Best area to stay when travelling in Shanghai based on what you are look for

Shanghai is a really big city with many diverse districts and areas. It's worth mentioning that it's convenient everywhere in Shanghai - the metro system is wide spread and robust, you will find convenient shops and restaurants in every corner.

However, here are some of the popular areas for accommodation for people visiting Shanghai:

Traditional

FFC - Former French Concession Area (Puxi)

• This is the expat concentrated area, full of nice bars (great night life scene), restaurants, characteristic cafes and boutique shops. European style buildings, villas left from the early 1900s
• Lots of Shanghainess locals still live in this area, if you want to get right into their daily lives, get an airbnb in one of the lane houses
• Major streets in this area:
• West Shanxi Road 陕西南路, Julu Road 巨鹿路, Henshan Road 衡山路, South Ulumuqi Road 乌鲁木齐南路, Changle Road 长乐路, Wukang Road 武康路, West Jianguo Road 建国西路, Yongfu Road 永福路
• Pros: a lot of airbnb choices, also high-end hotels chains, good for those who love to just walk around
• Cons: more expensive, not always close to the metro stop, old houses or airbnbs can be humid or cold in winter or hot in summer or without stairs

Modern

Xujiahui - Puxi

• This is the more commercial and modern area where a lot of new apartments can be found on airbnb
• It's also local in the sense real Chinese people live in this area, mostly middle-high class

Lujiazui Financial District - Pudong

• This is where all the tallest skyscrapers are located as well as high end luxury hotels
• Expensive, only stay here if you want to splurge as it only makes sense if you book a place high up to get the view, otherwise there is no point to stay here

On a Budget

If you are on a budget, I would definitely recommend hostels in central areas. You save more money taking the metro and walking everywhere or even biking, if you live far in a cheap hostel and end up staying out late, taxi will cost a lot more, and public transportation although convenient, will still take a long time as Shanghai is huge.