Stay Along the Bund for Classic Shanghai and River Views
The Bund is where you stand on the waterfront with the Huangpu River directly in front of you, the colonial-era façades of banks and trading houses around you, and the skyline of Pudong rising across the water. This is the historic core of Shanghai—the area of the International Settlement that began in the 1840s. It remains the most concentrated tourist zone in Puxi, home to major sights including the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Grand Theatre, and People's Square.
The Bund suits first-time visitors and anyone wanting to be at the centre of Shanghai's story. Hotels here range from art deco classics like the Peace Hotel and the Astor House—built during Shanghai's glory days and often somewhat cheaper than newer luxury options—to high-end international chains. Les Suites and Hyatt overlook the river itself. Prices run from around ¥700 a night to several times that for international-standard luxury. Getting here from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is straightforward via Shanghai Metro lines that pass through downtown Puxi.
- Walk the Bund promenade at different times of day to see how the light changes on the river and the colonial architecture
- Visit the Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Grand Theatre, both located in this area
- Explore People's Square, a short walk from Nanjing Road
Base Yourself in Jing'an for Central Convenience and Local Energy
Jing'an is one of the four most central downtown districts, and it offers a different rhythm from the Bund. Here you are walking past the Jing'an Temple, which shares the district's name, surrounded by shops, restaurants and the everyday pace of central Shanghai. The temple sits beside a metro station, and accommodation in this area tends to be well-positioned for exploring the entire downtown core without the premium you pay for riverside views.
This neighbourhood suits visitors who want to be genuinely central but willing to trade direct river access for better value and a less touristy feel. The Shangrila is located right next to Jing'an Temple and its metro station. Budget options cluster in the area north of Jing'an Temple, stretching into neighbouring Putuo and Zhabei districts; backpacker dorms run under ¥100, while mid-range private rooms sit in the ¥250-600 range. These low-priced and mid-range places make Jing'an a natural choice for travellers prioritising affordability without sacrificing access to major sights.
- Visit Jing'an Temple, accessible directly from your accommodation if you stay nearby
- Walk into the French Concession, which borders this area and has its own character and history
- Use the dense network of metro lines running through downtown to reach the Shanghai Zoo, Century Park, and other attractions across Puxi
Stay in the French Concession (Xuhui and Huangpu) for Quieter Streets and Neighbourhood Character
The French Concession is not a single administrative zone but a historic area split between Xuhui and Huangpu districts, where tree-lined streets and older residential blocks give you a completely different experience of Shanghai than the Bund. Here the colonial past feels lived-in rather than monumental—you walk past art deco apartment buildings, small cafés, and neighbourhoods where locals move through daily routines. Xintiandi, a restored area of traditional lilong (lane) houses within the French Concession, has become a dining and evening entertainment hub.
This area suits travellers seeking quieter, more residential surroundings while remaining central and walkable. The Langham Xintiandi is positioned close to both Xintiandi itself and the restored old town. You sacrifice some of the immediate energy of the Bund and Jing'an, but you gain neighbourhood character and lower-key exploration. Metro connections run through the area, keeping downtown attractions within easy reach.
- Walk the tree-lined streets and explore traditional lilong lane houses
- Eat and drink in Xintiandi, which comes alive in the evening
- Visit small galleries, antique shops, and cafés that reflect the Concession's history and present-day culture
Consider Inner Suburbs Like Changning and Putuo for Budget Rooms and Neighbourhood Life
The inner suburbs—Yangpu, Hongkou, Putuo, Changning, Xuhui, Jing'an and Huangpu—all have direct borders with downtown, are well built-up, and offer good metro service. They are primarily residential but have considerable facilities: shopping malls, universities, and dense clusters of low-priced restaurants and bars catering to the student market. Hotels here are cheaper than those downtown while remaining convenient for sightseeing.
These areas suit budget-conscious travellers, families seeking more space and local life, and anyone comfortable with a short metro ride to major attractions. Changning hosts Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station on its border, making it practical if you are arriving by train or domestic flight. Putuo has particular concentrations of budget accommodation in the area north of Jing'an Temple. You lose the walkability and immediate tourist infrastructure of central Puxi, but gain access to how Shanghainese actually live and spend their money.
- Eat at university-area restaurants and bars where prices reflect local rather than tourist spending
- Use metro lines to reach downtown Puxi and Pudong attractions
- Explore each neighbourhood's shopping malls and local markets
Understand Price Tiers and Booking Your Stay
Shanghai's accommodation spans all budgets. Backpacker dorms run under ¥100 per night, mostly found in budget hostels north of Jing'an Temple and scattered through inner suburbs. Mid-range private rooms with private shower occupy the ¥250-600 range and appear across Jing'an, Putuo, and neighbouring inner suburbs. High-end hotels downtown start around ¥700 a night and climb significantly for international luxury chains on the Bund and in Jing'an.
Reliable budget chains operating across multiple Shanghai districts include Jin Jiang Star, Motel 168, and Motel 268. Serviced apartments are available for long-term stays, though Shanghai's real estate prices are among the highest in the world. Use the booking tools on this page to compare live prices, read recent reviews, and see exact locations relative to metro stations and neighbourhood landmarks before you book.
Start by deciding what matters most: the river view and historical prestige of the Bund, the central convenience of Jing'an, the neighbourhood character of the French Concession, or the budget and local life of inner suburbs. Then search by area and price tier to find the specific room that fits your dates and style. Shanghai's metro reaches nearly everywhere in Puxi, so even a room further from the tourist core puts you within easy reach of the Shanghai Museum, Grand Theatre, zoo, and river views that define a visit to the city's historic heart.