Last updated on January 04th, 2023
If you are looking for a chic and stylish place to stay in France then Nice is perfect for you. Nice is the capital for the French Riviera and there is a lot for everyone to enjoy in this city. You can choose to spend a weekend among this old city’s ancient sights or you can sip some champagne at sunset, or get lost along the city’s old streets.
Nice in Southern France is an ancient city that has an amazing beach, it boasts good food and wine, amazing historical sights and cultural museums. Nice has been a resort centre for a long time and it has all the right attractions that tourists love. There are beaches that visitors love visiting and you can be part of the fun in this city.
You simply can’t miss neighbourhoods such as the Promenade des Anglais which is a charming area that is beautiful to watch. It is also a good area for shopping and a leisurely afternoon.
Nice also has some of the best restaurants in France. There are also great areas for shopping and food in Nice. Some of the most famous markets in this city are the Cours Saleya market and the Marche aux Fleurs. For art lovers, there are a number of museums that you can visit in this city.
You can visit the Chagall Museum which hosts fine art and modern art pieces. There are also other museums such as Matisse Museum, Modern Art and Picasso Museum. Nice is a perfect city where there is always something going on.
What’s the best area to experience the city as a local, what’s the best district for shopping or families, or where to stay on a budget? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Nice.
Quick Overview – Contents
- What is the Best Area to Stay in Nice
- Best Area for First Time Visit
- Best Neighbourhood for Local Experience
- Best Area to Stay for Beach
- Where to Stay with a Family?
- Best Area to Stay for Shopping
- Best District when Travelling by Train
- Where to Stay in Nice on a Budget
- 5 Best Neighourhoods to Stay for Tourists
Top Tips for Where to Stay in Nice
- Best Luxury Hotels in Nice
Hotel Negresco • Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Palais Saleya Boutique hôtel • Hotel 64 Nice - Best Cheap Hotels in Nice
Hôtel Du Centre • Apart’hotel Ajoupa - Best Bed & Breakfast in Nice
Room in Luxe flat @ breakfast • Le Dortoir - Best Budget Hostels in Nice
Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture • La Maïoun Guesthouse
Best Areas to Stay in Nice
Best places to stay in Nice for local experience? Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Old Town is a perfect area for anyone to stay and it is known for ancient streets and 16th century buildings. It has such a dense network of history that makes this neighbourhood an attraction to many travellers who would like to stay among the district’s top sights. In this area you will find the Place Rossetti and other attractions. You can indulge yourself in the Old Town’s shops, or view the areas’ culture in the art galleries. This is a fun and busy neighbourhood that is perfect for short breaks.
What’s the best area to stay in Nice for beach holiday? Promenade des Anglais (beachfront hotels)
Visitors who are looking for a place to chill out, Promenade des Anglais is a good choice. This area is all about the beach. You can enjoy sunny days as you sip drinks in the beachside bars, gaze out across the Baie des Anges or take a walk along the sandy beaches. There are also hotels that you can book for accommodation in this area. Though it is more expensive than the other neighbourhoods, you will find it worth the cost.
What’s the best neighbourhood in Nice for families? Cimiez or near Beach
In the Cimiez district you will find very stylish villas and settings that bring out a sense of the British history. There are so many streets here that are linked to the name of British royals. In this neighbourhood you will also find some brilliant lanes, and Belle Epoque architecture. Cimiez is more of a residential neighbourhood that is suitable for families since it offers a safe and clean place to stay in Nice. There are hotels with high and stylish standards that are perfect for a family’s city retreat or a couple’s holiday.
Best neighbourhood for shopping? New Town (Boulevard Victor Hugo and around Place Masséna)
A lot of effort and funds have gone into turning this district into a modern area. New Town is one of the best places for shopping lovers. Massena is located at the New Town’s centre, with streets that stretch long into various directions. You will find so many designer French fashion labels, and department stores. You can also take your time and visit the retail shops that have something in store for you. There are so many shopping and dining venues in the New Town. You can also find mid-range accommodation in the hotels in this area.
Best area to stay in Nice when travelling by train? Gare de Nice Ville area
The cosmopolitan seaside of Nice is rich of accommodation that suits all visitors’ holiday aspirations. You can stay in luxury hotels of the sea front or you can choose to rent apartments in the city centre. However, if you really value a good quality holiday then you should know that transport is an important aspect. That is why staying in Gare de Nice Ville area is the best solution for you. Here you will find the Nice Ville train station where you can board a train and move to major areas of the city.
Where to stay in Nice on a budget? Port area – Gambetta – Palais des Congrès Acropolis
Gambetta is the 20th arrondissement of Nice, and it has so much of a European style. The city life here is accommodative to every type of visitor. You can spend some time here chilling in the chic eateries and watch the locals come and go. This area is known as a multicultural place that is full of eccentricities of the city. Accommodation in these areas is less costly than other areas in the city. You can book a hotel in Gambetta, Port area, or near Palais des Congres Acropolis.
The 5 Best Areas in Nice French Riviera for Tourists
1. Old Town or Vieux Nice
This is a lively old quarter where you can find so many sites to visit. You can indulge yourself in the old town’s shops or even soak up in the art galleries in this district. During the evening, you can drink and dine in the best spots of the city.
Old Town is a fun and busy place that offers various boutique hotels and chic shopping centres. There are many sights that you can visit in this area while staying in Nice.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Les Suites Massena (Bed and Breakfast)
- Best Cheap Hotels: Hôtel Le Genève • Hotel De La Mer
2. Beachfront areas
One of the best beachfront areas to stay in is Le Port which offers the best views across the harbour. You can easily access this area since it is a walking distance from Old Town. There are also other areas such as Promenade des Anglais, or Rue Bonaparte.
You can also visit this area’s dining and nightlife venues. The area is still down-to-earth with working locals and some rustic eateries. You can book accommodation is the mid-range hotels in this area.
- Best Hotel : Westminster Hotel & Spa
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value : Hotel Flots d’Azur • Villa Eden
3. New Town (around Massena Square)
This is a perfect place for you to stay if you are a visitor and you love city life. There are so many attractions and you can find a lot of things to do in New Town. You can take your time and visit the department stores or shopping centres in the neighbourhood.
There are also many dining venues in this area, with affordable accommodation. Some hotels in New Town have rooftop terraces that are suitable for sunset drinks.
- Best Hotel: Boutique Hôtel Neptune Nice
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Hotel Select • Hotel Lepante
4. Cimiez (around Monastery)
Cimiez is mainly considered as a residential area but there are some museums that make Cimiez popular. If you are visiting, you should visit these museums for a real taste of culture and cultural surroundings.
There are various tourist attraction centres that you can still visit in this neighbourhood.
- Best Hotel: Hôtel Le Petit Palais
- Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels: Hôtel Floride • Hôtel Monsigny
5. Villefranche-sur-Mer (outside the city)
Villefranche-sur-Mer is not that famous and you might not have thought of it as you visit France. One of the main reasons is because it is not too much of a tourist destination but that does not mean you can’t visit or stay in this area.
You can stop on a cruise and enjoy some of the city’s sights. You can visit Saint Elme Citadel which is a fortress that overlooks the harbour.
- Best Hotel: Welcome Hotel
- Best Cheap/Budget Hotels: Hotel La Regence • Hotel De La Darse
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