Nice is the Côte d'Azur's vibrant capital, a buzzing year-round city on a striking stretch of coastline. Glitzy Cannes and St-Tropez may vie for the attentions of visitors with their glamorous summer calendars, but Nice is a thriving melting pot with stacks to see and do as a couple, or with friends and family in the spring and autumn, too. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, reflecting the vast array of tastes and budgets of those who choose to holiday in the city. Our pick of the best places to stay in Nice reflects exactly that, offering everything from simple B&Bs to chic boutique boltholes.
A popular seaside resort since the 18th Century, Nice was once a hotspot for consumptive Brits seeking to soak up the restorative sea air. The impressive Promenade des Anglais — named for these historic holidaymakers — is now a lovely place for a stroll, some shopping and a superb seafood lunch. Hit the beach for sunbathing, swimming and sailing, or venture inland to explore Vieux Nice.
The opulent townhouses and enormous squares of the old town feel timeless. Pick a perch in Place Garibaldi for some people-watching with your coffee, choose flowers or cheese at the Cours Saleya Market, or head up to the ruins of Castle Hill for panoramic views. Cultural highlights include the Musée Massena, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral, Sainte-Reparate Cathedral, the Matisse & Picasso Museum and the Marc Chagall National Museum. Don’t miss discovering the gardens of the Phoenix Parc Floral, either.
The best places to stay in Nice offer a remarkable opportunity to discover the capital of the Côte d'Azur, teeming with life throughout the year.
