Ask ten people where to stay in Shanghai, and they are often really answering a different question: what kind of Shanghai do you want to wake up in? The riverfront version with skyline views? The leafy, café-filled one in the Former French Concession? Or the more balanced, easygoing version around Jing’an? I’ve stayed in each on different visits, and the neighborhood always changed the rhythm of the trip. This guide compares the best areas to stay in Shanghai for first-time visitors, short breaks, atmosphere, convenience, food, and quieter evenings, with hotel picks in each one to help you choose the right base.
Best Hotels in Shanghai
Start with these two standout choices: one for the easiest first visit and one for an iconic stay directly on the Bund.
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Why choose it: A comfortable, practical base with excellent transport and straightforward access to East Nanjing Road, the Bund and central sights.
Location: Beside People’s Square, served by Metro Lines 1, 2 and 8.
Watch out for: Choose the Bund or Former French Concession if atmosphere outside the hotel matters more than efficient sightseeing.
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Fairmont Peace Hotel
Why choose it: Landmark heritage character and a prestigious address directly on the Bund, making the hotel part of the Shanghai experience.
Location: On the Bund, near East Nanjing Road and the Huangpu waterfront.
Watch out for: A Bund address does not guarantee the famous skyline view—book a room category explicitly stating river or Pudong view.
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This section contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How I chose these hotels: I have stayed in several parts of Shanghai, so the neighborhood comparisons reflect firsthand experience of their atmosphere, transport and end-of-day convenience. I have not personally stayed at every hotel listed. The hotel picks were selected for their exact location, useful metro access, recent guest-review patterns and how well each property fits the reason for choosing that area. Hotel names and booking links were checked in August 2026.
Table of Contents
Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai at a Glance
For most leisure trips, stay in Puxi. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize easy sightseeing, Bund views, neighborhood atmosphere or business access.
| Area | Best for | Know before booking |
|---|---|---|
| People’s Square / East Nanjing Road | The simplest first trip and efficient sightseeing | Excellent metro access; East Nanjing Road is the side closer to the Bund |
| The Bund | Iconic luxury, heritage and waterfront views | No station on the promenade; reserve an explicit river-view room |
| Former French Concession | Leafy streets, cafés and neighborhood atmosphere | The area is large; check the exact station and map position |
| Jing’an | The best balance of atmosphere and transport | Stay near Jing’an Temple or West Nanjing Road; it is not walkable to the Bund |
| Lujiazui, Pudong | Business, towers and high-rise hotels | Book a west-facing Bund view; Pudong Airport is not nearby |
| Xintiandi | Restaurants, nightlife and polished evenings | Convenient and stylish, but usually expensive and less local-feeling |
| Eastern Suzhou Creek | Quiet waterside walks and repeat visits | More diffuse and less straightforward for a short first trip |
Quick rule: choose People’s Square or East Nanjing Road for the easiest first stay, the Bund for an iconic splurge, Jing’an for balance, and the Former French Concession for atmosphere.
People’s Square and East Nanjing Road: Best for First-Time Visitors
First-time visitors, short stays, efficient sightseeing and straightforward metro connections.
You want quiet streets, nightlife on your doorstep or the atmosphere of the Former French Concession.
People’s Square for maximum metro efficiency; East Nanjing Road for walking to the Bund.
Why Stay Here?
People’s Square and East Nanjing Road form one of the easiest bases for a first trip to Shanghai. Both put you in central Puxi, with convenient connections to the Bund, Jing’an, the Former French Concession and Lujiazui.
People’s Square Station serves Metro Lines 1, 2 and 8, making it one of Shanghai’s most useful transport hubs. This is the better choice if you have only two or three days and want to move efficiently between different parts of the city.
The surrounding area is practical rather than picturesque, but it still offers glimpses of everyday Shanghai. On weekends, People’s Park hosts the well-known marriage market, where parents display handwritten profiles of their unmarried adult children on umbrellas and along the paths. It is an unexpectedly personal local scene in the middle of one of Shanghai’s busiest districts.
East Nanjing Road Station serves Metro Lines 2 and 10. It has fewer connections than People’s Square, but it places you closer to the Bund and makes evening walks along the waterfront considerably easier.
People’s Square or East Nanjing Road: Which Is Better?
Choose People’s Square if metro efficiency is your priority. Lines 1, 2 and 8 provide direct or convenient access to many of Shanghai’s major sights, so it is particularly useful for short, sightseeing-heavy visits.
Choose East Nanjing Road if you want the best compromise between public transport and walking to the Bund. You can explore the pedestrian shopping street, continue toward the waterfront and return to your hotel without relying on another metro journey.
Hotels directly around the East Nanjing Road pedestrian street can be noisier, and taxis may need to stop on a nearby side street rather than outside the lobby. Check the actual hotel entrance and vehicle access if you will arrive with heavy luggage.
Also be careful when booking a hotel described only as being “near Nanjing Road.” Nanjing East Road runs toward the Bund, while Nanjing West Road continues toward Jing’an. They are different parts of central Shanghai and offer very different locations.
Best Hotels Near People’s Square and East Nanjing Road
The Bund: Best for Iconic Shanghai and Luxury Hotels
Iconic skyline views, waterfront walks, heritage architecture and luxury hotels.
Metro convenience, lower prices or quiet surroundings matter more than the setting.
East Nanjing Road for the northern Bund; Yuyuan Garden for the southern Bund.
Why Stay on the Bund?
The Bund is Shanghai’s most memorable hotel location. Its historic waterfront buildings face the futuristic towers of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River, creating the cityscape that defines Shanghai for many visitors.
Staying here means you can walk beside the river early in the morning, return for the illuminated skyline after dark and experience one of Asia’s most dramatic urban settings without planning a separate journey across the city. The contrast between the Bund’s early-20th-century architecture and Pudong’s skyscrapers is especially striking after sunset.
The Bund also has Shanghai’s strongest concentration of landmark luxury hotels. Several properties occupy restored historic buildings, while others use rooftop terraces and river-facing rooms to make the skyline part of the stay itself.
Is the Bund the Best Location for a First Visit?
The Bund is the most iconic and memorable location, but it is not necessarily the most practical.
For easier metro connections, People’s Square or East Nanjing Road is usually the better first-time base. People’s Square provides access to Metro Lines 1, 2 and 8, while East Nanjing Road serves Lines 2 and 10 and remains within walking distance of the waterfront.
The Bund promenade does not have its own metro station. Depending on the hotel’s position, you may need to walk to East Nanjing Road or Yuyuan Garden station whenever you want to explore another part of Shanghai.
Choose the Bund if the waterfront experience is an important part of the trip. Choose East Nanjing Road or People’s Square if you care more about efficient sightseeing and straightforward public transport.
What Does “Near the Bund” Actually Mean?
Check every hotel’s position carefully. The Bund extends along a substantial section of the Huangpu River, and “near the Bund” is used loosely on booking websites. A property can be advertised as a Bund hotel while still requiring a considerable walk to reach the promenade.
Do not rely only on the neighborhood name or the straight-line distance shown on a hotel map. Check the actual walking route, the nearest metro station and whether major roads or pedestrian restrictions affect access.
A Bund address also does not guarantee a river view. Many hotels have rooms facing the city, internal courtyards or neighboring buildings. If the skyline matters, reserve a room category that explicitly states river view, Bund view or Pudong skyline view. From the Puxi side of the river, the famous Pudong panorama will generally be from an east-facing room.
Best Hotels on the Bund
Former French Concession: Best for Atmosphere and Café Streets
Café streets, leafy surroundings, quieter mornings and a more residential stay.
You want to walk to the Bund or need the simplest possible transport base.
South Shaanxi Road, Changshu Road, Shanghai Library or Jiao Tong University.
Why Stay in the Former French Concession?
Stay in the Former French Concession if you want attractive streets, independent cafés and a calmer atmosphere immediately outside your hotel. It feels more residential and less commercial than People’s Square, East Nanjing Road or the Bund.
Mornings here are special. Fuxing Park fills with tai chi groups, dancers, and card players. The light filters through the trees, and the whole neighborhood feels calm before the day begins. It is the kind of place where you walk without a plan and still feel like you are discovering something.
The tradeoff is convenience. Hotels here are more spread out, and you will probably use the metro or taxis more frequently when sightseeing elsewhere in Shanghai.
Choose the Exact Location Carefully
The Former French Concession is a large historical area spanning parts of modern Xuhui and Huangpu, not one compact hotel neighborhood. Two hotels using the Former French Concession name can be several kilometers apart.
The most useful pockets for visitors are:
- South Shaanxi Road: the best balance of atmosphere, restaurants and metro connections.
- Changshu Road: better for a quieter, more residential stay while retaining useful transport.
- Shanghai Library: good for elegant streets and a calmer local atmosphere.
- Jiao Tong University: better for longer stays and western Shanghai, but less convenient for the Bund.
Check the hotel’s exact position on a map rather than relying only on “Former French Concession” in its listing.
Best Hotels in the Former French Concession
Jing’an: Best Balance of Atmosphere and Transport
Longer stays, repeat visitors and travelers wanting convenience without staying near the Bund.
You want to walk to the waterfront.
Jing’an Temple or West Nanjing Road.
