If you’re looking for the best things to do in Brighton, East Sussex you’re in the right place. I’ve lived a few miles from Brighton my whole life. I know Brighton inside out and upside down so I’m well placed to bring you the best Brighton tourist attractions.
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Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend or longer these top Brighton attractions are must-dos for both first-time visitors and serial visitors alike.
Here I share some useful information on how to get to Brighton, where to stay and the best ways of getting around the city. Scroll to the end for the practical bits. But first, if you didn’t already know…
Where is Brighton?
Brighton sits on the south coast of England in the county of East Sussex. Head south in a straight line from London’s Big Ben until you hit the sea and you’ll find youself in the centre of Brighton. For obvious reasons Brighton is a popular destination for day-trippers from London.
What is Brighton known for?
Brighton is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic culture, and stunning seaside scenery. It’s famous for its iconic Brighton Palace Pier, bustling beachfront, and the striking Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence with onion domes and exotic decor.
The city is also celebrated for its lively arts scene, quirky boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and annual events like the Brighton Festival and Brighton Pride.
Brighton is also known for its diverse culinary scene, with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and food markets offering a wide array of international food and drink.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Brighton? Check out the best places to stay in Brighton
Let’s start with the best known of Brighton’s attractions…
Visit the Royal Pavilion
Think of the best things to do in Brighton, and the elaborate Royal Pavilion will surely come to mind. Located right in the middle of town near to Old Steine Gardens, this Grade I-listed building was originally conceived as a holiday home for King George IV when he was Prince of Wales.
The Prince Regent had been advised by his doctors to take advantage of Brighton’s pleasant climate and ‘seawater treatments’ to boost his health.
Architect John Nash transformed the Prince’s rather modest Marine Pavilion into the dazzling Indo-Saracenic Revivalist Brighton Pavilion. Along with the opulent interior and stunning gardens, this former royal residence also boasts an impressive fine art collection, and there’s an on-site café serving luscious cream teas and tempting desserts.
Highlights include the Banqueting Room, Music Room, Saloon, the great kitchen and Queen Victoria’s bedroom – complete with four-poster bed and six mattresses! The words Princess and pea spring to mind.
The Pavilion was used as a military hospital in WW1 for Indian soliders wounded whilst fighting on the Western Front. Today a gallery on the first floor illustrates this time in the building’s history.
Spend time in the Pavlion Gardens which are open to everyone and a magnet for local wildlife. In winter the gardens host an ice skating rink with the Pavilion lit up to form a gorgeous rink backdrop.
Where: Royal Pavilion & Garden, Brighton, BN1 1FN. Check rates and availability.
When: April – September 09.30 – 17:45 hrs (last admission 17:00). October – March, 10:00 – 17:15 hrs (last admission 16:30)
Admission costs: Adult: (19+ years) £19. Child: (5-18 years) £11.50. Under 5s go free. Family tickets are also available.
Rail 2 for 1 with valid rail tickets where one ticket admits two people – valid rail tickets must be presented.
Have fun on Brighton Beach
Brighton is consistently voted one of the world’s popular destinations for a city beach break. No visit to Brighton is complete without seeing one of the most famous Brighton tourist attractions – its pebble beach.
There are lots of things to do on Brighton’s famous pebble beaches, from traditional beach games like frisbee and volleyball to watersports like SUP paddleboarding and kayaking. At low tide you might be lucky enough to find some sand.
Brighton Beach is perfect for a stroll along the promenade with its independent shops, cafes, bars or for just relaxing in a deckchair and watching the waves. When the sun goes down, head to the seafront clubs and bars for a great night out in Brighton.
>>> Check out the best beaches in East Sussex
Go underground at the Sea Life Centre Brighton
Sea Life Centre is the world’s oldest operating aquarium and first opened its doors to visitors in 1872. It’s changed a lot since I used to visit with my grandparents as a child back in the 1970s.
I remember a sea lion’s tea party and dolphin displays – fortunately things are a bit more eco-friendly nowadays. Sea Life Brighton is now home to over 5,000 sea creatures from more than 100 different species, including sharks, turtles and even Giant Pacific Octopus.
You can watch fish swim past in the aquarium’s Glass Bottom Boat and touch a starfish in the rockpool under the soaring Gothic arches. The aquarium’s latest underwater experience, ‘Day and Night’, transports you to a coral reef where you can watch the changes as it moves from day to night.
It’s a fascinating place to visit in Brighton and one of the top things to do in Brighton when it rains. Book your Sealife Centre tickets here.
Where: Right next to Brighton Palace Pier on Marine Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1TB
Looking for somewhere to stay in Brighton? Check out the best places to stay in Brighton
Wander along Brighton Palace Pier
One of Brighton’s most iconic tourist attractions, Brighton Palace Pier stretches 500 metres out into the sea and is illuminated by 67,000 bulbs after dark. Originally known as the Palace Pier, then Brighton Pier, it’s now known as a combination of the two; Brighton Palace Pier.
The famous Grade-II listed pleasure pier has stood firm on Brighton Beach since 1899. It has survived two World Wars and countless storms, and has outlasted both the Royal Suspension Chain Pier and the West Pier. It’s also appeared in various films and TV shows like the well-known film adaptation of Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock.
Millions of visitors flock to Brighton Palace Pier each year to enjoy the traditional seaside arcade games and fairground rides, including two roller coasters, bumper cars, a helter-skelter and a classic carousel. Afterwards, you can visit the pier’s restaurants and bars or tuck into fish and chips and ice cream. But beware the seagulls, they’ll have your chips or ice cream in the blink of an eye. They work in pairs; one will distract you while the other steals your snack from under your nose.
Entry to the pier is £2. This new change was brought in to help with maintaining the structure. Rides and other entertainment is also payable and various packages can be purchased.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Brighton? Check out the best places to stay in Brighton
Fly high on Brighton Zip Wire
Thrill seekers will love Brighton Zip, the South Coast’s longest and fastest zip wire ride. This fairly new Brighton tourist attraction is a great way to enjoy a new perspective on the coastal city’s iconic seafront.
You’ll receive a full safety briefing from the qualified instructors before climbing the zip tower’s spiral staircase to a platform 32m above the seafront. Once inside your full-body harness, you’ll soar solo or side-by-side down the 300m dual zip wire for an adrenaline-filled view of Brighton Beach, Brighton Pier and over to the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.
Lockers are available to store belongings during your ride, and the Brighton Zip also boasts Brighton’s only rooftop bar. Maybe save that until after your ride! Book your zip-wire experience here.
Where: Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TB. Prices from £18 per person.
Looking for more things to do locally? Check out our guide covering 25 of the best things to see and do in Sussex during your visit to the county.
See a starling murmuration
If you’ve never seen a starling murmuration before, Brighton is one of the best places in the UK to watch this magical evening event. Up to 40,000 starlings travel from Scandinavia to spend the winter in Brighton and, between late October and March, you can watch their aerial dance and shape shifting every evening.
Thousands of birds gather to swoop and swirl through the evening sky, changing direction in the blink of an eye before settling down for the night. Head to the burnt-out remains of West Pier or to Brighton Palace Pier just before sunset for the best views of this mesmerising spectacle. It’s one of the best free things to do in Brighton.
The rusting skeleton of the West Pier is one of the most photographed structures in Brighton and Hove. I’m so ancient that I can remember visits to the pier as a child. My grandparents lived nearby so we always visited the pier when we stayed for the weekend. Happy memories.
Discover History at Brighton Fishing Museum
Discover the history, culture and traditions of Brighton’s fishing community at one of Brighton’s lesser known museums; Brighton Fishing Museum. You’ll find it just west of Brighton Palace Pier, under the arches and spilling out onto the beach in an area known as the Fishing Quarter. You’ll only need half an hour but it’s worth the time if you’re passing.
In this fascinating museum, you can learn about the city’s fishing community from the 1800s to the 1990s. The city started life as a small fishing village which you’ll discover through photographs, videos and artefacts. The collection shows how much has changed since the 19th century and outlines the dangers faced by the brave fishermen out at sea. There’s also an area dedicated to the fishing community’s traditional dress and culture and some remnants of the West Pier.
If you visit Brighton in May, the Brighton Fish Museum also helps organise the annual Brighton Mackerel Fair and Blessing of the Nets.
Where: 201, Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 1NB
For culture vultures more Brighton Museums include:
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, near Royal Pavilion and the Dome, Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1FN
Booth Museum of Natural History, 194 Dyke Rd, Brighton, Brighton BN1 5AA
Brighton Toy and Model Museum, 52-55 Trafalgar St, Brighton, Brighton BN1 4EB
Get bird’s eye views from the Brighton i360
See Brighton and the South Downs from a new angle with a ‘flight’ onboard the Brighton i360. This observation tower, formerly known as the British Airways i360, stands at the landward end of the West Pier.
The tower’s viewing pod will lift you to 450 feet above the Brighton seafront for breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the city, the surrounding landscape and the English Channel. . Book your flight here
Enjoy a sky-high drink during your flight at the Nyetimber Sky Bar in the viewing pod, or dine back down on Earth at the Brighton i360’s brasserie and café bar.
Fancy a ‘view and skate’, After your trip up the eye put your skates on and glide around the multi-coloured rink beneath the i360. Adrenaline seekers can book a tower walking experience from outside the pod. Book your BAi360 walk here.
Where: Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
See things from a different perspective at the Upside Down House
If you love seeking out unusual places to visit, Brighton’s Upside Down House is definitely one of the quirkiest Brighton tourist attractions. You’ll find Upside Down Houses in locations all over the world, and each one has its own unique identity.
Brighton is full of family-friendly attractions and the Brighton Upside Down House is a fun experience for all ages. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s an ‘inverted’ house where you walk on the ceiling and reach up to the floor. It’s a bit of a brain tease but you’ll get some fun photos.
Each room is full of quirky photo opportunities, and the decor also gets a seasonal update for events like Halloween and Christmas. It’s a great place to capture some fantastic social media photos that you could never take anywhere else!
Brighton’s Upside Down House is right next door to the Brighton i360 so you could get a combined ticket for both and make a small saving.
Where: Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
Check out the Band Stand
A bandstand is a feature of every traditional seaside resort town, and Brighton is no exception. You’ll find the city’s bandstand just past the Brighton i360 on the promenade heading west.
Brighton’s bandstand might not be the biggest but it sure is the prettiest and to think it was nearly pulled down… Luckily they decided to renovate instead and it re-opened in 2009 and is now an iconic part of Brighton’s seafront.
Music rang out from Brighton’s bandstand for the first time in 1884, during the reign of Queen Victoria. It’s considered to be one of the best surviving examples of a Victorian bandstand, having recently been restored to its full and original glory.
This beautiful part of Brighton’s historic seafront hosts live music performances between April and Summer and I’ve seen jive classes there too. It’s the perfect place to grab an ice cream and relax for a while, and there’s also a café with an outdoor seating area in the bandstand’s lower level.
Where: Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2PQ
See Some Brighton Street Art
Brighton has a global reputation as a great place to see street art. From the replica of Banksy’s famous ‘Kissing Coppers’ to colourful murals on 1960s office blocks, there’s something to be seen around almost every corner.
The original version of ‘Kissing Coppers’ was removed and sold, but you can still see a replica on the Prince Albert Pub on 48 Trafalgar Street near to Brighton Station. (To the left of the blue bins in the photo above)
Some of the best places to spot street art in Brighton include the North Laine and Kemptown, which runs to the east from Brighton Pier.
You’ll also find some incredible murals in the narrow streets of the Old Town, such as Gloucester Road, Regent Street and Kensington Street. You can either explore the street art of Brighton on your own or sign up for a Brighton street art tour to learn more from a local guide.
Explore the bohemian North Laine
The North Laine is one of the unique aspects of Brighton that simply has to be experienced. It’s one of my favourite parts of the city. You’ll find it quite easily by heading down Trafalgar Street from Brighton Station. (Turn right at the front of the station and then take the first left under the tunnel). Look out for the Banksy replica on the wall of the Prince Albert pub.
