21 Hostels in Shanghai, China

About Shanghai

China's biggest city, Shanghai is world-renowned for its impressive sky-scraping buildings and stunning skyline. A global financial hub, Shanghai has something for every type of traveller. Shopaholics won’t run out of places to throw some money and culture fanatics can indulge in the country’s history until their hearts are content.

No matter what type of traveller you are, we’re sure we can help you find the perfect Shanghai hostel. We’ve got a mixture of budget-friendly to luxury hostels, so you can pick the place that fits your needs best. You’ll find Shanghai hostels offering both private and dorm room options and even pod style sleeping for those who like a bit more privacy without paying for a private room - talk about a win-win. Most hostels in Shanghai have free Wi-Fi, and some offer free breakfasts. For a social vibe, look for one with a bar – bonus points for happy hour deals!

Shanghai is one of the biggest cities in the whole world, so it’s no surprise that it’s got a diverse mixture of neighbourhoods to choose from when selecting your Shanghai hostel. Shopaholics out there, if you want to stay close to the world’s longest shopping precinct, book a hostel around the Nanjing Road District. Xujiahui is the closest thing Shanghai has to a city centre, so choosing a hostel here will have you best placed to explore all the attractions of this megacity. For something a little more peaceful, choose a hostel around Zhongshan Park, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Shanghai that offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.

Shanghai boasts an impressive number of world-famous buildings. For the people out there who are scared of heights, if there ever was a perfect place to tackle that fear, we’d say Shanghai is definitely one of them. You’ll be rewarded with stunning city views from the Shanghai World Financial Centre, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The tallest tower in Shanghai and 2nd tallest in the world – the Shanghai Tower – is also one for the list. Plus, the Oriental Pearl Observation Deck, the tallest in Asia and 3rd tallest television tower in the world. Talk about an impressive number of impressive things in Shanghai! For a different perspective of the city hop on a cruise along the Huangpu River. While you’re in town be sure to also take a trip to Disneyland Park, watch an acrobatic show and explore the Yuyuan Garden. The famous waterfront, The Bund, is also a must-see. Shopaholics you won’t want to miss Nanjing Road, the world’s longest shopping precinct.

Shanghai is surprisingly pretty easy to explore and get around regardless of its size. Opting to ride the metro allows you to avoid street traffic, plus it’s an affordable and efficient way of getting around. Shanghai also hosts a fairly diverse bus service. Walking and biking around the city can be a great way to explore the inner quirks of the city. Of course, as with most developed countries, there is a taxi service, should you ever be in need of a quick and easy ride. It’s also wise to write down the address on a piece of paper of where you’re heading as sometimes the language barrier can lead you to the wrong destination.