Where to Stay in Shanghai in 2026 – 7 TOP Areas (& Hotels!)

Hiya traveler, getting ready to visit Shanghai? Exciting! I hope you love this crazy city of 26 (!!) million people!

And I’m here to make your trip planning easier! If you’re wondering where to stay in Shanghai, I compared ALL the best areas and hotels in the city! I did all the research and cherry-picked the best options, so you don’t have to!

Further below, I’ll share more details about this location but also reveal my insights and recommendations for 6 more areas, including hotels sorted by budget!

All that’s left for you to do is book your stay as soon as possible to ensure you spend your money on the most valuable option!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here are the best hotels in People’s Square and The Bund, two prime and neighboring areas to stay in Shanghai:

• Best luxury hotel: The Peninsula Hotel
• Best mid-range hotel: Central Hotel Shanghai
• Best budget hotel: Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel

Area	Best for	Vibe	Price (double room, approx.)
People’s Square	First-timers	Central, busy, well-connected	$70–200+
The Bund	Luxury & nightlife	Iconic waterfront, upscale	$120–300+
Former French Concession	Couples & culture	Leafy, charming, walkable	$70–180+
Jing’an	Budget travellers	Lively, great value, walkable	$55–150+
Pudong	Families & Disney	Skyscrapers, spacious, riverside	$80–220+

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Best Time to Stay in Shanghai (and When to Avoid)

The sweet spot is mid-October to mid-November: warm days, low humidity, and the plane trees in the French Concession turning gold. Spring (late March to May) is a lovely second choice.

Now for the tricky part: the best month also hides the worst week! Here’s what to avoid in 2026:

• Golden Week (October 1 to 7, 2026): China’s national holiday week. Hotel prices double and every attraction is packed. Come after October 8 and you’ll have that perfect autumn weather without the crowds.
• Chinese New Year (February 15 to 23, 2026, peaking February 17): Many family-run restaurants and shops close, and train travel is the busiest on Earth.
• July and August: Expect 35°C (95°F) days, intense humidity, and the occasional typhoon.

Booking tip: reserve at least 2 months ahead for any October stay, and 3+ months for the big-name Bund hotels.

Which area should you choose?

Shanghai is an enormous city! Its 26 million residents live in 16 districts, but for trip planning you only need to know one split: the Huangpu River divides the city into Puxi (the historic west bank, home to People’s Square, The Bund, Old Town, the French Concession, Xujiahui, and Jing’an) and Pudong (the modern east bank with the famous skyline and Disneyland). Six of my 7 picks are in Puxi, and metro Line 2 crosses the river in minutes, so you’re never cut off from the other side!

I have selected the 7 best Shanghai districts for all types of tourists. I also made a quick list of my personalized recommendations for you:

• Where to stay in Shanghai for first-timers – People’s Square and The Bund
• Top area in Shanghai for luxury – The Bund and Xujiahui
• Best area for budget travelers – Jing’an
• Where to stay for an authentic atmosphere – Old Town Shanghai and the French Concession
• Where to stay in Shanghai for foodies – People’s Square
• The best place to stay in Shanghai for nightlife – People’s Square and The Bund
• Best for families – Pudong and People’s Square

Also, to secure uninterrupted internet access, I recommend you get an eSIM data plan (like this one) with a VPN and set both up BEFORE you fly! You’ll need the VPN to access Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google Maps, which are all blocked in China, and you won’t be able to download it once you’re there.

1. People’s Square – where to stay in Shanghai for the first time

People’s Square is the best area in Shanghai for first-time visitors: it’s the city’s dead-center metro hub (Lines 1, 2, and 8 all meet here), and the Shanghai Museum, People’s Park, and Nanjing Pedestrian Road are right on your doorstep!

So, what’s there to do here?

Top attractions include the Shanghai Museum, People’s Park (map), and Shanghai Grand Theatre, which is made almost completely from glass.

I highly recommend you visit the Shanghai Museum (free admission, and as of 2026 you can just walk in with your passport, except during holidays and big exhibitions, when you’ll need to reserve on the official website!). Even if you skip the exhibits, capture its unique design, which resembles a Chinese cooking pot! NOTE: the main historical collections now live at the newer Shanghai Museum East in Pudong, while the People’s Square building hosts the big special exhibitions.

People’s Square sits in the center between West Nanjing Road and East Nanjing Road, with the latter offering great shopping opportunities for all tastes! I highly recommend you walk along the Nanjing Pedestrian Road to experience the buzz

There are also countless restaurants and street food stalls, meaning you can always explore new local foods! Jia Jia Tang Bao is a great place to try the most delicious homemade dumplings!

For the best experience, I recommend visiting People’s Square in the early morning! This is when the square is the least crowded by tourists! 

TIP: If you have time for a day trip, make it to the Zhujiajiao Water Town. This ancient city known as the Venice of China is only a 50-minute drive from Shanghai, but it will make you travel 1700 years back in time.

Metro access: Line 2 links People’s Square directly with both airports, and the Lujiazui skyscrapers are just 2 stops away across the river; Line 8 takes you straight down to Old Town.

One honest drawback: This is the most touristy and hectic part of Shanghai, so if crowds drain your battery, you’ll sleep better in the leafy Former French Concession and just metro in for the sights.

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• The Langham Hotel – This superb 5-star hotel is located near People’s Square and offers best-in-class amenities, including a full-service spa and a pool!

• JW Marriott Shanghai at Tomorrow Square – Decadent 5-star hotel with 6 on-site restaurants, 2 gorgeous pools, and a delicious international breakfast. Rooms are modernly furnished and have city views.

Mid-range (from US$80 – US$150)

• Central Hotel Shanghai – This hotel is just 9 minutes on foot from People’s Square metro station. It has cozy, non-smoking rooms with single or double beds. You can try delicious Shanghai food in the on-site restaurant or use the hotel’s parking if you visit Shanghai by car.
• Grand Central Hotel – This hotel is ideal for tourists because it is just next to The Bund. The nearest subway station is a 3-minute walk away. The hotel serves traditional Cantonese breakfast and has rooms perfect for couples!

Budget (up to US$80)

• Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel – A fabulous budget option with a central location near People’s Square and Shanghai Railway Station. Rooms offer city views, AC, and free Wi-Fi. They also have daily housekeeping.
• Campanile Shanghai Huaihai – Another Campanile hotel with a more central location, rooms with private bathrooms, and a restaurant on-site. Rooms here have a cute décor that reminds me of beautiful student dorms.

2. The Bund – where to stay in Shanghai for nightlife

The Bund is the best area in Shanghai for nightlife and luxury stays: the city’s most famous rooftop bars and grand riverside hotels line the waterfront here, and East Nanjing Road station (Lines 2 and 10) is just behind it!

The Bund (also known as Waitan) is a symbol of Shanghai and one of its most well-known attractions!

The Bund is a beautiful waterfront area near the Huangpu River where you can walk and enjoy panoramic views over the city. It’s built in superb colonial architecture, facing the modern skyscrapers of Pudong, truly embodying Shanghai’s charm.

Besides being an excellent base for first-timers in Shanghai, this is also the perfect place for partygoers. You’ll find many bars here! The Captain Bar is open until early morning every day. The area also has some of the most highly-rated restaurants, like The Roof!

Did you know that Shanghai Metro (opened in 1993) is one of the longest metro networks on the planet? As of 2026, it stretches over 900 km (560 mi) and it’s still growing!!

Here, you’ll find the Huangpu River Cruise agency (map) so you can experience Shanghai from another perspective!

From The Bund, you can easily reach Jade Buddha Temple in the Putuo District, just 15 minutes by car. This is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Shanghai! 

The Bund is also conveniently located if you want to explore North Shanghai or Hongkou, a quiet district known for the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum. 

