Where to Stay in Nice: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)

I based myself in Nice for three days while exploring the French Riviera, using it as my base for day trips to Monaco and Menton. Looking back, I’d make exactly the same decision again.

Nice has by far the best transport connections on the coast, hundreds of accommodation options for every budget, and enough restaurants, beaches and things to do that you won’t run out of places to explore once the day trippers leave. Instead of constantly packing and changing hotels, I stayed in one place and took the train everywhere.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Nice, this guide breaks down the best areas depending on your budget, travel style and what you’re planning to do, whether you’re here for the beaches, sightseeing or using Nice as a base to explore the rest of the French Riviera.

Where to Stay in Nice: Quick Answer

If you don’t want to read the whole guide, here’s my recommendation:

✅ Best overall: Jean Médecin

✅ Best for first-time visitors: Vieux Nice (Old Town)

✅ Best for beaches: Promenade des Anglais

✅ Best for luxury: Carré d’Or

✅ Best for budget travellers: Near Nice-Ville Station

From my own trip, I’d choose Jean Médecin or Vieux Nice. They’re central, easy to walk around, well connected by public transport, and make day trips to Monaco, Menton and the rest of the French Riviera incredibly easy. They’re also the areas I’d recommend to most people wondering where to stay in Nice for a first visit.

Why Stay in Nice?

I stayed in Nice for three days while exploring the French Riviera, using it as my base for day trips to Monaco and Menton. As a budget traveller, staying in Monaco was never really an option for me, and honestly, I don’t think I missed out on anything.

Nice is the best-connected city on the French Riviera, with direct trains to Monaco, Menton, Cannes, Antibes and plenty of other places along the coast. Instead of packing my bag every day and changing hotels, I stayed in one place and took the train everywhere, which made the whole trip a lot easier.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Nice, accommodation is another huge advantage. There are hundreds of hotels, apartments and hostels across every budget, so it’s much easier to find somewhere that suits both your trip and your wallet. Monaco, on the other hand, has very few hotels and some eye-watering prices.

I also liked having more restaurant options, supermarkets nearby and somewhere that felt like an actual city rather than somewhere built almost entirely around luxury tourism. Unless staying in a five-star hotel is part of the experience you’re looking for, I genuinely think Nice is the better base for most people.

If I came back to the French Riviera tomorrow, I’d stay in Nice again without thinking twice.

Best Areas to Stay in Nice

Vieux Nice (Old Town)

If it’s your first time visiting the city, Vieux Nice is one of the best answers to where to stay in Nice. This is the historic centre, full of narrow streets, colourful buildings, little cafés, restaurants and ice cream shops. It’s also where you’ll probably spend most of your time sightseeing, with Castle Hill, the beach and the Promenade des Anglais all within walking distance.

I loved wandering around here during the day, but I personally wouldn’t choose it if you’re a light sleeper. It stays busy well into the evening, especially during summer, and many of the older buildings aren’t the best at blocking out noise.

Best for

• First-time visitors
• Couples
• Sightseeing
• Anyone who wants to walk everywhere

Pros

• Walking distance to Nice’s main attractions
• Lots of restaurants, cafés and bars
• Full of character and atmosphere
• Easy access to the beach and Promenade des Anglais

Cons

• Can be noisy at night
• Older buildings often have smaller rooms
• Driving and parking can be difficult in the pedestrian streets

→ Check hotels in Vieux Nice

Jean Médecin

If I had to recommend just one area where to stay in Nice, this would probably be it. Jean Médecin is the city centre, stretching around Nice’s main shopping street and the train station. It’s not as pretty as the Old Town, but it’s more practical, especially if you’re planning lots of day trips like I was.

This is where I’d stay if I came back. You’re within walking distance of the Old Town and the beach, but you also have the train station, tram lines, supermarkets and plenty of restaurants right on your doorstep. It just makes everything easier.

Best for

• First-time visitors
• Day trips around the French Riviera
• Shopping
• Anyone relying on public transport

Pros

• Walking distance to the Old Town and beach
• Closest area to Nice-Ville train station
• Huge choice of hotels for different budgets
• Plenty of shops, supermarkets and restaurants

Cons

• Less character than Vieux Nice
• Busy during the day
• Doesn’t have the same historic feel

→ Check hotels near Jean Médecin

Promenade des Anglais

If your priority is waking up by the sea, this is probably where to stay in Nice. The Promenade des Anglais runs along the waterfront for several kilometres, with beaches on one side and hotels on the other.

I loved walking along here, especially around sunset, but I personally wouldn’t pay the premium just for a sea view. Since I spent most of my days exploring Monaco and Menton, I’d rather save the money and stay somewhere more central. That said, if relaxing by the beach is a big part of your trip, it’s hard to beat.