The atmosphere around the North Laine is vibrant and creative, and it’s got character by the bucketful. It’s a quirky, bohemian quarter filled with antique stores, cute little boutiques and vintage clothing shops. It’s also where Dame Anita Roddick opened the very first Body Shop. Vintage clothing lovers will lose themselves for hours in Snoopers Paradise in Kensington Gardens.
Be sure to come hungry because there are plenty of great places to eat, covering pretty much every kind of food you can imagine.
And when you’ve finished exploring the North Laine, you’re just a short walk from one of the other essential Brighton tourist attractions, The Lanes.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Brighton? Check out the best places to stay in Brighton
Go shopping in the Lanes
Brighton is a cool city with bags of character, but The Lanes might just be the coolest area. It’s a short stroll from the North Laine and Brighton Palace Pier and should definitely be on your list of the best things to do in Brighton.
Take time to wander through the maze of narrow streets, known locally as ‘twittens’. You can easily lose a few hours exploring the record stores, bookshops, art galleries, antique emporiums and coffee shops that you’ll find in the 16th-century buildings there.
Have a drink at Brighton’s Oldest Pub
While you’re exploring the Lanes don’t forget to call for a drink at the Cricketers Arms on Black Lion Street, the area’s oldest pub which was built around 1545. And in the summer months, the sound of chatter and live music fills the Lanes as many of the cafés and restaurants open up for outdoor dining.
Stuff your face on Brighton Food Tour
A city as innovative and eclectic as Brighton naturally has a fascinating food and drink scene, and a Brighton Food Tour is the best way to explore the city’s best foodie spots.
This two-hour walking tour will take you around some of the independent eateries that Brighton is famous for including Brighton Open Market. A local food expert will guide you around the city, and vegan and vegetarian options are available on the tours.
During your food tour of Brighton, you’ll visit five different stops, including some places off the beaten track, and hear the stories behind them. Best of all, you’ll get to sample all that delicious food and drink!
Check rates and availability for this walking Brighton food tour.
Hike in the South Downs National Park
If you’re visiting Brighton for a few days and want to explore the area around the city, the South Downs National Park is one of the best day trips from Brighton. With just a short drive or bus ride, you can soon be among over 600 square miles of lowlands, woodlands, hills and valleys.
Keen hikers will enjoy walking part of the South Downs Way, the 100-mile-long National Trail that stretches the entire length of the South Downs National Park. There are pretty Sussex villages and market towns to explore, local wildlife to spot as well as cultural and historical highlights.
Don’t miss the Devil’s Dyke, the UK’s largest dry valley and panoramic views at Ditchling Beacon which is the highest point in Sussex at 248 metres above sea-level.
If you’re looking for a very cool and unusal place to visit near Brighton head to Ouse Valley Viaduct.
Relax at Beach Box Spa
When you’re weary from exploring Brighton tourist attractions, the incredible Beach Box Spa is the ideal location for reviving yourself.
Indulge in the relaxing heat of their three saunas, and enhance your experience with their gorgeous natural spa treatments, including clay masks and salt scrubs, all made in-house. They even have aromatherapy ice balls you can melt over the hot rocks.
When you’ve had enough heat, you can freshen up in the freshwater showers, Plunge Pool and cooling Slipper Bath. Beach Box Spa has fabulous sea views and direct sea access, so you can even nip down the pebbles for a dip in the sea as well!
Where: Banjo Groyne, Madeira Drive, Brighton
Drop your anchor at Brighton Marina
There’s plenty to keep you occupied at Brighton Marina. It’s the UK’s biggest marina and you’ll find it centred around the city’s yacht harbour.
Brighton Marina is a good place to shop, with major brands, independent boutiques and a few quirky craft shops. You’re spoilt for choice when it’s time to dine, with a huge choice of chain cafés and restaurants where you can sit and watch the yachts in the harbour.
Brighton Marina is good place to head in wet weather because there’s a multi-screen cinema, bowling alley and casino.
