Where to Stay in Nice 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Nice offers the quintessential Côte d'Azur experience - pebbly beaches, Belle Époque architecture, and that famous light that drew Matisse. The compact center makes walking easy between the old town's Italian charm and the iconic Promenade des Anglais. Nice serves as an excellent base for Riviera exploration - Monaco, Cannes, and hilltop villages are easy day trips.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Vieux Nice or Promenade area
Vieux Nice offers the best atmosphere with Cours Saleya market. Promenade hotels put you on the iconic seafront. Both are walking distance to beach and connected by pleasant strolls.
Vieux Nice
Promenade des Anglais
Port / Garibaldi
Cimiez
Libération
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Area around Gare Thiers (train station) less pleasant - better options nearby
- • Some budget hotels near station are dated and noisy
- • Promenade hotels on busy road - request sea-view or interior rooms
- • North Nice suburbs are too far from tourist areas
Understanding Nice Geography
Nice curves along the Baie des Anges. The Promenade des Anglais runs along the beach. Vieux Nice (old town) nestles below Castle Hill at the east end. The port extends beyond. Cimiez rises on the hills north. The new town spreads behind the Promenade.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Nice
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Best for: Cours Saleya market, baroque churches, colorful streets, authentic atmosphere
"Mediterranean maze of terracotta alleys and Italian-influenced charm"
Pros
- Most atmospheric
- Best food market
- Near beach
Cons
- Narrow streets
- Can be noisy
- Limited parking
Promenade des Anglais / Carré d'Or
Best for: Iconic seafront, luxury hotels, beach access, palm-lined walks
"Legendary Riviera seafront with Belle Époque grandeur"
Pros
- Iconic views
- Beach access
- Beautiful walks
Cons
- Expensive
- Touristy
- Busy road noise
Port / Garibaldi
Best for: Yacht harbor, local restaurants, antique market, authentic dining
"Working harbor with excellent local restaurants"
Pros
- Best local dining
- Less touristy
- Harbor views
Cons
- Far from beach
- Less scenic
- Industrial edges
Cimiez
Best for: Matisse Museum, Roman ruins, Belle Époque villas, quiet elegance
"Hilltop elegance with museums and Belle Époque mansions"
Pros
- Major museums
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Beautiful gardens
Cons
- Far from beach
- Needs bus
- Limited dining
Libération / New Town
Best for: Local market, authentic Nice, budget accommodation, residential life
"Working-class Nice with excellent local market"
Pros
- Best local market
- Great value
- Authentic atmosphere
Cons
- Far from beach
- Less scenic
- Fewer sights
Accommodation Budget in Nice
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Villa Saint Exupéry Beach Hostel
New Town
A vibrant, social hostel located in the heart of Nice, just steps from Place Massena and the beach. It features a popular on-site bar, fitness center, and organized activities like pub crawls and walking tours.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Villa La Tour
Vieux Nice
Intimate 18th-century townhouse with Provençal charm, rooftop terrace views, and quiet location in the heart of the old town.
Hôtel Excelsior by HappyCulture
Near Station
Belle Époque charm with modern updates, excellent service, and convenient location.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Hôtel La Pérouse
Castle Hill
Clifftop boutique built into the rock with pool, sea views, and peaceful terrace.
Le Negresco
Promenade des Anglais
Legendary Belle Époque palace with art-filled interiors, seafront views, and timeless French grandeur. National historic monument status.
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
Promenade des Anglais
Beachfront luxury in restored Art Deco palace with rooftop pool and Mediterranean views.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Nice Garden Hotel
New Town
Hidden gem with beautiful garden courtyard, personal service, and peaceful atmosphere.
Smart Booking Tips for Nice
- 1 Book 3-4 months ahead for Nice Carnival (February), Jazz Festival (July), summer season
- 2 Summer (June-August) is peak with highest prices and crowds
- 3 Winter offers 30-40% discounts with mild weather (10-15°C / 50-59°F)
- 4 Many hotels include continental breakfast - compare value
- 5 Consider Nice as Riviera base - day trip to Monaco, Cannes, Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Nice.
Updated: February 12, 2026
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Nice: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.