
Shanghai is a city that blends modern urban allure with a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re travelling on business or exploring with the family, you’ll find the perfect place to stay. Each neighbourhood reveals its own side of Shanghai, and choosing the right hotel can set the tone for an unforgettable journey. In this article, we highlight the unique charms of each neighbourhood to help make your stay in Shanghai comfortable and full of discoveries.
Where to Stay in Shanghai: Best Areas for Every Traveller
Travel Style | Best area to stay in | Top Activities | Hotel price per night (average) |
Backpacker | People’s Square, Jing’an | Shanghai Museum, a stroll through People’s Park, Jing’an Temple, street food | £45–£90 |
Couples | The Bund, French Concession | Stroll along the Bund, Huangpu River cruise, cafés & galleries | £90–£180 |
Friends | Jing'an, Xintiandi | Photo spots in Tianzifang and M50 Creative Park, bars & nightlife | £70–£135 |
Families | Shanghai Disney Resort, Pudong | Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai Aquarium, Huangpu River boat tour | £110–£180 |
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The Bund: Where History Meets Modernity

🏙️ Ideal for: classic sightseeing, photography hotspots, fine dining
🌟 Top Activities
- Stroll along the banks of the Huangpu River: Walk along the Bund and enjoy views of the Huangpu River as well as the Pudong skyline.
- Huangpu River cruise: Explore both banks by boat and marvel at Shanghai’s night-time illuminations.
- Exploring the historic buildings along the Bund: Visit the Peace Hotel, the Customs House and the Shanghai Club building, and experience the historic architecture.
🚇 Transport Links
- Key lines: Metro lines 2 and 10 intersect at Nanjing East Road Station, the most convenient metro station for accessing the Bund. From the exit, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk to the Bund.
Shanghai French Concession: historic streets and plane trees

🏙️ Suitable for: Leisurely strolls, cultural experiences, boutique shopping
🌟 Top Activities
- A stroll along the plane-tree-lined streets: Wander beneath the plane trees on Hengshan Road, Wukang Road and Fuxing Middle Road, and admire the historic villas as well as Shikumen buildings.
- Cultural discovery tour: Visit Sinan Mansion and Zhang Garden and experience the historic buildings as well as the creative spaces.
- A delightful lifestyle experience: Go shopping in Xintiandi, savour the food and the cosy cafés.
🚇 Transport Links
- Key lines: Metro lines 1 and 10 serve this neighbourhood, linking Xintiandi and Huaihai Road.
People’s Square: The Heart of Shanghai

🏙️ Suitable for: Cultural explorations, city walks, travellers who prioritise transport links
🌟 Top Activities
- Cultural discovery: Visit the Shanghai Museum and the Urban Planning Exhibition to learn more about Shanghai’s history and development.
- Relaxed stroll: Stroll across People’s Square and the surrounding green spaces, and photograph the cityscape.
- Shopping experience: Head to Nanjing Road’s pedestrianised section and discover the bustling shopping street as well as unique shops.
🚇 Transport Links
- Key lines: People’s Square is a central metro hub in Shanghai where Lines 1, 2 and 8 meet. From here, you can easily reach the Bund, Nanjing Road, Xujiahui, Pudong and Hongqiao Airport.
Jing’an: Cultural attractions and urban experiences

🏙️ Suitable for: luxury shopping, business meetings, urban leisure
🌟 Top Activities
- Cultural discovery: Visit Jing’an Temple, Zhang Garden and the Natural History Museum, and experience the connection between religion, history and nature.
- Fashion and shopping: Stroll along Nanjing West Road with its international brands and unique boutiques.
- Urban relaxation: Unwind in Jing’an Park or savour a cosy afternoon at a trendy café.
🚇 Transport Links
- Key lines: The area is served by several metro lines, with the stations Jing’an Temple (Lines 2, 7 and 14) and Hanzhong Road (Lines 1, 12 and 13) being the main interchange points.
Xintiandi: Luxury & Nightlife
🏙️ Ideal for: stylish social events, fine dining, nightlife
🌟 Top Activities
- Explore the Shikumen buildings: Dive into the historic lanes and experience Shanghai’s century-old history along with the unique charm of traditional Shanghainese culture.
- Trendy shopping: Discover boutiques with international designer labels and local creative shops, and enjoy a unique shopping experience.
- Culinary & social experiences: Savour the blend of local restaurants, Michelin-starred restaurants, cafés and bars in the historic Shikumen buildings, and experience the vibrant city life.
- Walks & Photography: Stroll along the plane tree-lined paths and capture the fascinating connection between historic buildings and modern light.
🚇 Transport Links
- Key lines: Xintiandi is served by Metro Lines 10 and 1, with Shaanxi Nanlu and Xintiandi stations being the main interchange points.
Pudong: Skywalks & Tech Futurism

🏙️ Perfect for: Modern sightseeing, business trips, family fun
🌟 Top Activities
- Enjoy the view: Head up the Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center or the Oriental Pearl Tower and take in the sight of Pudong’s skyscrapers and the Huangpu River waterfront.
- Riverfront stroll: Wander along Binjiang Avenue and admire the views of the Bund and the night-time light show on the Huangpu River.
- Shopping and dining: Visit Lujiazui’s shopping centres—the IFC Mall and the Super Brand Mall—discover international brands, and savour the wide range of restaurants.
- Culture and leisure: Discover the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, ideal for families and leisure activities.
🚇 Transport Links
- Key lines: Lines 2, 14 and 18 run through the area, with Lujiazui, Century Avenue and Yanggao Road stations being the main interchange points.
Staying overnight at Shanghai Airport

🏙️ Suitable for: Travellers with early or late flights, connecting passengers
🚇 Transport Links
Pudong Airport (PVG)
- Metro: Line 2 takes you straight to People's Square, Nanjing East Road and the Lujiazui financial district.
- Maglev + Metro: Take the Maglev to Longyang Road and then change to Lines 2, 7 or 16.
Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
- Metro: Hop on Lines 2 or 10 to go straight to People's Square, Nanjing East Road and Xintiandi.
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Where to stay in Shanghai? Uncover the best neighbourhoods & accommodation for backpackers!

