70 Things to Do in Brighton

Whether it’s soaking up the bohemian charm of Kemptown, uncovering quirky hidden gems, or getting your cabaret fix, Brighton is home to all of it. Here, we’ve rounded up 70 of the best things to do on your next trip to Brighton, including can’t-miss landmarks, spots to stay, and plenty of weird and wonderful gems.

Experience Brighton Palace Pier

You can’t experience Brighton without taking a wander along its iconic pier - not only is it a culture buff’s dream, it’s a labyrinth of restaurants, arcades, kids’ activities, funfair rides and more. Make sure to grab some fish and chips at the Palm Court Restaurant after you’ve had your fill of exploring.

Catch some rays on Brighton Beach

Come rain or shine, Brighton Central Beach (also known as the Palace Pier Beach) draws visitors in droves, namely for its shallow, kid-friendly waters, plethora of seafront bars, restaurants and shops, and its proximity to the town centre. Despite its popularity, the expanse of shingle and sand offers plenty of space. If you’re not averse to heading further afield, Hove and Kemptown both offer great beaches of their own, too.

Discover the Royal Pavilion

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere much further afield than Brighton when it comes to this famous seaside palace. The exterior’s Indian architecture is complemented by Regency splendour (it was originally a Royal residence, after all), and inside you’ll find some of the most impressive examples and collections of Chinoiserie design in the UK.

Take in stratospheric Sussex views on the British Airways i360

Conceived and designed by the same people who made the London Eye, Marks Barfield Architects, British Airways i360 is bringing 360-degree views of Sussex and the English Channel to the South coast. You’ll be able to see up to 26 miles in every direction, so make sure to bring your cameras along for some spectacular snaps (and likely a handful of stratospheric Sussex selfies).

...Or abseil down the side

You get the best of both worlds here (depending on your perspective, anyway): see the sights from on high, before taking on the mammoth descent via abseil. It’s also officially Brighton’s highest adventure activity, which is a great one to tick off the bucket list while you’re visiting.

Go market-hopping

Given its reputation as a culture buff’s mecca, it’s no surprise that along with hundreds of independent shops, Brighton’s home to two permanent markets.

• Brighton Open Market. The city’s only covered market is something of a hidden gem, packed full of quirky, independent shops, artists’ studios, and plaza traders.
• Brighton Flea Market. If the words thrifty and vintage are mainstays in your vocabulary, make your way over to this Aladdin’s Cave sharpish, where you’ll find all manner of furniture, antiques, and off-beat treasure waiting to be discovered.

Amble through The Lanes

Brimming with independent shops, jewellers, cafes and beyond, The Lanes hold their rightful place as one of Brighton’s most famous tourist attractions. If you want to skip the crowds, go early - but it’s a great place to wander, take in the atmosphere, and make a pit stop or two. Here are some of our favourites:

• ART5 Gallery has been a permanent fixture of The Lanes for the last 15 years, establishing itself as one of Sussex’s foremost independent galleries, boasting a diverse range of national and international artists.
• The Duck House is home to more than 300 rubber ducks for sale. Don’t question it, just visit.
• Papillon Living is a great spot for gifts, where you’ll find everything from candles and fragrances, to lighting and furniture.
• Baroque Bespoke Jewellery. Describing itself as opulently Gothic, Baroque Bespoke Jewellery offers its own jewellery collection, as well as work from other local jewellers and emerging designers.

Upend your perspective at Upside Down House

Kids and adults alike can enjoy this mind-bending marvel, situated on Brighton seafront between the iconic i360 (more on that in a minute) and the Brighton Beach Club. A museum of illusions that turns the expected on its head, not only is this worth a visit for the sheer eccentricity, it’s also, unsurprisingly, full of fantastic photo ops: every room inside the house is inverted, giving the impression of a fully zero-gravity experience.

Catch a show at Brighton Dome

This multi-arts venue, housed within The Royal Pavilion Estate, produces more than 600 events each year, spanning everything from music and theatre to comedy, spoken word and visual arts. You’ll find plenty of useful information on their What’s On page, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Visit the world’s oldest aquarium 

An array of themed underwater zones - rainforest, day and night, a glass-bottomed boat - allow you to get closer than ever before to the likes of sharks, rays, turtles and jellyfish. Conservation’s a big thing here, so allow some time to visit the dedicated Conservation Cove, where you can hear all about what SEA LIFE and SEA LIFE Trust are doing to help threatened marine life.

Rub shoulders with yachties at Brighton Marina

The UK’s largest marina is a hub of energy, where visiting families keep company with yacht-lovers, 5* hotels sit next to independent shops, and discoveries (and parties) abound at every turn. From bowling alleys to boutiques, it’s worth carving out a few hours to spend here - kids will love it, too.

Join the VR craze at Immotion Experiences

Cutting-edge virtual reality is the name of the game here, with dozens of state-of-the-art immersive experiences for all ages to enjoy. Car racing simulators, rollercoasters, archery - you name it, Immotion VR have probably got it. First-time players receive guidance from a member of staff, too, so even if you’re a total novice to the world of VR, you’ll be well taken care of.

Soak up Sussex on the Undercliff Walk

Brighton’s Undercliff Walk, a scenic seawall promenade, runs for roughly 3 miles along the sea wall. Start at Brighton Marina and wander along to the pretty coastal village of Saltdean, taking in views of the sea as you go.

Go forest bathing

A stone’s throw from the centre, you’ll find the beautiful woodlands of Stanmer Park - the perfect place to try the ancient Japanese art of ‘Shinrin-Yoku,’ also known as forest bathing. A unique antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life, this Japanese method of observing nature and breathwork is proven to reduce stress, improve memory and offer a calm and peaceful clarity. Round things off with a gentle 60-minute yoga flow.

Explore bohemia in Kemptown

The bohemian heart of Brighton, Kemptown is known for its colourful range of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops. Widely regarded as the capital of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ cultural scene, you’ll find an eclectic mix of people, places and things here, and it’s just a short stroll from the city centre.

Get lost in the labyrinth of North Laine

North Laine, perched in the centre of Brighton’s cultural quarter, is a thriving hub of more than 400 eclectic shops, flea markets, bars and restaurants. Tattoo parlours sit shoulder-to-shoulder with artisan jewellery stores, and quirky independents and vegan food cafes abound, embodying Brighton’s reputation as the UK’s progressive pioneer.

Do some yoga in Queens Park

This urban park is the perfect place for a stroll, complete with a cafe selling drinks, snacks and ice-cream. It also hosts regular events, including outdoor yoga and meditation classes on a Saturday. If nothing else, it’s a great place to people-watch, as street performers and musicians often make their way here.

Snap a photo of the West Pier

Most people will have heard of Brighton’s once thriving West Pier - and its subsequent collapse in 2003. Despite the dereliction, it’s still very much an iconic part of Brighton’s ocean backdrop, and beloved in particular by photographers - so if you’re looking for a spot to take some atmospheric photos, head here.

Get weird at Booth Museum of Natural History

Don’t skip a visit to this weird and wonderful natural history museum, home to Edward Booth’s extraordinary taxidermy collection, with hundreds of British birds recreated in natural settings. It also boasts a killer whale skeleton, dinosaur bones and ancient fossils.

Head behind bars at Alcotraz

Don your orange jumpsuit, hide your liquor and dive headfirst into life behind bars, at this unique immersive theatrical experience hidden away in the town centre. This prison-themed speakeasy is the only place in Brighton that you’ll get to watch your cocktails made to order by the local ‘inmates’ - great fun for stag and hen parties, but also just if you want something more than your average cocktail.

Take a trip on Volk’s Electric Railway

A great one for if you’re visiting with kids, or just to soak up some of Brighton’s quirky history, Volk's is officially the world’s oldest operating electrical railway - it was opened in 1883! Step aboard and take in the views from a gloriously unique vantage point.

Different things to do in Brighton

Few places can rival Brighton when it comes to quirky things to do. Here are a few of our favourites.

Stop by Quadrophenia Alley

This graffiti-covered ode to the era of the mods has a cult following, with people travelling from all over the world to visit. It’s decidedly different, fitting neither into the tourist or window-shopping areas of Brighton, and warrants a visit - its biggest claim to fame is its appearance in the 1979 film ‘Quadrophenia.’

