Planning a trip to Nice and unsure where to base yourself? As someone who has personally stayed in every area of the city — solo, with my partner, and with family — I’ve created this quick, practical guide to help you choose the right neighborhood for your style of travel.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a beach holiday, or a base to explore the French Riviera, I created this guide to help you decide where to stay in Nice. It’s based on real stays, not online research.
This article features the best places to stay in Nice for solo travelers, couples, families, and adventurers alike. All advice is based on decades of staying in Nice, updated for 2026.
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Quick Answer: 4 Best Areas to Stay in Nice (2026)
Couples
Old Town & Carré d’Or
Families
Carré d’Or
Budget
Jean-Médecin or Port
Beach
Carré d’Or (Promenade des Anglais) and Old Town (Quai des États-Unis)
Day trips
Jean-Médecin or Port
Shoppers
Carré d’Or or Jean-Médecin
Quick Answer: Best hotels in Nice
Looking for more areas in Nice (Gambetta-Fleurs, Musicians’ Quarter, Cimiez, and Mont Boron)? See my full expert guide on where to stay in Nice for a more comprehensive overview.
1. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Best for: Couples, foodies, and short trips.
This is the most atmospheric part of the city. Think cobblestone lanes, baroque churches, the local market at picturesque Cours Saleya, and authentic restaurants serving local cuisine.
“I’ve stayed in this area multiple times. It’s perfect for slow mornings and market strolls, close to the Promenade des Anglais and Castle Hill.”
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Where to stay in Old Town Nice:
2. Carré d’Or (Promenade des Anglais)
Best for: First-timers, beach lovers, romantic getaways, and families.
Whenever friends or family visit for the first time, I recommend they stay here. It’s close to everything: Old Town, beaches, restaurants, and tram lines. The further east, towards Old Town, the closer to the action.
“You simply can’t go wrong with Carré d’Or: it ticks all the boxes for all types of visitors. It’s my go-to area for any kind of stay, even with kids. Take it from this mom who spent multiple family stays here.”
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Where to stay in Carré d’Or:
3. Jean-Médecin
Best for: Shopping, easy access, and affordability.
Boulevard Jean-Médecin is the extension of the picture-perfect Place Masséna. It’s the commercial hub of Nice, served by the tram line and within walking distance of the Nice-Ville train station.
“This is the perfect budget-friendly area to stay in Nice, especially if you’re into shopping and nightlife.”
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Where to stay in Jean-Médecin:
4. Port
Best for: day trips, easy access, affordability, and local vibe.
The picturesque Port Lympia and Place Garibaldi are the hotspots in this lively area, but it has a lot more to offer. Browse the antique shops, discover unique boutiques, or explore the local culinary scene at Rue Bonaparte.
“Thanks to its excellent access to buses and ferrys, this affodable area is a travel base for French Riviera day trips. It even has its own train station: Nice-Riquier. Great dining scene too!”
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Where to stay in the Port district:
Map of Nice Neighborhoods
For info on the other areas of Nice – Gambetta-Fleurs, Musicians’ Quarter, Cimiez, and Mont Boron – see my full expert guide on where to stay in Nice for a more comprehensive overview of every area of Nice.
Nice Hotel suggestions for every type of traveler
I have more articles on places to stay in Nice. Here’s an overview:
Still planning the rest of your trip? My Nice travel guide brings together all my articles on neighborhoods, beaches, day trips, and practical tips so you can organize everything in one place.
If you’re still deciding whether Nice is the right base — or comparing it with other Riviera towns — this French Riviera accommodation guide helps you compare the best bases along the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
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