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For first-timers in Shanghai, I recommend staying somewhere central, like Nanjing Road. While it can get very busy, it is conveniently connected and offers plenty of quick bite options nearby.
We stayed at Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai and the hotel turned out to be exactly what we needed — good amenities and a lot of space for a reasonable price, with great views and access to main tourist locations.
Looking for the right hotel in Shanghai was for us particularly difficult. The truth is, in such a big, expensive and wide-spread metropolis it is hard to find a perfect location and hotel that meets all your criteria while not breaking your budget.
In this guide I will walk you through the top areas you might consider and their highlights so that it is easier for you to make the best choice for that suits your needs.
In the end we went for Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai
Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai
The Bund & People’s Square – Best for First-Time Visitors
Why Stay Here
This is the center of Shanghai. You’ll be close to the Bund’s famous riverfront, Nanjing Road shopping street, and several museums. The area has excellent subway connections and is perfect if you only have a few days in the city.
It can feel busy and touristy, but for most first-time visitors this is the best place to stay.
👉 Best for: first-time visitors, short stays, shoppers, culture lovers.
Things to Do in the Area
- Walk along the Bund – the most famous view in Shanghai.
- Nanjing Road – huge pedestrian shopping street.
- Shanghai Museum – excellent collection of Chinese art.
- People’s Park – nice green space, also home to the weekend marriage market.
- Bund river cruise – see the skyline lit up at night.
- Yu Garden
Pro Tips
- The Bund is best visited at night for the skyline lights.
- Book a hotel with river views if you want the classic Shanghai photo from your room.
- The area is busy and noisy—choose People’s Square side if you prefer quieter nights.
🌟Our Top Hotel Pick in Nanjing Road Area:
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre - From $180/night
- Why we love it: Located in the heart of the tourist area with easy access to The Bund
- Best for: Business travelers and families wanting luxury amenities
- Notable amenities: Indoor pool, sauna, spa, executive lounge, 2,000 m² event space
2. Pudong – Lujiazui (Shanghai’s Futuristic Skyline)
Why Stay Here
Lujiazui is the modern business center of Shanghai, famous for its tall skyscrapers and luxury hotels with skyline views. If you want to wake up looking at the Bund from across the river, this is where to stay.
👉 Best for: luxury travelers, couples, business visitors, skyline lovers.
Things to Do in Lujiazui
- Shanghai Tower Observation Deck – highest view in China.
- Oriental Pearl Tower – iconic tower with observation decks and glass floor.
- Shanghai Ocean Aquarium – family-friendly and close to the towers.
- Super Brand Mall – one of Shanghai’s biggest malls.
Pro Tips
- Best area if you want skyline views, but it’s across the river from the historic Bund (10 min taxi or subway ride).
- Most hotels here are in tall towers, so book a room with a view.
- Great for couples or business trips, less practical for families with young kids.
🌟 Our Top Hotel Pick in Pudong Lujiazui:
- Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai - From $280/night
- Why we love it: Five-star hotel overlooking the Huangpu River with 210 stylish rooms
- Best for: Luxury travelers wanting iconic river and skyline views
- Notable amenities: Spa, sauna, indoor pool, meeting rooms
3. Jing'an Temple Area - Best for Culture & Style
Why Stay Here
Jing’an is modern and central, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shopping. The area is named after the famous Jing’an Temple, which sits right in the middle of the city. It’s quieter than the Bund but still very connected by subway.
👉 Best for: families, long stays, travelers who want a balance of modern comfort and easy access.
Things to Do in Jing’an
- Jing’an Temple – historic Buddhist temple in the middle of the city.
- Jing’an Park – nice green park for morning walks.
- Wujiang Road – pedestrian street with local food and shopping.
- Natural History Museum – modern, family-friendly museum.
Pro Tips
- Jing’an is quieter at night than the Bund, making it a good option for families.
- Subway lines here connect easily across the city.
- Great choice for travelers who want central convenience without being in the most touristy areas.
🌟 Our Top Hotel Pick in Jing'an Area:
- URBN Boutique Shanghai - From $90/night
- Why we love it: Eco-friendly boutique hotel hidden in a courtyard
- Best for: Eco-conscious travelers wanting boutique charm
- Notable amenities: Peaceful courtyard, walking distance to temple and cafés
4. French Concession - Best for Heritage Charm
Why Stay Here
The French Concession is one of Shanghai’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Tree-lined streets, historic villas, boutique shops, and plenty of cafés make it feel relaxed and stylish. It’s not where the main tourist attractions are, but it’s perfect if you want atmosphere.
