Figuring out where to stay in Nice is no easy task. With so many interesting areas and gorgeous hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, it’s hard to find the best places to stay in Nice for a carefree vacation.
That’s where this comprehensive guide comes in.
It zooms in on every area, from hotspots like the Promenade des Anglais to lesser-known areas of Nice like the Musicians Quarter and Mont Boron, while highlighting some of the best hotels in Nice, including the most recent additions to the Nice accommodation market.
Nice is my second home and I know the city like the back of my hand. Over the years, I stayed in just about every area of Nice, sometimes as a solo traveler and other times for a couples retreat or a family vacation. So, no matter your travel style, I’m here to help you find the perfect accommodation at the best location.
I can’t wait to share my insights with you and help you make an informed decision on where to stay in Nice. So, let’s dive in.
This local guide compares the best areas to stay in Nice in 2026 and shows which neighborhoods work best for couples, families, beach time, nightlife, and different travel styles.
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Best places to stay in Nice at a glance: area overview
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive overview of the best areas and hotels in Nice.
Best area in Nice for sightseeing -> Old Town & Cimiez
Best area in Nice for beaches -> Promenade des Anglais & Carré d’Or
Best area in Nice for families -> Carré d’Or
Best area in Nice on a budget -> Gambetta – Fleurs & Musicians Quarter
Best area in Nice for shopping -> Carré d’Or & Jean Médecin
Best area in Nice for nightlife -> Old Town, Jean Médecin & Port Lympia
Best area in Nice for day trips -> Port Lympia (by boat) & Musicians Quarter (by train)
Best area in Nice for tranquility and proximity to Villefranche-sur-Mer -> Mont Boron
My Top Picks
My in-depth guide on the best places to stay in Nice, France, includes a hand-picked selection of amazing hotels and apartments for each. For your convenience, all accommodation suggestions link to a booking site where you can check availability and make your reservation.
No matter which of these places to stay in Nice catches your eye, booking well in advance is crucial, especially if you plan on visiting Nice during the high season.
Interactive Nice area Map
This map of the city shows you where the main areas of Nice are located. Use it to get a feel for the layout, then scroll down to read detailed guides for each neighborhood.
This map of the French Riviera was created by Nice & Beyond – Any reproduction without prior written permission is strictly prohibited
Interactive decision tree featuring the best places to stay in Nice
Here’s a general overview of the best areas and accommodations in Nice, tailored to your budget and interests.
Click the area of your choice to navigate directly to an in-depth overview of that specific neighborhood in Nice or continue reading to discover them all. Click the hotel name and you’ll be taken to the booking site where you’ll find more information.
Note that this is a general representation. Of course, in every neighborhood in Nice, you’ll find hotels that are either more expensive or more affordable.
This decision tree was created by Nice & Beyond – Any reproduction without prior written permission is strictly prohibited
Where to stay in Nice: Local insights for each neighborhood
I’ll zoom in on every place to stay in Nice to help you get a feel of the atmosphere and things to do.
Note that the Promenade des Anglais is not mentioned as an actual neighborhood of Nice because it isn’t, officially. It’s part of the Carré d’Or and Gambetta areas (and all other areas of Nice further west). The prolongation of the Promenade des Anglais towards Castle Hill is known as the Quai des États-Unis.
Old Town or Vieux Nice (including the Quai des États-Unis)
Nestled at the foot of Castle Hill and bordered by Place Garibaldi, Place Masséna, and the Quai des États-Unis, Vieux Nice or Old Nice is the once-walled historic and vibrant heart of Nice.
Its labyrinth of winding streets, colorful facades, and baroque-style buildings creates a lively and enchanting atmosphere. Key attractions include the many baroque churches, the Palais Lascaris, and the Opera House. Place Rossetti, with its picturesque setting and proximity to the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, is another delightful spot to relax.
Vieux Nice also makes for a wonderful place to shop for souvenirs, thanks to the array of unique shops. Cours Saleya, a pedestrian promenade lined with popular restaurants and cafés, hosts a bustling produce and flower market in the morning, a lively antique market on Mondays, and a souvenir market on summer evenings.
Vieux Nice boasts some of the best beaches in Nice, including Castel Beach and Beau Rivage Beach.
Thanks to the many bars that dot the streets north of the Cours Saleya, the Old Town is just as bustling at night as it is during the day.
Pros to staying in Nice’s Old Town are the central location amidst the couleur locale and the easy access to the freshest produce sold at the market. Cons are the crowds and the nightly noise associated with it, and the fact that it can be challenging to reach your accommodation since the area is mostly pedestrianized.
