The Bund & East Nanjing Road
$$$Best for: First-time visitors
Walkable access to the waterfront, Yu Garden and the main sights. River-view rooms command a premium — the classic skyline-facing hotels book out weeks ahead.
Area guide →
Where to stay in Shanghai
Shanghai is huge, so picking the right base matters more than picking the right hotel. Here's how the four best-connected areas compare — for the full side-by-side table, see our area comparison.
Pudong & Lujiazui
$$$$Best for: Luxury and views
High-floor suites with river views from inside the skyline itself. Quieter at night; the metro gets you across the river in minutes.
Area guide →Former French Concession
$$–$$$Best for: Couples and foodies
Leafy, low-rise and atmospheric, with boutique hotels in restored villas and the city's best cafés and restaurants on the doorstep.
Area guide →Nanjing Road & People's Square
$–$$Best for: Budget and shopping
The best value mid-range and budget hotels, sitting on metro lines 1, 2 and 10 — one ride from both airports' express links.
Area guide →Planning checklist
- Check the best season in when to go.
- Sort your arrival in find flights.
- Brush up with the travel guide.