Shanghai is so big that where you stay shapes your trip. The good news is that the metro makes every area easy to leave, so the best choice depends on the atmosphere you want. For most first-time visitors, three areas on the Puxi side of the river make the most sense: the Bund, the Former French Concession and the old city around Yu Garden. Here is how they compare and which hotels fit each.
The Bund: views, history and convenience
The Bund is the classic base, with the riverfront promenade, the historic banks and the Pudong skyline on your doorstep. It suits first-timers, couples and anyone who wants to walk out of the door into the postcard view. The trade-off is that the area is busy and rates are high. The Peninsula Shanghai, at the quiet northern end of the Bund, is the splurge, with river views, Michelin-starred dining and a spa. The Fairmont Peace Hotel, at the corner of the Bund and Nanjing Road, is the historic choice, an Art Deco landmark from 1929 with a famous jazz bar. Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund is the stylish mid-range option, giving a Bund-side location without the luxury price.
The French Concession: calm, cafes and character
If you prefer leafy streets, independent cafes and a quieter pace, stay in the Former French Concession. It is the most pleasant area for walking, with plane-tree-lined lanes, villas, small restaurants and boutiques, and it has good metro links on lines 1, 7, 9, 10 and 12. Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai, on Maoming South Road, is the pick here, with a private garden, a historic building and Japanese-style service. The downside is that the Bund is a short ride away rather than on the doorstep, and the area has fewer big-name sights, but that is what many visitors enjoy.
The old city: budget and atmosphere
The old city around Yu Garden and the City God Temple is the best place for a tight budget. You can walk to Yu Garden and the bazaar, and the metro takes you everywhere else. ibis Shanghai Yu Garden is a simple, clean and affordable base in this district. The area is busy and touristy in the daytime, but it quietens in the evening, and the old lanes beyond the bazaar are full of local life.
What about Pudong?
Pudong, across the river, has the tallest towers, the Shanghai Tower and many luxury business hotels, and the views of the Bund from the Pudong side are excellent. It suits travellers who want modern, high-rise surroundings or who are visiting for business, but it feels less atmospheric than Puxi, and you will cross the river often for sightseeing. For Shanghai Disneyland, the resort has its own hotels, though a city base with a metro ride to the park works too.
How to choose
For a first visit with a focus on views and landmarks, choose the Bund. For couples and food lovers who like walking and cafes, choose the French Concession. For a tight budget with easy access to the old city, choose the area near Yu Garden. If you are staying more than four nights, consider splitting your stay between two areas, such as three nights on the Bund and two in the French Concession.
Practical notes
Book early for national holidays and large events, when rates rise sharply. Check what breakfast is included, and look at the exact location on the map, since Shanghai's districts are large. Ask for a quiet room on a high floor if you are a light sleeper. Finally, make sure your hotel can register foreign guests, as all do, and carry the hotel's address in Chinese for taxis.
