Shanghai is one of the most up and coming cities in China and during the past few years, the sprawling metropolis has grown symbolise modern China. Still, some more traditional neighborhoods have survived which remind us of the city’s ancient and colonial past.
However, as Shanghai is a large city and spreads out over dozens of kilometres, it can be tricky to choose a place to stay that will be cheap and well located at the same time.
This is exactly why I wrote this insider guide on where to stay in Shanghai! Thanks to this guide, you will be able to find the perfect accommodation in the perfect neighborhood, at the perfect price!
Without further ado, let’s get to it. Here is my guide on where to stay in Shanghai.
In a hurry? These are our top recommendations for places to stay in Shanghai.
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Room With Big City Views | Best Airbnb in Shanghai
If you plan on staying in the magical city of Shanghai, you gotta find a place in the city. Lucky you, this place is smack dab in the heart of it all. It is considered the golden area of Shanghai and for a good reason. The restaurants in the neighborhood are to die for, and they are just within footsteps of this home.
With European decoration and on the 13th floor you can see the beautiful city lights that entrap us all. For the walking type of traveler, this home is about 15 minutes from the subway, so if what your looking isn’t around the corner, hop on the train, and you will almost certainly find whatever you are looking for in no time. Don’t forget to try the Japanese restaurant around the corner while you are here!
The Phoenix Hostel Shanghai | Best Hostel in Shanghai
There are some awesome Shanghai hostels but this is our fave. Phoenix Hostel is the best hostel to stay in Shanghai. The hostel is located just five minutes away from the People’s Square metro station and features a bar, an airport shuttle and breakfast service. It offers private rooms as well as dormitories. Free wifi is available.
Ya Qing Hotel | Best Hotel in Shanghai
Ya Qing Hotel is located a bit outside the centre of Shanghai and offers great value accommodation. All the rooms feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, a desk and free toiletries. In addition, the hotel features a restaurant and a free wifi connection.
Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai | Best Hotel in Shanghai
Les Suites Orient Bund is a nice hotel located in the Bund area of Shanghai. Rooms are decorated with wooden furniture and feature soundproofing, a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning and a flat screen TV. Some of the rooms have a river view. The hotel has a gym and two restaurants.
Xujiahui
Xujiahui could not be more centrally located in Shanghai. From there, it is easy to reach all the interesting places in the city thanks to the metro network or by taking a taxi.
Jing’an
Jing’an is a great compromise for those who are looking to stay in a cool and trendy neighbourhood in Shanghai while avoiding the high prices of the Former French Concession and the Bund. The area gets its name from the iconic Buddhist temple that has stood for centuries and is now surrounded by skyscrapers and shopping malls.
People’s Square
People’s Square is a neighbourhood centrally located in Shanghai and is a convenient place to stay due to its closeness to the main attractions and its good connection to the rest of the city. Indeed, the People’s Square metro station is a big interchange with many lines passing through there.
Former French Concession
As its name suggests, the Former French Concession neighbourhood used to be a French colonial area up until 1943. During the colonial times, the neighbourhood used to be the most sought-after, and consequently one of the most expensive areas of the city to live.
Pudong
Pudong is located in the east of the Huangpu river and actually represents a very large part of Shanghai. However, when talking about Pudong, visitors often refer to the area closest to the river, where modernism and skyscrapers dominate the landscape. It is quite incredible to think that the neighbourhood was still mainly farmland in the 1990s!
Shanghai is a sprawling metropolis located on the coast of the East China Sea, in China. The city is pretty large, and when visiting it for the first time, can feel quite overwhelming for travellers. However, if you let it grow on you you may end up having the time of your life in China’s modernest town.
Shanghai is divided into many different neighborhoods that each have they own vibe and atmosphere. There is something for every type of travellers: modern skyscrapers, old traditional Chinese houses, good nightlife and museums.
Pudong is the part that most people see on postcards and on TV. It is the representation of modern China with sky-high buildings that light up the sky beautifully at night. Situated on the east of the Huangpu River, Pudong is an incredible example of the rapid development of China during the last 20 years.
On the other side of the river, People’s Square and the Bund are the heart and should of the old Shanghai. Lots of shops, traditional houses and shopping can be found there. In addition, you can catch a great view over Pudong’s buildings from the riverside in the Bund.
For some colonial architecture and cool vibes, you have to head to the Former French Concession. This area is literally like a little Paris of the east and has streets lined up with small cafés and European-style buildings.
You might still feel confused about where to stay in Shanghai. Let’s solve this problem right now!
