Where to Stay in Shanghai
China
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Shanghai at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Shanghai
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; while many in tourist areas speak some English, showing effort with the local language is greatly appreciated and can enhance interactions.
Getting Around
Purchase a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (SPTC) for easy tap-and-go payment on metro and buses; it's rechargeable and refundable.
Watch Out For
Tea Ceremony scam (often targeting foreigners, involves inflated prices)
Solo Female Travel
Shanghai is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.
Hidden Gems in Shanghai
Lesser-known spots the locals love
M50 Creative Park (Moganshan Road)
FREEThis former industrial area is now a vibrant hub for contemporary art galleries and studios, showcasing cutting-edge Chinese art. Wander through the former textile mills transformed into creative spaces.
Tianzifang
FREEA charming labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with boutique shops, quirky cafes, and artisan workshops. It's a delightful place to get lost and discover unique crafts and local flavors.
Propaganda Poster Art Centre
Hidden in a basement apartment building, this unique museum houses an incredible collection of Chinese propaganda posters from the Mao era. It offers a fascinating glimpse into China's political and social history.
Wukang Road
FREEKnown for its beautiful old villas and tree-lined avenues, this street offers a glimpse into Shanghai's colonial past and architectural charm. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll and admiring the historic buildings.
Laoximen Market
FREEExperience the authentic hustle and bustle of a traditional Shanghai wet market, where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, and everyday goods. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible.
Lost Heaven
This atmospheric restaurant offers a unique culinary journey through Yunnan cuisine, a region known for its diverse ethnic groups and distinct flavors. The decor transports you to a different world.
What It Costs in Shanghai
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡69% cheaper than London
CNY 400/day
CNY 900/day
CNY 2500/day
Where to Stay in Shanghai
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street15 min
- Yu Garden30 min
- People's Square25 min
Pros
- +Spectacular skyline views
- +Easy access to major sights
- +Elegant atmosphere
Cons
- -Can be very crowded
- -Expensive
Top stays in The Bund
The Peninsula Shanghai
$$$Offers unparalleled views of the Pudong skyline and impeccable service.
Fairmont Peace Hotel
$$$A historic landmark with Art Deco charm and a legendary jazz bar.
The Puli Hotel and Spa
$$$A tranquil urban resort with a focus on wellness and design.
W Shanghai – The Bund
$$$Modern, stylish hotel with vibrant social spaces and rooftop bars.
Best for
Walk to
- Tianzifang20 min
- Xintiandi15 min
- Fuxing Park10 min
Pros
- +Picturesque and romantic atmosphere
- +Excellent dining and shopping
- +Lively nightlife
Cons
- -Can feel touristy in certain areas
- -Accommodation can be pricey
Top stays in French Concession
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li
$$$Luxurious heritage property with private courtyards and a chic vibe.
The PuLi Hotel and Spa
$$$An urban sanctuary offering a blend of luxury and tranquility.
URBN Hotel Shanghai
$$Eco-friendly boutique hotel with a unique design using reclaimed materials.
Home Inn Plus Shanghai Xintiandi
$Reliable budget-friendly option in a prime location.
Best for
Walk to
- Jing'an Temple5 min
- Nanjing Road West10 min
- People's Square25 min
Pros
- +Excellent transport links
- +Wide range of dining and shopping
- +Convenient for business and leisure
Cons
- -Can feel very commercial and less charming
- -Can be noisy
Top stays in Jing'an
The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan
$$$Offers elegant suites, fine dining, and exceptional butler service.
Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai
$$$Directly connected to the Jingan Kerry Centre, offering stunning city views.
The Sukhothai Shanghai
$$$Known for its sophisticated design and serene atmosphere inspired by Thai culture.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Shanghai New World
$$Located near People's Square, offering good value and city views.
Best for
Walk to
- Oriental Pearl Tower10 min
- Shanghai Tower15 min
- Superbrand Mall5 min
Pros
- +Iconic modern architecture
- +Impressive observation decks
- +Clean and well-organized
Cons
- -Lacks the historic charm of other areas
- -Can feel sterile and less authentic
Top stays in Pudong (Lujiazui)
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
$$$Located in Jin Mao Tower, offering breathtaking views and a popular bar.
Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
$$$Luxurious hotel with exceptional service and panoramic city views.
Park Hyatt Shanghai
$$$Situated in the Shanghai World Financial Center, known for its art collection and fine dining.
Shangri-La Hotel Pudong
$$$Offers extensive facilities, multiple dining options, and good views.
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial outskirts: These areas are far from tourist attractions, lack amenities, and offer little of interest for visitors.
- Certain less-developed parts of older districts: While some older areas are charming, venturing into poorly lit, unmaintained alleys can be disorienting and feel unsafe, especially at night.
Insider tip: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; while many in tourist areas speak some English, showing effort with the local language is greatly appreciated and can enhance interactions.
Safety in Shanghai
SafeSolo Female Travel
Shanghai is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.
At Night
Most tourist areas are well-lit and busy. Exercise normal caution, especially if consuming alcohol. Stick to main roads and well-populated areas.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Tea Ceremony scam (often targeting foreigners, involves inflated prices)
- 2Art student scam (luring tourists to galleries with high-pressure sales)
- 3Fake goods street vendors (quality is poor, and haggling can be aggressive)
Getting Around Shanghai
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Maglev train (¥50, 8 mins to Longyang Rd Metro) or Metro Line 2 (¥7-¥9, approx. 60-75 mins to city center) or Taxi/Rideshare (¥150-¥250, 45-90 mins).
🎫
Day Pass
Not available; single rides are cheap.
Single: ¥3-¥7 depending on distance.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good50-100 Mbps
Public Transport
Shanghai Metro (extensive network covering most attractions, lines 1, 2, 7, 10, 13 are key for tourists). Buses are also available but can be confusing.
Ride-share
DiDi (China's Uber equivalent); costs roughly ¥30-¥60 for short to medium trips within the city center.
Transport Tip
Purchase a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (SPTC) for easy tap-and-go payment on metro and buses; it's rechargeable and refundable.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes (often requires local phone number for login), some hotels, and public Wi-Fi hotspots (can be unreliable).
Coworking
Various options like WeWork, naked Hub, and local co-working spaces; daily passes typically range from ¥100-¥250.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Apr, Oct, Nov
Hotels & Accommodation in Shanghai
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Who Is Shanghai Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Offers iconic landmarks and a grand introduction to Shanghai's scale and history.
Couples Seeking Romance
Its charming streets, cozy cafes, and intimate restaurants provide a perfect romantic setting.
Digital Nomads
Provides excellent infrastructure, numerous cafes, coworking spaces, and good transport links.
Luxury Travelers
Home to high-end hotels, designer shopping, and futuristic attractions with stunning views.
Culture Enthusiasts
Boasts a unique blend of colonial history, traditional arts, and contemporary galleries.
Foodies
Offers an incredible diversity of dining, from authentic Shanghainese cuisine to international gourmet experiences.
Shanghai on TripAdvisor
Read traveller reviews, tips, and photos
About Shanghai
Shanghai is a direct-administered municipality and the most populous urban area in China. It has a population of 29,558,908 in the urban area as of 2025. The city is located on the Chinese shoreline on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, with the Huangpu River bisecting the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai
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Shanghai Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel