Shanghai moves fast but still gives you moments to slow down. In the morning, locals line up at small shops for soy milk, fried dough, and steamed buns while office workers walk briskly toward metro stations. Streets near the river feel calm early on, with joggers, delivery bikes, and cafés opening their doors one by one. In older lanes, you see laundry hanging outside, neighbors chatting, and small eateries preparing noodles for lunch. As the day goes on, the city gets busier. Cars fill the roads, shops along Nanjing Road welcome shoppers, and people move between meetings, meals, and errands. By late afternoon, the light softens along the Bund, couples take photos, and friends meet for coffee or tea. At night, the skyline lights up, restaurants stay open late, and the sound of conversations mixes with traffic and music. Staying in Shanghai feels lively but manageable, with everyday scenes that make the city feel real and easy to enjoy.

Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai

The Bund (Waitan)

Hotels in the Bund Area – Best for first-time travelers who want classic views, riverside walks, and easy access to tourist spots. This area has a mix of old colonial buildings and modern towers facing the Huangpu River.

• Fairmont Peace Hotel – From PHP 18,156
  Historic hotel with river views and vintage charm. Good for travelers who want something iconic and central.
• Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund – From PHP 19,673
  Luxury stay with elegant rooms and walking distance to shopping streets and ferry rides.

People’s Square & Nanjing Road

Hotels in People’s Square Area & Nanjing Road– Perfect if you enjoy shopping, food, and a fast-paced city vibe. Nanjing Road is a main shopping street, and you’re close to parks, museums, and several metro lines.

• Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World – From PHP 5,676
  Right across People’s Park, with good city views and easy access to malls.
• Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre – From PHP 10,390
  Comfortable stay near restaurants and shops. Great for both sightseeing and convenience.

Lujiazui (Pudong)

Hotels in Lujiazui – Ideal for travelers who want modern comforts, skyscraper views, and a clean, high-end environment. Home to famous towers like Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

• Park Hyatt Shanghai – From PHP 17,529
  Located in one of the tallest buildings, with rooms that overlook the city. Good for couples or business travelers.
• Grand Hyatt Shanghai – From PHP 9,990
  Stylish hotel in Jin Mao Tower. Offers a great mix of comfort, views, and access to Pudong attractions.

French Concession

Hotels in the French Concession – Great for travelers who enjoy quiet, leafy streets, local cafés, and a slower pace. This area feels relaxed but still central.

• Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li – From PHP 48,101
  A boutique hotel in restored shikumen houses. Perfect for those who like charm and privacy.
• Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai – From PHP 6,303
  Classic hotel with a garden setting. Close to shops, bakeries, and small galleries.

Xintiandi

Hotels near Xintiandi – Best for food lovers and night owls. This area is known for its restaurants, bars, and stylish streets with old stone buildings turned into modern spaces.

• The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi – From PHP 11,989
  Modern luxury in a walkable area with lots of dining options nearby.
• Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai – From PHP 8,174
  Serviced residence-style rooms good for longer stays. Near food, shops, and metro.

Hongqiao Area

Hotels in Hongqiao – Ideal for business travelers or those arriving from Hongqiao Airport or train station. Also good for families who want quieter surroundings.

• Cordis Shanghai Hongqiao – From PHP 5,313
  Close to the airport and mall, with comfortable rooms and family-friendly facilities.
• Hyatt Place Shanghai Hongqiao CBD – From PHP 4,078
  A clean, simple stay with breakfast included. Easy to reach from high-speed trains.

Getting to and Around Shanghai

Shanghai is a big city, but getting in and moving around is easier than you might think. There are two main airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Pudong handles most international flights, while Hongqiao is popular for domestic routes and is closer to the city center.

From the airport, you can ride a taxi, take the Metro, use airport shuttle buses, or book a hotel transfer. The Maglev Train from Pudong Airport is also a unique and fast option, getting you into the city in just around 8 minutes.

Once you’re in Shanghai, the Metro is the easiest way to get around. It’s clean, cheap, and covers most attractions. Taxis are also widely available, and many hotels offer private car services. Some areas, like the Bund, Xintiandi, and French Concession, are great for walking.

👉 Click here to explore more hotels near Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Find More to Match Your Travel Style in Shanghai

Family-Friendly and City Comfort

Kid-friendly hotel with pool fun → Kerry Hotel Pudong (Price from PHP 7,720)
Spacious family rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a large indoor pool. Located in Pudong near Century Park, it's a top pick for families who want both comfort and activities nearby.

Serviced suites for longer stays → Ascott Heng Shan Shanghai (Price from PHP 20,372)
Quiet, roomy suites with kitchens and laundry facilities. Perfect for families or small groups planning a longer stay near the French Concession’s leafy streets and cafés.

Luxury Hotels with a View

Bund views and 5-star comfort → The Peninsula Shanghai (Price from PHP 12,370)
Elegant rooms facing the Huangpu River, with top dining and excellent service. A great choice for travelers who want a refined stay with iconic city views.

Skyscraper stay in Pudong → Park Hyatt Shanghai (Price from PHP 17,529)
Located high in the Shanghai World Financial Center, this hotel offers luxury rooms with stunning skyline views. Best for travelers who enjoy sleek design and full-service comfort.

Stylish Boutique Picks

Modern vibes in the French Concession → The Puli Hotel and Spa (Price from PHP 21,180)

A stylish, upscale hotel with a peaceful garden feel right in the heart of the city. Rooms are modern and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Great for travelers who want luxury in a quiet, walkable area full of cafés, boutiques, and leafy streets.

Quiet escape with greenery → URBN Boutique Shanghai (Price from PHP 6,112)
Eco-friendly boutique hotel with a calm vibe, near Jing’an Temple. Cozy interiors, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to shops and local eats.

Tips for Booking Shanghai Hotels

Book Early for Peak Travel Seasons

Shanghai is a top travel and business destination. Hotels can get fully booked during Chinese New Year, Golden Week, and summer holidays. Popular spots like the Bund, Pudong, and Nanjing Road are the first to sell out. Booking early gives you better rates and more room choices.

Check for Major Events

When Shanghai hosts large trade shows, expos, or concerts, hotel prices in business hubs like Pudong and Jing’an can go up fast. If you're traveling for fun, booking ahead helps you avoid high last-minute rates and gives you a better chance at staying close to attractions or metro stations.

Look Out for Online Deals

Sites like Trip.com often have discounts, cashback, or member-only rates. First-time users may get extra perks. These deals can help you save money that you can use for street food, museum tickets, or shopping at places like Nanjing Road or Tianzifang.

Pick the Right Area for Your Trip

Shanghai is big, but different areas suit different traveler needs. You can often save by choosing a spot that fits your trip style:

• French Concession – Great for a relaxed vibe, local cafés, and boutique stays.
• Hongqiao – Budget-friendly hotels with easy airport and train station access.
• People’s Square / Nanjing Road – Central location, perfect for sightseeing, shopping, and first-time visitors.
• Yangpu or Putuo – More local, less touristy, often cheaper but still connected by metro.