Nice sits on the French Riviera, at the foot of the Alps on the Mediterranean, and its seafront promenade — the Promenade des Anglais — gives the city its shape and its character. The old town, the port and the long curve of beach are all within reach of one another, which makes the choice of where to sleep more about the kind of trip you want than about distance.
For a visitor, the city is easiest to read as a series of bands: the seafront and the streets just behind it, the old quarter around the castle hill, the area around the main railway station, and the tram corridors running inland. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the accommodation levels differ. It does not recommend individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Nice
1. Between the main station and the promenade
This is the most convenient general base, in particular the streets below Boulevard Victor Hugo and east of Boulevard Gambetta. You are within walking distance of both the seafront and the station, which matters if you plan day trips along the coast.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to move around easily. The area holds a wide range of modern and traditional French hotels, from small mid-range places to upscale addresses, and it is where most of the city's hotel capacity is concentrated.
2. The old town and the port side
The old quarter is the historic core, close to the sea and the old port, and it is mainly apartments rather than hotels — so this is the area to look at if you want self-catering or a longer stay. It suits travellers who would rather be in the middle of the streets and squares than near the station.
Note that few hotels sit in the old quarter itself. If you want a hotel room with this atmosphere, look at the addresses just below the castle hill, next to the lift that connects the seafront with the hill above.
3. Along the tram corridors inland
Hotels further from the seafront are most convenient in the vicinity of the tramway along Avenue Jean Médecin or Avenue de la République. The tram line runs along the route of the covered River Paillon toward the Acropolis, so these addresses keep you connected to the centre without paying for a sea view.
This suits budget-conscious travellers and anyone staying longer who wants shops and transport on the doorstep. Expect a walk, or a short tram ride, to reach the beach.
4. Near the airport
There are a number of hotels within walking distance of Terminal 1, and a special shuttle bus serves other hotels in Nice itself. Be aware that the airport hotels are a long way from the centre — roughly seven kilometres — so reaching the city takes a bus journey or a taxi.
This suits travellers with an early flight or a short stopover, not those who want to spend their days in the old town.
5. Fabron
Fabron is a residential district further along the coast, with shops and the beach within walking distance and the old port and airport a drive away. It suits visitors who prefer a quieter, more local setting and do not mind relying on buses or a car.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: youth hostels, including dorm rooms with shared kitchens, and simple small hotels. Some hostels sit near the shopping centre in the heart of the city or a short bus ride north of the centre.
- Mid-range: small, perfectly acceptable hotels at decent rates, often in Art Deco or traditional buildings, some near the promenade and some close to the old town. Rooms tend to be typically French in size; sea views and balconies cost more.
- Splurge: landmark and upscale hotels on or near the Promenade des Anglais and in the city centre, with services such as concierge, valet, pools and spas. Prices vary widely by season.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself between the main station and the promenade, particularly below Boulevard Victor Hugo and east of Boulevard Gambetta. It puts the seafront, the old town and the station within walking distance, and it has the widest choice of hotels at every level. For a first trip, that combination of access and choice is hard to beat.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay near Nice airport?
Only if you have an early departure or a short stopover. The airport hotels are about seven kilometres from the centre, so you will need a bus or taxi to reach the city.
Can I stay in the old town itself?
The old quarter is mainly apartments rather than hotels, so it suits self-catering stays. If you want a hotel with that atmosphere, look just below the castle hill, near the lift connecting the seafront to the hill.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the beach?
The streets between the station and the promenade put you within walking distance of the sea, as do addresses just below the castle hill. Hotels further inland along the tram lines are cheaper but require a walk or a tram ride to the beach.
Do I need a car to get around from these areas?
No. The tram runs along Avenue Jean Médecin and Avenue de la République, and the central areas are walkable. A car is more useful if you base yourself in a residential district such as Fabron.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.