Best for

• Beach holidays
• Couples
• Luxury stays
• Anyone wanting a sea view

Pros

• Right on the beach
• Amazing Mediterranean views
• Great choice of hotels
• Perfect for evening walks

Cons

• Generally more expensive
• Further from Nice-Ville station depending on where you stay
• You’ll probably walk more to reach some attractions

→ Check hotels on Promenade des Anglais

Carré d’Or

If you’re looking for a more upscale stay, Carré d’Or is one of the best answers to where to stay in Nice. Sitting between the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, it’s known for boutique hotels, designer shops and some of the city’s nicest restaurants.

Even as a budget traveller, I can see why people choose this area. It’s central enough to walk almost everywhere, quieter than the Old Town at night, and has a slightly more polished feel without being as expensive as staying in Monaco.

Best for

• Luxury travellers
• Couples
• Food lovers
• Anyone wanting a central location

Pros

• Excellent central location
• Walking distance to the beach and Old Town
• Great restaurants and cafés
• Plenty of boutique and luxury hotels

Cons

• One of the more expensive areas in Nice
• Less nightlife than Vieux Nice
• Not ideal if you’re trying to keep costs down

→ Check hotels in Carré d’Or

Nice-Ville Station

If you’re arriving by train or planning loads of day trips, this is one of the most practical answers to where to stay in Nice. The area around Nice-Ville Station isn’t the prettiest part of the city, but it’s incredibly convenient. You can walk to the Old Town in about 15–20 minutes, while Monaco, Menton, Cannes and Antibes are all an easy train ride away.

This is the area I’d choose if I came back specifically to explore more of the French Riviera. Being able to walk a few minutes to the station every morning is a lot nicer than dragging your suitcase across the Old Town’s cobbled streets.

Best for

• Day trips around the French Riviera
• Budget travellers
• Train travel
• Short stays

Pros

• Closest area to Nice-Ville Station
• Usually better hotel prices than the Old Town
• Easy access to trains across the Riviera
• Plenty of cafés, supermarkets and everyday shops

Cons

• Less character than other parts of Nice
• Not directly on the beach
• Can feel busy around the station

→ Check hotels near Nice-Ville Station

My Hotel Recommendations in Nice

If you’ve already decided where to stay in Nice but don’t want to spend hours scrolling through Booking.com, these are the hotels I’d look at first.

Best Hostel: SLO Hostel Nice

This is one of the best-rated hostels in Nice and a solid choice if you’re travelling on a budget. It has modern rooms, a social atmosphere and a great location that’s within walking distance of both the train station and the city centre, making it an excellent base for day trips around the French Riviera.

Best Budget Hotel: Best Western Alba

If you want a private room without spending a fortune, this is one of the best value hotels in Nice. It’s right on Avenue Jean Médecin, close to Nice-Ville Station, shops, restaurants and the tram, so it’s hard to beat for convenience.

Best Mid-Range Hotel: Best Western Plus Hôtel Brice Garden Nice

A good middle ground if you want a little more comfort without moving into luxury prices. It’s close to the Promenade des Anglais, within walking distance of the beach and the Old Town, and works well whether you’re staying in Nice or using it as a base for exploring the rest of the Riviera.

Best Luxury Hotel: Hotel Le Negresco

If money isn’t a concern, this is probably the most iconic hotel in Nice. Sitting right on the Promenade des Anglais, it’s famous for its historic architecture, luxury rooms and sea views, making it one of the city’s landmark hotels.

→ Check all hotels in Nice

Should You Stay in Nice or Monaco?

If you’re deciding between the two, I’d recommend Nice for almost everyone. That’s exactly what I did, and I’d make the same choice again.

Monaco is great to visit, but it’s tiny and expensive. Nice has far more accommodation, better restaurants, easier transport connections and makes a much better base for exploring the French Riviera. The train to Monaco only takes around 25 minutes, so you can easily visit for the day without paying Monaco hotel prices.

If you’re still undecided, I’ve put together a full comparison in my guide below.

→ Where to Stay in Monaco

Practical Information

Which area in Nice is best if you don’t have a car?

Pretty much all of the areas in this guide work well without a car. I explored Nice and the rest of the French Riviera entirely by train and on foot. If you’re relying on public transport, I’d stay in Jean Médecin, Vieux Nice or near Nice-Ville Station, where you’ll have easy access to trains, trams and buses.

Which area is best for day trips from Nice?

I’d choose Jean Médecin or somewhere close to Nice-Ville Station. Most day trips to Monaco, Menton, Cannes and Antibes start from the train station, so staying nearby saves time every morning.

Which area is closest to Nice Airport?