Take a Boat Trip from Brighton Marina
Boat trips head out from the marina to Brighton’s offshore Rampion wind farm or an evening sunset cruise.
If you’re more of a petrol head then RIB tours are available from Maverick Boat Adventures out of Newhaven Harbour. If you’re feeling active they also do jet ski safaris. I’ve been out with them on their Seven Sisters Cliffs cruise and highly recommend it.
Check out rates and availability for Maverick Boat Adventures.
Pay a visit to Preston Manor
Preston Park is also home to Preston Manor, a late Elizabethan manor house. Visit the formal rooms including the leather bound ‘Cleve Room’ Drawing Room, bedrooms and the servants quarters and nursery. Outside, the walled garden is beautifully planted with plenty of quiet nooks and pet cemetary. The manor is open seasonally so check before you visit.
Where: Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD
Picnic in Preston Park
If you’re looking for something a little less ambitious than the South Down Way, Preston Park is the perfect place to stretch your legs.
Brighton’s largest urban park is the perfect place to take a walk or play a game of frisbee and a lovely spot to enjoy a summer picnic. There are designated dog walking areas, two cafés, tennis courts and plenty of parking on the surrounding roads.
On the opposite side of Preston Road you’ll find the Rock Gardens with pond and rockery.
The park lies two miles north of the heart of Brighton. It’s a popular venue for concerts, fairs and special events including the big festival at the end of the Brighton Pride Parade.
Catch a match at the Amex Stadium
Football fans might want to see Premier League team Brighton and Hove Albion play at their home ground the Amex.
Alternatively walkers can head up to the South Downs for excellent views and hiking trails.
How to get to Brighton
By Train
Parking in Brighton is expensive so I recommend getting the train. The seafront is a 15-minute walk from Brighton station. Head straight down Queens Road, past the Clocktower and down West Street. You’ll soon smell the salty sea air.
Brighton is easily accessible by train and is less than an hour from London main stations. Direct fast services are from Victoria, St Pancras International, London Bridge and Clapham Junction.
Brighton is just 30-minutes by rail from Gatwick Airport. Remember to look down as you pass over Ouse Valley viaduct on your journey.
Direct trains run along the south coast from Portsmouth, Southampton and Bristol to the west and Eastbourne and Hastings to the west.
For more information on train times or to book your ticket visit the Trainline or Southern Rail.
By Car
If you have to come to Brighton by car then Park and Ride is located at Withdean Sports Centre.(postcode BN1 5JD). There is no charge for the first 3 hours of park and then a £3 charge is payable. Bus fees also apply.
Where: Withdean Sports Complex car park, Tongdean Lane, BN1 5JD
By Coach
Another way to arrive in Brighton is by coach. The city coach station is at Pool Valley, BN1 1NJ close to the seafront and Brighton Palace Pier. National Express run services to Brighton from London Victoria, Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Getting around Brighton
Hire a Beryl Bike
Brighton has a bike hire scheme where you can rent a bicycle and ride along the prom. The National Cycle Network Route 2 runs alongside Kings Road (A259) on the promenade.
Cycle over to Brighton Marina heading East along the undercliff. Or head west to Hove Lagoon where you’ll find a skate park, wakeboarding and SUP going west. Norman Cook aka Fat Boy Slim owns ‘The Big Beach Cafe’ at Hove Lagoon. If you’re lucky you may even get to talk to him. He’s a nice guy and has even served me my burger and chips before now! There’s a children’s play park nearby.
Bike Share stations can be found across the city, including right outside Brighton i360. Visit the Beryl website to find out more about the scheme which is done via an app.
So, these are some of the best things to do in Brighton for every type of visitor. I hope you have a great time in this city by the sea that I grew up in and love. In fact, your main problem might be deciding what to do first!
If you like Sussex seaside towns you might want to check out…
- What to see and do in Hastings Old Town
- The best things to see and do in Eastbourne
- Discover the prettiest villages in Sussex
Written by Suzanne, a Sussex-based travel writer who has lived in the county all her life and shares carefully curated guides to places she knows and loves.
Suzanne is also travel writer and content creator at top travel blog The Travelbunny which she founded in 2011.