Where to stay in Nice, France as a solo traveler?
Planning a solo trip to the French Riviera’s scenic and vibrant capital – Nice? Lucky you!! Nice is a dream. No matter how much time I spend there, I always consider Nice to be dreamy. A Mediterranean climate and charm, coastal views, never-ending beaches, lively markets, stunning nature and so much more – what’s not to love? That being said, when travelling solo, where you choose to stay can really impact the overall vibe for your trip. It’s important to stay somewhere safe, well-located and full of charm. Luckily, Nice has plenty of great accommodation options to enhance a solo trip!
In this post, I’ll help guide you with the best areas and accommodations in Nice for solo travellers, which will help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re looking to meet others or keep a chilled solo vibe, stick to a budget or have a solo splurge, there is a place to stay in Nice for you!
ACCOMMODATION: For accommodation in Nice, I recommend using Booking.com and Hostelworld.
ACTIVITIES: For activities and tours in Nice and beyond, check out GetYourGuide.
This post contains affiliate links.
Best Areas in Nice for Solo Travelers
When deciding where to stay in Nice, it’s not just a case of finding nice accommodation that suits your dates and budget, but accommodation in an area of Nice that best suits your ideal trip.
So, where to base yourself, area-wise, when visiting Nice? Well, there are 4 main options. Let’s take a look:
1. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Vieux Nice is lively both day and night – there is always a good atmosphere around here! The narrow streets and charming squares such as Place Rosetti and the very popular Cours Saleya welcome you! In the Old Town there are plenty of bars, restaurants, bakeries, takeaway food options, boutiques – it is a great place to be. Moreover, if you want to be near nightlife, Vieux Nice is the go-to!
There are various accommodation options in Vieux Nice including hotels and apartments.
If you’re on a budget, note that there are no hostels in Vieux Nice. However, just a 5 minute walk from the Old Town (and in the heart of Nice) is the hostel Villa Saint Exupéry Beach. Check prices and availability here.
2. Promenade des Anglais
Staying on, or as close as possible to, Nice’s iconic promenade definitely enhances a trip to Nice!! This is the Côte d’Azur after all – being by the coast is desirable!!
So, for beachfront accommodation, you will want to base yourself on the Promenade des Anglais. This is a safe and scenic area, which is great for relaxing solo trips.
Accommodation on the Promenade des Anglais is typically high-end (views and beachfront access!). If you can afford it, you won’t regret staying here! That being said, there are more affordable options just a shorts ways up from the promenade.
- I always want to stay as close to the promenade as possible!! Solo and on a budget, my preferred accommodation choices are therefore Villa Saint Exupéry Beach hostel or Hostel Meyerbeer Beach. Hostel Meyerbeer Beach is less than 200m from the Promenade des Anglais – a 2 minute walk. This is actually the closest hostel to the beach!! Reserve a hostel bed here.
- I have also previously stayed in Nice Appart, which is just a 3 minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais. I stayed here with family, however would definitely recommend Nice Appart if you are travelling solo but not on quite as strict a budget (depending on the time of year the prices here can be pretty good!). While Nice Appart is apartments, they are linked to a hotel. This is nice if travelling solo – you can have the benefits of an apartment, while knowing you can go to a proper reception and gain any help or insight you may need during your stay! Check availability here.
Do note the the Promenade des Anglais extends all the way to the airport. For the best Promenade des Anglais location, stick to the east of Boulevard Gambetta to stay in the main area of the city.
3. Jean Médecin/City Centre
Nice’s main shopping street, Jean Médecin, is lined with all types of stores, cafés and restaurants. The tram line runs up Jean Médecin, and Nice’s main train station, Gare de Nice-Ville, is located at the top (and just to the left) of the avenue. Any accommodation near here lands you in an excellent location for enjoying Nice, and further exploring the French Riviera thanks to the transport links.
Not only is accommodation around this area convenient, it is also generally more affordable than that closer to the promenade or old town. But don’t worry, you’re still just an enjoyable short walk or tram ride away from such – nowhere is too far away in Nice!
- An excellent hostel option, which is just next to Place Masséna, Nice’s main square, is Villa Saint Exupéry Beach. Or, if you want city centre but nearer the train station, Hostel OZZ and SLO Nice are excellent options.
- Best Western Hotel Lamki Nice is a great choice if you prefer hotel over hostel life. This hotel has single rooms perfect for your solo trip (or you could opt for a double room for more space!), and is in a great location on Avenue Jean Médecin.
4. Nice Port (Le Port)
The Port of Nice is a great location for a solo traveller looking for a slightly less touristic spot to stay – there is more of a local vibe around here, and it is quieter than the likes of Vieux Nice. It’s a beautiful spot, and the tram line runs down to the port so you are still very well connected to the rest of the city (although I prefer to just walk when in Nice!). You can follow the coastline round from the port which joins to the Promenade des Anglais. It’s also easy to hop on a bus from the port along the coast to the likes of Villefrance, Èze, Cap d’Ail and Monaco.
