Where to stay in Nice: tips and best neighborhoods

Nice is the main resort of the French Riviera, one of the most visited centers, especially during the beautiful season for the sea and the blooming lavender fields in the countryside, from late June to August. The city is divided into 9 cantons, called Canton de Nice, and the best neighborhoods to stay in, therefore the most central ones, are located between cantons 1, 6, and 9. Here are all our tips on where to stay in Nice.

Avoid these areas: it is better to avoid too peripheral areas. Among the neighborhoods not recommended for staying or even looking for long-term accommodation are L'Ariane, Les Moulins, Les Liserons, Les Planas, Bateco, Vallon des Fleurs, and Balcon du Ray.

If you are visiting Nice for the first time or want to find yourself in the heart of the city, the best solution is to stay in Vieux Nice, or the Old Town. It is a truly characteristic area, rich in alleys and local spots, and is partially overlooking the Promenade des Anglais, the famous waterfront of Nice. The latter extends along the entire coast, crossing various neighborhoods.For nightlife and entertainment, opt for Le Port or Jean-Médecin. The former develops after the hill of the castle, around the marina area. Here you will find a lot of local venues and it represents the heart of nightlife in Nice. The latter, Jean-Médecin, is the neighborhood in the more modern area of Nice, which also hosts the famous Massena Square.Finally, if you are looking for tranquility, choose Cimiez, a residential neighborhood surrounded by greenery to the north of the historic center. It is also an excellent choice for family stays. To save money, opt for Gambetta, developed along the waterfront, a great compromise between advantageous prices and a good location.

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Best accommodations: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs, and hostels in Nice. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking

If you are in Nice for work or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider staying near the airport. You'll find the best options and selected hotels on booking.com

Vieux Nice is the historical heart of Nice and is one of the best areas to stay. Here, you will be in the center of the city, just steps away from attractions like the Palais Lascaris and the Sainte-Reparate Cathedral. Its beating heart is Cours Saleya, the liveliest square in Nice, which also hosts a characteristic market.This area is recommended for those who want to experience an authentic atmosphere, interacting with locals and especially soaking in the French ambiance. It is also ideal for families, as it is a very lively area during the day but quieter in the evening.Finally, by staying here you can easily move around on foot, getting lost among its charming alleys. Part of the neighborhood overlooks the sea and includes a stretch of the Promenade des Anglais, the famous and wonderful waterfront that extends along the entire coast through multiple neighborhoods.The average prices in the neighborhood start at around $70.00 per night - compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking

If Vieux Nice is the oldest part of Nice, then the nearby Jean-Médecin is its modern and vibrant soul. Crossed by Avenue Jean-Médecin, the shopping street, the neighborhood hosts the iconic Massena Square with the Fountain of the Sun, the Promenade du Paillon, and the Basilica Notre-Dame de l'Assomption.Given its cheerful and lively character, Jean-Médecin is recommended mainly for young people or, more generally, for anyone who wants to stay in a great location and enjoy some of the city's nightlife. It also offers a wide selection of mid-range accommodations.Finally, Jean-Médecin truly has a great location: just a few steps from Vieux Nice, the northern part of the neighborhood is bordered by Nice-Ville train station, the southern part overlooks the sea and hosts a stretch of the Promenade des Anglais. It will be very easy to move around on foot.The average prices in the neighborhood start at around $60.00 per night - compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking

Le Port is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Nice. It develops around the marina and is naturally divided from Vieux Nice by the wonderful Colline du Château. Among the most famous attractions, it hosts Garibaldi Square with the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Natural History Museum of Nice.It is one of the trendiest areas of Nice and, for this reason, is especially recommended for those who want to have fun. The area around the marina is filled with venues of all kinds and is perfect for enjoying an aperitif with a view of the port.Le Port also has a good location and from here you can walk or use public transport. From the port you can reach Vieux Nice in just 10 minutes on foot, a little further is Place Massena which is about 15 minutes away. The neighborhood is also served by Nice Riquier train station and tram lines L1 and L2.The average prices in the neighborhood start at around $80.00 per night - compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking

Gambetta is the multicultural neighborhood of Nice. Just steps away, you can find attractions like the Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, the Museum of Fine Arts of Nice, and the Villa Massena Museum. But that's not all: this neighborhood also hosts a stretch of the Promenade des Anglais with its large beaches and crystal-clear sea.But, above all, Gambetta is the perfect neighborhood for saving money. Here accommodations cost significantly less than in other neighborhoods, and you can find really great deals without giving up services and a good location.The neighborhood is indeed just a short walk from Jean-Médecin and Vieux Nice. From here you can walk or take public transport: walking along the Promenade des Anglais you can reach Place Massena in about 15 minutes on foot. The area is well served by buses and tram line L2.The average prices in the neighborhood start at around $60.00 per night - compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking

Finally, Cimiez, in the northern part of Nice, is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city. It is also a very quiet residential neighborhood surrounded by greenery. Despite the distance from the center, there are still important attractions such as the Arènes de Cimiez, a remnant of the Roman times, the Cimiez Monastery, and the Matisse Museum.Being a residential neighborhood, it is mostly recommended for families and those looking for some tranquility. It's worth mentioning that its beauty and atmosphere made Cimiez a choice for many English royals, including Queen Victoria.Given its location, you will necessarily need to use public transport. The area is served by numerous bus lines and, for example, to move from the Arènes / Musée Matisse stop to the center, you can take bus line 5 (15 min).The average prices in the neighborhood start at around $60.00 per night - compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking

If your trip is not only focused on Nice but you want to discover the entire French Riviera, then you will also have various alternatives for your stay, choosing one of the towns along the coast or one of the small villages inland, especially if you are traveling during the lavender blooming period. Here are some excellent options for staying near Nice: