Where to Stay in Shanghai | Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Discover where to stay in Shanghai! Often dubbed the Paris of the East, Shanghai is a dynamic metropolis known for its modern skyline, rich history, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. With many neighborhoods and hotels, deciding where to stay in Shanghai can be overwhelming.

Shanghai’s waterfront district is an exciting spot to explore. A visit here offers a unique glimpse into China’s modern history as well as its recent past. Parts of Shanghai were given to numerous foreign governments, notably those of France, Britain, and America, as Concessions in the middle of the 19th century.

In this guide, we’ll explore where to stay in Shanghai some of the best neighborhoods and hotels to help you plan the perfect stay in this bustling city.

Best Neighbourhoods Where to Stay in Shanghai

The city is still solidly Chinese, though. Pudong, the most contemporary area of the city, is a reflection of the late 20th-century optimism for China, as seen by the views of the metropolitan sprawl that skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the renowned Shanghai Tower offer. Disneyland is now located here as well.

And five-star hotels may be found in any major city. There are plenty of them in the city, but it’s also extremely possible to find luxurious accommodations where to stay in Shanghai. Do you want to explore every neighborhood Shanghai has to offer? all you have to do is find your way around the metropolis.

1. The Bund

The Bund, which was formerly home to historically significant shikumen neighborhoods, has seen tremendous renovation over the last ten years, transforming it into a dazzling district with elegant heritage hotels and stylish restaurants. Situated on the western side of the Huangpu River, this location offers breathtaking views of Shanghai’s modern, massive skyscrapers across the river. For travelers wondering where to stay in Shanghai, The Bund presents an ideal option with its blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury.

Since the British Concession ended in 1843, the Bund has been home to numerous historic colonial structures, many of which were originally European banks and corporate headquarters that served as the cornerstone of present-day Shanghai.

Because of The Bund’s strategic location, the city’s transport network moves quickly. You can choose to stay at renowned establishments like the opulent Art Deco Fairmont Peace Hotel or the Waldorf Astoria, which is housed in a former gentlemen’s club. The Bund, which is packed with opulent elegance, is the destination for affluent shopping and corresponding nightlife.

Where to Stay in the Bund

Les Suites Orient – This hotel offers a world of comfort and style with its elegant furnishings and upscale amenities, making it an excellent choice for those considering where to stay in Shanghai. Large beds, parquet flooring, art deco furniture, and breathtaking Huangpu River views are all features of the rooms here. Large lounge and dining areas are other features of the available suites.

There are two restaurants where guests can choose to eat a combination of Western and Asian food. The hotel is conveniently close to public transport, with a Metro station nearby and the Shanghai Ferries pier directly in front of it. The Yuyuan Garden is only a five-minute stroll away, making it a convenient option for travelers on a spending plan.

The Riverview Hotel on the Bund is housed inside a stately edifice. Its spacious rooms include golden accents, luxurious furnishings, and big, comfy mattresses that are subtly lit. The hotel has marble flooring and chandeliers throughout. Those who stay here can unwind with a drink in the lounge bar or eat dinner in the hotel’s riverfront restaurant. Enjoy the game rooms and fitness center as well. It takes ten minutes on foot to get to the ferry terminal and metro from here.

2. Pudong

The Shanghai Pudong International Airport is named after the Pudong neighborhood, which is situated across the Huangpu River from the ancient town center. Because of this, it’s a handy location for travelers to and from the airport to stay, making it a convenient choice for those wondering where to stay in Shanghai.

Pudong is lofty, yet it lacks much charm. The famous Oriental Pearl Tower offers a great view of the city and is home to skyscrapers and tower blocks. Along with its main attraction, Shanghai Disney Resort, there are other sizable attractions including the futuristic World Expo Centre and Century Park, which features a boating lake, mini golf course, and bike lanes.

It’s excellent for families visiting Shanghai because of this. But if you’re searching for lively nightlife, visit the opulent Lujiazui neighborhood. There is no shortage of mid-range hotels and plenty of luxury and five-star establishments to pick from.

