Shanghai, a dazzling metropolis where the ancient meets the ultramodern, enchants travelers with its rich tapestry of culture, delectable cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. From the historic Bund to the futuristic skyline of Pudong, every corner of this city tells a story that beckons exploration.
For business travelers, selecting the right hotel is crucial for a productive stay, offering amenities like conference facilities and high-speed internet. In this guide, we’ll navigate through the best places to stay, nearby neighborhoods, top attractions, and essential travel tips to ensure your time in Shanghai is both successful and enjoyable.
| Category | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| 5 star / luxury |
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World |
Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Spa, Romantic, Gites, 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Hot tubs, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels, All-inclusive
Superb
718 reviews
Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Gites, Marriott , 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Accessible hotels
Very Good
101 reviews
Luxury, Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Spa, Romantic, Gites, 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels
Fabulous
6280 reviews
Luxury, Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Spa, Gites, 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Hot tubs, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels
Fabulous
168 reviews
Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Spa, Boutique, Gites, 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Accessible hotels
Fabulous
146 reviews
Shanghai River Cruise: Experience the city skyline and historic landmarks along the Huangpu River on a relaxing cruise. It's a great way to see Shanghai from a different perspective.
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Food Tour in Old City: Discover authentic Shanghai cuisine through a guided food tour in the Old City area, tasting local dishes and exploring bustling markets.
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Walking Tour of French Concession: Stroll through the charming streets of the French Concession, admiring its unique architecture while learning about its history and culture from a local guide.
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The Bund: This iconic waterfront area features colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline. Visitor Tip: Visit at sunset for beautiful lighting.
Yu Garden: Explore this classical Chinese garden in the heart of Shanghai, complete with rockeries, ponds, and pavilions, showcasing traditional landscaping techniques.
Shanghai Tower: Ascend the tallest building in China for panoramic views over Shanghai. The observation deck provides insights into the city's rapid development.
The Core Tip: The primary way to navigate Shanghai is through its extensive metro system, which is efficient and covers most of the city.
The Pro Move: Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to experience a more comfortable journey on the metro.
The Core Tip: Shanghai experiences its busiest tourist season from May to October, with warm weather and many outdoor activities.
The Pro Move: Visiting popular attractions like The Bund early in the morning can help you avoid large crowds.
The Core Tip: Shanghai is generally walkable, particularly in areas like Xintiandi and the French Concession, where pedestrian-friendly streets abound.
The Pro Move: Stick to well-lit and crowded areas at night for added safety while exploring the city.
The Core Tip: Most hotels, restaurants, and attractions accept credit cards, but smaller vendors may prefer cash.
The Pro Move: Always carry some small cash, especially when visiting local markets or street food stalls.
The Core Tip: From Shanghai Pudong International Airport, travelers can take taxis, airport shuttles, or the Maglev train to reach the city center.
The Pro Move: For first-time visitors, downloading a translation app can facilitate communication with taxi drivers.