---
title: "Where to stay in Shanghai (2026): a first-timer's guide to 9 areas"
url: https://staylist.world/where-to-stay-in-shanghai
site: Staylist World
---
# Where to stay in Shanghai (2026): a first-timer's guide to 9 areas

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Where to stay in Shanghai: the Bund for a first trip (hotels typically about $90 a night), the French Concession or Jing'an for leafy streets, cafés and bars (about $76 to $83), and People's Square for value and transport (about $68).
We compared 117 hotels in 9 areas of Shanghai on typical price, guest score and what guests praise and complain about. By Ziad, Staylist founder (https://staylist.world/about); guide updated 17 October 2026, hotel data 27 October 2026. Page: https://staylist.world/where-to-stay-in-shanghai

## Quick answer
- **First trip:** the Bund (about $90 a night) and People's Square (about $68 a night). The waterfront, Nanjing Road and the most metro lines.
- **Romantic:** the French Concession (about $83 a night) and Xintiandi (about $189 a night). Leafy streets, cafés and lane-house restaurants.
- **Views:** Lujiazui (about $268 a night) and the Bund (about $90 a night). The skyline from both sides of the river.
- **Trains and Disney:** Hongqiao (about $73 a night) and Disney (about $241 a night). High-speed trains and the theme park.

## The areas at a glance
| Area | Known for | Typical price a night | Transit (1-5) | Evenings (1-5) | Average hotel score | Hotels |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| The Bund and East Nanjing Road | skyline views, waterfront, first trip | $90 | 5 | 4 | 8.9 | 27 |
| People's Square | metro hub, museums, value | $68 | 5 | 3 | 8.5 | 25 |
| Yu Garden and the Old City | classical garden, old lanes | $110 | 4 | 3 | 9.4 | 6 |
| Jing'an | temple, malls, cocktail bars | $76 | 5 | 4 | 8.8 | 13 |
| Former French Concession | plane-tree streets, cafés, boutique hotels | $83 | 4 | 4 | 8.7 | 15 |
| Xintiandi | restored lane houses, dining | $189 | 4 | 4 | 8.9 | 4 |
| Lujiazui (Pudong) | skyscrapers, Bund views, luxury | $268 | 4 | 2 | 8.9 | 9 |
| Hongqiao (station and airport) | high-speed trains, domestic flights | $73 | 5 | 1 | 8.8 | 14 |
| Shanghai Disney Resort | Shanghai Disneyland | $241 | 2 | 2 | 9.1 | 4 |
Typical price: the median nightly rate of the area's hotels on Staylist World. Transit and evenings are our own ratings of rail links and nightlife after about 9 pm.

## 4 rules before you choose an area
1. **Stay in central Puxi for a first trip.** The Bund, People's Square, Jing'an and the former French Concession, west of the river, put most sights close. Shanghai is vast, so a hotel far out adds an hour of travel a day.
2. **Be near a metro station.** Shanghai's metro is fast, cheap and signed in English. A hotel within about 5 minutes of a station, ideally on line 2 or 10, saves time every day. Each hotel below shows its estimated walk to the area's main station.
3. **Check the hotel accepts foreign guests.** Mid-range and upscale hotels almost always do; some budget hotels cannot register foreign passports. Trip.com shows this on the hotel page.
4. **Match the hotel to your airport.** Pudong Airport is about an hour from the centre by maglev and metro; Hongqiao Airport and Railway Station are 30 to 40 minutes on lines 2 and 10.

## 1. The Bund and East Nanjing Road: best for a first trip and skyline views
**Why stay here.** The riverside promenade of 1920s banks and hotels facing the Pudong skyline, with the Nanjing Road pedestrian street running inland. Metro lines 2 and 10 meet at East Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden and People's Square are a short walk.

**The catch.** It is the most crowded part of the city in the evening, and river-view rooms cost much more.

- Good for: first-timers, couples, skyline lovers, short stays
- Not ideal for: quiet streets
- By the numbers: 27 hotels, typically about $90 a night (most $61 to $126), average score 8.9

Best hotels in the Bund:
1. [Metropolo Nanjing Road Nanjing Hotel, Shanghai](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-gpl_ChIJ1WxKAltwsjURYqbI-UWiKQM) — guest rating 9.6 from 6,776 reviews · 4-star · typically $106/night · area: Huangpu District · 110 m to East Nanjing Road · gym, parking, airport shuttle
2. [Hyatt On The Bund Shanghai](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-HYSHABUN) — guest rating 9.3 from 5,489 reviews · 5-star · typically $213/night · area: Hongkou District · 850 m to International Cruise Terminal · spa, parking, airport shuttle
3. [The Peninsula Shanghai](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-PNSHAPSH) — guest rating 9.4 from 1,664 reviews · 5-star · typically $432/night · area: Huangpu District · 730 m to East Nanjing Road · pool, spa, gym · best for luxury stays, special occasions
All hotels near East Nanjing Road, with distances: https://staylist.world/hotels-in/shanghai-cn/near/east-nanjing-road

## 2. People's Square: best for value and the most metro lines
**Why stay here.** The city's centre: the Shanghai Museum, People's Park and the western end of the Nanjing Road pedestrian street. Lines 1, 2 and 8 meet here, so the airports, the stations and most sights are a direct ride away.

