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Shanghai hotel for easy city centre and airport access

Hello, I have 1 ½ days between flights and would like to spend some time exploring the city. Can someone please suggest a part of the city that is conveniently located for walking to city sights AND is easy to get to by public transport from Pudong airport. Any hotel recommendations in this area welcomed. Thanks

For a short stay in Shanghai where you want both easy access to city sights and convenient transportation to Pudong Airport, the best areas to consider are:

  • The Bund / People’s Square Area: Central location, within walking distance to major attractions such as The Bund, Nanjing Road shopping street, Yuyuan Garden, and museums. Well-connected by metro (lines 2, 1, and 8) which can take you to Pudong Airport on Line 2 with one transfer.
  • Huangpu District: Close to Old City, shopping streets, and cultural attractions. It’s central, pedestrian-friendly, and offers a wide range of hotels. Metro access is good for reaching the airport efficiently.
  • Lujiazui / Pudong Financial District: Skyscraper district across the river from The Bund. Great for skyline views and quick airport access via Metro Line 2, but walking to historical city sights is less convenient.

Recommended hotels in these areas:

  • People’s Square / The Bund:
    • The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong (high-end, near the Bund, good views)
    • Grand Central Hotel Shanghai (mid-range, near metro, walking distance to Nanjing Road)
    • SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund (budget/mid-range, convenient location)
  • Lujiazui / Pudong:
    • Grand Hyatt Shanghai (luxury, in Jin Mao Tower, easy airport metro access)
    • Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World (mid-range, close to metro)

Tips:

  • From Pudong Airport, the Metro Line 2 is the easiest public transport option. It runs directly to Lujiazui and people’s square areas with travel time around 60–70 minutes.
  • If time is limited, staying near People’s Square or The Bund allows you to explore the historic heart of Shanghai on foot without needing taxis or long metro rides.
  • Consider checking in luggage at your hotel for early morning flights to Pudong; most hotels can store luggage even if check-in time hasn’t arrived.

Overall, for 1.5 days, a hotel near People’s Square or The Bund is ideal — walking access to sights, restaurants, and metro lines for airport transfer.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

Yuyuan
Garden
Yuyuan
Nanjing
New
Huangpu District
The Bund
Nanjing
Central
Shanghai

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