The megacity of Shanghai, located on China’s central coast is the biggest city in China, offering world-class entertainment, fascinating culture, and a mind-bending futuristic skyline which includes some of the country’s tallest buildings. Shanghai is a feast for every sense!
With everything that’s going on in this vast sprawling metropolis, it can be difficult to choose where to stay. Shanghai can be awfully expensive, so why not forget about hotels and take a look at hostels? You won’t find it hard at all to get somewhere comfortable and clean that matches your tastes.
To help you out as much as we can, we’ve put together this list of the best hostels in Shanghai, taking into account travel style, itinerary, and most important of all – price.
Thankfully, you’re spoilt for choice – there are a number of great hostels including some with peaceful and tranquil gardens, some in traditional Chinese buildings, and others which have large common areas great for meeting new friends. So, let’s get to it and see the best that Shanghai has to offer!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Shanghai
#1 Best overall hostel in Shanghai: The Phoenix
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Shanghai: Blue Mountain LuWan Youth Hostel
#3 Best hostel near the Bund: Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel
#4 Best hostel near the Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Shanghai Blue Mountain International Youth Hostel
#5 Best hostel near Nanjing Road: Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel
#6 Best hostel near Shanghai Pudong International Airport: Tu Qu International Youth Hostel
#7 Best hostel near Shanghai Railway Station: Shanghai Meego Yes Hotel
#8 Best hostel near Shanghai Long – Distance Bus Passenger Transport Terminal: Tours*Soho Garden Hostel (City Centre)
#9 Best high-end hostel in Shanghai: Rock and Wood International Youth Hostel
#10 Best budget hostel in Shanghai: Shanghai Soho Bund Youth Hostel
#11 Best hostel with private rooms in Shanghai: Le Tour Traveler’s Rest Youth Hostel
#1 – The Phoenix
Best overall hostel in Shanghai
The Phoenix is the best overall hostel in Shanghai
The Phoenix is the best overall hostel in Shanghai
The Phoenix is the best overall hostel in Shanghai- Cost – $$
- Location – 17 Yunnan (South) road
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Phoenix…
This centrally located hostel is the best place to stay in Shanghai for a number of reasons – whether it’s having help to plan your way around this huge city from the friendly staff, or just playing games and meeting other travellers on the rooftop bar – a great place to relax on warm summer nights!
The Phoenix is perfect for…
If you want a great hostel in the centre of Shanghai, then this is the perfect spot. It’s great if you’re travelling solo too, as the friendly and helpful staff can help you book tickets for local events and tours further afield to help you get to know China’s fascinating culture. A variety of private rooms and dorms mean that you’re bound to find the perfect place to bed down!
#2 – Blue Mountain LuWan Youth Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers in Shanghai
Blue Mountain LuWan Youth Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Shanghai
Blue Mountain LuWan Youth Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Shanghai
Blue Mountain LuWan Youth Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Shanghai- Cost – $$
- Location – 2F Building No1 1072 Nong QuXi Lu
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Blue Mountain LuWan Youth Hostel…
This friendly and sociable hostel has a great common room with a cosy fireplace, as well as free darts, books, and movies – so it’s the best place to stay if you’re a solo traveller as it’s so easy to meet other people! We love that it’s just across the road from a metro station – making it super easy to get around Shanghai!
Blue Mountain LuWan Youth Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re travelling alone and worrying about it being difficult to meet other travellers, then this place is perfect as it will take away any difficulties of that! It’s not a party hostel, but the comfortable and cosy atmosphere means that it’s much easier to strike up a conversation and perhaps you’ll end up exploring the city with your new friends.
#3 – Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel
Best hostel near the Bund
Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel is the best hostel near the Bund
Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel is the best hostel near the Bund
Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel is the best hostel near the Bund- Cost – $$
- Location – No. 840A, Lane 834,, Pudong Avenue, Pudong New District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel…
It’s just half an hour on Subway Line 2 from this cool hostel to the Bund (which isn’t far at all in such a big city) so it’s the best place to stay if you want to get great views of Shanghai’s awesome skyline. We love the hidden garden that the hostel is named after – a great place to have a chilled beer!
Shanghai Hidden Garden Youth Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the Bund, you could do a lot worse than here – not only does Subway line 2 take you there but it also means you’re well connected to a whole lot of other city centre attractions too, including both of the city’s airports! There are free movies and a book exchange for when you’re relaxing in the hostel too.