**The catch.** It is busy and commercial, and many hotels are business or chain hotels.

- Good for: first-timers on a budget, families, travellers who want easy transport
- Not ideal for: a neighbourhood feel
- By the numbers: 25 hotels, typically about $68 a night (most $44 to $168), average score 8.5

Best hotels in People's Square:
1. [Shanghai Bund Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Jianguo Palace Hotel](https://staylist.world/hotels/trip-133994411) — guest rating 9.6 from 1,925 reviews · 4-star · typically $75/night · area: Huangpu District · 220 m to People's Square · gym, parking, airport shuttle
2. [Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-MCSHAMCM) — guest rating 9.6 from 8,555 reviews · 5-star · typically $185/night · area: Huangpu District · 300 m to People's Square · pool, spa, gym · best for business trips, sightseeing
3. [Opartment The Far Eastern Hotel](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-gpl_ChIJ26HtOWhwsjURv44Ko1MzCX0) — guest rating 9.5 from 2,882 reviews · 5-star · typically $310/night · area: Huangpu District · 250 m to People's Square · parking, airport shuttle
All hotels near People's Square, with distances: https://staylist.world/hotels-in/shanghai-cn/near/people-s-square

## 3. Yu Garden and the Old City: best for old Shanghai and the classical garden
**Why stay here.** Yu Garden's pavilions and rockeries, the City God Temple and the bazaar's tiled roofs, with the Bund a 10-minute walk north. Metro line 10 stops at Yuyuan Garden.

**The catch.** The bazaar is packed and touristy, and there are few hotels.

- Good for: culture seekers, first-timers, families
- Not ideal for: nightlife
- By the numbers: 6 hotels, typically about $110 a night (most $103 to $125), average score 9.4

Best hotels in Yu Garden:
1. [Atour Hotel Shanghai Bund Yuyuan Subway Station](https://staylist.world/hotels/trip-131314697) — guest rating 9.7 from 3,792 reviews · 4-star · typically $103/night · area: Huangpu District · 120 m to Yuyuan Garden · gym, parking
2. [The St.Regis on the Bund,Shanghai](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-XRSHAXBG) — guest rating 9.1 from 2,917 reviews · 5-star · typically $387/night · area: Huangpu District · 740 m to Yuyuan Garden · spa, gym, parking · best for luxury stays, bund views
3. [UrCove by Hyatt Shanghai on the Bund](https://staylist.world/hotels/trip-132406867) — guest rating 9.7 from 1,440 reviews · 4-star · typically $125/night · area: Huangpu District · 500 m to Yuyuan Garden · gym, parking

## 4. Jing'an: best for shopping, cocktail bars and a polished base
**Why stay here.** The golden Jing'an Temple among the luxury malls of West Nanjing Road, with cocktail bars and restaurants on the side streets. Metro lines 2, 7 and 14 serve it, and the former French Concession is next door.

**The catch.** Around West Nanjing Road it feels more like a business district than old Shanghai.

- Good for: couples, business trips, shoppers
- Not ideal for: old-Shanghai atmosphere
- By the numbers: 13 hotels, typically about $76 a night (most $53 to $131), average score 8.8

Best hotels in Jing'an:
1. [Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Jing'an Temple by IHG](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-HISHA63D) — guest rating 9.7 from 3,908 reviews · 4-star · typically $115/night · area: Jing'an District · 650 m to Jing'an Temple · gym, parking
2. [Jing'an Shangri-La, Shanghai](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-SGSHAJAS) — guest rating 9.4 from 5,740 reviews · 5-star · typically $231/night · area: Jing'an District · 190 m to Jing'an Temple · pool, spa, gym · best for business trips, luxury stays
3. [Jing'an True GO Hotel (Shanghai Jing'an District/West Nanjing Road)](https://staylist.world/hotels/trip-114579024) — guest rating 9.6 from 4,021 reviews · 3-star · typically $53/night · area: Jing'an District · 760 m to Jing'an Temple · gym, parking

## 5. Former French Concession: best for leafy streets, cafés and boutique hotels
**Why stay here.** Plane-tree-lined streets of villas and lane houses, with cafés, wine bars, independent shops, Wukang Road and the Tianzifang lanes. Several metro lines run through it.

