Nestled on the French Riviera, Nice truly embodies a perfect harmony between old-world charm and ultramodern luxury. Whether you are visiting for the first time or have gone back for more, the way you choose to stay in Nice can make or break your experience.
This guide takes a close look at the best neighborhoods where to stay in Nice, from historic Old Town to the ultraluxurious Promenade des Anglais. Additionally, it provides tips for families, budget travelers, and those in search of boutique hotels.
Key Takeaways
- Old Town (Vieux Nice): Ideal for history buffs, offering charming boutique hotels and proximity to key attractions like Cours Saleya Market and Nice Cathedral.
- Promenade des Anglais: Perfect for beach lovers, with luxury hotels and stunning Mediterranean views. Close to Castle Hill and Blue Beach.
- Jean-Médecin & New Town: Great for budget travelers and first-time visitors, with affordable hotels and easy access to shopping and dining.
- Cimiez: A quiet residential area ideal for families, featuring parks, museums, and spacious accommodations.
- Boutique Hotels: For a unique, personalized stay, consider boutique hotels like La Pérouse Hotel or Hotel Windsor, offering intimate settings with exceptional service.
Why It Matters Where You Stay
With each of the neighborhoods in Nice boasting something a little bit different, you’re going to want to choose a location that more significantly caters to your interests – history buffs, beach time, or cultural immersion. Your accommodation choice may indeed affect not only your convenience and safety but also your overall enjoyment of the trip.
The Best Neighborhoods Where to Stay in Nice
1. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Old Town is the heart of Nice, filled with narrow, curving streets, pulsating markets, and historical monuments. It’s a great pick if you want to experience firsthand the rich history and culture of this city. Staying in the Old Town will put you close to sights such as:
- Cours Saleya Market: This very busy market. It is famous for flowers, fruits, and local delicacies.
- Nice Cathedral: This is a beauty that carries Baroque architecture and points to the religious heritage of Nice.
- Place Rossetti: a buzzing square with charming cafes surrounding it, housing the famous Fenocchio ice cream shop.
Accommodations range from charming boutique hotels to mid-range options. If you are wondering where to stay in the Old Town of Nice, France, then know that Hotel Villa Rivoli provides a classic experience while the Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel offers luxury in a very modern environment.
2. Promenade des Anglais
This famous seaside promenade is several kilometers long and runs along the Baie des Anges; ideal for those who simply adore the sea.
Easy access to the beach and great views of the Mediterranean are a guarantee when staying on the Promenade des Anglais. This will also put you close to many of Nice’s top sights, including the following:
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château): A perfect spot for a leisurely walk offering panoramic views of Nice.
- Negresco Hotel: It is a historic luxury hotel, per se one of Nice’s landmarks featuring opulent sea-view rooms.
- Blue Beach: A popular spot for both swimming and sunbathing, it features a few beach clubs located in the vicinity.
Hotel Le Negresco or Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée enjoy upscale accommodation with views and excellent amenities of their own.
3. Jean-Médecin & New Town
Whether you are traveling on a shoestring budget or visiting Nice for the first time, Jean-Médecin and the New Town area have several accommodation options available at reasonable rates. This area in the heart of Nice acts as a base for shopping and dining, with attractions such as:
- Avenue Jean-Médecin: The main shopping street in Nice, home to the Nice Étoile shopping mall and various international brands.
- Notre-Dame Basilica: This 19th-century church is architectural and adds to the beauty of the area.
- Gare Thiers: Nice’s principal station makes this district very accessible and easy to explore nearby towns and cities.
For budget hotels and hostels in the area, such as the Ibis Nice Centre Gare, one may enjoy affordable comfort. Ideal for travelers who wish to explore Nice without too much damage to their wallet.
4. Cimiez
Cimiez is more of a residential quarter in Nice, boasting beautiful parks and many cultural interests. This would be an excellent place to stay for families or those looking for a quieter atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the central city. The Cimiez highlights include the following:
- Matisse Museum: Dedicated to the life and works of the famous painter Henri Matisse, who lived a great deal of his life in Nice.
- Cimiez Monastery Gardens: a peaceful retreat with spectacular views over the city and sea; great for a stroll.
- Roman Ruins: ancient Roman baths and an amphitheater lie just off the center of Cimiez.