Metro access: The promenade itself has no station, so you’ll walk 5 to 10 minutes to East Nanjing Road; from there, Lujiazui’s skyscrapers are a single stop away on Line 2, and Line 10 drops you at Yu Garden in Old Town.

One honest drawback: The Bund is the priciest corner of Shanghai, and the waterfront restaurants are aimed squarely at tourists, so skip it if you’re on a tight budget (Jing’an will treat you much better!).

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Fairmont Peace Hotel On the Bund – Here’s one of THE best hotels in Shanghai! It has a very convenient location, within walking distance of the Shanghai History Museum and the metro station. Lavishly decorated rooms and royal bathrooms are only some of the highlights.

• The Peninsula Hotel – This gorgeous boutique hotel in Shanghai offers top-notch amenities. Guests can access the fitness center and stay close to dining options and popular attractions such as the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.

• W Hotel – Shanghai The Bund – A place where you can admire a view of the Huangpu River all day long! Other advantages of staying here include access to their on-site outdoor pool, train station pick-up service, delicious breakfast, and more!

Mid-range (US$70 to US$150)

• Metropolo Classiq Shanghai The Bund Circle – A fabulous Art Deco hotel with a fitness room, daily breakfast, and double rooms and suites. A metro station is nearby, so getting to other parts of Shanghai will be easy.
• Sofitel Shanghai Hyland – Enjoy spacious rooms and an early morning spa, then head for a delicious breakfast before hitting the Shanghai streets! It’s all doable in Sofitel Shanghai Hyland.

Budget (up to US$70)

NOTE: Although I found cheap motels in Shanghai’s Bund, I decided not to include them in the list because they had poor ratings. I’ll share 2 other budget-friendly options instead!

• Jinjiang Inn Nanjing Road – A budget-friendly option with free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, luggage storage, and a coffee shop on board. The nearest public transportation stop is just a few steps away.
• Fish Inn Nanjing East Road – A conveniently located hotel with clean rooms, attentive staff, and a bar and restaurant on-site. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re coming with a car, as they have their own parking.

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3. Shanghai Old Town – for an authentic Chinese experience

Old Town (Nanshi) is the best area for an authentic Chinese atmosphere: this is where you’ll find Yu Garden, the traditional teahouses, and the last streets that show what Shanghai looked like before the skyscrapers!

If you’re looking for a more authentic experience in the middle of the metropolis, head to Shanghai Old Town. You’ll be charmed!

The Old Town (called “Nanshi”) was the city center before the 1900s. You can see traditional houses, temples, teahouses, and modern buildings here. Although it’s not as authentic as before, it’s the closest area where you can taste Shanghai’s roots.

Popular attractions in this area include Yu Garden (or Yuyuan Garden) and Shanghai Old Street, both of which are some of the most beautiful places in Shanghai! The buildings in Old Street (also known as Miaoqian Dajie) date from the 1900s, and this area is a perfect spot to shop for souvenirs and try local snacks!

While you’re in the Old Town, check out the Huxinting Teahouse (map), a pagoda-like building constructed on a pond! (The prices may be high, but they are worth it if you are looking for the atmosphere.

The 17th-century Chenxiangge Monastery and the Futianjing Temple are other notable attractions worth visiting in this area.

TIP: If you like Shanghai Old Town, I also recommend visiting Sijing Ancient Town, which is 45 minutes away by car! Here, you’ll find the Anfang Pagoda Tower and the super curvy Fulian §.

Metro access: Yuyuan Garden station (Lines 10 and 14) sits right by the garden itself, and Laoximen station (Lines 8 and 10) covers the southern half of the district.

One honest drawback: Around Yu Garden the “old” Shanghai is heavily reconstructed and souvenir-driven, and hotel choice is thinner here than elsewhere, so light sleepers and design-hotel lovers may prefer the neighboring Bund.

Here are the best hotels where you can stay in Shanghai Old Town:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai – A 4-star hotel located inside a shopping center. It offers luxury amenities like a spa and a pool. You’ll also enjoy scenic city views from the rooms and a delicious breakfast.

