Where to Stay in Shanghai
Family-friendly areas, safe neighborhoods, and activities for all ages
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Shanghai
Family-friendly neighbourhoods that are safe and practical
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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Jing'an
A bustling commercial and residential hub with modern skyscrapers, temples, and upscale shopping.
Our top picks in Jing'an
Offers elegant suites, fine dining, and exceptional butler service.
Book NowDirectly connected to the Jingan Kerry Centre, offering stunning city views.
Book NowKnown for its sophisticated design and serene atmosphere inspired by Thai culture.
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The Bund
Historic waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views and grand colonial architecture.
Our top picks in The Bund
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Neighbourhood Comparison for Families
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1Pudong (Lujiazui) | Luxury | The futuristic financial district with towering skyscrapers, shopping malls, and modern attractions. | first-timersbusiness travelers | Extremely safe due to heavy security and... |
French Concession | Mid-range | Charming tree-lined streets with European-style architecture, boutiques, cafes, and bars. | couplesfoodies | Very safe during the day and evening; we... |
Jing'an | Mid-range | A bustling commercial and residential hub with modern skyscrapers, temples, and upscale shopping. | digital nomadsluxury | Very safe, with a strong police presence... |
The Bund | Luxury | Historic waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views and grand colonial architecture. | first-timerscouples | Generally very safe due to high tourist ... |
Find family-friendly hotels in Shanghai
Hotels with family rooms and kid-friendly amenities
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Tips for Families in Shanghai
Plan Around Nap Times
Schedule big attractions for the morning when energy is highest. Keep afternoons flexible for downtime or playground visits.
Pack Snacks
Having familiar snacks on hand prevents meltdowns. Local supermarkets are cheaper than tourist-area shops for stocking up.
Consider Apartments
An apartment with a kitchen and washing machine can be more practical than a hotel in Shanghai, especially for stays over 3 nights.
Keep Distances Short
Young children tire quickly. Choose accommodation near your top 2 to 3 must-see attractions rather than in the geographical centre.
Book a family activity in Shanghai
Kid-friendly tours and fun experiences
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Ranked by relevance for families visiting Shanghai
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
🛡️ Extremely safe due to heavy security and business focus; minimal petty crime.
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
🛡️ Very safe during the day and evening; well-lit streets and active nightlife areas deter most issues.
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
🛡️ Very safe, with a strong police presence and well-maintained public spaces.
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
🛡️ Generally very safe due to high tourist traffic and police presence; be aware of pickpockets in crowds, especially at night.
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)
CNY 900/day
Hidden Gems in Shanghai
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Propaganda Poster Art Centre
Hidden in a basement apartment building, this unique museum houses an incredible collection of Chinese propaganda posters from the Mao era. It offers a fascinating glimpse into China's political and social history.
Laoximen Market
FREEExperience the authentic hustle and bustle of a traditional Shanghai wet market, where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, and everyday goods. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible.
Safety in Shanghai
SafeSolo Female Travel
Shanghai is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.
At Night
Most tourist areas are well-lit and busy. Exercise normal caution, especially if consuming alcohol. Stick to main roads and well-populated areas.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Tea Ceremony scam (often targeting foreigners, involves inflated prices)
- 2Art student scam (luring tourists to galleries with high-pressure sales)
- 3Fake goods street vendors (quality is poor, and haggling can be aggressive)
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Shanghai
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Shanghai Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Shanghai on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
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Shanghai Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Shanghai with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Shanghai: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Shanghai's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Shanghai: Scenic Excursion
Escape Shanghai for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Shanghai Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Shanghai's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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2 areas to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Shanghai
Families in Shanghai: FAQ
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