Updated September 7, 2023

Nice has the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, miles of coastline, beckoning mountains, and a maze of twisted turns in the old town. There is truly so much in this idyllic southern French beach town. So in this city which is itself one of the best places to stay in France, how do you decide exactly where to stay so as not to miss a thing? Whether it’s big avenues and quiet mornings or buzzing nightlife and Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s a neighborhood that will fit your needs perfectly. Here are nine of the areas to choose from in Nice and why each one could be your perfect home base.

For being a local: Cimiez

North of central Nice, Cimiez is a slightly more upscale neighborhood filled with tree-lined avenues, ample history, and lots of local residents living in big, beautiful apartment buildings. One of your questions about visiting France might be whether or not you need to speak French, and while generally, it’s not necessary, staying somewhere like Cimiez will give you more opportunities to practice! If you’re familiar with New York City, you might feel you’re back on the Upper East Side here. This all means that staying in Cimiez will offer a quieter, calmer stay surrounded by locals. Plus you’ll have some of the best spots to visit in Nice, like the Monastère & Jardin Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez right nearby. Keep in mind that while you’re still not far from the center of Nice, and you can get there in about a 30-minute walk, you will be walking uphill headed home.

Since this is primarily a residential neighborhood, you’ll find fewer hotels, but check out this Airbnb with a great view!

For great eats: Libération

If you’re looking to be surrounded by the unique gastronomy that makes Nice such a great place to stay in France, as well as a fun, lively vibe, consider booking your stay in the Libération neighborhood. As well as awesome restaurant options, you’ll also find Liberation Market here, so you can easily pick up food while brushing shoulders with locals going about their day. This kind of easy, upbeat life draws a diverse pool of people, adding right back again into the vitality of the neighborhood. While the Libération neighborhood is a similar distance from Old Town and downtown Nice as neighboring Cimiez, the 30-minute walk is much flatter and therefore more accessible. 

For a charming stay in a gorgeously renovated building, check out Hotel Villa Rose.

For more space: La Conque

Staying in La Conque brings you outside of central Nice and it isn’t the most convenient area to get to – meaning you’re probably going to want to have a car or a driver. But don’t let that deter you entirely. Depending on the type of vacation you’re hoping to have, this neighborhood could be perfect. It offers more spacious options for accommodation with things like villas and pools on offer – some of the coolest places to stay in one of the best cities to stay in France. If you’re traveling in groups or with kids this could be preferable over the smaller hotel rooms you’ll have access to if you situate yourself in town.

For an exceptional stay in the hills, check out Castel Enchanté.

For the buzz: The Old Town

If you’d like to be very, very central, the Old Town of Nice is the spot for you. Staying here you’ll have everything you might need right at your fingertips, from eating and drinking to shopping and markets. While you will end up paying a higher price tag for this central location, if it’s your first time in Nice you should consider biting the bullet and finding accommodation in Old Town as it’s a great way to get a feel for the city.  

With an excellent Old Town location, check out Les Suites Massena.

For walkability: The Port

Very near Old Town, but also with easier access to the Promenade along the beachfront, which is one of the reasons Nice is one of the best places to visit In France, is the port. You’ll find you have plenty of bus stops on your doorstep to make sure you can get around. The amount and quality of restaurants aren’t as great as other areas, but again, you’ll have easy access to other neighborhoods. Another great bonus in this area is that a large amount of the streets are pedestrianized, so if you’re looking to be close to the waters of the French Riviera, plus be somewhere that is still buzzy but away from traffic, the port is the spot for you. 

A great, friendly choice in the area is Hotel du Pin Nice Port.

For upscale and luxury: Le Carré d'Or

Le Carré d'Or is another neighborhood that leans more towards being residential than touristy but it remains within an easy walking distance both to the attractions and shops of downtown as well as the beaches, which in and of themselves make Nice one of the best cities to stay in France. Le Carré d'Or is one of the more upscale and prestigious neighborhoods of the city (the name does mean Gold Square after all!). The architecture in the neighborhood is largely Belle Epoque, so the gorgeous buildings were built throughout the 1800s, rather than during the Gothic period, as much of the other parts of Nice will display. 

Check out the comfortable apartments at Goldstar Apartments & Suites for a little extra space during your stay

For budget-friendly stays: Gambetta

With the neighborhood of Gambetta, you’re getting slightly farther from the central areas of Nice, making accommodation options slightly more affordable and a good option for those on a tighter budget. In neighborhoods like this, you’re more likely to find hidden gems, and though you’re farther from the center of town you’re still close to the beaches and the train station, plus you have plenty of cafes and restaurants right in the neighborhood.

While not super low budget, Locarno offers a really nice choice of accommodation at a reasonable rate

For shopping: Jean-Médecin

Jean-Médecin is the formal name of the neighborhood otherwise known as New Town. The name is also that of the avenue which runs through the middle of the area, it’s an ideal place to be based for anyone interested in doing lots of shopping as you’ll be able to find all sorts of designer brands. If you visit Nice around Christmas time you’ll find a lovely market here. As a central neighborhood, Jean-Médecin is also safe and quite busy, and generally, people can wander around into the evening without any issue.

At the top end of the neighborhood, check out the gorgeous Hôtel Khla Nice.

For beaches: Les Baumettes

Going even farther to the west of the city, and more on the outskirts, is Les Baumettes. The area is quiet and residential and it is a longer walk into town, but there are a myriad of buses that can get you there quickly and easily. If you’re in town for something like the Grand Prix you might find better deals going this far out of downtown. Of course, you don’t need to wait for any special event to enjoy this beautiful neighborhood, and it may also be a good choice for those who plan to head out of the city often and want easier access to the highways. 

Now you know the best place to base yourself, but what about the rest of your trip to Nice? Make sure to read up on all of the great things there are to do in Nice.