We are obsessed with backpacks – we’ve tried them all! And our favourite carry on backpack in the WORLD is the Nomatic Travel Backpack. This backpack has revolutionized the backpack industry and will change the way you travel forever :) Check it out here!
#4 – Shanghai Blue Mountain International Youth Hostel
Best hostel near the Oriental Pearl TV Tower
- Cost – $$
- Location – 6F, 350 South Shanxi Road
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Shanghai Blue Mountain International Youth Hostel…
This calm and thoughtfully designed hostel is just over the river from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, so it’s the best place to stay if you want to be near one of Shanghai’s top attractions. We love the roof terrace which is a great spot to relax with a drink and have a game of pool with new friends!
Shanghai Blue Mountain International Youth Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, then this is the perfect spot – it’s near to East Nanjing Road metro station, so it’s also close to Nanjing Road and the Bund which are some of the most popular spots in Shanghai! It manages to be near all of this stuff while still being quiet at night, so you’ll get a good night’s sleep too.
Short on time in Shanghai? Doesn’t matter we have trips from Shanghai you can do in one day!
#5 – Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel
Best hostel near Nanjing Road
- Cost – $$
- Location – No. 258 Tianjin Road, Huangpu District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel…
This clean and modern hostel is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Nanjing Road and it’s the best place to stay if you want to indulge in some shopping on one of Shanghai’s most famous streets. We love the games room which comes complete with a pool table!
Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel is perfect for…
Not only is this cool place close to Nanjing Road, it’s also within easy reach of other popular tourist attractions such as the Bund and People’s Square, so it’s perfect if any of those are on your itinerary. The nearest metro station also allows for easy travel to either Pudong or Hongqiao airports – perfect for onward travel or easy arrival!
#6 – Tu Qu International Youth Hostel
Best hostel near Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – No.20 Jin Xian Road, Chuan Sha Town, Pu Dong New District, Pudong
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Tu Qu International Youth Hostel…
Pudong International Airport is one of the major air transport hubs of China, and where you’re most likely to fly into if you’re on an international flight. This great value hostel has a shared lounge and helps guests organise tours to places like Shanghai Disneyland and further afield in China. We love the pool table!
Tu Qu International Youth Hostel is perfect for…
If you need to be close to the airport, this is a perfect place to stay – it’s easy to get there on the city metro without having to go into the centre of Shanghai. So, if you’ve got an early flight or are arriving late, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress by coming here! It’s described as a family friendly location, so if you’re travelling with the kids it’s a good shout too.
Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out this form to get a quote for your trip to Shanghai!
#7 – Shanghai Meego Yes Hotel
Best hostel near Shanghai Railway Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – No.139,Jingjiang Road, Jingan Disctict
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Shanghai Meego Yes Hotel…
This comfortable hotel is just a short subway ride from Shanghai’s main central railway station, so it’s the best place to stay if you need to be close to that. We love the uniquely modern and simple decoration in the hostel, with blends together literature and art!
Shanghai Meego Yes Hotel is perfect for…
Guests who are arriving in or leaving Shanghai by train will have no complaints about this hostel – at just 20 minutes on the Subway without any changes from the central station. It offers a range of private rooms for up to 4 people (as well as dorms) so if you want some privacy, then this is a great spot!
#8 – Tours*Soho Garden Hostel (City Centre)
Best hostel near Shanghai Long – Distance Bus Passenger Transport Terminal
- Cost – $$
- Location – NO. 1307 South Suzhou Rd, Huangpu District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Tours*Soho Garden Hostel (City Centre)…
This traditional hostel, located in a loft, is close to Shanghai’s long-distance bus passenger transport terminal, so if you’re planning to continue your journey by bus, then this is the best place to stay. We love the superfast Wi-Fi, which is great for keeping in touch with friends and family back home!
Tours*Soho Garden Hostel (City Centre) is perfect for…
If you want to be close to Shanghai’s biggest and best-connected bus station, then this is the perfect place to stay. It’s also easy to get across the city from Xinzha Road Station on metro line 1, which connects to many tourist attractions throughout the city!
