Thinking about your base
Nice is compact and easy to navigate. The trams cross the centre and link the airport to the city, and most sights are walkable. Even so, neighbourhoods differ in character, noise levels and price, and the right one depends on whether you want to wake up to the sea, step out into medieval lanes or live like a local.
Because Nice is also an excellent base for exploring the wider Riviera, being near the main train station or a tram stop is a real advantage.
Promenade des Anglais and Carré d'Or
The seafront is lined with hotels, from grand belle époque palaces to modern towers, many with balconies looking over the Baie des Anges. Waking up to that view is a quintessential Riviera experience, though sea-facing rooms come at a premium and traffic runs along the Promenade.
Just behind it, the Carré d'Or, or golden square, is an elegant district of shops, restaurants and smart apartments, close to both the beach and the old town. It is a comfortable and central choice for first-time visitors.
Vieux Nice and the Port
Staying in the old town puts you in the middle of the atmosphere, with markets and restaurants on your doorstep. Accommodation is mostly in small hotels and apartments in historic buildings, which may have narrow staircases and no lift. The lanes can be lively late into the evening.
The Port district, just east of the castle hill, has a more local feel, with cafes, antique shops and restaurants around the harbour. It is also where ferries to Corsica depart and is within walking distance of the old town.
Jean-Médecin, Libération and Cimiez
Around the main shopping avenue of Jean-Médecin and the train station, hotels tend to be more affordable and transport is excellent, which suits travellers planning many day trips. Further north, Libération has a much-loved daily market and a residential, everyday atmosphere.
Up on the hill, Cimiez is quiet and leafy, with villas and gardens close to the Matisse and Chagall museums. It suits travellers who prefer calm evenings and do not mind a bus ride to the beach. If you want to bundle your stay with your AeroVista flight to NCE, a Flight + Hotel package lets you compare these areas side by side.
Good to know
- In summer, air conditioning is essential; check that your room has it before booking.
- Ask whether your old town apartment has a lift, especially if you have heavy luggage.
- Staying near a tram stop makes airport transfers straightforward.