• Hotel Indigo Shanghai – An excellent luxurious hotel with spectacular views of Pudong! Located along the Huangpu River, Hotel Indigo offers welcome drinks upon arrival, an indoor pool, and modern, air-conditioned, spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi.

Mid-range (US$70 – US$150)

• Riverdale Residence Xintiandi – Beautifully decorated apartments in a central location, offering a city view, a balcony, and an on-site bar. The suites are super spacious and bright!
• SSAW Boutique Hotel – One of Shanghai’s best boutique hotels, perfect for a 2-person trip! They also have an on-site wellness center. You can get Italian coffee in the lobby or borrow books in English or Chinese from the hotel library.

Budget (up to US$70)

• Jinjiang Inn Shanghai – If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay in Shanghai Old Town, this is the perfect option! It is located near tourist attractions and offers super-clean, compact rooms.
• Ji Hotel Shanghai Yuyuan – A top budget place with contactless check-in and check-out services, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location near The Bund. The Yu Garden is less than 10 minutes on foot!

4. Former French Concession – the coolest place in Shanghai

The Former French Concession is the best area for couples and culture lovers: its leafy streets, colonial villas, and the boutique-filled alleys of Tian Zi Fang make it the most charming (and most walkable) corner of Shanghai!

The Former French Concession is one of the coolest and up-and-coming places to stay in Shanghai!

But what is the relation between Shanghai and France, you may wonder? The French Concession dates back to the middle of the 1800s, when the city was divided into smaller areas and conceded to the French government.

Since the neighborhood was a French colonial area, it has European and Colonial architecture and a feel. 

Popular smaller areas inside the Former French Concession include the pedestrian-friendly Xintiandi and Tian Zi Fang districts. 

Tian Zi Fang’s narrow alleys, dating from the 19th century, are perfect for a romantic walk after sunset! Xintiandi, on the other hand, boasts stunning stone Shikumen Residences, as well as upscale restaurants and shops. Both districts are quite touristy!

Other attractions in the Former French Concession area include Fuxing Park, once the largest park in Shanghai, built by the French in 1909, and the impressive Shanghai Library. The Library features a Friendship section with more than 20,000 books in English and many other languages! All you need to enter the library is your passport.

I also recommend the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center, featuring posters from the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s.

Nearby, you can visit the unique Shanghai Museum of Public Security to learn about the history and inner workings of Chinese police.

Metro access: Stations ring the district rather than crossing it: South Shaanxi Road (Lines 1, 10, and 12), Changshu Road (Lines 1 and 7), and Xintiandi (Lines 10 and 13) are your main entry points.

One honest drawback: Metro coverage is sparser here than in the city center, so expect more walking (or short taxi hops) to reach a station, especially deep in the western, leafiest part of the district.

Luxury (US$120 and up)

• InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin – Offering amazing 5-star service, the InterContinental in Shanghai also has a very convenient location. It’s near the metro station, street food places, and shopping opportunities.
• Pullman Shanghai Skyway – Another excellent 5-star hotel in the heart of the French Concession area. The rooms have modern furnishings and are super clean. You can also swim in the indoor pool or visit the rejuvenating wellness center during your stay!

Mid-range (from US$70 – US$120)

• Okura Garden Hotel – A lovely hotel with a huge garden, rooms with city views, and a well-equipped gym. You can also enjoy the indoor swimming pool and an on-site bar.
• Mia Hotel – A very nice and clean hotel in the heart of the district. They have a restaurant on board as well as a daily breakfast. You can use their parking and luggage storage services for free.

Budget (up to US$70)

• Magnotel Hotel – This highly rated budget hotel is centrally located and offers basic amenities such as room service, free Wi-Fi, and laundry service. All rooms have air conditioning, too!
• Tulu Apartment – This budget-friendly, recently renovated apartment offers keycard access, private bathrooms, and a balcony. It also offers non-smoking rooms and a relaxing in-house lounge.