Distances: Depending on your exact location within this area of Nice, a 2 to 10-minute walk to the beach and a 25-minute walk (or short tram ride) to the Nice-Ville train station.
Conclusion: Vieux Nice is the best place to stay in Nice for sightseeing – especially for first-time visitors and short stays – and for nightlife.
Where to stay in Old Town Nice
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Vieux Nice.
- Hôtel du Couvent is a luxurious haven of peace nestled against Castle Hill and housed in a historic Visitation Convent. This serene retreat boasts a terraced garden, a panoramic pool, and an authentic Roman bath circuit. Tip: You can buy specialty bread at the hotel’s very own bakery. Just don’t expect a shop; you directly enter the operational bakery. Even on a cloudy day, the peaceful courtyard in the lively heart of Nice feels like an oasis.
- La Pérouse Nice is one of the most iconic boutique hotels in Nice thanks to its privileged location perched upon the flank of Castle Hill and overlooking the Baie des Anges. The hotel itself is a bit of a maze but the staff are genuinely caring. It’s amazing how quiet the rooms are compared to those in hotels lining the Promenade des Anglais. Secret tip: Room 505 is a superior room with the most amazing seafront balcony. Here’s a photo that I took (from room 506 next door, unfortunately).
Carré d’Or (including the Promenade des Anglais)
The Carré d’Or, or Golden Square, is one of Nice’s most prestigious residential neighborhoods, located just west of Vieux-Nice and bordered by Boulevard Gambetta.
Renowned for its Haussmannian layout and Belle Époque architecture, it features stately homes, former palaces, luxury hotels, and high-end boutiques. Key attractions include the Villa Masséna Museum, the neo-Gothic Anglican Church, and the stunning Promenade des Anglais with its private and public beaches like Bella Mar and Ruhl beach.
The area is lively both day and night, with bustling streets like Rue Masséna and Place Magenta, and entertainment options such as the Casino Palais de la Méditerranée and other venues along the Promenade des Anglais.
Contrary to some opinions favoring Cimiez, I firmly believe that the Carré d’Or is the best place to stay in Nice for families, as it’s close to major attractions and just a short walk from the beach.
I have stayed in both Cimiez and the Carré d’Or with kids, and although I agree that Cimiez might make for a wonderful place to live with kids, it’s too far away from the center of the action to make a good travel base for a family trip.
Pros to staying in Nice’s Carré d’Or area are the proximity to attractions and beaches, as well as the charming appeal. A con is the fact that it’s not as easy to navigate by car because of the many one-way streets.
Distances: Depending on your exact location within this area of Nice, a 2 to 10-minute walk to the beach and a 10 to 20-minute walk to the Nice-Ville train station.
Conclusion: Carré d’Or is the best area to stay in Nice for families, for beach time, and for nightlife. It’s also where you’ll find the most luxury hotels in Nice.
Where to stay in Carré d’Or
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in the Carré d’Or.
- Le Negresco is the luxurious and iconic Belle Époque hotel on the Promenade des Anglais, renowned for its opulent and eclectic decor, historical significance, and world-class service. This is the most emblematic hotel in Nice. Isn’t the glass dome mesmerizing?
- Anantara Plaza Nice is a luxury hotel boasting refined suites at a privileged location. Step onto the rooftop terrace to enjoy the most gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the Place Masséna, and Vieux Nice at a coveted location. Here’s a view of the rooftop restaurant, where the cocktails are a bit pricey but the views are priceless.
- Hôtel Villa Victoria is a boutique property with an amazing garden located on the stately Boulevard Victor Hugo. Family rooms are available. I stayed here with my family on one of our most recent jaunts to Nice and experienced above-and-beyond service. Breakfast was very basic, and the rooms were a bit outdated. However, I see that some rooms have had a touch-up since then, so I’d definitely ask for an updated room. I can’t get over how serene this garden is. I loved lounging here!
Port Lympia
The Port Lympia of Nice, nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, is economically vital, hosting luxury yachts, cruise ships, and ferries to Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily.
To the east, the Port is bordered by the Mont Boron hill, famous for its greenery and luxurious real estate.
The central quay, Place de l’Île de Beauté, features the neoclassical Church of Notre-Dame-du-Port and is surrounded by ochre Italian-style houses with ornate wrought iron balconies, creating an enchanting maritime ambiance.
