Where to Stay in Shanghai

Shanghai can be a daunting city for first-time visitors. It’s huge, busy, and made up of so many districts that can feel entirely different from each other. Choosing the best place to stay isn’t just about the hotel. It will determine how easy it is to get around, how exhausted you feel by the end of the day, and how much you enjoy the trip, especially if you are with family.

We have stayed in Shanghai on multiple occasions, both for stopovers and longer trips. One thing became clear very quickly: location is king. A well-situated hotel near a good metro line will save you hours over the course of a trip.

This post will walk you through the best areas to stay in Shanghai, who each is best suited for, and specific hotel recommendations that you can book with confidence.

Who Shanghai Is Good For

Shanghai is one of the best cities in China for first-time visitors. Public transport is modern and easy to use, signs are clear, and international hotels are widely available. Families will find the city surprisingly easy, with wide pavements, large malls and parks, and attractions like Shanghai Disneyland.

Couples and solo travellers will enjoy the food scene, shopping, skyline views, and riverside walks. Business travellers also appreciate Shanghai’s connectivity and hotel standard.

In general, if you are unsure where to start your China trip, Shanghai is usually the safest and easiest option.

What Matters When Choosing Accommodation in Shanghai

Metro access is the single most important factor. Shanghai has an extensive and easy-to-use metro system, and being within a short walk of a station makes a huge difference.

Areas served by Metro Line 2 are especially convenient as the line connects both airports, major railway stations, People’s Square, Nanjing Road, and Lujiazui.

Walkability also matters. While some areas are technically central, they may not be pleasant to walk around, especially with kids and strollers. Staying close to shops, food options, and convenience stores makes life easier.

Finally, think about what you want to do. Sightseeing trips benefit from central Puxi. Disneyland-focused trips benefit from staying near the park.

Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai (Quick Overview)

• The Bund / Huangpu District – Best for first-time visitors, sightseeing, classic Shanghai views
• People’s Square & Nanjing Road – Best for transport convenience, shopping, central access
• Xintiandi & Former French Concession – Best for families, walkability, relaxed atmosphere
• Lujiazui (Pudong CBD) – Best for modern hotels, larger rooms, skyline views
• Shanghai Disneyland Area – Best for families visiting Disneyland

The Bund / Huangpu District – Best for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first time in Shanghai, staying near The Bund or within Huangpu District is one of the easiest choices you can make. This area puts you close to many of Shanghai’s most famous sights including the Bund promenade, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road.

It is easy to explore on foot, metro connections are excellent, and ferry crossings to Pudong are nearby. The atmosphere also feels distinctly “Shanghai”, especially in the evening when the skyline lights up.

Rooms here can be a little smaller and pricier, but the convenience usually outweighs that.

Where to stay near The Bund: Find a hotel near The Bund. Compare hotels in Huangpu District using the map below. The Bund is a convenient area for sightseeing, especially if you stay near a metro station.

Recommended Hotels near The Bund / Huangpu

• Fairmont Peace Hotel – Historic landmark right on the Bund. Good if you want a memorable first stay with river views and classic Shanghai character.
• Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund – Modern, stylish, excellent views, more relaxed feel than traditional luxury options.
• Central Hotel Shanghai – Practical mid-range option close to Nanjing Road and metro lines. Good balance of price and location.
• SSAWH Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund – Popular boutique choice that still manages to stay central. Good value.

People’s Square & Nanjing Road – Best for Transport & Convenience

The People’s Square and Nanjing Road area is one of the most convenient bases in Shanghai. Several major metro lines intersect here, meaning it is very easy to reach almost anywhere in the city.

This area works especially well if you plan to move around a lot or want to minimize transfers. Shopping malls, restaurants, and supermarkets are everywhere, and you can easily head back to the hotel during the day if needed.

The downside is it can be crowded, especially in the evenings. Still, for convenience, it is hard to beat.

Recommended Hotels near People’s Square & Nanjing Road

• JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square – Great choice for families and first-time visitors. Spacious rooms, good facilities, excellent metro access.
• Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World – Situated right next to People’s Square with views of the city. Very convenient for sightseeing and shopping.
• Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road – Reliable, family-friendly, and a location that works well for almost any itinerary.
• Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum – Quieter mid-range option that is still well connected by metro.

Find hotels near People’s Square & Nanjing Road:
This area is one of the most convenient bases in Shanghai. Compare nearby hotels using the map below.

Xintiandi & Former French Concession – Best for Families & Walkability

The Xintiandi and Former French Concession area is one of the most pleasant neighbourhoods to stay in, especially if you prefer a calmer environment. Tree-lined streets, cafés, bakeries, and small restaurants make this area feel more residential and relaxed.

It is also very walkable and works well for families who want to avoid the constant crowds. Nearby parks and green spaces also make it easier to slow down and enjoy the city.

Metro access is still good, and taxi rides to other central areas are short.

Recommended Hotels in Xintiandi & Former French Concession

• The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi – Excellent family-friendly luxury option with spacious rooms and prime location near dining and shopping.
• Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai – Modern and stylish, with larger rooms and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Citadines South Huangpi Road Shanghai – Very practical serviced apartment option. Ideal for families who want extra space and a kitchenette.
• Shanghai Fish Inn (French Concession area) – Smaller, affordable boutique stay close to quieter streets and local eateries.

If you are traveling with children and want a calmer base, Xintiandi and the Former French Concession are excellent choices.

Lujiazui (Pudong CBD) – Best for Modern Hotels & Space

Lujiazui, in Pudong, is Shanghai’s modern financial district. The area is home to the skyline, newer buildings, and wide streets.

Hotels here are generally newer and offer larger rooms, so it can be a good option for families who value space and hotel facilities. Nearby attractions like Shanghai Tower and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium are popular, and river crossings are easy by metro or ferry.

The area also tends to be quieter at night compared to Puxi, which some travellers prefer.

Recommended Hotels in Lujiazui

• Grand Hyatt Shanghai – Located inside Jin Mao Tower with impressive views and spacious rooms.
• Shanghai IFC Residence – One of the best options for families. Serviced apartments with mall access and lots of space.
• Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai – High-end comfort with river views and a quieter atmosphere.
• Novotel Shanghai Atlantis – Affordable option with family-friendly rooms and good connectivity.

Compare hotels in Pudong & Lujiazui:
Pudong is ideal if you prefer modern hotels and larger rooms.

Shanghai Disneyland Area – Best for Theme Park Trips

If Shanghai Disneyland is the main purpose of your visit, staying close to the park will save time and energy. Hotels in this area are designed with families in mind and often have shuttle services.

This option works best if you plan to spend most of your time at Disneyland rather than exploring the city.

Recommended Hotels near Shanghai Disneyland

• Shanghai Disneyland Hotel – Ideal for families who want early access benefits and immersive theming.
• Toy Story Hotel – More affordable Disney-themed option that is very popular with kids.
• Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone – Reliable international brand with shuttle services to the park.
• Kingswell Hotel Tongji – Mid-range option often chosen for space and value.

Final Tips for Booking a Hotel in Shanghai

• Stay near a metro station: Try to stay within a short walk of a metro station. This is more important than being technically central.
• Prioritise space for families: Families should consider serviced apartments or hotels known for larger rooms. Space makes a big difference after long days out.
• Avoid long commutes: Avoid staying too far from the city centre unless you have a specific reason. Shanghai is large, and long daily commutes can be exhausting.