**The catch.** There are fewer big hotels, and the most charming streets are spread out.

- Good for: couples, repeat visitors, food and coffee lovers
- Not ideal for: travellers who want the Bund outside the door
- By the numbers: 15 hotels, typically about $83 a night (most $49 to $120), average score 8.7

Best hotels in the French Concession:
1. [Youke Homestay](https://staylist.world/hotels/trip-130224364) — guest rating 9.6 from 186 reviews · 2-star · typically $44/night · area: Jing'an District · 630 m to Jing'an Temple · parking
2. [InterContinental Hotels Shanghai Ruijin by IHG](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-ICSHAICD) — guest rating 9.5 from 5,047 reviews · 5-star · typically $241/night · area: Huangpu District · 790 m to South Shaanxi Road · pool, gym, parking · best for history lovers, families
3. [Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-OCSHA830) — guest rating 9.3 from 5,062 reviews · 5-star · typically $120/night · area: Huangpu District · 290 m to South Shaanxi Road · pool, spa, gym · best for luxury stays, business trips

## 6. Xintiandi: best for restaurants in restored lane houses
**Why stay here.** Restored shikumen stone-gate houses turned into restaurants, bars and shops, around a small lake park, with luxury hotels nearby. Lines 10 and 13 stop here.

**The catch.** It is polished and expensive, and the area is small.

- Good for: couples, food lovers, luxury stays
- Not ideal for: budget travellers
- By the numbers: 4 hotels, typically about $189 a night, average score 8.9

Best hotels in Xintiandi:
1. [Atour Hotel Shanghai HuangPu Xintiandi Metro Station](https://staylist.world/hotels/trip-114516981) — guest rating 9.6 from 3,449 reviews · 4-star · typically $98/night · area: Huangpu District · 230 m to Site of the First CPC National Congress·Xintiandi · gym, parking
2. [The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-LOPVG021) — guest rating 9.5 from 4,574 reviews · 5-star · typically $194/night · area: Huangpu District · 160 m to Site of the First CPC National Congress·South Huangpi Road · pool, spa, gym · best for city breaks, special occasions
3. [Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai, by Hyatt](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-HYSHAASH) — guest rating 9.1 from 6,110 reviews · 5-star · typically $269/night · area: Huangpu District · 260 m to Site of the First CPC National Congress·South Huangpi Road · pool, spa, gym

## 7. Lujiazui (Pudong): best for high-floor views of the Bund
**Why stay here.** The skyline itself: the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower and the financial towers, with luxury hotels high above the river looking back at the Bund. Metro line 2 crosses to Nanjing Road in a few minutes.

**The catch.** It is corporate and spread out, with long walks between towers and quiet evenings.

- Good for: luxury stays, business trips, view lovers
- Not ideal for: street life
- By the numbers: 9 hotels, typically about $268 a night (most $219 to $292), average score 8.9
- What guests say: in 8 AI overviews of guest reviews, the most common praise is for the views (7) and staff (6)

Best hotels in Lujiazui:
1. [Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-MOSHAMAN) — guest rating 9.5 from 3,810 reviews · 5-star · typically $268/night · area: Pudong New Area · 930 m to Lujiazui · pool, spa, gym · best for business trips, families
2. [J Hotel Shanghai Tower](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-LWSHASHT) — guest rating 9.5 from 4,203 reviews · 5-star · typically $529/night · area: Pudong New Area · 340 m to Lujiazui · pool, spa, gym · best for special occasions, luxury stays
3. [Park Hyatt Shanghai](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-HYSHAPHS) — Staylist AI score 8.5 · typically $292/night

## 8. Hongqiao (station and airport): best for early trains and domestic flights
**Why stay here.** Hongqiao Railway Station, with high-speed trains to Beijing, Hangzhou and Suzhou, sits next to Hongqiao Airport. Metro lines 2 and 10 run to the centre in about 30 to 40 minutes.

**The catch.** It is far from the sights, with little to do in the evening.

- Good for: early trains, one-night stopovers, business trips
- Not ideal for: a sightseeing base
- By the numbers: 14 hotels, typically about $73 a night (most $57 to $97), average score 8.8

Best hotels in Hongqiao:
1. [Hyatt House Shanghai Hongqiao Cbd](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-HYSHAHHS) — Staylist AI score 9.0 · typically $88/night
2. [Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-SBSHASHO) — guest rating 9.5 from 8,501 reviews · 5-star · typically $180/night · area: Minhang District · pool, gym, parking · best for design fans, city stays
3. [Hyatt Place Shanghai Hongqiao Cbd](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-HYSHAHPS) — Staylist AI score 9.0 · typically $65/night

## 9. Shanghai Disney Resort: best for Shanghai Disneyland
**Why stay here.** The resort's own hotels and the hotels nearby, a short walk or shuttle from the park gates. Metro line 11 runs to the city centre in about an hour.

