Old Town Nice

Nice

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

Food markets, tiny streets and packed cafés make up Nice’s picturesque old town.

Nice’s Old Town, “Vieux Nice”, is a sea of pastel-colored buildings, old churches and narrow alleyways. Its streets are filled with shops and restaurants, tiny squares and crowded cafés. Spend a day getting lost in the charming back streets or settle at an outdoor table in one of the squares to people-watch. Plenty of locals still live in the area. Look up to see washing lines strung between balconies and neighbors chatting through open shutters.

The Old Town lies between Castle Hill and the town center, a block in from the beach and the Quai des Étas Unis (the beachfront promenade which extends from the Promenade des Anglais). Walk under a set of old archways and into the Cours Salaya, an outdoor market place surrounded by cafés and restaurants. Pick up fresh local produce and flowers every morning, except Mondays, when it becomes a flea market. Come early to avoid the crowds and shop with the locals.

Restaurants serve up local specialties such as Salade Niçoise, or “Pissaladière”, an anchovy and onion tart. Head into the alleyways for smaller, less crowded restaurants. Join the lines at Fenocchio in Place Rosetti, the most popular ice cream parlor in town. The Cathédral Sainte Reparate, or Nice Cathedral, is just across the square. It was built in 1699 and is characterized by a striking baroque façade. Wander inside to admire relics from the Glory Saint of Reparata.

Le Palais Lascaris on the busy Rue Droite is one of the grandest examples of Baroque architecture in the city. The palace was built in the 17th and 18th centuries and has been restored as a museum. It’s open every day except Tuesdays, and admission is free.

The best way to explore the Old Town is on foot. Don’t even attempt to drive many of the streets are narrow, one-way or pedestrian-only. Public transport, including trams and buses, runs to the Old Town but not inside. It is small enough to walk from one side to the other in a matter of minutes. Spend at least half a day to take it all in.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


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 €245 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
€245
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was a block away from the beach and a block away from Palace Messa- great location! The hotel was also super clean, nicely decorated, very nice staff. I would highly recommend to anyone"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 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 €311 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€311
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location. Right near all the shops and outdoor restaurants. Across from the beach."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Hotel Beau Rivage
Fairmont Monte Carlo

Fairmont Monte Carlo

4 out of 5
12 Avenue de Spélugues, Monte Carlo, Monaco
The price is €477 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€477
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Monaco. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location. Good dining options and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Fairmont Monte Carlo
Le Meridien Beach Plaza

Le Meridien Beach Plaza

4 out of 5
22 Avenue Princesse Grace, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €490 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€490
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Monaco. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Lovely service, great pool and private beach, good breakfast, very nice restaurant (Muse)"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Le Meridien Beach Plaza
Le Meridien Nice

Le Meridien Nice

4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is €510 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€510
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (613 reviews)
"Near the beach. Lovely staff."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Le Meridien Nice
Yelo Mozart Hotel Les Musiciens, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

Yelo Mozart Hotel Les Musiciens, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

4 out of 5
9 Avenue Baquis, Nice, PAC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €216 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€216
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Promenade des Anglais and Hôtel ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (165 reviews)
"We had a family room. Queen with two twin beds and it was over the top perfect and our best stay in Europe. Beautiful. Spacious. North American in style and comfort. Great stay."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Yelo Mozart Hotel Les Musiciens, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy
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 markets, interior views 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

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