👉 Best for: couples, repeat visitors, lifestyle travelers, foodies.
Things to Do in the French Concession
- Tianzifang – arts and crafts shops in narrow alleys.
- Fuxing Park – classic European-style park with local morning dances.
- Boutique shopping & cafés – great for slow exploring.
- Former residences of famous writers & leaders.
Pro Tips
- This area is more about lifestyle than big attractions.
- Great for walking, but subway access is less direct than in other districts.
- Perfect for travelers who want to feel like they “live” in Shanghai for a few days.
🌟 Our Top Hotel Pick in French Concession:
- Metropolitan Seclusive Life – Wukang Road - From $150/night
- Why we love it: Historic mansion hotel in early 20th-century English-style villas
- Best for: Travelers seeking authentic old Shanghai atmosphere
- Notable amenities: Butler service, retro décor, boutique shopping nearby
5. Harbour City/Dishui Lake - Best for Resort Experience
Why Stay Here
Dishui Lake is in Shanghai’s far southeast, near the port. It’s very different from the city center—quiet, open, and modern. It’s a good choice if you want a retreat away from the crowds, or if you’re visiting Shanghai’s Harbour City development.
👉 Best for: families looking for quiet, weekend getaways, people visiting the Harbour City area‘s attractions like the Shanghai Planetarium.
Things to Do at Dishui Lake
- Dishui Lake Park – walking and cycling paths by the water.
- Shanghai Planetarium — a new astronomy museum in the city
- Harbour City Mall – modern shopping and dining.
- China Maritime Museum – interesting exhibits for families.
- Short trips to nearby beaches on the coast.
Pro Tips
- This area is far from the city center—best combined with a quiet break, not if you want sightseeing.
- It is the best option if you are planning to visit the nearby Planetarium or Ocean Park — otherwise they are a hassle to see on a day trip
- Great option for travelers who have already seen central Shanghai.
Our Top Hotel Pick in Harbour City:
- InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City - From $220/night
- Why we love it: Iconic luxury resort on Nanhu Island designed by ATKINS
- Best for: Families seeking resort amenities and educational attractions
- Notable amenities: 100,000 m² green space, yacht marina, children's playground
Where to Stay in Shanghai with Kids 🧒
Traveling to Shanghai with children? Families usually prefer areas with spacious hotels, easy transport, and parks nearby. Top family-friendly picks are:
- Jing’an – quieter, central, close to Jing’an Park and kid-friendly museums.
- French Concession – leafy streets, family cafés, slower pace.
- Near Shanghai Disneyland – perfect if your trip focuses on Disney, with shuttle buses to the park.
Many international hotels here offer family rooms, pools, and Western breakfast options, which make traveling with kids much easier.
Magda Sawyer
Essential China Hotel Booking Tips
Before booking your Chengdu hotel:
- Passport required: All hotels require your passport for registration with local authorities
- Deposits standard: Many hotels require deposit, can be taken off the credit card
- Booking timeline: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead for peak seasons during summer holiday and major Chinese festivals
- Language considerations: International hotels have English speaking staff ready to help with any question you might have. It is very common to communicate with hotel staff over WeChat using their autotranslate functionality
- Local apps: You can use WeChat/AliPay for smaller amounts, but international cards are widely accepted in hotels
FAQs
Q: What's the best area to stay in Shanghai for first-time visitors?
A: Nanjing Road & People's Square offers the perfect combination of central location, shopping, dining, and excellent metro connections to all major attractions.
Q: How far in advance should I book hotels in Shanghai?
A: For peak seasons (spring and fall), book 2-3 months ahead. During summer and winter, 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient for good availability and rates.
Q: Which hotels are best for families with children?
A: InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City offers the most family-friendly amenities with its resort setting, playground, and proximity to educational attractions like the Astronomy Museum.
Q: Are Pudong hotels worth the premium price?
A: If skyline views and modern luxury are priorities, yes. However, consider that you'll need to cross the river (via metro or ferry) to reach traditional Shanghai attractions.
Q: What's the average cost of a good hotel in Shanghai?
A: Mid-range international hotels typically cost $80-200 per night, while luxury options like the Mandarin Oriental start around $280. Budget options under $80 are available but may lack international standards.