Where to Stay in Pudong

Grand Hyatt Shanghai: Housed inside the Jin Mao Tower, this hotel boasts an eye-catching interior with a distinctive exterior design, making it a top choice for where to stay in Shanghai. The rooms include soft grey carpets, marble bathrooms, and huge windows that provide stunning city views.

The contemporary Shanghai design is mixed with classical elements in these rooms. Swim in the hotel’s rooftop pool after a full day of shopping at the neighboring Super Brand Mall. The nine distinct restaurants offer a diverse range of dining options, and there’s also a piano bar and a rooftop bar.

IFC Residence: This five-star hotel is located in the Shanghai International Financial Centre and has accommodations for both visitors and locals. These have large windows with views of the city and are elegantly but opulently furnished with muted color schemes. Everyone has a separate kitchen and living space. The IFC Residence offers a sun terrace, a children’s playground, a garden, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. For added convenience, there is a metro station attached to the building; yet, it takes ten minutes to walk from here to the Shanghai Aquarium.
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Novotel Atlantis: This Novotel branch is a fantastic option for where to stay in Shanghai, conveniently located near Custom House Shanghai and less than ten minutes from a metro station. Rooms here are sleek and minimalist, with white walls and neutral decor that naturally puts city views front and center. Every visitor has a smartphone in the room, which is useful for navigation. Also, you can swim in the on-site pool while taking in views of the city. The rotating restaurant at this hotel, however, is the main attraction.

3. Huangpu

Some of Shanghai’s most well-known attractions can be found in Huangpu, the city’s historic center. It’s near the action and conveniently located near excellent public transport options. The largest metro station in the city is Huangpu.

If you just have a few days and want to spend them exploring the main sights in the city, stay in Huangpu. You can spend time in the future at MOCA, Shanghai’s first non-profit modern art gallery, or you can visit the Shanghai Museum, which has an enormous collection of ancient Chinese artefacts. Along with People’s Square and People’s Park, which serve as the cultural hub of Huangpu, Huangpu is also home to City Hall.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Shanghai, Another fantastic place to visit is Huangpu. Top shopping and food vendors may be found on Huaihai Road and the pedestrianized East Nanjing Road. While there are many options for lodging, dining, and transportation, visiting this area also puts you in one of the world’s most crowded urban areas.

Places to Stay in Huangpu

The Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World: The hotel, ideal for travelers wondering where to stay in Shanghai, features warm color schemes in its rooms, along with traditional patterned carpets in the seating spaces. Visitors can work up a sweat in the fitness center or have fun in the on-site gaming room.

That’s not all, though. The hotel also features five distinct eating establishments, several of which have expansive views of the skyline. Perched atop a towering 208 meters is one of these eateries. The Shanghai Grand Theatre and Shanghai Art Museum are essentially just outside the hotel, which faces People’s Square.

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai: This opulent, roomy hotel features interior palm plants and chandeliers. It does feel like five stars. The Grand Central Hotel Shanghai has luxurious furnishings and glossy surfaces in an exquisite décor. Large, comfy mattresses are featured in the carpeted rooms, which combine modern elegance with traditional Chinese elements. There are various dining alternatives available here, ranging from traditional Cantonese food to coffee shops and buffets.
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4. Jing’an

Jing’an, named for a Buddhist monastery that is located here, is teeming with popular tourist destinations. For travelers wondering where to stay in Shanghai, staying in this region guarantees you’ll never run out of things to do, from massive stores and fantastic spots to sample Shanghainese dim sum on West Nanjing Road to the comparatively peaceful Jing’an Park.

Jing’an Temple itself is located in West Nanjing as well. Take in the breathtaking architecture when you visit; built as early as the third century AD, it was turned into a plastic factory by Mao and then reopened as a temple in 1983.

Jing’an offers a diverse selection of lodging options, ranging from simple, low-cost lodging to opulent, design-driven hotels. In the evening, you’ll also have your pick of trendy cafes and chic bars, which merge into the city’s historic French Concession to the south.

Where in Jing’an to Stay?

The Jing’an Shangri-La is a premier luxury hotel located in the vibrant Jing’an district of Shanghai. Offering sophisticated accommodations and world-class amenities, this hotel provides guests with an unforgettable experience during their stay in the city.