There are no hostels by Nice Port, but you may wish to opt for a studio apartment, such as L’Abeille – Boutique Apartments – a good solo option! There are also a few hotels just a short walk from the water, such as Hotel du Pin Nice Port, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux-Port, or Palais Ségurane Boutique Hôtel.
Where to Stay in Nice by Budget – Best Solo-Friendly Accommodation
Budget Options
For a budget solo stay in Nice, hostel accommodation is for you.
Hostels in Nice are conveniently located. Some more so than others depending on your own preferences.
Four of the best hostel options for solo travellers, in terms of location, amenities and good hostel vibes are Villa Saint Exupéry Beach, Hostel Meyerbeer Beach, SLO Nice and Hostel OZZ.
I always stay in hostels partly due to not wanting to spend so much, and partly because while I love travelling solo, I never want to feel ‘alone’ as such. Hostels are a good way to meet others. Remember, if you don’t wish to stay in a dorm room, hostels also have private rooms. You may therefore wish to even opt for a private room in a hostel to still have that social hostel vibe and kitchen access (for the hostels which have such).
- The best location!! Villa Saint Exupéry Beach is just off Avenue Jean Médecin, and is a 30 second walk from Nice’s main square, Place Masséna. It’s also a 3 minute walk from the Old Town, and around a 7 minute walk to the promenade and beaches. You could not be in a more central spot!!
- Fully equipped kitchen facilities, with plenty of seating areas to sit and eat, chill out and/or meet other travellers. There is also a lively on-site bar, a small gym, and both ping-pong and foosball tables. This is a great social hostel, you can easily meet others.
✨Secure your stay at Villa Saint Exupéry Beach here
I have stayed here various times and I truly don’t think you can beat this hostel for its location!!
- Closest hostel to the Promenade des Anglais, and just a 10 minute walk from Place Masséna. I love Hostel Meyerbeer Beach for its beach proximity!! It’s also just off Rue de France, which is another main, lively street in the city.
- Clean and friendly hostel, with a fully equipped kitchen. Offers free walking tours and the option to go on a group trip to Monaco – good for meeting others!
- As well as dorm rooms there is also a good priced apartment option if you do wish for your own space.
✨Check rates and availability at Hostel Meyerbeer here
- Great hostel choice just steps from Avenue Jean Médecin, and a 5 minute walk from the train station. Perfect spot if you know you want to explore the coast by train (which you will want to do!).
- Very clean and spacious with good beds. An extra addition in this hostel is that each bed has a curtain, so you can have some extra privacy.
Downside of this hostel is the lack of kitchen. It’s not got such a lively social vibe as some other hostels – Villa Saint Exupéry Beach, for example – but if you desire a quieter hostel experience then SLO Nice is perfect!! It’s still social – it’s a hostel after all, but not party vibe social!
- Hostel OZZ is just 200m (2-3 minute walk) from the train station, 2 minute walk from Avenue Jean Médecin (it’s actually just on the opposite side of the main street – the train station side – from SLO Nice).
- Modern and clean hostel, comfortable beds with privacy curtains.
- Bar in the hostel, alongside a good, chilled social space.
✨Reserve a bed at Hostel OZZ here
Downside similar to SLO Nice – no kitchen. Do also note that in some dorm rooms the beds are triple bunks – keep this in mind when booking. You can maybe even request to not be in the top of such if you don’t wish to be!!
Mid-Range Accommodation
The price of a mid-range hotel in Nice can vary greatly with the seasons. In summer, they could come with more of a high-end price tag!! But travel off season, and hopefully you can find a good deal. Below I will list some good, central hotel options in the mid-range category to give you an idea of what’s on offer. There are many other options out there, too, depending on your personal preferences.
- Has single rooms, so it is in fact catering to solo travelers.
- Great location on Avenue Jean Médecin – just a little over half way up, steps from Monoprix supermarket and Nice’s Basilique Notre Dame de l’Assomption.
- Many rooms have a balcony – you might even get a room overlooking Nice’s main shopping street!
- Nice lounge area you can relax in and maybe even meet other travelers!
✨Book a room at Best Western Hotel Lamki Nice here
Boutique Hotel Nice Côte d’Azur
- Highly rated hotel, especially for its location for solo travellers. It is in a prime location, being a 3 minute walk from train station and a 5 minute walk from Avenue Jean Médecin.
- Bar and lounge area – don’t need to feel confined to your room.
✨Check for deals and availability at Boutique Hotel Nice here
- Amazing location in the heart of Vieux Nice – can be surrounded with a good atmosphere whenever you leave the hotel!!
- Small, charming hotel with good sized rooms. Modern, clean and known to have helpful and friendly staff!
✨Reserve your stay at Hotel Rosetti here
- Super central location – 50m from the main shopping street, so essentially on it!! In fact, Hotel Florence Nice is essentially half way down Avenue Jean Médecin. The perfect middle ground for reaching the train station, as well as Vieux Nice and the Promenade des Anglais.