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5 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Shanghai
It is time to take a closer look at Shanghai 5 best neighborhoods. Look out for which one suits your needs best!
1. Xujiahui – Where to stay in Shanghai your first time
Xujiahui could not be more centrally located in Shanghai and if you’re backpacking through China, you’ll love Xujiahui. From there, it is easy to reach all the interesting places in the city thanks to the metro network or by taking a taxi.
A lot of shopping malls are located in this neighborhood, making it the perfect place to stay if you are in for a shopping trip. International and Chinese brands are well represented.
On warm days, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and go relax in greenery at the Xujiahui Park.
Xujiahui is also home to the third largest sports stadium in China. This is where Shanghai’s SPIG football club plays on a regular basis. When the club is not playing, the stadium can be used for other purposes such as concerts or other sports events.
Last (but not least!), should we mention that Xujiahui is where the world-famous Chinese basketball player Yao Ming was born?
Anting Villa Hotel | Best Hotel in Xujiahui
Anting Villa Hotel is a nice budget hotel located in the Xuijahui neighborhood of Shanghai. It offers facilities including a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar, and room service. A good breakfast is served in the morning and rooms feature air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, a minibar and a hairdryer.
Courtyard Shanghai Xujiahui | Best Hotel in Xujiahui
Courtyard Shanghai Xujiahui offers upscale accommodation for an affordable price. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat screen TV, a private bathroom and air conditioning. The hotel features a large fitness centre, a free Wifi connection and a restaurant serving international cuisine.
Room With Big City Views | Best Airbnb in Xujiahui
If you plan on staying in the magical city of Beijing, you gotta find a place in the city. Lucky you, this place is smack dab in the heart of it all. It is considered the golden area of Shanghai and for a good reason. The restaurants in the neighborhood are to die for, and they are just within footsteps of this home.
With European decoration and on the 13th floor you can see the beautiful city lights that entrap us all. For the walking type of traveler, this home is about 15 minutes from the subway, so if what your looking isn’t around the corner, hop on the train, and you will almost certainly find whatever you are looking for in no time. Don’t forget to try the Japanese restaurant around the corner while you are here!
Blue Mountain Luwan Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Xujiahui
The Blue Mountain swan Youth Hostel is located just across a metro station in Xuijahui and offers dormitory and private rooms. The beds are comfortable and the hostels have hot water year-round. Some private bedrooms also feature a private bathroom. Free Internet, free books and free movies are available.
Things to see and do in Xujiahui
- Shop til you drop in one of the numerous shopping malls
- Take a break from the urban frenzy at the Xujiahui Park
- Watch a football game in China’s third largest stadium
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Jing’an – Where to stay in Shanghai on a budget
Jing’an is a great compromise for those who are looking to stay in a cool and trendy neighborhood in Shanghai while avoiding the high prices of the Former French Concession and the Bund. The area gets its name from the iconic Buddhist temple that has stood for centuries and is now surrounded by skyscrapers and shopping malls.
Many expats choose to live here, giving the area a western feel. As a consequence, there are many bars, restaurant and international shopping available around the area. Nanjing road concentrates most of the fun and entertainment. Many businesses also have chosen to settle in the many skyscrapers of the neighborhoods.
Colonial architecture can also still be seen in the area, as Jing’an used to be part of the International Settlement. Finally, in Jing’an, you can see the former residence of Chairman Mao Tse Tung. This small traditional house has been preserved and now hosts a little museum.
Meego Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Jing’an
Meego Youth Hostel offers budget accommodation in private and dormitory rooms in the heart of Jing’an in Shanghai. All the rooms have air conditioning, are soundproofed and have access to a private bathroom. A free wifi connection is also available all around the hostel. Guests can make use of a shared kitchen to cook.
Campanile Shanghai Jing’an | Best Hotel in Jing’an
The Campanile Shanghai Jing’an is located less than 5 minutes’ walk away from the famous Jing’an temple and offers budget accommodation. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV and soundproofing. A good buffet breakfast is served in the morning and the hotel has a bar serving nice cocktails.
The Kunlun Jing’an | Best Hotel in Jing’an
The Kunlun Jing’an offers luxury accommodation for an affordable price in the heart of the Jing’an neighborhood of Shanghai. The rooms feature a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning and a flat screen TV. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa providing massage services and health treatments.
Urban Apartment In The City | Best Airbnb in Jing’an
Imagine staying in this mad city, yet in the evening, you can sit on a wooden chair in front of the terrace and listen to the songs while starring at the stars, looking at the small people in this big world we live in. Staying here can genuinely feel like a fairytale getaway. It’s a stylish little apartment that a minimal backpacker wants.
