Old Town Nice Travel Guide

Nice

Old Town Nice
Old Town Nice
Old Town which includes signage and food
Castle Hill featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach
Castle Hill featuring a marina, boating and a bay or harbour

Narrow twisting streets, bustling food markets and charming cafés all combine to make Nice’s Old Town and area bursting with life and character.

This ancient area of Nice is a patchwork of old buildings in colourful pastel undertones. Stroll through the many side alleys and lose yourself in the maze of cobblestoned back streets that all lead to small squares and plazas. Soak up the French café culture like a local and marvel at your surroundings in this paradise of culture and urban activity. Many locals still live in the area and can be heard chatting high above, across streets, over washing lines and balconies.

Situated on the edge of the town centre, amid the foothills of Castle Hill, the Old Town is just a short walk from the beach. Upon entering from the Quai des Étas Unis (the beachfront promenade extending from the Promenade des Anglais), visitors walk straight into the Cours Salaya market place, a thriving square packed with cafés and restaurants. Visit the authentic food markets held every morning except for Mondays when it becomes a flea market. Visitors should try to come early to avoid the crowds during the day and shop with the locals.

Sample local specialties such as the famous Salade Niçoise, or “Pissaladière” (an anchovy and onion tart) from one of the many restaurants in the area. For ice cream lovers, Fenocchio is the most popular ice cream parlour in town and can be found at Place Rosetti. Just across the square is Nice Cathedral, originally built in 1699 and famous for its striking baroque exterior.

Architecture and history enthusiasts will love the Le Palais Lascaris on Rue Droite. A majestic example of 17th and 18th Century architecture, this amazing palace has been renovated into a museum and is open every day except Tuesdays. Admission is free.

The Old Town is designed with pedestrians in mind and can be traversed in just a few minutes. Visitors should not attempt to drive as the streets are narrow and often very crowded. Public transport (trams and buses) will bring you to the outskirts of the town but not directly inside.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Old Town Nice

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France

4 out of 5
4 avenue Max Gallo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹8,345 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹8,345
₹9,890 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,020 reviews)
"Staff was knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. I love the area because he beach is right there.y room had a balcony where I can see the view of the ocean."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Hotel Beau Rivage

Hotel Beau Rivage

4 out of 5
24 Rue Saint Francois De Paule, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹9,013 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
₹9,013
₹10,624 total
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Overall Beau Rivage is a very nice hotel with attentive and accomodating staff. Hotels.com lisiting raved about the access to the Beau Rivage beach club, with chairs and free towels. I decided to pay much more that competing hotels and reserve on Sep 29. When I arrived on Sep 30, I was very disappointed ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Hotel Beau Rivage
Mercure Nice Marche aux Fleurs

Mercure Nice Marche aux Fleurs

4 out of 5
91 Quai Des Etats Unis, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹8,023 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
₹8,023
₹9,535 total
13 Nov - 14 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (862 reviews)
"Lovely staff and comfy rooms! We enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Mercure Nice Marche aux Fleurs
Le Meridien Nice

Le Meridien Nice

4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹18,601 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
₹18,601
₹21,171 total
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (651 reviews)
"Excellent location with amazing views. The room was well designed, spotless and spacious. The breakfast buffet had a wide array of options, all of high quality, and was regularly replenished. The staff do a fabulous job at keeping every element of the stay at an exceptional level."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Le Meridien Nice
OKKO Hotels Nice Aéroport

OKKO Hotels Nice Aéroport

4 out of 5
147 Boulevard René Cassin, Nice
The price is ₹7,488 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
₹7,488
₹8,946 total
24 Oct - 25 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (983 reviews)
"Yes"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

OKKO Hotels Nice Aéroport
Hotel Le Negresco

Hotel Le Negresco

5 out of 5
37 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is ₹32,454 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹32,454
₹36,656 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Javier checked us in and was the most accommodating host ever."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Hotel Le Negresco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Nice

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Carabacel

4.5/5(46 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Carabacel. A stop by Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art or Nice Theatre might round out your trip.

Carabacel
Nice showing interior views, markets and food

Jean-Médecin

While you're in Jean-Médecin, take in top sights like Promenade des Anglais or Nice Étoile Shopping Center, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Massena Tramway Station or Jean Medecin Tramway Station.

Jean-Médecin
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Carre d'Or

While you're in Carre d'Or, take in top sights like Promenade des Anglais and jump on the metro at Massena Tramway Station to see more of the city.

Carre d'Or
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Quartier du Port

While you're in Quartier du Port, take in top sights like Place Garibaldi and jump on the metro at Garibaldi Tram Station to see more of the city.

Quartier du Port
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Lazaret

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Lazaret is known for its waterfront views, and you can plan a trip to Nice Ferry Terminal and Port of Nice while you're in town.

Lazaret
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Nice City Centre

4.5/5(154 area reviews)

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Nice City Centre. Check out top attractions like Promenade des Anglais and Hôtel Negresco, and jump on the metro at Alsace - Lorraine Tram Station or Massena Tramway Station to see more of the city.

Nice City Centre


Old Town Nice Travel Guide