Where to Stay in Shanghai: Best Areas and Hotels for Every Type of Traveller
Known as the Paris of the Orient, Shanghai is a buzzing and modern metropolitan city. With a fascinating East meets West architectural style, it offers plenty of delicious eats, towering skyscrapers, and a charming old town.
Not sure where to stay in Shanghai on your next trip? We’ve got you covered with these 7 areas plus hotels to base yourself in.
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1. People’s Square, Huangpu
Photo credit: Andreas Hafenscher on Flickr Creative Commons
Nestled in the Huangpu district, People’s Square is the beating heart of Shanghai. You’ll be within walking distance of major attractions like Nanjing Road shopping street, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and Shanghai Grand Theatre. On weekends, People’s Park plays host to the intriguing Marriage Market, where parents display their children’s personal information to attract potential partners.
People’s Square wins with convenience too: the station is one of the metro’s top stops, and links lines 1, 2, and 8. You’ll also be able to easily hop onto multiple bus routes, as well as a sightseeing bus that covers Shanghai’s top sights.
The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai
Is that exterior gorgeous or what? The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai is a glorious luxury hotel just 50 metres from People’s Square. With Art Deco interiors, the hotel looks just as good on the inside. The rooms are modern and elegant, topped off with splendid city views from the balconies. For more space, the hotel has three types of suites that come with separate living areas.
In the mornings, head up to the Jade Room on the ninth floor for a sumptuous breakfast — with a view, no less. Otherwise, pop into the Lobby Bar for a cocktail or elegant afternoon tea. A cosy afternoon soirée, anyone?
Address: 740 Hankou Road, 200001 Shanghai
Campanile Shanghai Huaihai
Want to stay in the heart of the city without breaking the bank? Campanile Shanghai Huaihai is a fantastic value-for-money option. The rooms are stylishly decorated, with bold colours and multiple decorative pieces. There’s a 24-hour reception in case you need any help, as well as a porter to help with your heavy luggage.
If you’re up for making new friends, make time for a game of billiards in the lobby or a drink at the shared lounge.
#KlookTip: Travelling can be tiring, we know! If you find it tough to wake up in the morning, feel free to schedule a complimentary wakeup call.
Address: 776 People's Square, 200020 Shanghai
2. The Bund, Huangpu
Photo credit: Eugene Wei on Flickr Creative Commons
Boasting spectacular views of the city skyline, The Bund was previously a pier along the Huangpu River. Now, it’s filled with European-style buildings, such as the McBain Building, Shanghai Club, and Union Building.
Get your fill of the impressive architecture, before spending the evening at the idyllic riverside promenade. Take a languid stroll, or see the city from another perspective onboard a river cruise. When night falls, the area comes alive with a dynamic nightlife scene and atmospheric rooftop bars.
#KlookTip: Keep a lookout for the Bund Financial Bull statue, which is a symbol of China’s growing prosperity. You’ll find that the bull’s testicles are rubbed so much that they’ve turned golden — indeed, many believe that doing so will bring good fortune!
W Shanghai The Bund
The W Hotel brand is reputed all around the world, and for good reason! Incredibly swanky and posh, W Shanghai The Bund exudes a delightful medley of both old and new. The rooms offer a playful twist on Mandarin cultural designs; plus, wake up to amazing views of the city skyline through giant panoramic windows.
This stunning view can also be savoured from the outdoor pool deck, where you can have a splash at both the outdoor and indoor pools. You’ll never go hungry here: the hotel has five restaurants and bars! Hit up the famous WOOBAR, or be transported back to 1920s Shanghai at the LIQUID bar.
Address: 66 Lvshun Rd, 200086 Shanghai
Autoongo Hotel Shanghai The Bund
Feel like you’re staying on a page in a storybook at Autoongo Hotel Shanghai The Bund, which wins with convenience. It’s a mere five-minute walk to Yuyuan Garden metro station, and a stone’s throw away from the Xinbeimen bus stop.
Offering a chic minimalist get-up in whitish tones, the hotel is pristine and brightly lit. Psst, there are rainshowers in the toilets too! Don’t miss out on spending some time at the lovely outdoor terrace, which is also home to a mini garden.
Address: 88 Lishui Rd, 200010 Shanghai
3. Old Town
Photo credit: Mathias Apitz (Munchen) on Flickr Creative Commons
Travel back in time at the old town (“Nanshi”), which is lined with nostalgic buildings, teahouses, and temples. Get some fresh air at Yuyuan Garden, trawl Shanghai Old Street, visit Chenxiangge Monastery, have a history lesson at Dajing Tower’s ‘Exhibition of the History of Old Shanghai Town’, and drop by Futianjing Temple.
Don’t forget to load up on more street food than you can eat too! Must-tries include xiao long bao (pork dumplings) and anchun jizozi (sweet rice and egg dumplings). Set aside time for the Huxinting Teahouse, which is aesthetically perched in the middle of a manmade lake.
