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Where to Stay in Shanghai: Best Areas & Neighborhood Guide
Choosing where to stay in Shanghai can greatly influence your travel experience. Shanghai is a huge city with different neighborhoods offering different advantages, from historic streets and food experiences to modern business districts and family attractions.
For most international travelers, the best area depends on your travel purpose, sightseeing plans, transportation needs, and preferred atmosphere.
This Shanghai accommodation guide explains the best areas to stay, who each neighborhood is suitable for, and how to choose the right location for your trip.
Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai Overview
The most popular areas for international travelers include:
The Bund & Huangpu District: Best for first-time visitors and iconic Shanghai experiences
People's Square: Best for transportation convenience and central location
Former French Concession: Best for local atmosphere, cafes, and lifestyle experiences
Lujiazui & Pudong: Best for business travelers and modern skyline views
Jing'an District: Best for shopping, dining, and upscale city experiences
1. The Bund & Huangpu District
The Bund and Huangpu District are among the most popular choices for first-time visitors to Shanghai.
Staying here provides easy access to Shanghai's most famous landmarks, including the Bund, Nanjing Road, People's Square, and Yu Garden.
Best For:
First-time Shanghai visitors
Short trips
Classic sightseeing
Travelers who want convenience
Advantages:
Close to major attractions
Excellent metro connections
Easy access to restaurants and shopping
Great night views
Considerations:
This area is usually more expensive and can be crowded, especially around major attractions.
2. People's Square & Nanjing Road Area
People's Square is one of Shanghai's most convenient central areas, making it a practical choice for many travelers.
The area connects major attractions, shopping areas, museums, and several metro lines.
Best For:
First-time visitors
Travelers using public transportation
Short stays
Budget-conscious travelers
Advantages:
Central location
Easy transportation connections
Close to shopping and attractions
Many accommodation options
3. Former French Concession
The Former French Concession is one of Shanghai's most charming neighborhoods, known for tree-lined streets, historic architecture, cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
It is a great choice for travelers who want to experience Shanghai's lifestyle beyond traditional sightseeing.
Best For:
Food travelers
Culture travelers
Couples
Longer stays
Advantages:
Beautiful historic streets
Excellent restaurants and cafes
Local neighborhood atmosphere
Great walking experience
Considerations:
Some attractions require longer metro rides compared with staying near the Bund.
4. Jing'an District
Jing'an is a modern and comfortable area combining shopping malls, restaurants, cultural attractions, and residential neighborhoods.
Best For:
Food lovers
Shopping travelers
Comfort travelers
Repeat visitors
Advantages:
High-quality restaurants
Modern urban environment
Convenient transportation
Good balance between local life and tourism
5. Lujiazui & Pudong
Lujiazui is Shanghai's modern financial center, famous for skyscrapers, business buildings, and futuristic city views.
Best For:
Business travelers
Luxury travelers
Modern architecture lovers
Advantages:
Amazing skyline views
Close to Shanghai Tower and financial district
Modern hotels and facilities
Considerations:
Pudong is farther from many traditional sightseeing areas, so travelers focused on historic Shanghai may prefer staying west of the Huangpu River.
Where to Stay in Shanghai by Traveler Type
First-Time Visitors
Recommended areas:
The Bund
Huangpu District
People's Square
These areas provide easy access to Shanghai's most famous attractions.
Families
Recommended areas:
Jing'an District
People's Square
Pudong
Families may prefer areas with convenient transportation, larger rooms, and easier access to family attractions.
Food Travelers
Recommended areas:
Former French Concession
Jing'an District
Huangpu District
These neighborhoods offer many restaurants, cafes, and local dining experiences.
Business Travelers
Recommended areas:
Lujiazui
Jing'an
Hongqiao area
Choose accommodation based on meeting locations and transportation connections.
Shanghai Accommodation Tips
Stay near a metro station for easier sightseeing
Check the distance to attractions before booking
Consider travel time between Pudong and downtown areas
Book early during holidays and peak seasons
Choose location first, then compare hotels
Related Shanghai Travel Guides
Plan Your Shanghai Stay with Local Experts
Choosing the right area in Shanghai can make your trip more comfortable, especially when combining sightseeing, transportation, and nearby destinations.
Our travel experts can help you select the best accommodation location, design a customized Shanghai itinerary, arrange private tours, and connect Shanghai with destinations such as Suzhou and Hangzhou.