Explore the city via treasure hunt

This treasure hunt, based in Brighton centre, doubles up as a pretty great whistle-stop tour of the city. Work as a team to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and test your lateral thinking skills as you rove your way through the streets, getting a good dose of culture while you’re at it.

Marvel at the craftsmanship at Brighton Toy & Model Museum

Over 10,000 incredible items make this world-class toy museum an immersive, visual experience to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Here you’ll be able to witness working model trains, Meccano models, classic puppets, and thousands more. It’s also charmingly tucked away, built into four of the arches that support the forecourt of Brighton Station. Nostalgic and fascinating in equal measure.

Book a spot at Adonis Cabaret

Anywhere that's been voted ‘Best Hen Night in Brighton' is probably worth visiting (albeit only if you're visiting without kids), and Adonis Cabaret certainly lives up to its accolade, combining comedy, strip, gags, games, club and carnival into one unforgettable extravaganza. We recommend booking in advance, as it’s unsurprisingly a hot spot.

Learn the art of tea blending

Tea, glorious tea! Brighton’s a pretty quintessential spot, making it a great place to indulge your love of all things British. A tea blending workshop gives you the chance to uncover the art of one of the nation’s greatest claims to fame. You’ll sample an array of award-winning teas and get a feel for the flavours before you set about some blending of your own. Create three of your own blends, designed, named and packed by your very hands.

Browse Snoopers Paradise

For all things vintage, retro and antique, you’ll want to head to Snoopers. This vast flea market is home to over 90 unique traders, each with their own brilliant offerings. We’ll warn you now that you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time here - Snoopers is best enjoyed slowly, with time to take it all in, discover hidden corners, and pick up a treat or two.

Eat, drink and play at Brighton’s little slice of Vegas

Rendezvous Casino sits on the waterfront within the Marina, with professional gaming and all round entertainment in the kind of cosy, friendly atmosphere that Brighton’s loved for. It's open 24 hours, making it a perfect pit stop whatever time you fancy it.

Flex your creative muscles with a sewing workshop

Aptly named ‘Sew’ is Brighton’s longest-running sewing school. Environmentally friendly and well-equipped for beginners to get to grips with the process, it’s a great spot to pick up a new hobby and meet new people.

Get nostalgic at the Museum of Penny Slot Machines

This charming museum packed full of old-school penny slot machines is a blast from the past; while there’s no money to be won, it’s a great throwback to a bygone era. The crazy mirrors are a bonus, too. It’s a little tucked away, but head for the old Victorian carousel on the seafront and you’ll spot it.

More things to do in Brighton

Best Food and Drink

Looking for spots to dine and drink in Brighton? Here are a few of the best.

• Stop in for whatever you want at The Walrus - whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to rest up with a pint, a place to dance the night away, or a top-notch cocktail, The Walrus has it all. 
• Kemptown’s Metrodeco Tea Salon offers up delicious afternoon teas in a quirky vintage setting. It’s dog-friendly, too, so feel free to bring your pooch along.
• Head beach-side to Tempest Inn, a craft cavern brimming with delicious beers, swanky cocktails and an unforgettable ambience to boot.
• Fancy a taste of North Africa and Middle Eastern Cuisine? Look no further than Taste of Sahara in Brighton’s centre.

• Come for the beer, stay for the seriously epic burgers at Dizzy Gull - or make a beeline there on a Sunday for their roast, rumoured to be one of Brighton’s finest. 
• Idle Hands is an easygoing tap room with a bohemian feel - in other words, Brighton at its quintessential best.
• Grab yourselves some delicious Vietnamese food at Milk No Sugar, or just pop in for a coffee - though you’d be remiss not to tuck into their Banh Mis. 
• Get a taste of authentic Italian dining in the intimate open bar and kitchen at Cin Cin, a staple of Brighton’s dining scene - so much so that they’ve now opened in Fitzrovia, too.