#9 – Rock and Wood International Youth Hostel
Best high-end hostel in Shanghai
- Cost – $$
- Location – No.615 Lane, ZhaoHua Road, Changning District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Rock and Wood International Youth Hostel…
This sociable, clean, and comfortable hostel has a very relaxed atmosphere, and there’s a large, peaceful garden to enjoy, so it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for some R & R in Shanghai. We love all the free stuff – which includes books, newspapers, magazines, a pool table, and board games!
Rock and Wood International Youth Hostel is perfect for…
Travellers who want to treat themselves and do some self-pampering should have Rock and Wood International Youth Hostel high up on their list. When you’re relaxing in the peaceful garden, it’ll be easy to forget that you’re in the middle of a massive megacity! You can well-priced meals throughout the day too!
If you are traveling you should ALWAYS have emergency cash hidden on you! Security belts are great because they are affordable and can fit a ton of stuff in them (great for peace of mind!). Check out our favorite travel belt!
#10 – Shanghai Soho Bund Youth Hostel
Best budget hostel in Shanghai
- Cost – $$
- Location – No.239, Da Ming Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Shanghai Soho Bund Youth Hostel…
This brilliantly located hostel offers some of the cheapest beds in the centre, so it’s the best place to stay if you’re looking for a budget hostel in Shanghai. There’s free Wi-Fi and books to borrow too, so you’ve got some entertainment options that your pocket won’t even notice. We love that each floor has its own colour scheme!
Shanghai Soho Bund Youth Hostel is perfect for…
Budget travellers really won’t find anywhere better in Shanghai than this super budgethostel, however, they’ll still be able to enjoy comfort and a range of facilities. It’s really close to city centre attractions such as the Bund and Nanjing Road too, meaning that you won’t have to shell out for metro or bus tickets!
PS – Have a look at our guide to the top hostels in Beijing, China – for all budgets!
#11 – Le Tour Traveler’s Rest Youth Hostel
Best hostel with private rooms in Shanghai
- Cost – $$
- Location – Bldg. 36, 319 Jiaozhou Road, JingAn District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Le Tour Traveler’s Rest Youth Hostel…
With multiple private options for twin, double, triple, and quadruple rooms, this quiet, safe, and cosy hostel is the best place to stay if you want a private room during your trip. We love the rooftop snack and drinks bar – a great place to relax at the end of a long day of sightseeing!
Le Tour Traveler’s Rest Youth Hostel is perfect for…
Couples or long-term travellers who want to enjoy the sociable vibes of a hostel but don’t want to go as far as sharing a room with strangers will be delighted with this hostel. It’s not far from Nanjing Road, and the closest metro station has lines 2 and 7, important for travelling to several attractions and the airport!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Shanghai?
A bed in a dorm room will usually cost between $10 to $15 for most hostels. If you prefer getting a private room, one night will cost around $30 on the low end and upwards of $80 for the best spots.
What are Hostels in Shanghai Like?
Known for its amazing modern style, most hostels in Shanghai follow this contemporary theme! You can expect nice, clean facilities and many places have gardens, terraces, or other social areas to meet other travelers. There's options for both party animals and those who prefer to go to sleep early!
How Safe are Hostels in Shanghai?
Shanghai is known as a fairly safe city for travelers, though petty crime does still happen. Most hostels are centrally located in safe neighborhoods and have good security features so there is little risk of a problem.
How to Find Hostels in Shanghai?
Start your search by checking out HostelWorld where you can select your travel dates and preferred facilities. There's also reviews from other travelers to get an idea about what a place is like before showing up!
Conclusion
So, that’s all from us. We’ve taken a detailed look into the best hostels in Shanghai, and we’re sure that there’s something on our extensive list that will suit your personality, and more importantly your wallet!
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on this vibrant and exciting megacity now, would we?
Hostels are a great way to travel, especially in a massive city like Shanghai which can get pricey at times. If you’re travelling solo, it’s a great way to make some friends and meet other travellers before exploring more of China with the money you’ve saved!
And don’t forget our top choice in Shanghai – The Phoenix. Wherever you stay in this fascinating city, we hope you have a great time!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
- Hostels 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying in a Hostel for the First Time - September 7, 2023
- 5 Best PARTY HOSTELS in Chicago [2023] - February 1, 2023
- 5 Best PARTY HOSTELS in Santiago! [2023] - January 31, 2023