The whole place is white, with a unique interior, you won’t be able to resist taking Instagram worthy photos. Surrounded by Huangpu, you can feel the authentic atmosphere of Shanghai. AND it’s super close to Arkham East Lake Road. A lot of online red coffee shops are also closeby you can walk everywhere. Various attractions in Shanghai, but they also have things that are not in the assembly line. The home is situated where you can feel like a local and experience what living in Shanghai feels like.
Things to see and fo in Jing’an
- Visit the Jing’an temple and get a feel of ancient China
- Appreciate Chinese modern art in the Jing’an Sculpture Park
- Relax from the craziness of the city in Jing’an Park
- Shop high fashion brands at the Kerry Centre
3. People’s Square – Best area to stay in Shanghai for nightlife
Shanghai people’s Square is a neighborhood centrally located in Shanghai and is a convenient place to stay due to its closeness to the main attraction and its good connection to the rest of the city. Indeed, the People’s Square metro station is a big interchange with many lines passing through there.
The Bund, one of Shanghai’s top spots, is located close to People’s Square. This iconic riverwalk is even more impressive at night when the lights from Pudong’s skyscrapers light up the sky. The Bund is also a popular nightlife area and is lined with trendy bars and clubs.
For a truly Chinese experience, try joining up a tai chi practice on People’s Square in the morning. Connect back with your inner self while exercising and really get to know this important part of Chinese culture!
Shanghai Fish Inn East Nanjing Road | Best Hotel in People’s Square
The Shanghai Fish Inn East Nanjing Road is one of my favourite places to stay in the People’s Square neighborhood. The rooms there are spacious, comfortable and fitted with a private bathroom and air conditioning. The hotel itself has a 24-hour front desk, a bar and provides a free Wifi connection to guests.
The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai | Best Hotel in People’s Square
The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai offers 5-star accommodation in the popular neighborhood of People’s Square, for a price you would have never imagined possible! The hotel features a fitness centre and a spa, as well as a bar and three restaurants serving Italian and Cantonese dishes.
Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in People’s Square
Conveniently located next to the Nanjing East Road metro station and walking distance to the Bund, this hostel is an amazing choice for where to stay in People’s Square on a budget. Dorm beds and private bedrooms are available, each room being fitted with air conditioning and a bathroom.
Things to see and ado in People’s Square
- Wander along the Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic riverfront walk, and take in the incredible views over Pudong on the other side
- Shop around Nanjing East Road, a pedestrian-only street filled up with shops
- Join a tai chi practice on People’s Square
- Learn more about the history of the city at the Shanghai History Museum
- Try some local cuisine in one of the numerous food stalls lining the streets
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Grab an eSIM!4. Former French Concession – Coolest place to stay in Shanghai
As its name suggests, the Former French Concession neighborhood used to be a French colonial area up until 1943. During the colonial times, the neighborhood used to be the most sought-after, and consequently one of the most expensive areas of the city to live.
Today, the landscape has changed but the Former French Concession has managed to keep its unique European feel, streets lined with beautiful trees and small colonial houses. Many of the latter have turned into quaint bars and cafés, artsy shops or trendy restaurants, making the Former French Concession the coolest place to stay in Shanghai.
The small alleyways of the area are real gems for shopping and you can easily spend hours getting lost around them.
Hotel Equatorial Shanghai | Best Hotel in the Former French Concession
The Hotel Equatorial Shanghai offers comfortable rooms featuring air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub and views over the surrounding city. The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa. In the morning, a good buffet breakfast is served in one of the 3 restaurants.
Clean And Cozy Abode | Best Airbnb in Former French Concession
This apartment feels like it just jumped off the page of an IKEA catalog. Quite literally, everything is either from there or insanely inspired by the decoration. It’s modern yet cozy at the same time. The bedroom is the ideal room to have as you wake up, smelling freshly picked roses and as you take a glance out the window to see what the day may hold for you. And the plush blanket will have you wanting to snuggle all day, especially if it’s raining. That’s always the excuse to stay in bed.
No worries about the kitchen here, it’s fully equipped. And the living space is a little small, but you can still play some board games with comfort — definitely the right amount of space for solo and couples traveling abroad. Location is spot on too, it’s in the largest commercial district in Shanghai, and it takes less than two minutes to walk to the Nanjing West Road subway station.
