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 article features the best areas and accommodations in Nice for couples, families, and adventurers alike. Find out where to stay based on your travel plans.
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Quick list of best places to stay in Nice
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive overview of the best areas and hotels in Nice.
Best areas to stay in Nice France
Sightseeing -> Old Town & Cimiez
Beaches -> Promenade des Anglais & Carré d’Or
Families -> Carré d’Or
Budget -> Gambetta & Musicians
Shopping -> Carré d’Or & Jean Médecin
Nightlife -> Old Town, Jean Médecin & Port
Day trips -> Port (by boat) & Musicians (by train)
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.
Best places to stay in Nice: Map
I created this interactive map to help you visualize the various areas of Nice. Click the district of your choice to navigate directly to an in-depth overview of that specific area in Nice or continue reading to discover them all.
Where to stay in Nice: Areas compared
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.
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.
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.
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.
Port
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 in a local setting and the connectivity. A con is the fact that it can get quite busy, especially at night.
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.
Jean Médecin
Avenue Jean Médecin serves as the vibrant commercial core 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, excellently served public transport, and the many shopping outlets. Cons are the crowds and street noise.
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.
Musiciens
The Musicians Quarter, 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 Musiciens 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.
Conclusion: Musicians 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 Musiciens
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 touristic 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best places to stay in Nice: FAQ
What’s your favorite area to stay in Nice?
That concludes my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Nice, France. Have you visited this French Riviera city before? By now, you should have a good idea of which area in Nice is right for you. If so, then don’t forget to book well in advance.
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