5. Xujiahui – the best area in Shanghai for shopping

Xujiahui is the best area in Shanghai for shopping: several massive malls (Grand Gateway, Metro City, and the whole Xujiahui Business Circle) sit right on top of Xujiahui station, where Lines 1, 9, and 11 meet!

Continuing west from West Shanghai is Xujiahui, an “extension” of the French Concession neighborhood, and it’s known as the city’s Catholic district. Xijuahui is considered another Downtown of Shanghai and is a great place to stay during your trip! 

Shanghai’s Catholic district is where you’ll find St. Ignatius Cathedral (Xujiahui Catholic Church)! Nearby is the Hengshan Leisure Street, which connects the area with the Former French Concession district and is a perfect spot to explore Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife.

Xijuahui is a shopping paradise, perfect for anyone searching for souvenirs or electronics. Grand Gateway Shanghai, Xujiahui Business Circle, and the Metro City Plaza are only some of its shopping hotspots. Btw, I love how Shanghai malls have tons of restaurants. The foodie in you will have the best time! 

Other unmissable sights in the area are Xujiahui Park (designed as a mini-Shanghai), the Shanghai Film Museum, and the Shanghai Botanical Gardens with 200+ acres of plants from China and the rest of the world!

Not far from here (a 13-minute ride), in South Shanghai, you can visit the 3rd-century Longhua Temple and the Longhua Martyrs’ Memorial Hall, commemorating those fallen under the Chinese Nationalist Party regime. 

And if you want to visit popular places in North or West Shanghai, no worries. This area is very well-connected to the rest of the city!

Luxury (US$130 and up)

• Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui – One of the best 4-star hotels in Shanghai, featuring a bar, an on-site restaurant, a Roman-style indoor pool, and a fitness center. Plus, it is super close to Metro City, another popular shopping mall!
• Crowne Plaza Shanghai – This hotel offers modern, spacious rooms near the Shanghai Arts Film Center. It boasts a day spa, an indoor heated swimming pool, and an outdoor terrace and bar to relax with a drink after a long day.

Mid-range (US$70 – US$130)

• Shanghai Soho Garden – A great option in Central Shanghai, close to Hongqiao Road and all the important attractions. Soho Garden offers excellent value for money and even has a cute game room where you can relax.
• Lee Gardens Hotel – This is a nice hotel conveniently located near downtown. It offers an airport shuttle, an on-site restaurant, and super clean rooms!

Budget (up to US$70)

• Hanting Hotel Shanghai – If you are searching for a beautiful, clean, and cozy budget stay in this neighborhood, this is my recommendation! It’s close to Yongxin Square, and the nearest metro station is a short walk away.
• Mia Hotel Shanghai Xuhui – A stylish, design-led budget pick near Jiaotong University with free coffee in the lobby, a gym, and super-fast Wi-Fi that’s great for remote workers. Note it’s an adults-only property, so it’s one for couples and solo travellers rather than families.

6. Jing’an – where to stay in Shanghai on a budget

Jing’an is the best area in Shanghai for budget travelers: you get the city’s best-value hotels in a walkable, lively neighborhood around Jing’an Temple, with Line 2 whisking you straight to both airports!

The best discount hotels in Shanghai are right here in Jing’an!

Jing’an revolves around the Jing’an Temple, an ancient Buddhist Temple nestled between high-rise buildings and bustling shops. Jing’an is a cool neighborhood within walking distance of the main attractions. 

Remember the Nanjing Pedestrian Street I talked about in the People’s Square section? Well, this 5.5km (3.4 miles) long street ends near Jing’an Temple! This means you can walk its whole length and explore Shanghai’s popular attractions on your way!

Popular attractions in Jing’an include the Natural History Museum and the Jing’an Sculpture Park, the only specialized park in Shanghai with large-scale sculptures. Here, you can also walk around Yanzhong Greenbelt, the city’s largest green zone with bamboo, ponds, and waterfalls.