Riverdale Residence Xintiandi
If you’re travelling as a large group or family, you might benefit from setting up base in an apartment! Riverdale Residence Xintiandi has spacious apartments with a well-equipped kitchenette, as well as air and soft water filtration systems. Take your time to prepare breakfast before heading out for the day, or grab some ingredients from the grocery store for a hearty hotpot dinner in the comfort of your own room.
The residence also has a swimming pool, spa, and gymnasium. Don’t feel like cooking? Head to the hotel’s restaurants, which have outdoor terraces.
#KlookTip: If you need an airport transfer, simply send an email before your stay to get it sorted.
Address: 98 Shou Ning Road, 200021 Shanghai
Jinjiang Inn Shanghai Huaihai Road East
For a frills-free accommodation that doesn’t compromise on comfort, set your sights on Jinjiang Inn Shanghai Huaihai Road East. Rooms are functional, with all the creature comforts you’d need for a comfortable stay.
Location-wise, the hotel is just around the corner from Huaihai shopping street and Times Square. It’s also just a five-minute walk from Dashijie metro station!
#KlookTip: The hotel’s staff have limited English, so it’d be best to have your Google Translate app on hand if you’re not comfortable with conversing entirely in Mandarin.
Address: 293 Yuanan Road, 200021 Shanghai
4. Jing’an
Photo credit: David Leo Veksler @ Flickr on Flickr Creative Commons
The bustling Nanjing Pedestrian Street stretches all the way to near Jing’an Temple, which is the highlight of the Jing’an district! This area has a laidback feel, and is great to explore on foot. Pop in and out of shops, people-watch from cafés, and have a cocktail after dark at Yanping and Wuding roads. Otherwise, check out the Natural History Museum, the unique Jing’an Sculpture Park, or marvel at the architecture of Moller Residence.
#KlookTip: Pop into Taikoo Hui mall to find the large Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery, where you’ll find all types of coffee and even a bar with coffee-based cocktails.
The Puli Hotel and Spa
Retreat to a tranquil oasis at The Puli Hotel and Spa. With lovely views of the Shanghai skyline, the rooms add flair with a sliding silk partition screen. The Jing’an Suite is the hotel’s crowning glory, and pulls out all the stops with two master bedrooms — with a walk-in closet each to boot!
Indulge your stomachs at the French PHENIX restaurant, which is both a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in The Michelin Guide Shanghai 2024 and one-Diamond-restaurant in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide 2024.
Otherwise, wind down at the end of the day with a glass of wine at the Garden Terrace (which is open until 1am from April to November) and the Long Bar (which also serves afternoon tea).
Address: 1 Changde Road, 200040 Shanghai
Swissotel Grand Shanghai
Experience the epitome of Swiss hospitality at Swissotel Grand Shanghai, where all guests are treated like royalty. Shopaholics will love being just a short walk from West Nanjing Road, which is lined with popular retail haunts like Plaza 66, Jing’an Kerry Center, and City Plaza. Stay in four room categories; we’ve got our eyes on the executive club rooms, which give you lounge access.
The best part? The property has a gym, swimming pool, and a jogging track to help you hit your fitness goals even whilst on holiday.
#KlookTip: Just a heads-up: the hotel has a steadfast commitment to sustainability too, and doesn’t provide any single-use products such as toothbrushes, razors, and combs. So do remember to bring some if you need them!
Address: 1 Yu Yuan Road, 200040 Shanghai
5. Pudong
Photo credit: Jens Schott Knudsen on Flickr Creative Commons
Planning a family holiday? Pudong is a great area to stay in! Complete with broad sidewalks and ample public spaces for your kids to run around in, Pudong is also where Shanghai Disneyland and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium can be found.
If you’re one for observation decks, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the Four Towers — Shanghai Tower (all the way up to the 118th storey!), Shanghai World Financial Centre, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Jin Mao Tower (where you can take on an exhilarating skywalk).
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
With the new Zootopia land, on top of the one-of-a-kind Tron ride and jazzed-up Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, Shanghai Disneyland has never been more exciting! Why not take the entire experience up a notch by staying at the glamorous Shanghai Disneyland hotel? Getting to the park is really easy too, with a complimentary water taxi from the hotel.
#KlookTip: To help guests maximise their time in the park, every stay comes with up to one hour of priority early entry into Shanghai Disneyland. Is that awesome or what?
At the hotel itself, the whole family will love dining at Lumerie’s Kitchen, where some beloved Disney characters might pop by to say hi! You’ll have the best time at facilities like the Mickey Mouse Playhouse, King Triton’s pool, as well as the Hakuna Matata Oasis (water play area and hedge maze).
