Where to Stay in Nice: Neighborhood Guide
Nice has very different neighborhoods. If you are staying longer, this guide helps you choose where to live or base yourself.
Would you like to live in a neighbourhood with good transport links and a lively atmosphere? Have you found a job or internship in Sophia-Antipolis and are wondering where to live? Or perhaps you simply want to know where to stay in Nice for an extended period? It's all about compromise.
Where should you live if you work in Sophia-Antipolis?
Renting accommodation in central Nice, the north or the east is a very bad idea for someone who works in Sophia-Antipolis. This neighbourhood is very far from the motorways and the roads leading there are constantly congested. The same applies to all the eastern neighbourhoods of the city.
In short, the most logical option is to look for accommodation in the western part of Nice, which is both close to the "centre" (15 minutes by scooter from Old Nice) and the least distant from Sophia Antipolis (about 30 minutes without traffic jams, or an hour when traffic is heavy).
Where to stay in Nice to explore the city?
West Nice
"La Madeleine" is a neighbourhood to avoid as it is very noisy, inconvenient, dirty and always congested. "Les Moulins" is also to be avoided due to its high crime rate.
The rest of Nice West is very pleasant. Nice is a rather chic city and there are very few places that are not recommended. Magnan is inexpensive but urban/working class, while Fabron, Corniche Fleurie, Sainte Marguerite and Napoleon are upmarket, residential areas, albeit a little out of the way.
The only drawback is that this part of the city is not really very lively. Only the centre and the old town are truly vibrant. If this criterion is really crucial, then it would be better to focus on Nice Centre.
Nice Centre
Overall, Nice Centre is very (very!) pleasant. We particularly love the magnificent Boulevard Victor Hugo. Avenue Jean Médecin (served by the tram), the Musicians' Quarter and the Port are also very sought-after but expensive because they are upmarket.
Old Nice
For younger, livelier neighbourhoods, look towards Old Nice. Be aware that cars are banned here and the streets are very busy from morning to night. It is certainly not the quietest place in Nice. Living in Old Nice requires many compromises, but you will be at the heart of the city's nightlife and tourist attractions, while still being just 5 minutes from the sea. You'll be able to do everything on foot.
Nice North
Nice North is less suited to tourism, with the exception of the area served by the tramway. Consider the Libération, Dubouchage, Cessole and Saint Sylvestre neighbourhoods, which are all highly desirable locations.
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