates shift each year (2026: Feb 17, 2027: Feb 6). Avoid the week before and after.
Golden Week (Oct 1-8): The opposite problem — the busiest week of the year. Hotels fill up months ahead and prices can double. Book the week after instead; mid-October weather is still perfect.
Summer (Jul-Aug): Hot, humid, and peak season for international families. Spring or fall is a much better bet.
That cuts it roughly in half while keeping all the useful info. The 10-year date list can go — anyone planning that far ahead can Google it.
Summer peak (July-August)
Not only is the weather awful, but it’s also when most international families visit, in my experience.
If you’re traveling with kids and wondering where to stay in Shanghai, spring or fall is a better time; even the beginning of November is quite nice.
Getting Around
Metro vs. Taxi vs. DiDi:
- Metro always wins during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
- Taxis are convenient, but communicating with the taxi driver can be difficult.
- DiDi works great, but you need a Chinese phone number to register, unless this has been changed.
Practical Stuff
ATMs: There are plenty of ATM’s everywhere. Keep in mind the extra costs of getting cash. It might be a good idea to get a bit more at once.
Western products: Do you need specific medications or familiar food brands? Jing’an and the French Concession have the most international supermarkets.
Shopping Tips
Luxury: Pudong (IFC Mall), Jing’an (Plaza 66), French Concession (iapm Mall) for all the big international brands.
Local markets: Hongkou has the best wet markets. French Concession vintage markets are pretty cool.
Electronics: Xujiahui has massive electronics malls, though prices aren’t necessarily better than at home.
Tips for a Good Night’s Rest in Shanghai
The Bund: Traffic noise 24/7 plus construction. Request higher floors and pack earplugs, but keep noise to a minimum at night, since most bars and clubs are elsewhere.
French Concession: Generally quiet at night, but weekend bar areas can get loud. Avoid hotels located directly on main streets, such as Huaihai Road. Some streets may seem quiet during the day but can become crowded and noisy at night due to the bars.
Jing’an: Quite noisy during the day and night.
Pudong: Quiet at night, as it’s mostly a business district. Daytime construction can be louder, though.
Cultural Info
Here are some small cultural tips for a smooth experience in Shanghai:
Tipping: Not expected, anywhere!
Noise: Some Chinese hotels have thinner walls than you’re used to. Pack earplugs and be cool about your own noise levels and others’.
Smoking: Lots of local hotels still allow smoking in rooms. Always specify non-smoking and double-check at check-in because you can still smell it if you’re in a smoke room.
Discover over 57 things to do in Shanghai in my complete Shanghai Guide!
My Honest Take on Picking Your Spot
After living in China for over 3 years, including 1 year in Shanghai, here’s my honest advice:
Staying in Shanghai for the first time: the French Concession or the Bund are the top choices. You’ll get the most authentic experience while still being tourist-friendly. Go for Pullman (French Concession), Campanile (close to the Bund), or Waldorf (right at the Bund).
Best neighborhoods in Shanghai for tourist activities: Jing’an hits the sweet spot. It is close to museums and many attractions, but not overwhelmingly touristy. When people ask me about the best Shanghai accommodations for tourists, this is usually my answer. Jing’an Temple is totally worth the visit.
Where to stay in Shanghai on a budget: When budget travelers ask me the best area to stay in Shanghai on a budget: Campanile The Bund is centrally located and also offers excellent (perhaps the best) value.
Best place to stay in Shanghai with kids: The area surrounding Jing’an Temple is spacious, with more open spaces close to the museums and numerous subway stations, making it overall more straightforward to walk around with kids.
Being a parent myself, staying in hotels with our son comes with some different requirements. While I still have to find a hotel in Shanghai with a kids’ playroom, there are several family-friendly hotels, such as the Jing An Shangri-La.
What area to stay in Shanghai for shopping: Jing’an for malls (Iapm Mall), French Concession for unique boutiques and vintage.
My Top 3 – Best Hotels in Shanghai
1. French Concession: Honestly, this is where I’d stay if I were visiting my own city. You get the real Shanghai experience without sacrificing convenience. It is the best area to stay in Shanghai with the perfect mix of authentic local life and tourist accessibility.
2. The Bund: If it’s your first time and you want the classic Shanghai experience, splurge on a river-facing room. Yeah, it’s touristy, but some clichés exist for a reason.
Campanile: My go-to choice, nothing fancy, budget-friendly and the best value for your money.
3. Jing’an: A great mix of vibes where you can’t go wrong.
PuLi Hotel or Paramount Gallery
The bottom line: Shanghai’s going to be amazing no matter where you stay. Pick a spot near a metro line, book something with decent reviews from the last 6 months, and get excited!
This city’s about to blow your mind. If I could have lived there longer, I surely would have!
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