People’s Square
🎨 Exciting Activities
- Central starting point: Start at People’s Square and use the metro to plan a day trip and quickly reach top sights such as the Bund, Yu Garden and Lujiazui in Pudong.
- Cultural immersion: Explore the Shanghai Museum and the Urban Planning Exhibition on foot to learn about the city’s historical development and its visions for the future.
- Classic walking route: From your hotel, head east along Nanjing Road to the Bund, enjoying the architecture of various nations and the skyline of Pudong’s skyscrapers.
🏨 Recommended Stays
- Dayin International Youth Hostel: Set at the intersection of Nanjing Road and People’s Square, this on-trend, design-led hostel comes with a café and library, and is a classic choice for backpackers.
- Pujing Waiting Hotel: Offers a complimentary gym and Wi‑Fi, with an underground station within walking distance—ideal for exploring the sights.
Jing’an
🎨 Exciting Activities
- Explore the trendiest neighbourhoods: Stroll along the streets of JuLu, FuMin and ChangLe, pop into independent boutiques, cafés and vintage shops, and soak up Shanghai’s street culture.
- Old meets new: Visit Jing’an Temple, then immerse yourself in modern shopping centres like the Kerry Center to experience the contrast between temple and city.
- Art-spotting: Discover Jing'an Park, the Shanghai Exhibition Center, or small galleries and design bookshops on every street corner, and soak up the artistic atmosphere.
🏨 Recommended Stays
- base SUHE Serviced Apartment: Located on the Suzhou River in Jing’an District, it offers a communal kitchen, a billiards room and a gym, creating an open, friendly social atmosphere.
- Dears Hotel (Shanghai Jing'an): Offers complimentary laundry service and is close to the metro, the railway station, and the top sights.
Where to stay in Shanghai with kids? Family-friendly neighbourhoods & accommodation
Shanghai Disney Resort
🎨 Exciting Activities
- Leisure in the park: Explore Mickey Avenue, the Garden of Imagination and Fantasyland — here you’ll find both thrilling attractions and child-friendly experiences for the whole family.
- Fireworks show: The evening Fantasia light show bathes the castle in a magical sea of colour and is an absolute highlight.
- Unwind in Disneytown: The free-to-enter area with restaurants and shops invites you to dine, shop, or take in a musical at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, and offers a lovely break from the park’s hustle and bustle.
🏨 Recommended Stays
- Shanghai Disneyland Hotel: Disney-themed rooms + 1-hour early park entry
- Toy Story Hotel: Family-friendly facilities + shuttle service to the park
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Pudong
🎨 Exciting Activities
- Observation deck: Visit the observation deck on the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower at a height of 546 metres. Children are fascinated by the speedy lifts and the breathtaking views across the entire city.
- Relax by the riverside: Stroll or cycle along the waterfront promenade in Pudong. From here, you’ll have a superb view of the Lujiazui skyline and the historic buildings along the Bund. The light show is especially impressive in the evening.
- Scientific discovery: Visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum with the kids and let them explore scientific phenomena through interactive exhibitions, or dive into the underwater tunnel at the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
- Picnic in the park: Enjoy the expansive lawns in Century Park for picnics, pedalo rides, or simply to unwind amidst nature.
🏨 Recommended Stays
- Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai: Set in the heart of the Lujiazui financial district, the hotel offers spectacular views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s skyline. The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is just a few minutes’ walk away.
- Shanghai Garden Rezen Hotel: With a children's pool, playground and kids' club, the hotel is ideal for families and is close to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park as well as other interesting attractions.
Hotels in Shanghai
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Gym
Swimming pool
Shanghai Travel Essentials: Quick Tips & Hacks

Shanghai – a city that blends tradition and modernity in a unique way. Before you dive into the colourful buzz of this vibrant metropolis, here are some practical travel tips to help you make the most of your stay.
- 💰 Payment: In Shanghai, most people pay with Alipay and WeChat Pay, so it’s worth picking up a Chinese SIM card. Cash is becoming increasingly rare, while credit cards are accepted in many shops.
- 🌐 Internet & Wi‑Fi: The internet in Shanghai is fast and widely available. Public Wi‑Fi hotspots can be found in many places. Be aware that some Western websites, like Google or Facebook, may be blocked; a VPN can help.
- 💵 Tipping: In Shanghai, tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated, especially in upmarket restaurants. In most cases, service charges are already included in the price.
- 🛡️ Safety & Etiquette: Shanghai is a very safe city, but keep an eye on your valuables, especially in crowded areas. Show respect for local traditions, for example when visiting temples or using public transport.
- ☀️ Best time to visit: The best time to visit is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. In summer (July and August), it can get very hot and humid.
Taste of Shanghai: Immersive Dining Guide
TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Dining, located within Shanghai’s historic landmark “THE BUND · CITY HALL PLAZA”, offers a panoramic cultural experience and space. Crafted by the Trip.com Group to unveil China’s destinations and soul. Multi-sensory, interactive technology brings the landscapes to life. The Yellow River rushes like a waterfall beside you, while the mist-shrouded peaks of the Li River shift into indigo tones on your plate – with every bite, you experience a multi-sensory journey.
Panda Chef "Cheng BaoBao" guides you through seven culinary keys that unlock a millennia-old journey from ancient dynasties to modern China — landscapes are deconstructed through digital art and cultures harmonised by the alchemy of flavours. Here, gourmets from around the world don't just enjoy first-class Chinese cuisine — they embark on a journey from palate to soul: they taste China's flavours, experience its many facets, and fall forever in love with its essence.

😀 Important notice
- Restaurant opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
- Lunch: 12:00 - 14:00 hrs
- Dinner: 19:00 - 21:00 hrs

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