The Best Hotels in Nice

Nice is a conundrum of a city, with a wide array of attractions and characteristics all melded together to create an intriguing, unique place. The landscape and feel of the city shifts dramatically between the narrow streets and Baroque era architecture of Vieux Nice to the waterfront, along which the Promenade des Anglais draws visitors to the region’s beach. A pedestrianized walkway allows joggers and sightseers an idyllic route to the sea. Both a thriving, multicultural, cosmopolitan port city and a culinary capital, Nice has something for everyone with the sort of glamor which is unmistakeably a feature of the French Riviera.

Things to see

Nice’s most notable attraction may well be the Promenade des Anglais, where cafés, vendors, and street entertainers all jostle for your attention with their – admittedly somewhat overpriced – allure. Dating back to the 18th Century, this walkway not only creates a perfect spot for people watching, it’s also provided visitors with a panoramic view of the azure blue of the Mediterranean, and as long as you watch out for cyclists on the somewhat easy-to-miss bike lane, you’ll find it a relaxing place to wander. It’s also home to the city’s Carnival every February. Place Messena, a square in the old part of the city, also draws performers and dancers, as well as featuring gardens, a stunning statue of Apollo, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Dating back to the 17th Century, the Baroque Nice Cathedral is another slice of historic Nice which contains 10 chapels and a Genoese style tiled cupola.

Hotels in Nice

This being the Riviera, you’d be justified in expecting to find luxury and style – and you won’t be disappointed. There are lots of hotels in Nice catering to the high-end, five-star, customer, and as well as offering WiFi and flat-screen televisions some will offer a beach-front location, sea views. and bars on-site. You’ll also be able to find mid-range hotels well geared to families as well as business travelers. Location and views are key to Nice’s hotel offerings, so expect to pay more to see the sea, or the panorama from the chateaux.

Where to stay

If you’ve come to Nice, chances are it’s for the sea air, so many people opt to stay within a stone’s throw of the pebble beach on the Promenade des Anglais. As well as putting you on hand for the sun and beach experience, you’ll have access to an array of – admittedly expensive – beachfront restaurants, entertainers and be able to watch the flow of amblers, rollerbladers and joggers as they pass by. The Old Town, or Vieux Nice, is full of 16th Century streets packed with color, flowers, and antiques markets. More suburban, the harbor town of Saint-Laurent-du-Var is a glamorous alternative to the Promenade.

How to get to

The most popular entry point to Nice is the Cote d'Azur Airport, which is around 6 kilometers from the center of the city. There’s no direct train service from the airport into Nice, but there are buses which run regularly every 20 minutes during peak hours. Nice Ville station connects the city, and its beach, to many other coastal towns in the region, with regular train departures and connections to resorts including Cannes and Monaco. Talking of Monaco, a 7-minute helicopter ride from Nice to the casino capital can be arranged via Monaco heliport.

When are the best times to travel to Nice?

Summer is the quintessential season to visit the ravishing Riviera, and there’s no better season for basking by the sparkling waters of the bay, and relaxing in one of the many outdoor cafés. That said, if you’d prefer a quieter holiday, the shoulder seasons of early spring and late autumn may be more to your taste. Even winter has its charms in Nice – after all, it’s in February that the flamboyant Nice Carnival brings colourful floats, costumed party animals and an air of adventure to the city streets.

What are the top must-see attractions in Nice?

Wherever your hotel in Nice happens to be, you won’t be far from the area’s major scenic attraction: the Promenade des Anglais. Named in homage to the English holidaymakers who first made Nice famous as a tourist destination, it’s a sweeping stretch of seafront where you can stroll or cycle, or simply sit on one of the famous blue chairs to gaze out at the lapping waters. Visiting the Neo-Classical, 19th-century Nice Observatory makes for an enjoyable day’s excursion, while Nice Cathedral, dating back to the 17th century, is another historical must-see.

What are the best types of food and restaurants in Nice?

As befits one of Europe’s holiday capitals, Nice serves us food to satisfy every palate – whether you’re after classic brasserie fare, or exotic fusion food. No-frills eateries serve up Riviera classics like beef daube and ratatouille, all to be washed down by rose wine. While there are fine dining restaurants in the stately old hotels, where you can keep an eye out for celebrities and royalty, anyone seeking more casual options should check out Vieux Nice – the old town district.

What are the top things to do in Nice?

This picturesque, sun-drenched slice of France has long inspired great artists. One of them was Matisse, and some of his greatest works can be seen in the Musée Matisse, which chronicles his artistic evolution right up to his final works. The paintings of another giant of 20th century art can be seen at the Musée Marc Chagall, which features some of his important religiously inspired works. Afterwards, take a turn through the winding labyrinth of Vieux Nice, which is packed with boutiques and bars.

What are some fun facts about Nice?

The colourful history of Nice features a folk hero called Catherine Ségurane, a washerwoman who apparently repelled Turkish invaders in the 16th century by flashing her bare backside. Even more famous than Catherine is the Hotel Negresco, a palatial pad known for hosting guests including Picasso, Frank Sinatra and Richard Burton – who famously left a priceless necklace in the bar after a night’s drinking. Ever wondered what the word “ratatouille” actually means? The famous vegetable stew gets its name from the verb “touiller”, which means to “stir up”.

What kinds of public transport are there in Nice?

Travel in Nice is a doddle. For one thing, you’ll probably want to do most of your exploring on foot, since it’s such a pleasure to stroll these idyllic streets, and most of the major attractions are concentrated in the centre of town. If you need to get somewhere more swiftly, hop on one of the local buses, or make use of the sleek modern tram service.