Where to Stay in Shanghai: Best Family Hotels

Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis where East meets West, captivates travelers with its rich history, stunning skyline, and delectable cuisine. From the bustling streets of Nanjing Road to the serene gardens of Yu Yuan, this city offers an eclectic blend of culture and modernity that appeals to families seeking adventure and discovery.

When traveling with children, selecting the right family hotel can enhance your experience, providing essential amenities like spacious rooms and pools for relaxation after a day of exploration. Dive into our comprehensive guide, where you'll find the best places to stay, nearby neighborhoods to explore, top attractions to visit, and helpful travel tips to make your Shanghai journey unforgettable.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Category Recommended accommodation
5 star / luxury
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview
Novotel Shanghai Clover
Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel
4 star hotels
Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning
Moxy Shanghai Putuo

Find Hotels, Resorts, and Rentals Nearby in these Cities & Neighborhoods

Recommended accommodation

Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview
Hotel
Shanghai, China

Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Gites, Marriott , 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Accessible hotels

Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning
Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning
Hotel
Shanghai, China

Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Spa, Gites, Sheraton, 4-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Hot tubs, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels

Novotel Shanghai Clover
Novotel Shanghai Clover
Hotel
Shanghai, China

Cheap, Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Spa, Romantic, Gites, Novotel , 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels

Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel
Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel
Hotel
Shanghai, China

Luxury, Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Gites, 5-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Hot tubs, Places to stay, Accessible hotels

Moxy Shanghai Putuo
Moxy Shanghai Putuo
Hotel
Shanghai, China

Accommodations, Parking, Gites, Pet-friendly, 4-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Accessible hotels

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Things to do and Activities in Shanghai

🎫 Local Experiences & Attractions in Shanghai, China

✨ Things to Do

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.

🔗 Check Availability on GetYourGuide

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.

🔗 Check Availability on GetYourGuide

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.

🔗 Check Availability on GetYourGuide

📍 Top Attractions

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.

🔗 Book Entry Tickets

Yu Garden: Explore this classical Chinese garden in the heart of Shanghai, complete with rockeries, ponds, and pavilions, showcasing traditional landscaping techniques.

🔗 Book Entry Tickets

Shanghai Tower: Ascend the tallest building in China for panoramic views over Shanghai. The observation deck provides insights into the city's rapid development.

🔗 Book Entry Tickets

Travel Tips for Shanghai

💡 Essential Logistics & Insider Tips for Shanghai, China

🚆 Getting Around

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.

📅 Timing Your Trip

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.

🚶 Getting Around Safely

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.

💳 Money & Payments

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.

✈️ Airport / Arrival Tips

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.

Where to Stay in Shanghai: Best Family Hotels properties on the Map