10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Nice

Old Town in Nice is a historic neighbourhood known for its stunning architecture, narrow lanes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Located about 10 minutes from the city centre, Old Town is home to many of the city’s best attractions.

You can explore the architectural gems in Place du Palais de Justice, such as the bell tower, or shop around the market in Cours Saleya. Another highlight is Vieux Nice Port, a beautiful waterfront area with views of boats coming in and an abundance of restaurants and bars.

The Gambetta district is a vibrant neighbourhood with a mix of architectural styles and local shops and restaurants. Located just west of the city centre, the Gambetta district is easily accessed by public transportation.

One of the main draws of the Gambetta district is the architecture. Walking through the streets, you’ll see everything from modern buildings to art deco structures and remnants of the Belle Époque era. Another highlight is the Alsace-Lorraine gardens, a historic garden with water features, sculptures, and rare flowers.

Les Baumettes is an affluent neighbourhood that’s home to the Promenade des Anglais and other attractions. Located near Gambetta and the city centre, Les Baumettes features a waterfront area and numerous museums and landmarks.

You can walk the beachfront Promenade des Anglais to see views of the water and nearby attractions, or spend your time relaxing on Florida Beach. You’ll find plenty of attractions in Les Baumettes, such as the Nice Museum of Fine Arts and the Gloria Mansions.

Quartier du Port is a harbourfront neighbourhood with seafood restaurants, popular nightspots, and antique shops. Located on the affluent Nice Harbor, Quartier du Port is the departure point for cruises to Saint-Tropez and Cannes, as well as a mooring spot for yachts.

This neighbourhood is one of the best places to sample local seafood or have a fine-dining experience. After dark, Place Garibaldi is a hub of waterfront bars and nightlife. You’ll also find numerous specialty food shops and antique shops around the neighbourhood.

Jean-Médecin in New Town is a grand neighbourhood with picturesque streets, museums, boutiques and restaurants. Located just south of the city centre, Jean-Médecin in New Town is the place to go for French shopping and dining.

If you want some sightseeing, Jean-Médecin in New Town is home to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Musée Masséna, a museum with artwork and artifacts dating from the Riviera to Belle Époque periods. One of its treasured exhibits is Napoleon’s death mask.

Le Piol is a vibrant neighbourhood that’s home to a historic church, family attractions and numerous bars and restaurants. Located about 5 minutes from the city centre, Le Piol offers a quiet retreat for families and couples.

One of the highlights of Le Piol is the St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a spectacular national monument and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Western Europe. You can also take the kids to Square Raimu, a neighbourhood park, or bathing at the Fernand Anelli bathing pool. The neighbourhood is home to many restaurants and bars for dining and nightlife.

The Cimiez district is one of the city’s oldest districts and is home to archeological sites and museums. Located about 10 minutes from the city centre, Cimiez is a quiet spot with gardens, historic sites and museums away from the energy of the city.

Once a prominent Roman center, the Cimiez district boasts remnants of arenas, thermal baths and an amphitheater. You can visit the Archeological Museum on the site to see vast collections of artifacts dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages. In summer, the Roman ruin sites are used as the venue for the Jazz Festival of Nice.

Libération is a bustling neighbourhood of Nice that’s filled with specialty food shops, wineries and high-end restaurants. A primarily residential neighbourhood in the center of the city, Libération offers a great mix of dining, nightlife and attractions.

While many flock to Libération for the global and fusion cuisine and nightlife, it’s a popular spot for foodies to find Nice specialty foods in markets like Place du Général de Gaulle. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, such as visiting the Sainte Jeanne d’Arc Church and a public library, Raoul Mille, in a renovated historic train station.

Mont Boron is an exclusive neighbourhood that offers sea views, stunning homes and a vast parkland to explore. Located about 10 minutes from the city centre, Mont Boron is a quiet residential area with a small retail center and a few bustling attractions.

Along with the sea views, the biggest draw of Mont Boron is Parc Forestier du Mont Boron, a protected parkland with walking trails and picturesque views. You can walk on paths along the sea or in the mountains to see views of the coast and the city. The park also has a botanical garden and trails in a rare Mediterranean forest.

Saint-Isidore is a quiet riverfront neighbourhood that’s known for its sports culture, spectacular views and nightlife. Located about 13 minutes from the city centre by train, Saint-Isidore is a great destination for families with kids and sports fans.

You’ll find a lot of sports attractions in Saint-Isidore, such as the National Sport Museum and the Allianz Riviera stadium, home to the OGC Nice French soccer team. Be sure to take the kids to Kid’s City, an indoor playground with a restaurant and nearby shopping mall.