Jing’an offers a strong balance of transport, restaurants and a more settled atmosphere than Shanghai’s busiest tourist areas. It works especially well for longer stays and repeat visits.
This recommendation refers specifically to southern Jing’an around Jing’an Temple, West Nanjing Road and the edge of the Former French Concession. Modern Jing’an District extends much farther north, so do not book a hotel simply because its listing says “Jing’an.”
Jing’an Temple Station serves Metro Lines 2, 7 and 14, with convenient connections to People’s Square, Lujiazui and Hongqiao. West Nanjing Road is another useful base. Neither area is within practical walking distance of the Bund.
Best Hotels in Jing’an
Lujiazui (Pudong): Best for Business and Skyline Hotels
Business meetings, high-floor hotels, skyline views and large modern properties.
You want historic streets, local atmosphere or casual evening wandering.
Lujiazui.
Lujiazui is the compact financial district most travelers mean when discussing staying in Pudong. It should not be confused with the enormous wider Pudong district.
Stay here if you prefer large hotels, shopping malls, indoor dining and a modern business environment. Metro Line 2 crosses directly to East Nanjing Road and People’s Square, making central Puxi easier to reach than the map may suggest.
However, Lujiazui has less street-level character than neighborhoods west of the river. It is also not close to Pudong Airport simply because both are in Pudong. The airport, Lujiazui and Shanghai Disneyland are in very different parts of the district.
The Catch
For the famous view from Lujiazui, book a west-facing Bund or Huangpu River room. A high floor or “city view” description does not guarantee that your room faces the Bund.
Xintiandi: Best Area to Stay in Shanghai for Nightlife and Food
Dining, nightlife and stylish short stays.
You want quiet streets, lower prices or a more local-feeling neighborhood.
Xintiandi or South Huangpi Road.
Xintiandi is one of the easiest places for relaxed evenings, but it feels more curated than local.
Xintiandi is built around restored shikumen houses, and the mix of old stone walls and modern storefronts gives the area a warm, elegant feel. It is one of the easiest neighborhoods for dining, with restaurants spilling onto terraces and a lively atmosphere after dark.
The Shikumen Open House Museum is a small but interesting stop, and the surrounding streets are pleasant to walk through. It is not as quiet as the Former French Concession, but it has a similar charm with a more polished edge. Evenings here are relaxed, with people lingering over drinks and small plates.
Xintiandi works best when restaurants, nightlife and easy evenings matter more than a quiet residential atmosphere. It is polished, central and convenient after dark, but generally expensive and more curated than local-feeling.
Eastern Suzhou Creek: Best for a Quieter Repeat Visit
Calmer evenings, a slower pace and repeat visitors.
It is your first Shanghai visit and you want the simplest base for the Bund and major sights.
Tiantong Road or Qufu Road.
This is a strong choice if you want to stay central without being in the busiest parts of Shanghai.
Eastern Suzhou Creek around Tiantong Road and Qufu Road suits repeat visitors who want quieter evenings while remaining central. The area is spread out, so check the exact station and walking route before booking. It is less practical than People’s Square or East Nanjing Road for a first visit, but can be atmospheric.
Where Not to Stay for a Normal Shanghai City Break
Some Shanghai hotels appear convenient because they are close to an airport, station or major attraction. For an ordinary city break, however, these locations usually create more travel time than they save.
Pudong Airport
Stay near Pudong Airport only for a late arrival, an early departure or an overnight connection. The airport is far from central Shanghai, and being in Pudong does not mean being close to Lujiazui.
Hongqiao
Hongqiao is useful before an early flight or high-speed train from Hongqiao Railway Station. Otherwise, it is less convenient than the central neighborhoods recommended above.
Shanghai Disneyland
Book a Disneyland-area hotel only when the park occupies a full day or is the main purpose of your stay. It is too far from central Shanghai to be a practical base for a normal city break.
Shanghai Railway Station
The area around Shanghai Railway Station is practical when you have a specific early train. For an ordinary first visit, People’s Square, East Nanjing Road or Jing’an provides a more useful and enjoyable base.
What to Check Before Booking a Shanghai Hotel
A good district name is not enough. Check these six details before confirming your hotel.
Check the nearest metro station, not merely the district
Shanghai districts are large. Confirm the station, metro lines and actual walking route from the hotel entrance.
Check the exact room-view category
“City view” does not guarantee the Bund, Huangpu River or Pudong skyline. Book the view explicitly stated in the room name.
Save the hotel’s Chinese name, address and telephone number
Keep these details offline so a taxi driver or hotel staff member can identify the correct property.
Enter guest names exactly as shown in the passports
Use the same spelling and name order as the travel documents to reduce check-in problems.