**The catch.** It is far from the rest of Shanghai, and prices peak on holidays.

- Good for: families on a Disney trip
- Not ideal for: a whole Shanghai trip
- By the numbers: 4 hotels, typically about $241 a night, average score 9.1

Best hotels in Disney:
1. [Shanghai Hyakumangoku Onsen Hotel](https://staylist.world/hotels/trip-76482502) — guest rating 9.4 from 3,670 reviews · 5-star · typically $112/night · area: Pudong New Area · 1.4 km to Disney Resort · spa, gym, parking
2. [Melia Shanghai Parkside](https://staylist.world/hotels/catalogue-SMSHAPAR) — Staylist AI score 8.5 · typically $268/night
3. [Shanghai Disneyland Hotel](https://staylist.world/hotels/trip-4687218) — guest rating 9.2 from 7,037 reviews · 5-star · typically $440/night · area: Pudong New Area · pool, gym, parking

## Staying a week? Split your stay
Most visitors need one base. With 5 nights or more, try 3 near the Bund or People's Square and 2 in the former French Concession; add a night at the Disney Resort for a park day.

## Where not to stay in Shanghai
- Hotels far out in the suburbs sold as "Shanghai": check the metro time to People's Square.
- Budget hotels that do not accept foreign guests: check before you pay.
- Pudong Airport hotels for a city stay: the airport is an hour away.
- Booking late for Golden Week (early October) and Chinese New Year.

## Tips for booking a hotel in Shanghai
- **Set up payments before you fly.** Link a foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay: taxis, metro tickets and street food are paid by QR code. See our Alipay for foreigners guide.
- **Sort out mobile data.** Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked on Chinese networks; a roaming plan or a travel eSIM from abroad keeps them working.
- **Ask for a high floor.** On the Bund and in Lujiazui, a high floor facing the river is what you are paying for. Check the room type.
- **Drop your bags before check-in.** Most hotels keep luggage before check-in and after check-out, so you can sightsee on arrival and departure days.
- **Compare a few hotels side by side.** Every area above lets you compare its top picks by score, typical price and walk before you book.

## Questions
**Where is the best place to stay in Shanghai for first-timers?**
Near the Bund or People's Square: the waterfront, Nanjing Road and the metro hub are on foot. Staylist World lists 27 hotels by the Bund, typically about $90 a night.

**Is it better to stay near the Bund or in the French Concession?**
Near the Bund for the views and the sights (about $90 a night). In the former French Concession for leafy streets, cafés and boutique hotels (about $83 a night). They are about 15 minutes apart by metro.

**Where can I stay in Shanghai for less?**
Around People's Square (typically about $68 a night), with metro lines 1, 2 and 8 to the airports and stations.

**Should I stay in Puxi or Pudong?**
Puxi, west of the river, for a first trip: the Bund, Nanjing Road and the old streets are there. Pudong's Lujiazui is for skyline views from a luxury hotel.

**How many days in Shanghai is enough?**
Three days covers the Bund, Yu Garden, the former French Concession and the Lujiazui skyline. Add a fourth for a day trip to Suzhou or Hangzhou, about 30 minutes and an hour away by high-speed train.

**Is North Bund a good area to stay in Shanghai?**
Yes, if you want Bund views for less: North Bund, in Hongkou across Suzhou Creek from the Bund, has newer riverside hotels and is a short walk from the Bund's northern end. It is quieter in the evening than East Nanjing Road.

**Can foreigners stay in any hotel in Shanghai?**
Most mid-range and upscale hotels accept foreign guests; some budget hotels cannot register foreign passports. Check the policy on the hotel's Trip.com page before booking.

## Our verdict
For a first trip, book near the Bund or People's Square: the waterfront, Nanjing Road and the metro are on your doorstep. Choose the former French Concession or Jing'an for leafy streets, cafés and bars, Lujiazui for skyline views, Hongqiao for trains, and the Disney Resort only for park days.

## More
- All hotels in Shanghai: https://staylist.world/hotels-in/shanghai-cn
- China travel guide (visa, payments, apps): https://staylist.world/china-travel-guide

How we compared: each hotel belongs to its nearest area centre (within walking distance) and is counted once. Prices, scores and guest praise or complaints come from Staylist World's data and AI overviews of guest reviews.
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