Old Town Nice

Nice
Old Town Nice
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
3 out of 5
4 avenue Max Gallo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is €90 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
€90
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 3-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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Excellent hotel with perfect location. I loved my room with a balcony and and ocean view. I would stay there again."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

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 €103 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
€103
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The front desk staff was amazing particularly Roxanne and the Young concierge guy. Also Sophie in the restaurant was super polite and helpful…… give them a raise please. The hôtel is in need of maintenance but overall a great stay!"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Hotel Beau Rivage
Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel
Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel
4 out of 5
21 rue du marché, Nice
The price is €118 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
€118
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (676 reviews)
"Loved this place. Big, clean room with a washer and dryer included, Not too far from anything."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel
Hôtel La Pérouse Nice
Hôtel La Pérouse Nice
4 out of 5
11 Quai Rauba Capeu, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is €231 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
€231
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (605 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with a spectacular view of the Brach and town below"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Hôtel La Pérouse Nice
Magnificent air-conditioned apartment 50 metres from the sea
Magnificent air-conditioned apartment 50 metres from the sea
Nice
Stay at this apartment in Nice. Enjoy a water park, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Promenade des Anglais and Place ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
Great location in Nice
"Great place to stay. A quirky roofspace apartment in the heart of Old Nice and right on the beach. Just be ready for the five floors of stairs to get to the apartment.🙂 The host was always contactable and responsive."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2024

Magnificent air-conditioned apartment 50 metres from the sea
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Fairmont Monte Carlo
4 out of 5
12 Avenue de Spélugues, Monte Carlo, Monaco
The price is €332 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
€332
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"I was my wife’s B-Day , it was fun the stuff provided amazing service, the amenities were spotless, our favorite part is the restaurant at the top , beautiful views at our room overlooking the ocean."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Fairmont Monte Carlo
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

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