Itineraries for Your Trip to Brighton
3 Days in Brighton for First Timers
Brighton is known as one of England’s coolest cities, and it's constantly pulling out new attractions and trends to keep up its reputation as an eclectic weekend destination. Among its draws are a passion for the offbeat, arty culture, shopping, and nightlife—and its embrace of all things LGBTQ.
And yet, this south coast city also proffers traditional sightseeing mainstays. Cue the onion-domed Royal Pavilion, cobbled shopping warren of The Lanes, and the old-school amusements of Palace Pier. If you’re a Brighton beginner, here’s my itinerary for capturing this vibrant city’s best bits in just three days.
Brighton’s weather can quickly turn rainy and gusty: Bring rain gear and an umbrella.
If you have only time for one thing, make it a walk along the blue-balustraded seafront.
Start at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, a seaside pleasure palace built in 1822 for King George IV, to see its snake-decorated, scarlet-and-gold Music Room and Great Kitchen. Follow with an overview of today's Brighton, taking a hop-on hop-off bus, walking, or biking tour around highlights like The Lanes.
The Pavilion is a stone’s throw from the seafront, where eateries and entertainments abound. I recommend fish-and-chips at Captain’s before a promenade stroll. Consider finishing on the Palace Pier’s fairground rides before having sunset drinks at a beachfront bar while you watch the Channel’s waves crash on the pebbles.
Today is for delving deeper into the city. Return to the seafront to ascend the Brighton i360—its glass pod glides 453 feet (138 meters) upward for Instagram-worthy views over the rooftops and South Downs. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to SEA LIFE® Brighton to see exotic marine creatures swim under vaulted promenade arches.
Cross from the seafront into Kemptown, the hub of Brighton’s LGBTQ community. After a pub lunch, admire its Regency Square before exploring the colorful shops and markets. Linger for a raucous Kemptown drag show, or catch a performance at Theatre Royal or one of the city’s packed-out comedy clubs.
Day three is ideal for indulging in Brighton’s two other claims-to-fame—shopping and eating. Treat your taste buds in the boho North Laine district where streets brim with indie cafes, delis, and multicultural outlets—book a tour to sample the best goodies.
Explore more of Brighton’s village-style enclaves this afternoon. Browse the gift shops huddled into The Lanes, or wander the leafy Seven Dials district to explore its chic emporiums. If you have energy left, conclude things in true Brightonian style—on a bar crawl around the city’s go-to drinking spots.
