A couple of places to stay

Question

Hello everyone,

next fall we will be spending eight days in Shanghai and we are looking for accommodation.

Since it's quite a long stay and the city is so big, we are considering splitting our stay into two different neighborhoods/areas.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you all

Note

I read similar post with pros and cons (especially the second ones...) about the choice to split the staying or not but still not sure about final decision, somebody could help me

Answer

Shanghai is a vast and diverse city, so splitting your stay between two neighborhoods can be a smart choice, especially for an eight-day trip. It allows you to experience different sides of the city and reduces travel time to major attractions.

Here are some suggested areas to consider:

The Bund / People’s Square / Nanjing East Road: This area is iconic, very central, and close to major attractions like The Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road shopping street. It’s convenient for first-time visitors and offers plenty of hotel options ranging from luxury to mid-range.
French Concession / Xintiandi: Known for its charming tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, boutique shops, and cafes. This area is great for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere and is excellent for evening strolls and dining. It’s slightly away from the main tourist hubs but still well-connected by metro.

Alternative areas depending on your preferences:

Lujiazui (Pudong): The financial district with skyscrapers, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and great river views. Ideal if you want to experience modern Shanghai and are interested in high-rise hotels or cityscape photography.
Jing’an / Zhongshan Park: A vibrant district with shopping, restaurants, and good metro connections. Offers a more local feel and is less tourist-heavy compared to the Bund.

Tips for splitting your stay:

Consider staying the first half in a central area like the Bund or People’s Square for easy access to top attractions and shopping.
Move to a more relaxed neighborhood like the French Concession or Jing’an for the latter half, enjoying local cafés, boutique shopping, and a slower pace.
Make sure your hotels are close to metro stations to minimize travel time between neighborhoods and attractions.
Book in advance, especially in fall, as it’s a popular travel season.

Splitting your stay can be advantageous for variety and reducing daily commute time, but if you prefer packing/unpacking once and moving less, staying in one well-connected central location is also practical. Ultimately, the decision depends on your priority: convenience versus experiencing different vibes of the city.

A couple of places to stay

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