The best Brighton city break

Proudly pulsating to the beat of its own drum, Brighton has long been hailed a top day-trip destination. But hold that thought. Given that this scenic city by the sea offers the best of both worlds – coastal charisma and urban spirit – it’s ideal for making more than a day of. In fact, few UK destinations deliver such a diverse feast of experiences around the year – from enjoying actual feasts in a city that boasts more places to eat than there are days in the year, to soaking up vintage vibes, Pride vibes, arty vibes and all-out party vibes. Put simply, spending a day in Brighton doesn’t touch the surface of everything the city has to offer. So, read on to find out why buzzy Brighton delivers all the vibes, and why it deserves to be your new favourite city break destination.

Things to do in Brighton – from Victorian seaside vibes, to pulse-quickening, sky-high vibes

Kicking off with Brighton’s most iconic attraction, Brighton Palace Pier is a prime example of how the city serves cool Victorian seaside kitsch and contemporary verve at one fell swoop of a seagull. 

By which we mean retro attractions (including a classic carousel), exhilarating latter-day rides, and scenic spots to eat and drink.

Then there’s the Royal Pavilion and Garden, another Brighton icon that deserves your undivided deep-dive attention i.e. there’s far more to see than the pretty face of its majestic domed exterior.

In fact, this former royal seaside palace exudes Regency splendour and grand Indian architecture at every turn, with lavish Chinese-inspired interiors – including Queen Victoria’s bedroom – inviting visitors to step back to a more opulent time.

Meanwhile, Sea Life Brighton – the oldest aquarium in the world, no less – melds marine-attraction heritage with forward-thinking conservation initiatives, while giving guests the chance to see 5000 creatures of the sea.

Add to that a state-of-the-art Day and Night attraction that showcases the biofluorescent magic of a coral reef, and a Rainforest Adventure experience, and it’s clear why this Victorian-origin attraction is a must-visit.

Staying with state-of-the-art things to do in Brighton, if you have a hankering for thrilling views (and a head for heights), you’ll want to board the good ship Brighton i360.

Gilding to a height of 138 metres, your glass viewing pod will serve epic 360° views while the Nyetimber Sky Bar serves nerve-steadying local tipples, including sparkling Sussex wine and Brighton gin.

Editor’s tip: to witness the wonder of starling murmurations, head to Brighton Palace Pier at sunset from November to March. You can cosy up in Starlings Roost café while watching the spectacle. 

Eat and drink your heart out – from lip-smacking seafood, to sensational vegan vibes

We make no secret of the fact that food is one of our favourite travel pleasures, and it’s fair to say Brighton doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dining out.

With Brighton being a beachside city, it’ll come as no surprise that seafood looms large on many a menu. Take your pick from classic fish and chips in Palm Court on the pier, or living the high life in English’s of Brighton, replete with its elegant alfresco terrace and marble-topped oyster bar.

Beyond seafood, Brighton boasts a bounty of eateries serving global gourmet goodness, and esteemed vegan and veggie restaurants that’ll have even committed carnivores re-thinking their eating habits.

When it comes to places to drink, Brighton is crammed with cosy pubs, bright and breezy beachside bars, and classy cocktail vibes, including Brighton Bootlegger – a speakeasy-inspired joint that hosts regular music events.

Editor’s tip: love your grub? Book a Brighton Food Tour.

Soak up the city’s cultural vibes 

Chiming with its diverse, dynamic rep, Brighton is home to an array of venues that showcase outstanding theatre and art, along with trailblazing comedy, cabaret and all that jazz – including actual jazz when the annual Brighton Jazz Festival hits town.

Not sure where to start your arty adventures? The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is a great gateway into Brighton’s cultural offerings. 

Located in the Royal Pavilion Gardens, it’s home to one of Britain’s most notable – and eclectic – collections of fashion, fine art, and 20^th-century art and design.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for live-show magic, be sure to browse Brighton Dome's jam-packed calendar of events. 

Having formerly housed the Prince Regent's horses, today the Dome plays host to music concerts, stand-up shows, and dance and theatre productions. If that wasn’t enough, it also serves as a hub for artists.

More unforgettable live events await at Komedia, which has been entertaining folks around these parts for almost 30 years. No stranger to esteemed comedy venue awards, this North Laine hotspot also presents live music, cutting-edge cabaret and club nights. 

Mention must also be made of Theatre Royal Brighton – one of Britain’s oldest, most distinguished theatres.

While its grade II-listed building presents Regency style at its most exquisite, its historic boards have been trod by many theatrical notables.

Editor’s tip: if modern art’s your bag, head to the Helm Gallery. By day, it’s also a welcoming café. Come night, the cocktails flow.

Sleep in boutique style, super-cool retro style, or traditional seaside style ­

With accommodation for all budgets and tastes, every type of traveller is guaranteed to find their perfect place to bed down in Brighton.

For a uniquely special stay, browse the city’s boutique accommodation, which includes funky seventies-style joints like Snooze, and the imaginatively themed decor of Hotel Pelirocco. By which we mean rooms devoted to mod culture, Star Wars, David Bowie and Bettie Page, to name but a few of its ingeniously out-there options.

Want something more traditional? Check out Brighton’s best B&Bs. If you’re travelling in a group, consider self-catering.

Editor’s tip: can’t leave home without your furry friend? You’d best browse Brighton’s best pet-friendly places to stay.

Shop yourself happy – from vintage vibing to high-end splurging

Loaded with indie fashion boutiques and bookshops, traditional jewellers and vintage treasure troves – along with all your high street favourites – splurgers, bargain-hunters, followers of fashion and style-setters alike will be in shopping heaven in Brighton. In fact, it's one of our top-recommended cities in Britain for finding exactly what you've always been looking for, along with that chic accessory, unique knick-knack, fancy notebook or artisan jalapeno jam you hadn't realised you'd been missing all your life.

It goes without saying that The Lanes' labyrinth of boutiques should be top of your shopping location list. Meanwhile, come the weekend, many of the streets around North Laine are entirely given over to stalls and tables for alfresco dining.

While you could spend hours meandering The Lanes – thanks to all its fashion boutiques, ice cream parlours, bakeries and restaurants – you'll want to leave time for the rest of Brighton's shopping areas. 
Tucked between North Laine and the seafront, this buzzy part of Brighton blends old-time charm (parts of it date back to the 16^th-century) with 21^st-century convenience, courtesy of Hanningtons – a contemporary hub for shopping and socialising.

Editor’s tip: if you’re all about vintage vibes, don’t miss North Laine’s Snooper’s Paradise, and visit Upper Gardner Street on Saturdays for the flea market.

In the unlikely event you need more convincing that vibey Brighton deserves more than a day trip, note that this beachside city is also the ideal base for exploring the best of Sussex. 

As a result, you can add easy-access to spectacular scenery, national parks, vineyards and all-out outdoor adventure to your list of things to do in Brighton – your new favourite city break destination.

This post was made in partnership with VisitBrighton.