Where to stay in Shanghai [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Travelling around China is an incredible experience. I recently spent 3 weeks travelling around the country and one of my favorite stops was in Shanghai. As a traveller who has been to Shanghai, I want to share what I learned about where to stay in this amazing city.

If you’re looking for something luxurious and comfortable, then the Bund is definitely worth your consideration. Located just steps away from the bustling waterfront district, it’s a great place to call home while exploring the city. For those on a budget, there are lots of hostels, bed & breakfasts and even Airbnb options that are much more affordable.

Also if you’re looking for more of an “off-the-beaten-track” experience then head over to the Huangpu District or Xinge District for some truly unique Chinese experiences like traditional tea-houses, old markets and historic architecture that offer visitors a taste of traditional China.

When you travel across countries it’s important to have authority and trustworthiness when it comes to making decisions about where to stay – so always make sure you talk to other travellers that have already been there!

If you are interested in culture, you can visit Xujiahui or if you’re a shopaholic, you’ll love East Nanjing Road.

Shanghai skyline cityscape Aerial view of shanghai shanghai lujiazui finance and business district trade zone skyline Shanghai China

For party animals, The Bund is probably the area that you will enjoy the most. You might even be interested in several areas and with Shanghai’s top notch public transport systems, you can easily travel between the various districts in the city. Below is a list of hotels Shanghai.

We will cover off all types of Shanghai accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Shanghai hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Shanghai 2024.

This guide shows off the best Shanghai hotels, best places in Shanghai to visit, the best places to stay in Shanghai, different accommodation in Shanghai, Shanghai neighborhood guide and many more.

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Table of Contents

Nanjing Road – Best place to stay in Shanghai for shopping

Nanjing Road pedestrian street is the longest shopping district in the world at 5.5km long, and it is the shopping center of Shanghai, making it the best district to stay in Shanghai for shopping!

It’s one of the busiest shopping districts in not only all of China, but the entire world. It’s home to over 600 businesses that offer everything from traditional Chinese items and western name-brand products.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Shanghai for one night, Nanjing Road is your best bet. Clearly, Nanjing Road is an especially great place for shopaholics.

Nanjing Road is broken up into Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road and along with being the largest shopping district in the world, it also features a popular sightseeing train and frequent street musicians.

Best Places to Stay near Nanjing Road

Cheapest Hostels near Nanjing Road:

Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels near Nanjing Road:

Mid-Range Hotels near Nanjing Road:

Family Friendly Hotels near Nanjing Road:

Affordable Luxury Hotels near Nanjing Road:

SHANGHAI, CHINA: People walking on the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai, China. Nanjing Road is a unique pedestrian street with numerous old and famous shops, and modern department stores.

People’s Square – Where to stay in Shanghai for tourists

The People’s Square is located in central Shanghai and is the largest central square in the entire city. It’s nestled between Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road and is home to Shanghai’s municipal government.

Also located within People’s Square is People’s Park, the new Municipal Government Mansion, and the Shanghai Museum, which is filled with ancient relics.

The People’s Square also has the Shanghai Grand Theater and the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.

As you can tell, the People’s Square is rich with historical attractions, so if you’re a history buff, you’ll fall in love with this area of Shanghai in no time.

Best Places to Stay near People’s Square

Cheapest Hostels near People’s Square:

Budget Hotels near People’s Square:

Mid-Range Hotels near People’s Square:

Family Friendly Hotels near People’s Square:

Affordable Luxury Hotels near People’s Square:

The Bund – Best area to stay in Shanghai for nightlife

The Shanghai Bund, located in central Shanghai, is a famous waterfront regarded as the symbol of Shanghai. It runs along a 1.6km stretch of Zhongshan Road and offers a stunning view of the Shanghai skyline.

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend your evening, why not take a stroll along the Huangpu River?

The Bund is also home to several buildings including banks, hotels, exclusive clubs, press organizations, and headquarters of international concerns that are all designed in various architectural styles.

While still located in the city, The Bund is on the edge of the city, so it’s not as busy as the town center, getting around Shanghai is easy with the Shanghai railway station. check out our list of hotels in the Bund Shanghai:

Best Places to Stay near The Bund

Mid-Range Hotels near The Bund:

Family Friendly Hotels near The Bund:

Affordable Luxury Hotels near The Bund:

Happy success person with arms up against Shanghai skyline on The Bund. China travel concept or urban lifestyle. Happiness healthy living people in modern city. Woman winning goal challenge.

Xujiahui – Coolest place to stay in Shanghai

Shanghai is a major shopping hub and many of its districts are well known for this. Xujiahui is one such district and is easily accessible via the metro train, which is understandable because it’s actually one of the four most popular shopping destinations in Shanghai.