Address: 1009 West Shendi Road, 201205 Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai
Up for some fantastic views? Pudong Shangri-La spares no expense, with wonderful views of The Bund and Huangpu River. Be spoiled for choice with around 950 rooms and suites, which are split into the Grand Tower and River Wing. We’ve got our eyes on the Pu Xian Xiao family room, which consists of two connecting rooms complete with themed decor. It seems like variety is the name of the game here at Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai, with eight dining concepts thrown into the mix.
#KlookTip: Our absolute favourite feature is how up to two children up to the age of six can enjoy buffet meals entirely for free when accompanied by a dine-in adult. Additional children between the ages of six and twelve can score a whopping 50% discount too!
P/S. Work off the calories at the Health Club, which wows with a gym, pool, hot whirlpool bath, steam room, and sauna.
Address: 33 Fu Cheng Road, 200120 Shanghai
6. Xujiahui
Photo credit: Stefan Wagener on Flickr Creative Commons
Located on a quieter side of town, Xujiahui is another family-friendly district that doesn’t scrimp on convenience. It’s home to multiple parks as well, such as Shanghai Botanical Gardens and Xujiahui Park.
The Grand Gateway 66 shopping mall is a haven for luxury shoppers, and is near the Shanghai Film Museum and St. Ignatius Cathedral. Follow Hengshan Leisure Street, and you’ll end up at the Former French Concession district.
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Splash out on luxury at Courtyard by Marriot Shanghai Xujiahui, where you can stay in deluxe, premium, executive, or premium executive rooms. Some of the rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows too, with a front-row seat to panoramic city vistas! If you don’t even feel like leaving the room, just pick up the phone to dial for 24-hour room service.
On a particularly chilly day, you’ll want to head straight for the heated indoor pool for a good soak. Or, how about a workout at the fitness centre? The hotel’s MoMo Café is also a great place for a meal, with meals to-go as well if you’re in a hurry to start your day.
Address: 100 Hongqiao Road, 200120 Shanghai
Jianguo Hotel Shanghai
Situated close to Metro lines 1, 9, and 11, Jianguo Hotel Shanghai is in a prime position for eager explorers. If you’re on a roadtrip, the hotel also offers free parking, complete with complimentary valet service to sweeten the deal. There’s an airport shuttle service as well; simply drop the hotel an email before your arrival to set it up.
#KlookTip: Arm yourself with this handy bus and metro card to get around with ease.
There’s lots to do in the hotel, hit the gym, swim a few laps at the pool, have a game in the chess room, or even have a makeover at the hair beauty salon!
Address: 439 Cao Xi North Road, 200030 Shanghai
7. Xuhui
Photo credit: Jonathan on Flickr Creative Commons
Xuhui houses a majority of the Former French Concession, an elegant historic district with colonial architecture, shady tree-lined avenues, and lovely cafés with al fresco dining sections. Seize the chance to stay in old villas that have been converted into hotels, spend hours at the pedestrian Xintiandi and Tian Zi Fang areas, check out the famous Wukang Mansions, and have a picnic at Fuxing Park.
#KlookTip: The Shanghai Library is a hidden gem that has more than 20,000 English books in the Friendship section. Remember to bring along your passport, as you’ll need to show it to enter!
Heng Shan Moller Villa Hotel
Image credit: Legolas1024 on Wikimedia Commons
Seize the chance to stay in a historic residence; we mean, just look at it! Heng Shan Moller Villa Hotel has 43 rooms, all of which are elegantly done up European-style. Expect plush armchairs, hanging lights, and elaborate headboards — you might feel as if you’ve just set up shop in a 19th-century castle. The bathrooms are larger than usual Shanghai standards too, with a separate shower and tub.
It’s all about the little touches: from the stained glass windows in the lobby and lush garden to mosaic bathrooms, you’ll feel as if you’re worlds away despite still being very much in the city.
Address: 30 Shaan Xi South Road, 200041 Shanghai
Capella Shanghai
Image credit: Capella Shanghai
Image credit: Capella Shanghai
Hide away in one of Xuhui District’s last remaining enclave of 1930’s shikumen townhouses, which is home to the renowned luxury Capella Shanghai hotel. Nestled within the Jian Ye Li heritage conservation estate, it is Shanghai’s only all-villa resort! Book a stay in one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas, and book an afternoon tea to enjoy in the comfort of your villa.
Image credit: Capella Shanghai
Have your every need catered to by a team of passionate Capella Culturists, which organises a variety of daily activities. Start the day with a morning reading ritual, try a range of desserts at The Living Room in the afternoon, and relax in the evening with a cocktail at le Bar. Other activities include a walking tour of the neighbourhood, a Chinese calligraphy workshop, a photography adventure, and a food tour. There’s even a Little Stars programme for the little ones!
Address: 480 West Jianguo Road, 200031 Shanghai
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