• Indulge your inner sommelier at Plateau. This wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes has a seriously sophisticated wine list for even the most discerning of palates. Don’t skip their delicious small plates, either.
• Tuck into some award-winning South Indian food at Curry Leaf Cafe, locally famed for delicious street food with matching craft beers.
• Get a true sense of the Sussex beer scene at Bison Beer Crafthouse. With locations in both Brighton’s North Laine and Kemp Town, you’ll find craft beers aplenty, delicious snacks, and good company waiting at either.
• Sidewinder blends the best bits of a traditional British pub with plenty of Kemptown flair. They’ve also got one of Brighton’s best beer gardens.
• Soak up some local history at Mrs. Fitzherberts. There’s a story here, but we’ll let you discover it yourself. Local legend aside, it’s a great spot for people-watching, and serves up simple but quality pub food, plus great local beers.

• Lion & Lobster is one of Brighton’s oldest and most traditional pubs - in fitting style, it’s crammed to the brim with all manner of eclectic bric a brac and curios. 
• The World’s End is a must-visit if you’re a fan of retro arcade games. From board games to remote-control racetracks and beyond, you can easily while away an evening here - good thing they’ve got the food and drink sorted for you, too.
• For sophisticated drinking and dining, try The Mesmerist, a dapper lounge bar which spans three floors and offers up quality dining options, plus an array of expertly-crafted cocktails. 
• It’s only right to grab an ice cream when you’re visiting the great British seaside (even if it’s the middle of January). Brass Monkey Ice Cream is a great little retro spot just a few minutes from the Pavilion, with organic, locally-sourced flavours and friendly service.
  

Best places to stay

From award-winning B&Bs to quirky boutiques and classic seaside hotels, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to places to stay in Brighton.

• Get your rock’n’roll fix at Brighton’s iconic Hotel Pelirocco. 19 individually-styled rooms include Bowie-inspired ‘Rebel Rebel,’ the all-things-Motown ‘Soul Supreme,’ and a little slice of the Caribbean in ‘Tropical Paradise.’ 
• Snooze pits itself as Brighton’s funkiest hotel. Located in Kemptown, this award-winning retro B&B is full of colour and quirky character.
• The Beach Hotel stands (unsurprisingly) just moments from the beachfront, with elegantly furnished rooms and a delicious seafood restaurant.
• Experience the best of Brighton’s hospitality at Guest and the City. Its prime location makes this the perfect bolthole from which to explore - with only seven rooms, you can be sure of excellent service, but make sure to book well in advance.
• Four Seasons Guest House is a Regency building dating back to 1825; it’s now a family-run B&B that merges contemporary style with a real home-away-from-home feel.

• The Ginger Pig is a great choice if you fancy somewhere quiet to bed down for the night. Two miles from Brighton’s centre, it’s further out, but the restaurant and pub downstairs is the perfect place to spend your evening.
• Another good option for a quieter night is Malmaison Brighton, situated on the marina and home to contemporary, sea-facing rooms, plus an on-site restaurant and lounge,
• The Grand, Brighton is one of the city’s most iconic hotels, overlooking the seafront and home to the Cyan Restaurant, delightful Victoria Terrace and a well-stocked bar.
• Fancy staying at Brighton’s original boutique hotel? That’ll be Blanch House, tucked in a Grade II Georgian terrace and winner of numerous awards.
• Sea Spray Boutique Hotel offers luxury on a budget, with eclectic yet chic decor, great sea views and top-notch personal service.
• Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel offers up classic hospitality on Brighton's shore, with a cooked or continental breakfast included each morning.

• Get a feel for Brighton’s thriving arts and culture scene at Artist Residence Brighton. With dog-friendly rooms and a buzzing ‘neighbourhood’ style bar, it’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere that the city’s famous for.
• Cavalaire Guest House combines Victorian charm with contemporary style, and is only a 10 minute walk from the Royal Pavilion.
• The Lanes Hotel is another of Brighton’s much-loved boutique hotels, centrally located on the seafront in Kemptown and boasting a licenced bar and sun terrace.
• A more affordable boutique hotel, but lacking none of the charm, Strawberry Fields spans two Victorian townhouses in Kemptown.
• One Broad Street is a smart, stylish B&B - each room has its own kitchenette, which makes it a great option for a slightly longer stay.