- Very clean with modern rooms. Excellent customer service from the staff, so if you need any advice on your solo trip they will be happy to help!
✨Secure a room at Hotel Florence Nice here
Upscale
If you are living the high-life on your solo trip to Nice, you are in for a treat!! An upscale hotel can give you the most beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea and Nice’s Promenade des Anglais for the perfect beachfront solo splurge. Some great upscale accommodation options include, but are certainly not limited to:
- For the ultimate solo accommodation splurge in Nice, Le Negresco is for you. This is Nice’s most iconic hotel – you cannot miss it!! Located on the Promenade des Anglais, the beauty and grandeur of this hostel really stands out both on the outside an inside.
- Each room is unique in its decoration – all in impressive period style decoration.
- You can expect friendly staff who will ensure you have the best experience.
✨Find available rooms at Le Negresco here
Hôtel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges
- Located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais just under the Colline du Château. Views from Hôtel La Pérouse Nice therefore extend right over Nice’s Baie des Anges, all the way along the promenade. You can’t beat it!!! The Old Town is also just steps away. This is a great, *slightly* quieter but amazing location than the hotels a little further along the promenade.
- There is a rooftop bar which offers incredible views, especially if your a sunset views kind of person – this is the spot for you!
- The hotel offers a warm welcome, with friendly and caring staff.
✨Check Hôtel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges availability and prices here
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
- Amazing location on the Promenade des Anglais, just a short walk to the Old Town, around a 10 minute walk to Place Masséna. As soon as you walk outside, you are in the midst of the liveliness of Nice.
- Hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, perfect for whatever season you visit in!
- Staff are known to be helpful and friendly.
✨Views rates and availability of Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée here
There are many more highlights to each of these hotels, but I’ll give you the basics and let you decide what is best for your solo trip to Nice!
What to Look for in Solo Accommodations
Safety
When booking accommodation for a solo trip, whether in Nice or elsewhere, safety is even more paramount than if travelling with others.
Sticking to well-lit areas is always a good idea, so for example near Avenue Jean Médecin, Vieux Nice or the Promenade des Anglais – these are all central areas that are lit well at night. I have never had any issues walking around Nice even late at night as a solo female, but even if your accommodation is a little ways off a main street, stick to the main streets for as long as possible.
Hostels/hotels with 24 hour reception are also a good idea when travelling solo. Any issues, you know you can get help. If you do go for a night out or for a late walk, you never want to get locked out for any reasons!! If you arrive into Nice late, too, this means you also won’t have to worry about checking in late.
Social atmosphere or quiet escape?
Consider your overall vibe. Are you looking for a social accommodation, where you can easily meet others, even go out for some drinks, and turn your solo trip less solo if you wish? Or do you want to go to Nice to fully relax, find some peace and embrace the solo of your solo travel trip to Nice? A hostel will certainly entice the social vibe, whereas a hotel/apartment stay will have you keeping more to yourself.
I personally prefer a hostel because, even if I don’t want to be super social, I find it’s always nice to have others around that I easily can chat to should I wish. Usually you meet some good characters and come away with good stories to tell!! You just never know what might come of your trip and who you might meet when staying in hostels. It’s the best way to meet others, and others who are also travelling solo.
Proximity to transport, cafés, attractions
As a solo traveller, you want to be near transport links (especially in Nice as, while Nice is amazing, you need to take some day trips along the coast while there!!).
It’s always great to be near the likes cafés, takeaway foods spots and supermarkets. That way, you don’t have to waste time looking for such, wandering around alone and far from your accommodation looking for something to eat!! Luckily, you are never far from any of these in Nice.
As a solo traveler, I wouldn’t want to be too far from main attractions and city highlights. That’s why the accommodation locations noted in this post are great – you can always be around the good vibes hustle and bustle of the city, in close proximity to the most desired spots!
Tips for Booking Your Stay in Nice
- Book early (especially in summer/during city events)
Remember, Nice is a very popular city, so if visiting in the summer months or during any big city events, check accommodation and book as soon as possible.
I’m someone who plans everything at the very last minute. On my last trip to Nice, this became somewhat (very) stressful, accommodation wise. So, when planning your trip to Nice, keep in mind of any big events that may be happening in the city, or nearby on the Côte d’Azur (this was how I messed up!!). In the case of such, you definitely want to have your accommodation booked early, or at least more than a day or two before as is my usual style!!
- Cancellation policies
Many properties in Nice do have free cancellation policies, so look for one with those and you can always change your mind if you find somewhere better suited at a later date before you go!
- Best websites to use to find and book accommodation
For accommodation, I always use Booking.com and Hostelworld. You will be sure to find something to suit your desires!! The Genius discount (very easy to acquire) does help a lot on Booking.com.
I hope this post helps and that you have an amazing solo trip to Nice!!