The Place Garibaldi is one of the most picturesque squares in Nice, thanks to the stately, elegant buildings with arcades surrounding the square and beautiful albizia trees scattered throughout.
The Port area is also known for its antique shops, unique boutiques, flea markets like Les Puces de Nice, Mediterranean dining, and trendy nightlife. Rue Bonaparte, lined with LGBTQ-friendly restaurants, and the area around Place du Pin, ideal for a bar and café crawl, are popular local hangouts.
Pros to staying in Nice’s Port area are the picturesque setting with a local flair and the connectivity. Lignes d’Azur bus 98 is a great option if you prefer not to walk. A con is the fact that it can get quite busy, especially at night.
Distances: Depending on your exact location within this area of Nice, a 10 to 20-minute walk to the beach and a 15 to 20-minute walk to the Nice-Riquier train station.
Conclusion: Le Port is the best place to stay in Nice for Mediterranean dining, nightlife, and for that local feel. It’s also a great launchpad for boat trips to other French Riviera towns and for bike rides to Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Where to stay in the Port of Nice
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Nice Port.
- Palais Ségurane Boutique Hotel features cozy, spacious, apartment-style rooms and suites with an artistic touch. I love the extra space! There’s also an art gallery on the ground floor, and guests can book a private slot in the hotel spa and cinema. This hotel is located in a lively neighborhood, and it gets pretty noisy at night. I needed a pair of earplugs from the front desk to block out the street noise. Here’s a photo that I took of room 209 upon arrival late at night (the kitchen was behind me).
Jean Médecin
Avenue Jean Médecin serves as the vibrant commercial hub of Nice.
Beginning at Place Masséna, the emblematic landmark around the Sun Fountain, it traverses the Promenade du Paillon with its captivating water mirror fountain and extends to the Nice-Ville railway station in the north.
This bustling area is where you’ll find Galeries Lafayette, shops of all kinds of popular fashion brands with shops, and dining options. The side streets of the southern section are also bustling with lively cafés.
Thanks to its prime location and excellent public transport links, the Jean Médecin district is a top choice for visitors exploring Nice and the Côte d’Azur. Its proximity to the train station is particularly advantageous for those arriving by rail.
This area of Nice is sometimes referred to as New Town since, historically, it was located across the Paillon River from the Old Nice city walls that were eventually demolished.
Pros to staying in Jean Médecin are the central location, excellent public transport, and the many shopping outlets. Cons are the crowds and street noise.
Distances: Depending on your exact location within this area of Nice, a 7 to 15-minute walk to the beach and a 2 to 15-minute walk (or short tram ride) to the Nice-Ville train station.
Conclusion: Jean Médecin is the best location to stay in Nice for shopping and for nightlife.
Where to stay in Jean Médecin
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Jean Médecin.
Musicians Quarter
The Musicians Quarter or Quartier des Musiciens, located north of the Carré d’Or between Boulevard Victor-Hugo and Avenue Thiers, is named after famous composers.
This area is a prime example of Nice’s Belle Époque architecture, featuring numerous stunning Belle Époque palaces and villas, which now house luxury apartments or hotels.
The Musicians Quarter is highly valued for its architectural beauty, tree-lined streets, and peaceful atmosphere, thanks to the array of local shops, neighborhood restaurants, and green spaces such as the Jardin Alsace-Lorraine, which offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Nice.
Location-wise, this Nice area is the perfect compromise between beach, city, and access to the train for day trips in the wider region.
Pros to staying in Musicians Quarter are the tranquil environment and convenient access to Nice’s train station, Old Town, and beaches. The con is that it lacks major tourist attractions, which might not appeal to those looking for a bustling tourist experience.
Distances: Depending on your exact location within this area of Nice, a 7 to 15-minute walk to the beach and a 2 to 10-minute walk to the Nice-Ville train station.
Conclusion: The Musicians Quarter is the best place to stay in Nice for a tranquil stay as well as for day trips from Nice by train without compromising on the proximity of beaches and tourist sites.
Where to stay in the Musicians Quarter
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in the Musician’s Quarter.
Gambetta – Fleurs
The Gambetta – Fleurs area, named after the Boulevard Gambetta and the Avenue des Fleurs, is bordered by the Carré d’Or in the east, by the Promenade des Anglais in the south, and by the Nice-Ville railway in the north.
It’s a tranquil neighborhood that lacks major tourist attractions, yet it is conveniently close to other tourist areas of Nice.
Architecturally, the Gambetta – Fleurs quarter is impressive, featuring stately Art-deco and Belle Époque facades of city palaces and mansions. Although there are not many hotels, the existing ones are reasonably priced, extending the upscale feel of Boulevard Victor-Hugo, which is the extension of the Avenue des Fleurs.
The district’s name pays tribute to the historic houses adorned with flower gardens. While many of these houses have since been replaced by newer bourgeois buildings, the neighborhood has retained its charm.
The residences in the area now feature delightful small parks and flower-filled interior courtyards. Gambetta-Fleurs boasts an array of local shops and restaurants, offering a taste of everyday Nice life.
Pros to staying in Gambetta are the blend of tranquility and accessibility, the elegant architecture, and the convenient location close to beaches and local shops. The con is that it lacks major tourist attractions, which might not appeal to those looking for a bustling tourist experience.
Distances: Depending on your exact location within this area of Nice, a 2 to 10-minute walk to the beach and a 20 to 25-minute walk to the Nice-Ville train station.
Conclusion: Gambetta is the best place to stay in Nice for a budget-friendly vacation in a tranquil, residential neighborhood.
Where to stay in Gambetta – Fleurs
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Gambetta – Fleurs.
Cimiez
North of the city center, on the site of an ancient Roman city, you’ll find the leafy area of Cimiez.
The district is rich in historic sites, including Roman ruins such as thermal baths, an amphitheater, and an ancient Ligurian wall. The Archaeological Museum of Nice-Cimiez showcases artifacts from these sites.
A few centuries after the Roman influence declined, Franciscan monks founded a monastery on the hill, which later became known for its olive groves and vineyards. Over time, it became an enchanting garden with climbing roses, a fountain, and a blend of exotic trees and Mediterranean vegetation.
During the Belle Époque, European royalty discovered the pleasant atmosphere of Cimiez and commissioned magnificent palaces and hotels like the Excelsior Regina, the residence of English Queen Victoria.
Other notable attractions in Cimiez, in addition to these historic landmarks, include the Chagall Museum and the Matisse Museum.
Pros to staying in Cimiez are the historic attractions, beautiful green spaces, and intriguing art museums. A con may be the tranquility, for those who seek more lively surroundings, and the distance to beaches and Old Nice.
Distances: Depending on your exact location within this area of Nice, a 25 to 35-minute walk to the beach and a 20 to 25-minute walk to the Nice-Ville train station.
Conclusion: Cimiez is the best place to stay in Nice for culture, art, and tranquility.
Where to stay in Cimiez
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Cimiez.
Mont Boron
Mont Boron is the name of the hill east of the Port of Nice towards Villefranche-sur-Mer. The Boulevard Maeterlinck is the coastal route that wraps around the hill and the Cap de Nice. You can read more in my detailed guide on the coastal walk from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer.
It’s home to several historic military structures and to the 57-hectare Mont Boron Park with its forest roads and hiking trails.
The surrounding area of Mont Boron is one of the most prestigious residential neighborhoods of Nice. Luxurious villas and Belle Époque residences stand along leafy boulevards such as the Avenue des Hespérides and Boulevard du Mont-Boron.
While shops are scarce in Mont Boron, essential amenities are just a five-minute drive away at the base of Boulevard Maeterlinck or the Col de Villefranche. Both the center of Nice and that of Villefranche-sur-Mer are easily accessible by bike, and a cycling tour to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is truly mesmerizing.
Pros of staying in Mont Boron are the panoramic views over the Mediterranean and the peaceful and green atmosphere. Cons are the relative distance from shops and restaurants, as well as the uphill and winding roads.
Distances: Depending on your exact location within this area of Nice, a 1-hour walk to the beach and a 35 to 45-minute walk to the Nice-Riquier train station. Lignes d’Azur bus 98 also seamlessly connects this area of Nice to the tourist center. And, of course, you can always rent a bike or order a ride-share, too.
Conclusion: Mont Boron is the best place to stay for a tranquil retreat in a luxurious setting and for easy access to Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Where to stay in Mont Boron
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Mont Boron.
Nice accommodation FAQ: Expert answers
What’s your favorite area to stay in Nice?
By now, you should have a clear idea of which neighborhood fits your travel style, whether that’s the Old Town’s charm, the Promenade’s seaside convenience, or a quieter residential base. Once you’ve chosen your area, it’s wise to book early, especially for spring and summer stays.
If you’re still shaping the bigger picture of your stay — how many days to spend, when to visit, and which day trips to prioritize — my detailed Nice travel guide walks you through the full planning process step by step.
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