The hotel boasts elegantly appointed rooms and suites, featuring contemporary décor and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay for guests.

Offering discerning travelers a haven of comfort, convenience, and unparalleled hospitality. Whether exploring the city’s attractions or unwinding in the hotel’s luxurious amenities, guests are guaranteed an unforgettable stay at this premier establishment.

The JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai is a luxurious accommodation option situated in the heart of Jing’an district. Boasting modern amenities and elegant décor, this hotel offers guests a truly upscale experience during their stay in Shanghai.

The JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai offers a luxurious and convenient retreat in the heart of Shanghai, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers looking for upscale accommodation. With its modern amenities, world-class dining options, and exceptional service, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities.

5. French Concession

This formerly foreign area, which was home to the French Concession from 1849 to 1943, is now a posh residential neighborhood and an excellent choice for where to stay in Shanghai. Time seems to go much more slowly in this haven of peace, where people travel to escape the hectic daily life of Shanghai.

Wander the streets of the lush Fuxing Road at a leisurely pace to catch a glimpse of the vast Art Deco houses that line the avenue. The neighborhood is teeming with hip coffee shops and boutiques; it’s so alluring that you can find yourself daydreaming about moving here.

Rest assured, the atmosphere isn’t so distinctly European that you won’t forget you’re in Shanghai, a massive metropolis. Soba and tapas are among the many cuisine options offered in the many restaurants and small cafes, and traveling about is made simple by the many metro stations in the area.

Where to Stay Old French Concession

InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin: Staying at this InterContinental property entails being in a part of Chinese history that has welcomed notable visitors like Chairman Mao and served as the Communist Party’s Shanghai headquarters.

For those wondering where to stay in Shanghai, the apartments are tastefully furnished with marble bathrooms and subtle luxury, creating an extravagant yet intimate atmosphere. With its own 100 acres of beautifully planted gardens, this 1917 French-style hotel offers a genuine sense of seclusion and luxury. This is, without a doubt, the pinnacle of traditional luxury.

The Puli Hotel and Spa in Shanghai’s French Concession offers luxurious accommodations with impeccable service and a serene ambiance, making it an ideal choice for where to stay in Shanghai. Featuring spacious rooms and suites, an award-winning spa, and acclaimed dining options, it provides a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city. With lush gardens and easy access to popular attractions.

Guests can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline or the hotel’s tranquil garden from their private balconies. The hotel’s award-winning spa offers a range of indulgent treatments and therapies designed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. From traditional Chinese massages to holistic wellness rituals, guests can pamper themselves in the serene surroundings of the spa. it promises an unforgettable stay characterized by elegance and sophistication.

6. Hongkou

After the British, American, and other foreign concessions in the Qing Dynasty combined the region around Hongkou became Shanghai’s International Concession for a while it was also referred to as Little Tokyo. Even though it feels practically suburban these days this area has a rich past, making it an intriguing option for visitors wondering where to stay in Shanghai.

During World War II, some 20,000 Jews lived in Hongkou in what was once the Shanghai Ghetto, covering an area of one square mile. These Jews had escaped Nazi-occupied Europe in the late 1930s. The sophisticated Astor House Hotel from the 19th century and the iconic Broadway Mansions from the Art Deco era are just two examples of the area’s historic hotels.

There are other places in Hongkou where you can relax in style or stay for less money. Wu Xun Park is a great area to get some fresh air, and the concrete-built 1933, which was once Shanghai’s largest abattoir, is now a mix of stores and eateries that make for a pleasant evening.

Where to Stay in Hongkou

High ceilings and opulent salons can be found at the Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao, a refined and stately hotel housed in a structure replete with classical French architecture. A huge indoor pool, a fitness center, and a variety of dining options are available. Richly carpeted, the rooms feature teal accents and even have chandeliers of their own. This authentically five-star hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to both the airport and the Shanghai National Exhibition Centre, making it an excellent choice for those wondering where to stay in Shanghai.

