10 Best Things to Do in Brighton

Topped by fluttering Union Jacks and lit up in lights every evening, Brighton Palace Pier is a classic snapshot of a British seaside attraction. The wooden boardwalk is a bustling place to be, with everyone from families to old couples enjoying the carnival atmosphere.

You can play some games in the amusement arcades, get dizzy on the fairground rides and pick up some ice creams, donuts or sticks of rock from a whole row of stalls. Give it all a try.

A day by the seaside isn’t complete without a brisk paddle in the water and a walk along the beach. Admittedly, the mostly shingle beach in Brighton lacks the lure of soft sand and swaying palms, but it’s still a popular beach and a great place to relax and watch the waves roll in. At low tide, you may even get a stretch of sand to sit on.

The beach is lively and colourful in summer and the sea front is dotted with souvenir shops, ice cream parlours and amusements to help you while away the hours if the sun is hiding.

Brighton Marina is not only the largest in Europe, but it’s a great place for land lovers thanks to the fantastic range of shopping, dining and attractions. Located on the eastern edge of Brighton Beach, the whole area has been gentrified with a shopping centre, casino, a fancy hotel and a row of quayside restaurants.

You’ll find over 30 places to eat serving a wide variety of cuisines, from Indian curries to Mexican tacos. For families, there’s bowling, live theatre, a multi-screen cinema and even glow-in-the-dark crazy golf. Check out the outdoor market on the first Sunday of every month, with lots of arts and crafts, fresh produce and a festive vibe.

One of England’s most exotic royal residences, the Pavilion has a touch of the Taj Mahal about its curved domes and sandstone spires. Built in the 1800s, this snazzy palace was used as a getaway for the Prince of Wales when he wanted to escape from London and entertain his friends.

It’s no longer in use by the monarchy, but you can still tour the opulent ballrooms and banquet halls and imagine the wild scenes that must have taken place. Legend has it that feasts would include up to 70 different dishes.

This modern landmark is proof that Brighton is more than just heritage sites. Your fun 'flight' into the sky starts when you board your flight pod, which then glides 450 ft into the air. The ride lasts for 25 minutes and gives you simply incredible views.

After your trip into the sky, you can enjoy a drink at the West Beach Bar & Kitchen, at the base of the tower. It’s easy to find this looming attraction on the beachfront, close to the ruins of the West Pier.

If you like independent retailers and unique items, then North Laine is for you. This kooky collection of 300 shops on Sydney Street and Gloucester Road has everything from artwork sourced from exotic locations to original British designs and plenty of retro kitsch.

There's an enclave of artists with studios selling their wares, and you'll find plenty of one-of-a-kind homeware and fashion items. Bargain hunters should head to the North Laine Flea Market on Upper Gardener Street to search for hidden gems.

This popular tourist hub is a series of alleyways and lanes that encapsulate Brighton's mix of old-world charm and multicultural, modern vibe. Live music is heard throughout, with shops, cafés, bars and a lots of heritage buildings.

Spread out over a square mile, The Lanes was once a fishing village, and some old cottages still stand today with flower baskets and colourful bunting hanging from their roofs. To find The Lanes from the beachfront, head up Black Lion Street and follow the crowds.

It’s hard to believe that the Brighton Dome Concert Hall was originally the royal stables, given how grand it is. It was converted to a theatre in 1866 and still hosts a variety of live shows to this day. Live bands and stand-up comedy are the biggest draw here, and with 3 different stages, chances are you’ll have plenty of choice.

It’s easy to find Brighton Dome as it shares the Pavilion Gardens with the Royal Pavilion. Throughout May, the Brighton Fringe Festival comes to town and the Brighton Dome hosts numerous exciting performances.

If you are looking to hit the pubs and clubs Brighton is so famous for, you should start on West Street. The selection of bars and restaurants is varied enough to offer everyone something suitable and it’s really easy to find.

West Street runs through the centre of town and ends at the beach. Popular bars include Irish pub Molly Malones, trendy cocktail bar Revolution and always-pumping Bedrock. It can get a bit hectic on weekends, but you can always escape to nearby Middle Street for a more relaxed vibe.

Pier Nine is a modern casino gracing Brighton’s seafront, which has gaming tables and slot machines, as well as a restaurant and bar. At one point in time, it was known as the old Grovesnor Casino, which featured a more traditional style.

Now slick and modern but retaining its former Art Deco cinema frame to a certain degree, Pier Nine offers 3 floors decked out with classic and retro casino games, as well as the latest digital gaming options. Open around-the-clock, it can be a nice diversion for when the clubs close their doors for the night but you still have several hours, and some cash, to spare.