Choosing where to stay in Shanghai can have a big impact on your trip. The city is huge, and staying in the right area makes sightseeing, food, shopping and transport much easier.
Some visitors want to be close to Shanghai’s famous skyline and attractions, while others prefer quieter streets with cafés, local restaurants and neighbourhood atmosphere.
This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Shanghai, along with recommended hotels for different budgets and travel styles.
Looking for things to do in Shanghai? See our guide to Things To Do In Shanghai.
Quick picks by travel style
- First-time visitors: The Bund or Jing’an
- Food and café lovers: Former French Concession
- Luxury travellers: Lujiazui or The Bund
- Families: Pudong near Disneyland or Jing’an
- Nightlife: Jing’an or Xintiandi
Where to Stay in Shanghai: Best Areas
Staying further from the city centre can significantly increase airport travel times. See our Shanghai airport transfer guide for transport options from Pudong and Hongqiao airports.
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The Bund / Huangpu District
Huangpu district is best for first-time visitors and classic Shanghai views.
The Bund is Shanghai’s most famous waterfront area, with historic architecture on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline across the river. Staying here puts you close to Nanjing Road, Yu Gardens and many of the city’s most recognisable sights.
It is one of the most convenient areas for sightseeing, although hotels here tend to be more expensive than other parts of the city.
Mid-Range
Central Hotel Shanghai
Convenient location near Nanjing Road and People’s Square with good metro access.
SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
Popular, no-frills value option within walking distance of Yu Gardens and The Bund.
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Premium
Langham Hotel
Convenient for Xintiandi and all the bars and restaurants in the surrounding area as well as shopping on Huaihai Road.
Luxury Hotels
The Peninsula Shanghai
One of Shanghai’s finest luxury hotels, with elegant rooms, impeccable service and an unbeatable Bund-side location. The hotel carries a sense of occasion from the moment you walk in — this is old-school luxury done properly. Sir Elly’s rooftop bar gives guests one of the best views in the city. A strong choice for a special trip or anyone wanting to treat themselves on a first visit to Shanghai.
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Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Housed in the beautifully restored former Shanghai Club building, the Waldorf Astoria is one of the most characterful places to stay in Shanghai. High ceilings, dark wood panelling and a genuine sense of history evoke the glamour of international Shanghai at its peak. If you want a hotel that feels like Shanghai rather than just a five-star box, this is it.
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Jing’an
Best overall balance of convenience, food, shopping and transport.
Jing’an is one of the easiest areas for most visitors to stay in. It combines modern shopping malls, local restaurants, cafés, bars and excellent metro connections while feeling slightly less touristy than The Bund.
The area is particularly convenient for airport access thanks to Line 2 metro connections, and it is easy to explore both eastern and western Shanghai from here.
Mid-Range
Swissôtel Grand Shanghai
One of the best-located hotels in Shanghai for first-time visitors. Directly beside Jing’an Temple metro station, making it extremely convenient for airport transfers and getting around the city. West Nanjing Road, cafés, malls and restaurants are all within walking distance.
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City Hotel Shanghai
Older but well-located option popular with travellers who want a central base without paying Bund prices.
Luxury
The Upper House
Stylish luxury hotel connected to Taikoo Hui, one of Shanghai’s most modern shopping and lifestyle complexes. The area is home to popular spots including the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and The Louis, with excellent shopping, dining and metro access nearby.
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The PuLi Hotel and Spa
One of Shanghai’s most highly regarded luxury hotels, known for its calm atmosphere and excellent location beside Jing’an Park.
The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai
Large international luxury hotel connected to Shanghai Centre, with excellent dining and shopping nearby.
Former French Concession
Best for cafés, restaurants and neighbourhood atmosphere.
The Former French Concession offers a slower and more local-feeling side of Shanghai. Tree-lined streets, historic villas, boutique cafés and independent restaurants make it one of the city’s most pleasant areas to explore on foot.
It is ideal for visitors who enjoy wandering neighbourhood streets rather than focusing only on major tourist attractions.
Boutique / Mid-Range
Anting Villa Hotel
Quiet garden-style hotel in a convenient location near Hengshan Road.
Shanghai Moller Villa Hotel
Historic boutique hotel with unusual architecture and a more intimate atmosphere.
Luxury
Capella Shanghai
One of Shanghai’s most luxurious boutique hotels, located within restored shikumen-style buildings.
Lujiazui (Pudong)
Best for skyline views, modern hotels and business travel.
Lujiazui is Shanghai’s futuristic financial district and home to many of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, including Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Hotels here are often modern and spacious, with impressive skyline or river views. The area feels more business-oriented and less atmospheric than Puxi neighbourhoods like Jing’an or the Former French Concession.
Mid-Range
Novotel Atlantis Shanghai
Reliable international hotel with good metro access and skyline views from higher floors.
IFC Residence
Serviced apartment option popular with longer stays and families.
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Luxury
Park Hyatt Shanghai
Located high inside Shanghai World Financial Center with some of the most impressive hotel views in the city.
Ritz-Carlton Pudong
Luxury riverside hotel overlooking The Bund with excellent restaurants and bars. It is also home to Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, which has one of the most impressive outdoor rooftop terraces and skyline views in Shanghai.
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Pudong Near Disneyland
Best for families visiting Shanghai Disneyland.
If Disneyland is a major part of your trip, staying in Pudong near the resort can save significant travel time. This area is quieter than central Shanghai but more practical for early park entry and families with children.
On-Site Disney Hotels
Toy Story Hotel
One of two official Disney hotels at the resort, Toy Story Hotel is themed throughout and aimed squarely at families with younger children. Staying on-site comes with perks that matter, including early park entry and easier access to the park. You pay a premium for it, but for families where Disney is the centrepiece of the trip, it’s often worth it.
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
Disney’s flagship Shanghai hotel, with more elaborate theming, larger rooms and direct access to the park area. Guests can also book breakfasts where Disney characters come out to meet families and children. The most immersive option for a full Disney experience, and priced accordingly.
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Nearby Alternative
Budget alternative: Novotel Shanghai Clover
If the official Disney hotels are outside your budget, the Novotel Shanghai Clover is the practical alternative. It’s a short shuttle bus ride from the park rather than on-site, and you won’t get the character breakfasts or early entry perks — but the savings are significant and the hotel is a solid, reliable option for families.
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Should You Stay In Puxi or Pudong?
For most first-time visitors, Puxi is usually the better choice.
Areas like The Bund, Jing’an and the Former French Concession have more street life, restaurants, cafés and walkable neighbourhoods.
Pudong is more modern and spacious, with impressive skyline views and easier access to Shanghai Disneyland and Pudong Airport.
Planning your trip to Shanghai?
Continue planning with these guides:
- Explore things to do in Shanghai
- Discover the best food and drink in Shanghai
- Read our Shanghai travel essentials guide
- Visit Shanghai Tower the tallest building in China
- Plan a day at Shanghai Disneyland
Booking hotels, trains or attractions?
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