7. Xuhui

Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this ancient historic district is currently experiencing a growth in the number of expat groups and families looking for where to stay in Shanghai close to contemporary conveniences and the bustle of daily city life

The region, which runs from Wanping Road to Yinping Road, is home to numerous enormous shopping centers, including the Orient Shopping Centre, Grand Gateway 66, and Metro City. You may get anything from laptops to enticing food and stylish clothing inside these sprawling malls.

With some of the biggest shopping centers in the area linked to the primary metro lines, Xuhui also enjoys excellent access to the metro, making it possible to get to Pudong and Puxi quickly. There are stylish accommodations in old buildings as well as gleaming, contemporary high-rises to choose from in this neighborhood.

Where to Stay in Xuhui

Anting Villa Hotel:

This hotel is tastefully furnished for a comfortable stay in the city, making it an excellent option for where to stay in Shanghai, and it features a grand marble staircase. Situated on the same premises as a historic structure, the Anting Villa Hotel is a pastel, colonial Spanish-style villa that was built in 1936. It is situated amidst well-kept gardens filled with cedar trees. After a hectic day of touring the city, it’s a peaceful haven to return home. Although they aren’t opulent, the rooms are tidy and cozy.

8. Putuo

Putuo is a terrific area to stay if you’re planning an amazing train trip across the nation because it borders the bustling Jing’an neighborhood to the east and southeast and is home to Shanghai West Station, a major rail hub. For individuals who are interested in art, Putuo is a great place to visit because it is home to the M50 Art District, one of the main hubs of modern art in China.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Shanghai, Putuo offers convenient access to transportation and cultural attractions. Many studios and galleries, some of which are available to the public, are scattered around a former textile plant. Take a stroll around the converted warehouses and enjoy the cool atmosphere. On the other side, foodies will love the Muslim market and its delicious food.

If you’re on a tight budget, this is a good place to stay. While there are a few decent mid-range and hostel options, there aren’t as many 5-star hotels as in other parts of Shanghai, which is unfortunate for luxury travelers.

Where to Stay in Putuo

The 4-star Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai is a contemporary hotel with an urban feel, ideal for travelers wondering where to stay in Shanghai. Its stylish furnishings feature a variety of studios, each with a separate dining, kitchen, and lounging area. The café and game room are two examples of imaginative, independently created common rooms that provide hip, modern, and new locations to hang out.

A children’s playground and a fitness center are additional features. This hotel is quite close to a metro station and features a Starbucks next door in addition to a convenience store where you can pick up snacks and meals to prepare at your studio.

9. Minhang

Minhang, an inner neighborhood of Shanghai, lacks the hectic vibrancy of other parts of the city. Although this somewhat remote neighborhood is primarily residential with a few factories and colleges nearby, there are nonetheless interesting things to visit for those wondering where to stay in Shanghai.

Because of the Sky Mall, which has international brands for sale, and the tree-lined Mingdu Road, visiting the Xinzhuang neighborhood will be rewarding for avid shoppers. For a taste of history, meander through the pedestrianized Qibao Old Town, where charming scenes of bridges over canals are interspersed with old-style residences. Minhang’s student population means that there are affordable dining options to be found there.

The French Concession, which borders Minhang to the north, is home to the majority of the area’s hotels, which range in price from less expensive to more luxurious. This is the location of Hongqiao Railway Station, one of Shanghai’s principal railway hubs.

Places where to Stay in Minhang

Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao: The rooms at this Hilton location are warmly designed in tones of plum and olive green, and they feature huge windows overlooking the glittering city skyline, making it an ideal choice for where to stay in Shanghai.

Large, contemporary marble bathrooms, roomy sitting areas, and cozy beds are other features. You can work out at the gym, get a massage at the spa, or eat well at any of the hotel’s restaurants. For even more activities, there’s a rooftop tennis court and a heated indoor pool. This hotel is also close to the Hongqiao Golf Course if you want to play a round of golf.

Choosing where to stay in Shanghai depends on your preferences, budget, and itinerary. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodation with stunning views or a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of dining and nightlife options, Shanghai has something for everyone. By considering factors such as location, amenities, and budget, you can find the perfect place to stay and make the most of your visit to this vibrant city.