Jing’an is packed with ex-pats and has a unique feel. If you stay here, you’ll always have a cool place nearby to eat, drink a coffee, or shop! You can even find Western shops and supermarkets in the Kerry Center complex!

Metro access: Jing’an Temple station is served by Lines 2, 7, and 14, and West Nanjing Road station (Lines 2, 12, and 13) is a short walk east, so you’re rarely more than a couple of stops from anywhere central.

One honest drawback: The area right around the temple is busy and commercial, and the cheapest hotels here can have seriously compact rooms, so double-check the room size before you book!

Here are my hand-picked hotels in Jing’an for all budgets:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• The Puli Hotel and Spa – Experience ultimate luxury and relaxation during your stay at Puli Hotel and Spa. The hotel is located near the city center and has a charming interior. Guests can use the on-site spa and indoor swimming pool.

• The Portman Ritz-Carlton – This Ritz-Carlton hotel probably has every amenity you can think of: a swimming pool, a fitness room, a wellness center, a bar… And don’t get me started on the fabulous room décor!

Mid-range (US$60 – US$150)

• Metropolo Classiq Dahua Hotel – A neat hotel with clean rooms, a convenient location, and friendly staff. Some amenities include daily housekeeping, a 24-hour check-in, a bar, and a fitness center.
• Fairfield by Marriott – A 3-star hotel with free parking, private bathrooms, and selected rooms with a patio. They also have family rooms and an on-site restaurant.

Budget (up to US$60)

• Campanile Shanghai – If you’re looking for a beautiful and cozy budget place near Jing’an Temple, you just found it! This property offers small but clean rooms and room service for your comfort.
• Hi Inn Shanghai – A 2-star hotel with a cozy, modern decor that I just love! They have family rooms and super-friendly staff. You can even book tours here!

7. Pudong – where to stay in Shanghai with family

Pudong is the best area in Shanghai for families: it’s home to Shanghai Disney Resort (Line 11 runs straight to the gates!), Century Park, and the spacious riverside hotels of Lujiazui.

The Pudong District is the new, modern face of beautiful Shanghai! It’s a free economic zone with giant skyscrapers that form an unforgettable skyline! 

Area attractions include the Shanghai Tower (the tallest building in Shanghai with 128 floors!) and the Oriental Pearl Tower. You can climb the Shanghai Tower’s Observation Deck on a super-fast elevator and admire the Shanghai landscape. The ticket price is around US$25 (180 CNY as of 2026), a little more during holiday periods!!

As for the Oriental Pearl Tower, this is the 2nd-tallest TV tower in China, and there are double-decker elevators that can take you to the top! The price for this attraction starts from US$27 (199 CNY) and rises depending on the package type you choose.

But the beautiful skyline and towers aren’t the reason why I recommend this area for families. Possibly the most iconic attraction for kids, Shanghai Disney Resort (Disneyland!) is located here!

Also, in Pudong, you’ll find Century Park, Shanghai’s biggest park. The area spans 140 hectares and offers a brilliant mix of Chinese, English, and Japanese botanical influences!

Did you know that Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze River, can also be seen in Shanghai? The river flows into the East China Sea just north of the Pudong district.

NOTE: Pudong is a vast area that stretches from the Huangpu River to the International Airport. However, its best parts are Lujiazui and Tangqiao, which are near the Huangpu River. This is where I recommend you stay!

Staying in Lujiazui is easier with kids than the skyscrapers suggest! An elevated circular walkway connects the main towers and malls so you can wander between them without ever crossing a road, and the riverside Binjiang promenade is perfect for an evening stroll facing the Bund lights. For family dinners, the food floors at Super Brand Mall and the IFC Mall have everything from dumplings to pizza, all within a 10-minute walk of the big hotels.

Lujiazui (Wall Street of China) is Shanghai’s new financial district (the old being The Bund), and here you can find the offices of more than 400 banks and 5,000 companies! 