The Promenade des Anglais is the closest area to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, especially the western end of the promenade. If you’re staying in the city centre, the airport is still easy to reach by tram in around 25–30 minutes.

When should you book hotels in Nice?

If you’re visiting between June and September, I’d book as early as possible. Nice is one of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera, and prices increase quickly during summer. If you’re travelling in spring or autumn, you’ll usually have a lot more choice and better prices.

FAQs

Is it better to stay in Nice or Cannes?

Nice is the better base for most travellers. It has better transport connections, more accommodation choices and makes visiting places like Monaco, Menton and Antibes much easier. Cannes is worth visiting, but I’d keep it as a day trip.

Is it worth staying in Vieux Nice?

Yes, especially if it’s your first visit. Vieux Nice puts you within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions, restaurants and the beach. Just keep in mind that it can be noisy during summer evenings.

Is Nice a good base for exploring the French Riviera?

Absolutely. I based myself in Nice for three days and used it for day trips to Monaco and Menton. With direct trains running all along the coast, it’s easily the most practical place to stay if you want to explore more than one destination.

Is it cheaper to stay in Nice or Monaco?

Nice is significantly cheaper. You’ll find everything from budget hostels to luxury hotels, while Monaco has a much smaller selection of accommodation and much higher prices.

What is the safest area to stay in Nice?

The central tourist areas, including Vieux Nice, Jean Médecin, Carré d’Or and the Promenade des Anglais, are generally good choices for visitors. Like any popular city, just keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas and around transport hubs.

Should I stay near Nice-Ville Station?

If you’re planning several day trips by train, yes. It’s one of the most convenient locations in the city and still within walking distance of the Old Town and the beach.

Are hotels in Nice expensive?

It depends on the season. Summer is by far the most expensive time to visit, especially July and August. Booking a few months in advance usually gives you the best choice and prices.

Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Nice

If you’re still wondering where to stay in Nice, my advice is simple: use Nice as your base for the whole French Riviera.

That’s exactly what I did, and I’d do it the same way again. The city has the best transport connections on the coast, accommodation for every budget, and it’s close enough to places like Monaco and Menton that you can easily visit them as day trips without constantly changing hotels.

For most people, I’d recommend staying around Jean Médecin or Vieux Nice. Both are central, easy to get around on foot, and make exploring the rest of the Riviera incredibly straightforward.

At the end of the day, there’s no single perfect answer to where to stay in Nice because it depends on your budget and travel style. But unless you’re specifically travelling to Monaco for the luxury hotels or casino experience, I genuinely think Nice gives you the best overall experience and the best value for money.

Read my Nice Guides

Is Nice Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Day Trips from Nice: 10 Amazing Places You can Easily Visit 

Is Nice Worth visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

Nice, France Solo Travel: A Practical Guide (2026)

How Many Days in Nice do you Need? My Honest Recommendation (2026)

1 Day in Nice: The Perfect Itinerary (2026)

2 Day Nice Itinerary: Nice Plus a French Riviera Day Trip (2026)

Itinerary Nice, France: The Complete Guide for 1 to 4 days (2026)

25 Best Things to Do in Nice France (2026)

Nice France Guide (2026): Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Best Day Tours from Nice: 15 Experiences Actually Worth Your Money (2026)

Read my Monaco Guides

Is Monaco Worth Visiting? My honest Review

Is Monaco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

How Many Days in Monaco do you Need?

Best Time to Visit Monaco: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

How to Get to Monaco from Nice: Every Option Explained (2026)

The Monaco Itinerary I’d Recommend to Anyone Visiting for the First Time

Day Trip Nice to Monaco: The Easiest Way to Visit Monaco (2026)

Where to Stay in Monaco: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)

20 Best Things to Do in Monaco: Attractions You Can’t Miss (2026)

Monaco Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit (2026)

Read my Menton Guides

Is Menton Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

Is Menton, France Safe? My Honest Experience as a Solo Female Traveler (2026)

Best Time to Visit Menton: A Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

How Many Days in Menton Do You Need? My Honest Recommendation (2026)

Nice to Menton: Best Ways to Get There (Train, Bus, Car & Day Trip Guide) (2026)

Where to Stay in Menton: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget (2026)

Day Trip to Menton from Nice: The Perfect Itinerary (2026)

10 Best Day Trips from Menton You Shouldn’t Miss (2026)

Menton Itinerary: How I’d Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days in Menton (2026)

25 Best Things to Do in Menton, France (2026 Guide)

Menton Guide (2026): Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting The Most Beautiful Village of the French Riviera

Read my French Riviera Guides

French Riviera on a Budget: How to Visit Without Breaking the Bank (2026)

10 Towns on French Riviera Ranked: From Overrated to Must-Visit (2026)

Solo Travel South of France: Mini Guide (2026)

French Riviera Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)