Where to Stay in Shanghai
Best WiFi, coworking spaces, and long-stay neighborhoods
Quick Answer
Stay in Jing'an
Provides excellent infrastructure, numerous cafes, coworking spaces, and good transport links.
See full Shanghai neighbourhood guideTop 3 Areas to Stay in Shanghai
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
French Concession
Charming tree-lined streets with European-style architecture, boutiques, cafes, and bars.
Our top picks in French Concession
The Bund
Historic waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views and grand colonial architecture.
Our top picks in The Bund
Pudong (Lujiazui)
The futuristic financial district with towering skyscrapers, shopping malls, and modern attractions.
Our top picks in Pudong (Lujiazui)
Located in Jin Mao Tower, offering breathtaking views and a popular bar.
Book NowLuxurious hotel with exceptional service and panoramic city views.
Book NowSituated in the Shanghai World Financial Center, known for its art collection and fine dining.
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Neighbourhood Comparison for Digital Nomads
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
#1Jing'an | Mid-range | A bustling commercial and residential hub with modern skyscrapers, temples, and upscale shopping. | digital nomadsluxury |
French Concession | Mid-range | Charming tree-lined streets with European-style architecture, boutiques, cafes, and bars. | couplesfoodies |
The Bund | Luxury | Historic waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views and grand colonial architecture. | first-timerscouples |
Pudong (Lujiazui) | Luxury | The futuristic financial district with towering skyscrapers, shopping malls, and modern attractions. | first-timersbusiness travelers |
Find co-working friendly hotels in Shanghai
Hotels with fast WiFi and work spaces
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Tips for Digital Nomads in Shanghai
Test WiFi Before Committing
Use Speedtest.net at your accommodation before booking a long stay. Cafes in Shanghai vary widely in connection quality.
Try a Day Pass First
Most coworking spaces offer day passes. Test a few before committing to a monthly membership.
Cafe Etiquette
Buy something every 1 to 2 hours if working from a cafe. Lunch hours are usually not the best time to camp with a laptop.
Pack a Power Strip
Outlets can be scarce in cafes. A small travel power strip lets you share one socket between your laptop and phone.
Join a local experience in Shanghai
Meet locals and explore the city
Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
Ranked by relevance for digital nomads visiting Shanghai
Jing'an
Mid-rangeA bustling commercial and residential hub with modern skyscrapers, temples, and upscale shopping.
- +Excellent transport links
- +Wide range of dining and shopping
- +Convenient for business and leisure
- -Can feel very commercial and less charming
- -Can be noisy
French Concession
Mid-rangeCharming tree-lined streets with European-style architecture, boutiques, cafes, and bars.
- +Picturesque and romantic atmosphere
- +Excellent dining and shopping
- +Lively nightlife
- -Can feel touristy in certain areas
- -Accommodation can be pricey
The Bund
LuxuryHistoric waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views and grand colonial architecture.
- +Spectacular skyline views
- +Easy access to major sights
- +Elegant atmosphere
- -Can be very crowded
- -Expensive
Pudong (Lujiazui)
LuxuryThe futuristic financial district with towering skyscrapers, shopping malls, and modern attractions.
- +Iconic modern architecture
- +Impressive observation decks
- +Clean and well-organized
- -Lacks the historic charm of other areas
- -Can feel sterile and less authentic
WiFi & Remote Work in Shanghai
Quality
good
Avg Speed
50-100 Mbps
Free WiFi
Many cafes (often requires local phone number for login), some hotels, and public Wi-Fi hotspots (can be unreliable).
Coworking
Various options like WeWork, naked Hub, and local co-working spaces; daily passes typically range from ¥100-¥250.
Daily Budget (Budget)
CNY 400/day
Hidden Gems in Shanghai
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Lost Heaven
This atmospheric restaurant offers a unique culinary journey through Yunnan cuisine, a region known for its diverse ethnic groups and distinct flavors. The decor transports you to a different world.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Shanghai
Settle in faster with tours that help you discover neighbourhoods, food spots, and local culture.
Shanghai Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Get oriented fast in Shanghai with a walking tour that shows you the layout, the best neighbourhoods, and the spots worth returning to on your own.
View Tour Details
Shanghai Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Find your go-to lunch spots in Shanghai. A food tour is the quickest way to discover affordable, delicious meals near your co-working space.
View Tour Details
Best of Shanghai: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Tick off Shanghai's headline sights in one efficient trip. Skip-the-line access means you spend less time queuing and more time exploring.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Shanghai: Scenic Excursion
Take a break from the laptop and explore outside Shanghai for the day. Everything is organised so you just have to show up and enjoy.
View Tour Details
Shanghai Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Cooking classes, craft workshops, and cultural experiences that make Shanghai feel like more than just a temporary base. Perfect for weekends.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
2 areas to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Shanghai
Digital Nomads in Shanghai: FAQ
What is the best area in Shanghai for digital nomads?
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