Tangqiao is a convenient residential district with plenty of hotels. Here, you’ll find Nanpu Square Park, where you can witness locals taking early morning and evening walks.

Metro access: Lujiazui station (Line 2) is just one stop from the Bund side of the river, and Longyang Road station combines Lines 2, 7, 16, and 18 with the Maglev to Pudong Airport.

One honest drawback: Pudong empties out after office hours, and crossing the river back to Puxi’s restaurants and nightlife means a metro ride or a pricey taxi, so night owls should base themselves on the Bund side instead.

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Mandarin Oriental Pudong – Splurge out with style in one of the best Shanghai family resorts with 5 on-site dining options, an indoor pool, and a spa center! You can enjoy the scenic views of the Huangpu River from the comfort of your room.

• J Hotel – A 5-star hotel inside Shanghai Tower with a stunning décor. Romantic, enchanting, and perfect for couples. The restaurants have the most amazing views of the Shanghai skyline!

Mid-range (US$80 – US$150)

• The Eton Hotel – This one’s located on a quiet pedestrian street, and the rooms offer great views of the city. It’s an excellent base for exploring Pudong! If you fancy glass-walled bathrooms, this is the hotel for you!
• Shanghai Haodu Grand Hotel Laoshan – A 3-star aparthotel with parking, daily breakfast, and everything you need for a casual stay. Rooms are compact and simple.

Budget (up to US$80)

• iFamily Apart Hotel Hongfeng Branch – A cute apartment near a sports park featuring family rooms, private bathrooms, and parking. The manager is super attentive and will make sure you never miss a thing!
• Holiday Inn Express – This Holiday Inn Express offers cozy and modern rooms, a daily continental breakfast, and free on-site parking. You can choose from a range of smoking or non-smoking rooms accessible with key cards.

Best apartments in Central Shanghai, China

Choosing an apartment to stay in Shanghai makes sense if you want more freedom and comfort. Here are my top choices of Shanghai apartments sorted by budget. All of them are very central, close to everything you might need.

Luxury (US$120 and up)

• Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund – This gorgeous apartment is located near The Bund in one of the city’s best and most central areas. It’s an elegant, luxurious place with top-notch amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a superb breakfast.

• Kempinski The One Suites – This Jing’an apartment is located inside a hotel and is the perfect choice for a business traveler! The suites have 2 bedrooms, while the studios are compact but fully furnished and modern!

Mid-range (US$70 – US$120)

• Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai – A super clean and cute apartment that offers everything you may need for a pleasant mid-range experience: a kitchen, a dryer, free Wi-Fi, and more. Perfect for a peaceful retreat in the center of the city.
• Green Court Serviced Apartment – Be located near People’s Square and enjoy this lovely apartment with family rooms, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Parking is available on-site!

Budget (up to US$70)

• iFamily Apart Hotel – A clean and compact apartment in Pudong featuring air-conditioning, a private kitchen and bathroom, and a flat-screen TV. There’s a nice view from the balcony, but the nearest metro station is a 15-minute walk.
• Ladoll Service Apartments – This budget apartment for couples has a private kitchen and bathroom. It is centrally located, just a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station.

👑 Luxury price:	$200
💵 Mid-range:	$120
🛏️ Budget:	$70
📍 Best area:	People’s Square
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Peninsula Hotel
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Central Hotel Shanghai
👛 Best budget hotel:	Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel

How to Get from Shanghai’s Airports to the City Center

The fastest way from Pudong Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is the Maglev train plus Metro Line 2: around 40 to 50 minutes door to door. PVG is roughly 45 km east of the center, so pick your transfer wisely!

• Maglev + metro (my pick!): The Maglev floats you from PVG to Longyang Road station in just 8 minutes, hitting speeds you can brag about at dinner. Tickets are 50 CNY (about US$7, as of 2026), or 40 CNY if you show a same-day boarding pass. At Longyang Road, hop on Line 2 and you’re at People’s Square in another 25 to 30 minutes.
• Metro Line 2 all the way: The cheapest option at under 10 CNY, taking 60 to 70 minutes to People’s Square. Heads up: you’ll change to a different train at Guanglan Road station (same platform, just follow the crowd!).
• Taxi or DiDi: 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, around 170 to 220 CNY (US$25 to 30) to the center. Worth it late at night or with a mountain of luggage.

Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is much closer and easier: it sits right on metro Lines 2 and 10, about 30 to 35 minutes from People’s Square for a few CNY, or a 20 to 40 minute taxi (50 to 120 CNY).

BONUS 1: Best hotels near Shanghai Airports

Whether you want to avoid city traffic, catch an early or late flight, or have a short layover, you may want to book a stay near an airport.

Shanghai has 2 airports: Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA). I’ll share the best hotels near these 2 airports if you want to stay nearby. 

Let’s start with the best hotels near PVG Shanghai:

PVG Airport Hotels

• Luxury: Ramada Plaza Shanghai Pudong Airport – The only international 4-star right by the airport, a 5-minute free shuttle ride from the terminals and walking distance to the Maglev. There’s a gym, two restaurants, and earplugs in every room for the odd bit of plane noise. The shuttle runs roughly hourly and pauses overnight, so check times if you land late.
• Mid-range: Moonlo Hotel – Moonlo offers daily breakfast, concierge services, and free Wi-Fi. It’s a great hotel for families, as it even has a free children’s club.
• Budget: Shanghai Joyful Star Hotel – A 2-star hotel near the airport with a shuttle service. They also have 2 restaurants on-site, so you’re never hungry!

SHA Airport Hotels

• Luxury: Cordis Shanghai Hongqiao – A luxury 5-star stay suitable for business travelers and everyone who wants to make the most out of their short stay in Shanghai! There’s an indoor pool, a fitness room, and a buffet breakfast every day.
• Mid-range: Novotel Suites – Novotel rooms are modern, clean, and perfect for a good night’s sleep before your flight. Non-smoking rooms and free Wi-Fi are only some of the amenities.
• Budget: Holiday Inn Express – This budget hotel is situated in a residential area near the Shanghai Zoo and the airport. It’s surrounded by shops, and it serves an excellent daily breakfast.

BONUS 2: Best hotels near Disneyland

Visiting Shanghai Disneyland? I HIGHLY recommend you choose your accommodation near the Disney Resort to save you precious time on the commute! Here’s my pick of the best hotels for all price categories:

Luxury
Melia Shanghai Parkside – A luxury hotel just 10 minutes on foot from the Disney Resort. They have family rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a stylish interior. The rooms have super comfortable bedding and a hot tub for ultimate comfort!

• If you or your kid is a fan of Toy Story, you can stay in a Toy Story-themed hotel right inside Disneyland! You can find more information here.
• Another Disney on-site luxury hotel is the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel!

Mid-range
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai – Not only is this hotel near Disneyland, but it also offers free shuttle service to it! You can enjoy the on-site gym, and your kids can have a blast at the children’s playground, too!

Budget
Novotel Shanghai Clover – The best value-for-money hotel near Disneyland for the whole family! They also offer a free bus shuttle to Disney (and the airport) and have a good complimentary breakfast.

FAQs about where to stay in Shanghai

Conclusion

Phew! You have reached the end of my ultimate guide on where to stay in Shanghai! 

In this post, I have discussed the 7 best neighborhoods in Shanghai and provided handpicked hotel recommendations for each, all with fabulous reviews and amazing facilities.

I’ll share with you my top 2 hotel picks in case you still can’t decide where to stay in Shanghai:

• The Peninsula Hotel – my luxury hotel recommendation for the most amazing service, facilities, and river views
• Central Hotel Shanghai – great value for money and spacious rooms at a central location near all things cool

Remember to book your stay as soon as you find the perfect option to secure the best deals!

If you have any questions about your upcoming trip, do not hesitate to write them below! I’ll be happy to help!

Happy travels,

Romina

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