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Where to stay in Shanghai
Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River: Puxi holds the historical, colonial-era heart with walkable streetscapes, while Pudong represents the futuristic financial district across the water. Staying in Puxi puts you in the thick of cafes, boutiques, and lane houses, whereas Pudong offers high-rise luxury and proximity to global commerce. Choose Puxi for atmosphere and walkability, or Pudong for skyline views and immediate access to massive, modern shopping malls.
Former French Concession
This area features low-rise villas and plane trees lining streets like Wukang Road. It is entirely walkable, connecting you to the historic Wukang Mansion and numerous renovated courtyard cafes. You feel the city's colonial past here, as the grid is smaller and human-scaled compared to the surrounding mega-projects. It offers the most authentic local rhythm for visitors who enjoy morning strolling.
The Bund
The waterfront promenade offers an unmissable view of the Lujiazui skyline. You are walking distance to the historic Peace Hotel and the luxury shopping along Nanjing Road East. It is dense with tourists but undeniably convenient for major sightseeing. The architecture is grand, stone-faced, and monumental, reflecting the city’s role as a 1930s international trading hub.
Jing'an
Jing'an is centrally located and efficient, anchored by the serene Jing'an Temple. You can easily walk between luxury department stores and the massive Jing'an Kerry Centre. It strikes a balance between rapid development and accessibility, making it the perfect base if you want to be near the metro lines that connect the eastern and western ends of the city.
Xintiandi
This is a meticulously maintained pedestrian-only zone perfect for late-night dining and drinks. The narrow alleys have been converted into high-end retail spaces. You are steps away from the site of the First National Congress of the CPC and within a short walk of major shopping malls, making it an extremely comfortable, albeit curated, area to experience.
Lujiazui
Located in Pudong, this area is dominated by the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It is designed for walking on elevated pedestrian bridges rather than street level. It feels clean, vast, and futuristic. While it lacks the historic charm of Puxi, it offers the city's most impressive, uninterrupted views of the river and the Bund from your hotel window.
Rent a car in Shanghai
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Compare car rentals in ShanghaiOne thing to think about
Avoid staying near Nanjing Road East if you value sleep or genuine local experiences. It is a loud, chaotic pedestrian thoroughfare crowded with relentless souvenir hawkers and aggressive tour groups. The hotel prices here are often inflated for the convenience of being in the dead center of the noise.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Shanghai are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
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Common questions
What is the best way to travel between Puxi and Pudong?
The metro is the most reliable and efficient method, especially Lines 2 and 14, which cross the river quickly. Alternatively, the cross-river ferries are incredibly cheap and provide a great view of the skyline for the price of a standard bus ticket, though they stop running relatively early in the evening.
Do I need to carry cash for daily expenses?
Practically nobody uses cash in Shanghai. You must set up Alipay or WeChat Pay on your phone before arrival and link your international credit card. Most small vendors, taxis, and even street food stalls will not accept physical currency, so rely entirely on digital payments to avoid major inconveniences.
Is English widely spoken in these districts?
In upscale hotels and tourist-heavy areas like the Bund or Jing'an, you will find English speakers. However, in neighborhood restaurants or with taxi drivers, it is rare. Download a reliable translation app with offline capabilities and keep your hotel address written in Chinese characters to show locals when you are lost.
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