Families will appreciate the spacious rooms and multiple services for families available in such hotels as the Hôtel Villa Saint-Hubert, offering a serene haven just a few minutes away from downtown Nice.
Where to Stay in Nice on a Budget?
If one does not want to invest too much money, Nice has several relatively cheap quarters where one can enjoy the city without too much expense.
Besides the Jean-Médecin district, consider the neighborhood of Liberation, with its local markets and atmosphere so genuine. Here, you will find quite cheap hotels, such as the Best Western Hotel So’Co, offering modern amenities at very affordable rates.
Other options include the area around the Nice train station, which is filled with budget hotels like the Hotel Trocadero, which offers access to transportation and budget restaurants.
Nice Family-Friendly Accommodations
Family travel needs space and family-friendly amenities. Complementing the quiet area of Cimiez, check out the Fabron neighborhood to stay in. This residential area is on the west side of the city center; therefore, quiet with easy access to a beach and parks.
Hotels like the Radisson Blu Hotel Nice can offer a family room and child-friendly services for pleasant accommodation for all family members.
Best Boutique Hotels in Nice, France
If you are searching for something different and personalized, then Nice offers boutique hotels with a mix of charm and character.
These smaller hotels are often much smaller in the number of rooms and can offer superior service with a homely feel. A few of the well-known boutique hotels in Nice include:
- La Pérouse Hotel: This boutique hotel is well-placed near the Promenade des Anglais and commands sea views combined with a very intimate setting.
- Hotel Windsor: This fashionable hotel with modern art in every room, as well as its gardens and pool area.
- Hotel Rossetti: Located in the Old Town Center, this boutique hotel brings together modern comfort with historic elements combined.
These boutique hotels are smaller in size and put even more emphasis on intimacy and personalization. It is highly recommended for couples or solo travelers who wish to experience something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Nice?
The best place to stay in Nice largely depends on your preference. For history and culture lovers, Old Town-Vieux Nice will be the best; Promenade des Anglais will provide stunning sea views combined with luxury, and for shopping and convenience area around Jean-Médecin will suit perfectly.
Where is better to stay: Old Nice or Nice?
You will be better off staying in Old Nice, Vieux Nice because it offers so many historic sights, narrow streets, and a lively atmosphere. The rest of the city is more modern, offering proximity to beaches, shopping, and other amenities with ease.
Where to live in Nice?
The quiet residential area of Cimiez, highly known for its parks, museums, and the beautiful view it offers is one of the best places to live in Nice. It is perfect for families and those who want peace in their surroundings.
What is the Centre of Nice called?
The center of Nice is referred to as Place Masséna. It is a lively square surrounded by shops, cafes, and nice architecture.
Where to stay in Nice, France for the first time?
The Promenade des Anglais in Nice is suggested for the first time. You’ll be near the beaches, famous attractions, restaurants, and more.
Is Nice a walkable city?
Yes, Nice is comparatively a walkable city. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants are all within walking distance of each other, making it very easy to get around on foot.
Is Nice better than Monaco?
Nice is better if you like a larger town with more cultural amenities and shopping. Monaco is more luxurious and smaller with a reputation for casinos and high-class living.
How far is Nice Old Town from the train station?
Nice Old Town is about a 15-minute walk from the Nice-Ville train station. It’s a nice walk right through downtown.
Is Nice good for shopping?
Oh, yes, Nice is perfect for shopping. The main street for shopping would be Jean-Médecin, lined with stores, boutiques, and malls.
Which Is Better to Stay: Nice or Cannes?
Nice is better to stay in if you prefer cultural experiences, shopping, and nightlife. Cannes is a lot smaller and luxurious. This is where the film festival is held, along with other beach areas.
Conclusion: Your Ideal Stay in Nice
Choosing the perfect place to stay in Nice can complete your visit to this already wonderful city. Fall in love with quaint, historic Old Town; go for luxury with Promenade des Anglais; or enjoy child-friendly areas in Cimiez and Fabron-Nice has something for every traveler.
From budget-friendly hotels to luxurious boutique spaces, each style has its place, and your preference should be matched with a price.
Whether you choose where to stay in Nice, the breathtaking scenery, combined with the abundance of history and culture that Nice has to offer, is going to give you irreplaceable memories. Experience the French Riviera and enjoy your stay to the fullest in this magnificent city!