Le Tour Traveler’s Rest Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in the Former French Concession
This hostel is located a bit outside the Former French Concession, in the neighboring area of Jing’an. It offers clean and quiet dorms and private rooms. Bed linens and a free Wifi connection are included, and a bar and a games room can be used by guests at their convenience.
Donghu Hotel Shanghai | Best Hotel in the Former French Concession
The Donghu Hotel Shanghai is the perfect place to go explore the Former French Concession neighborhood. It offers comfortable and spacious rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom and features an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a bar.
Things to see and do in the Former French Concession
- Get lost in the alleys making up Tian Ze Fang and find some cool souvenirs to bring back home
- If you have a bigger shopping budget, stroll around the streets of Xintiandi
- Watch elderly locals play intense chess games in Fuxing Park
- Immerse yourself into Maoist propaganda at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre
- Get some custom-made suits for a bargain at the Shanghai Soft Spinning Fabric Market
5. Pudong – Best neighborhood in Shanghai for families
Pudong is located in the east of the Huangpu river and actually represents a very large part of Shanghai. However, when talking about Pudong, visitors often refer to the area closest to the river, where modernism and skyscrapers dominate the landscape. It is quite incredible to think that the neighborhood was still mainly farmland in the 1990s!
The famous Shanghai landscape you can admire from the Bund is located here and is made up of four main towers: the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai Tower (which is the second tallest in the world), the Shanghai World Financial Centre and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Activities in Pudong include climbing up to the observatory decks of all these towers or to grab a drink at the Grand Hyatt bar, located on the 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower.
Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Pudong
The Hidden Garden Youth Hostel has been refurbished in 2017 and offers brand new facilities. The highlight of the place is certainly the garden and terrace where guests can enjoy good food and beers in the summer. Dorm beds and private rooms are available, and a free Wifi connection is included.
Novotel Shanghai Atlantis | Best Hotel in Pudong
The Novotel Shanghai Atlantis features nice and comfortable rooms in the heart of Pudong. They are all fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning and a minibar. Some of the rooms have a view over the Pudong area. The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool, four restaurants, a bar and free parking.
Oriental Riverside Hotel | Best Hotel in Pudong
The Oriental Riverside Hotel is located on the shores of the Huangpu River and offers incredible views over the river and the Bund on the other side. The luxurious rooms feature a private bathroom with a bathtub and air conditioning. The hotel also features a fitness centre and a spa.
Beautiful Home Near The Metro | Best Airbnb in Pudong
This apartment is most suited for families traveling abroad. The place is HUGE, with a living room this big, an endless amount of games can take place in. The furniture is stunning too. Super cozy and comfortable couches to read, or like we said, the space is suitable for board games! It’s 100 percent an Instagram worthy photoshoot kind of home.
May we mention the beds? Oh, how heavenly those dreams were sleeping in those beds. It gets frigid in Shanghai, but luckily the owners installed heated floors in this home. — No more frozen toes! Located in the Lujiazui area right out of Pudong, it is super close to the metro line 2/4/6/9 Century Avenue station to take you anywhere in the city. But the neighborhood itself is lively enough to keep you around with events always going on and top-notch restaurants to try.
Things to see and do in Pudong
- Climb up to the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower to get a bird’s view of the city below
- Walk the glass bottom walkway of the Oriental Pearl Tower Observatory
- Feel the magic for a day in Disneyland
- Shop for cheap electronics at the Science and Tech Market
- Get a drink at the Grand Hyatt Cloud 9, on the 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Shanghai
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Shanghai and where to stay.
What To Pack For Shanghai
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Shanghai
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Our Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Shanghai
Irresistibly modern yet keeping a traditional feel, Shanghai is a unique city in China, and it would be a real shame to miss it. With stunning urban views, traditional restaurants and temples, an array of shopping, it is not a surprise that Shanghai keeps attracting more and more visitors every year. Once you’ve booked your accommodations, start thinking about all the cool things to include in your Shanghai itinerary!
To recap, the area around People’s Square and the Bund is our number one choice for where to stay in Shanghai. It is centrally located and provides attractions and sights for the whole family.
Our recommendation for the best hotel in Shanghai is Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai. Located close to the Bund, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, with some of them boasting a view over the river and Pudong. That said, if you are travelling on a budget, we highly recommend The Phoenix Hostel Shanghai, also located around People’s Square. It is the perfect base for backpackers who want to enjoy Shanghai’s sights and nightlife.
Have we missed your favourite place in Shanghai? Let us know in the comments below!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around China.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Shanghai.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Shanghai to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Shanghai is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for China.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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