Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city - a dazzling collision of 1920s Art Deco glamour and futuristic skyscrapers. The Bund's colonial architecture faces Pudong's sci-fi skyline across the Huangpu River. The French Concession offers tree-lined streets and excellent dining. Shanghai moves fast, spends freely, and never sleeps. The metro is excellent but the city is vast.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
French Concession
The most livable and enjoyable neighborhood for visitors - tree-lined streets, excellent restaurants, great nightlife, and walkable character. Metro access to the Bund and Pudong. This is where expats and visitors prefer to spend their time.
The Bund
French Concession
Pudong
Jing'an
Old City
Hongqiao
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Tea ceremony and art student scams target tourists around the Bund and Nanjing Road
- • Pudong is impressive but soulless for staying - better visited
- • Some areas around train stations can feel rough
- • Smog can be significant - check AQI and bring masks
Understanding Shanghai Geography
Shanghai sprawls along both banks of the Huangpu River. The historic Bund and French Concession are west of the river (Puxi). Futuristic Pudong rises on the east bank. The metro system is extensive but distances are large. Hongqiao in the west has the main railway station and second airport. Pudong Airport is far east.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Shanghai
The Bund (Waitan)
Best for: Historic waterfront, colonial architecture, Pudong skyline views, luxury hotels
"1920s 'Paris of the East' colonial grandeur meets futuristic Pudong skyline"
Pros
- Iconic views
- Historic architecture
- Luxury hotels
- Central location
Cons
- Very touristy
- Expensive
- Crowded promenade
- Traffic
French Concession
Best for: Tree-lined streets, cafes, boutiques, nightlife, expat scene
"Cosmopolitan neighborhood with European heritage and buzzing cafe culture"
Pros
- Best restaurants
- Beautiful streets
- Great nightlife
- Walkable
Cons
- Expensive
- Gentrified
- Spread out
- Far from major sights
Pudong (Lujiazui)
Best for: Skyscrapers, Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl, futuristic China
"Blade Runner-esque financial district with world's tallest buildings"
Pros
- Stunning skyline
- Observation decks
- Luxury hotels
- Modern
Cons
- Soulless
- Business-focused
- No character
- Far from historic areas
Jing'an
Best for: Jing'an Temple, shopping malls, central business, mixed character
"Buddhist temple meets luxury malls in central Shanghai"
Pros
- Very central
- Good shopping
- Mixed character
- Temple contrast
Cons
- Busy
- Commercial
- Less historic
- Traffic
Old City (Yu Garden Area)
Best for: Yu Garden, traditional teahouses, Chinese bazaar, dumplings
"Traditional Chinese city (heavily reconstructed) with teahouses and temples"
Pros
- Historic atmosphere
- Famous dumplings
- Yu Garden
- Traditional feel
Cons
- Very touristy
- Reconstructed
- Crowded
- Tourist prices
Hongqiao
Best for: Airport/train station, business, convention center
"Modern transport hub with business hotels"
Pros
- Airport/train access
- Business hotels
- Modern facilities
Cons
- Far from everything
- No character
- Isolated
Accommodation Budget in Shanghai
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Le Tour Traveler's Rest Youth Hostel
French Concession
Popular hostel in old villa with garden and excellent French Concession location.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Cachet Boutique Shanghai
French Concession
Design boutique in heritage building with rooftop bar and prime location.
The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi
French Concession
Elegant hotel near Xintiandi with excellent restaurants and refined service.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Fairmont Peace Hotel
The Bund
Art Deco legend from 1929 with jazz bar and iconic Bund location. Shanghai's most famous hotel.
The Peninsula Shanghai
The Bund
Contemporary Art Deco luxury on the Bund with rooftop restaurant and impeccable service.
Park Hyatt Shanghai
Pudong
World's highest hotel (floors 79-93) in Shanghai World Financial Center with jaw-dropping views.
The Middle House
Jing'an
Piero Lissoni-designed sanctuary with residential suites and Sui Tang Li dining.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Waterhouse at South Bund
South Bund
Industrial-chic boutique in converted 1930s warehouse with rooftop bar and raw design.
Smart Booking Tips for Shanghai
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for October Golden Week and Chinese New Year
- 2 Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) have best weather
- 3 Summer is hot and humid; winter cold and grey
- 4 VPN essential for Western websites - set up before arrival
- 5 Maglev from Pudong Airport is fun but taxi often more practical with luggage
- 6 Many hotels require passport for check-in
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Shanghai Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Shanghai: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.