Check which Shanghai railway station your train uses
Shanghai has several major stations. Confirm the exact departure station before choosing a hotel for an early train.
Do not confuse Pudong District with Pudong Airport
Pudong is enormous. Lujiazui, Shanghai Disneyland and Pudong Airport are in very different parts of it.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Shanghai
What is the best area to stay in Shanghai for first-time visitors?
People’s Square or East Nanjing Road is the best base for most first-time visitors. People’s Square offers the strongest metro connections through Lines 1, 2 and 8, while East Nanjing Road adds Lines 2 and 10 plus easier walking access to the Bund. Choose between them based on transport efficiency versus waterfront proximity.
Is it better to stay on the Bund or Nanjing Road?
East Nanjing Road is more practical, while the Bund is more memorable. East Nanjing Road has Metro Lines 2 and 10 and remains walkable to the waterfront. Choose the Bund for heritage hotels, luxury and views, but remember that the promenade has no metro station and a Bund address does not guarantee a river-facing room.
Is it better to stay in Puxi or Pudong?
Puxi is better for most leisure visitors, while Pudong suits business travelers and skyline-hotel stays. The Bund, People’s Square, Jing’an, Xintiandi and the Former French Concession are all in Puxi. Choose Lujiazui in Pudong for towers and high-rise hotels, not simply because your flight uses Pudong Airport.
What is the most walkable area of Shanghai?
The Former French Concession is Shanghai’s most enjoyable area for everyday walking. Its leafy streets, cafés and residential scale make it pleasant to explore near your hotel. However, the historical area is large, so choose a property near South Shaanxi Road, Changshu Road, Shanghai Library or Jiao Tong University rather than relying only on the district label.
Where should budget travelers stay in Shanghai?
Budget travelers should look around People’s Square and East Nanjing Road for lower-cost central hotels with strong transport. Staying near a useful metro station can reduce taxi costs and wasted time. Avoid paying a premium for a Bund address unless the waterfront setting matters, and compare smaller local hotels with larger international properties.
Where should I stay in Shanghai for food and nightlife?
Xintiandi is the easiest Shanghai base for dining and polished nightlife. It places restaurants, bars and relaxed evening options close to your hotel, although the atmosphere feels curated and upscale rather than strongly local. The Former French Concession is a better alternative for café streets, cocktail bars and a more residential setting.
Where should families stay in Shanghai?
People’s Square is the most practical Shanghai base for many families. Metro Lines 1, 2 and 8 reduce complicated transfers, while the area has large full-service hotels and straightforward transport. Jing’an is a good alternative for longer family stays when a calmer neighborhood matters more than walking access to the Bund.
What is the best area for a two-day Shanghai trip?
People’s Square or East Nanjing Road is best for a two-day Shanghai trip. Choose People’s Square for maximum metro efficiency or East Nanjing Road for the strongest balance of transport and walking access to the Bund. Both reduce unnecessary travel time and work better for a short stay than more distant residential areas.
Should I stay near Pudong Airport?
You should stay near Pudong Airport only for a late arrival, early departure or overnight connection. The airport is far from central Shanghai, and being in Pudong does not mean being close to Lujiazui. For a normal city break, choose a central Puxi neighborhood or Lujiazui if business is your priority.
Which area is best for an early train from Hongqiao?
Stay near Hongqiao Railway Station when your train departs very early. For a later departure, Jing’an Temple, West Nanjing Road or People’s Square can provide a better city base with direct or convenient Line 2 access toward Hongqiao. Always confirm that your ticket actually lists Shanghai Hongqiao rather than another Shanghai station.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to stay in Shanghai is not simply a question of convenience. What I loved most about the city was how many different layers exist side by side: the Bund’s grand historic façades facing Pudong’s futuristic towers, the intensity of People’s Square and the quieter, leafy streets of the Former French Concession and Jing’an. Your hotel determines which of these versions becomes your everyday Shanghai, the streets you see first in the morning and return to after dark.
For a first trip, choose People’s Square for efficient transport or East Nanjing Road for the best balance of metro access and proximity to the Bund. Stay on the Bund for iconic luxury, in the Former French Concession for atmosphere, in Jing’an for balance or in Lujiazui for business and skyline hotels.
If you are also planning what to do each day, read my Shanghai itinerary for a step-by-step route through the city as well as worthwhile day trips from Shanghai.
Your Shanghai base also affects the wider logistics of the trip. If you are arriving after a long flight, my China airport transfers guide explains the easiest ways to get from the airport into the city.
I also recommend setting up a China eSIM before you land, since maps, translation apps, hotel addresses, and ride-hailing are much easier with mobile data.
Last Updated on 08/09/2026 by Panos