Xujiahui has several large, modern and fashionable shopping malls all within walking distance from each other.

This area is known for having electronic items, and has two fully electronic malls. Xujiahui is one of the premier shopping areas in Shanghai, especially if you are shopping for electronic items.

Keep this in mind when you visit, as the cost of electronics in Shanghai might be significantly cheaper than your hometown.

Best Places to Stay near Xujiahui

Budget Hotels near Xujiahui:

Mid-Range Hotels near Xujiahui:

Family Friendly Hotels near Xujiahui:

Affordable Luxury Hotels near Xujiahui:

Former French Concession Area – Where to stay in Shanghai on a budget

Known as the most style area in the city, the Former old French Concession is one of the coolest spots to stay in Shanghai.

The streets are lined with gorgeous green trees and offer a number of quiet cafes, bars and restaurants. Dining options range from soba noodle shops to tapas bars and French bistros.

Its also known as a very popular area for Expats with it’s and Tudor style houses. This are has some cheap places to stay in Shanghai.

Best places to stay in Former French Concession Shanghai

Budget Hotels in Former French Concession:

Mid range Hotels in Former French Concession:

Family Friendly Hotels in Former French Concession:

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Former French Concession:

SHANGHAI CHINA - Unidentified people visit Tianzifang. Tianzifang is a touristic arts and crafts enclave in traditional residential area of French Concession.

Pudong – Where to stay in Shanghai with family

A comfortable city for living, Pudong is known as the “pearl of the orient”, named after the Oriental Pearl Tower and was designed to be China’s premier free economic zone.

The land used to be occupied by marshes, farms, one story buildings and rice paddies – now filled with some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

Pudong’s iconic skyline is visible from several areas in the city and is absolutely stunning at night.

Pudong is also home to one of the world’s most beautiful parks, the Shanghai Century Park, which is a mixture of western and eastern landscape architecture.

The park is quite popular with families, and has areas that are kid-friendly. Many tourists enjoy visiting Pudong because it offers a mix of city life and suburban parks.

If you’re looking to stay in a family-friendly area that is easily accessible via public transport, Pudong is the right place for you.

Below is a list of hotels in Shanghai Pudong area:

Best Places to Stay near Pudong

Cheapest Hostels near Pudong:

Shanghai Hidden Garden International Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels near Pudong:

Mid-Range Hotels near Pudong:

Family Friendly Hotels near Pudong:

Affordable Luxury Hotels near Pudong:

View of Pudong skyline (Lujiazui) in Shanghai China. Skyscrapers of downtown on waterfront. The Shanghai Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) are visible at right.

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Shanghai

❤️ Best Area first timers	People’s Square
💸 Best Luxury Hotel	W Shanghai – The Bund
👪 Best Hotel for For Families	Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel	Jin Jiang Pine City Hotel
🛏️ Best Budget Hotel	Motel Shanghai Sinan Road
✨ Best Hostel	Dayin International Youth Hostel

FAQs About the best hotels in shanghai

what is the best district to stay in shanghai?

Shanghai is one of China’s most famous and vibrant cities, with a wide variety of districts to choose from. Depending on what you’re looking for in your stay, there are a few different districts that stand out.

For those who want to experience the traditional side of Shanghai, the French Concession district – known for its tree-lined streets and crumbling colonial buildings – is perfect. If you’re looking for modern luxury, then the Huangpu district should be your go-to. It’s full of five-star hotels, upscale restaurants and glamorous bars.

There’s also the Jing’an district which offers a good mix between old and new with its towering skyscrapers alongside leafy parks and busy markets. No matter where you stay in Shanghai, it promises to be an incredible experience!

is shanghai good for tourists?

Shanghai is a great destination for tourists looking to experience the hustle and bustle of a major city. With plenty of exciting attractions, amazing restaurants, and captivating culture, Shanghai provides an unparalleled experience that no other city can match.

From the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower to the historic Yuyuan Garden, it’s easy to find something new and exciting to explore while in town. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, Shanghai has something for everyone.

what is the safest area to stay in shanghai?

Shanghai is a huge city and where you choose to stay can have a big impact on the experience you have there. For those looking for an area that is very safe, the Huangpu District near the Bund is a great option.

This district offers access to some of the best restaurants and attractions in Shanghai as well as some of the safest neighborhoods. The area also has numerous public transportation options, making it easy to explore other parts of Shanghai without worrying about safety concerns.

Final Thoughts: shanghai best place to stay

Shanghai is a city unlike any other in the world. With its vibrant culture, iconic skyline, and amazing nightlife, it’s easy to see why so many people are fascinated by this incredible metropolis.

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodation or budget friendliness, there is something for everyone when it comes to where to stay in Shanghai. So be sure to book your Shanghai hotel today and have the best possible stay!

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