I’ve always loved Brighton. Growing up just along the coast, it was a place we visited frequently, often as a treat, to go shopping or to go and see a band play. Now that I’m older, it’s still one of my favourite UK cities, and I love to spend a long weekend in Brighton, and here’s how I think you should do it.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended, I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay, but it helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.
It doesn’t really matter what time of year you visit Brighton, aside from a bit of relaxing on the beach, which is generally a summer-only activity, it’s a great all-weather city. Here is our perfect Brighton itinerary.
Weekend in Brighton Itinerary
Brighton – Day 1 – Friday (Evening)
Arrive Friday evening and check into your hotel before heading out into the city to explore. Brighton is buzzing most nights of the week, but especially so at the weekend. There are lots of brilliant bars and eateries, and in particular an excellent selection of vegetarian restaurants in Brighton, including Terre à Terre and Food For Friends. There is also a vegan pizzeria, which I was recommended, but I have yet to try, though I’ve heard it’s really good!
Dinner and Drinks – The Walrus
The Walrus is a really good pub. It’s deceptively large with a good range of beers and wine, and fabulous pub grub, as well as a music venue downstairs and a roof garden above.
Sleep – Snooze
Snooze is a cool little B&B with quirky rooms and friendly hosts. The location is perfect for exploring the funky neighbourhood of Kemptown and it’s a 20-minute walk to the city centre.
Brighton – Day 2 – Saturday
Wake up (reasonably) early to explore Brighton. Head to Café Coho for brekkie. There are two – one in the lanes and one near the station.
British Airways i360
Make your way to the i360. This observation tower on the seafront was built by the same team behind the London Eye, offering 360-degree views of Brighton. Plan your visit around the weather forecast, and if the skies are clear, make sure you do it first because you’ll see far more than on a cloudy day (on a clear day, you can even see the Isle of Wight!). It takes around 25 minutes to reach the top (138m) and back again, and you can enjoy an ‘in-flight’ drink at the bar while you take in the best views of Brighton.
Lunch – Riddle and Finns
If you like seafood, then you’ll love Riddle and Finns in the lanes. They have an excellent menu focused on locally sourced seasonal fish and a superb wine list that includes Sussex vino. If you happen to be there during the week, then they do a great value two-course set menu.
The Lanes
After lunch, it is time to explore the lanes. I love shopping in Brighton, it has so many interesting independent shops. The lanes have an incredible selection of jewellery shops, I could literally spend hours looking in the windows full of stunning antiques and unusual designs. (This is a great place to buy an engagement ring!)
In North Laine, you’ll find antique shops, vintage shops, boutiques and stores selling everything from records to Native American jewellery. There are also plenty of cafes and pubs for a refuel along the way. You can also find great antique and vintage shops in Kemptown.
Dinner – Plateau
Plateau is a lovely wine bar in the lanes that specialises in natural wines and sustainable produce. Even if you don’t have dinner there, I highly recommend popping in for a vino and some delicious homemade bread.
Brighton – Day 3 – Sunday
For your final day in Brighton, Flour Pot Bakery is an excellent choice for breakfast.
The Royal Pavilion
Then make your way back into the centre to the pavilion. The Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton’s top tourist attractions, and you certainly can’t miss the striking building in the middle of the city. It looks more like an Indian palace than something you’d find in a British seaside town! Even if you don’t go inside, make sure you take a walk around the gardens and admire the architecture from the outside. However, if you can, I definitely recommend going in. It was actually my first time in our recent Brighton getaway, and the décor is incredible. You also get given an overview of the history of the property, which has been used at different times as a palace, hospital and a civic building.
Brighton Palace Pier
The next stop is the iconic Brighton Pier. This is a must-do Brighton attraction, and something quintessentially British. Whether you lose a few hours on the 2p machines, ride the rollercoaster or just relax in the deck chairs, it’s worth allocating some time in your Brighton weekend to the Palace Pier.
Lunch – Fish & Chips on Brighton Palace Pier
A trip to the British seaside isn’t complete without a hearty meal of fish and chips (unless you’re vegan or veggie, of course). There is hot competition for the best fish and chips in Brighton, with Regency Restaurant and Bardsley’s all offering delicious options. But you really can’t beat fish and chips on Brighton Pier for the classic seaside experience. Palm Court has both a restaurant and a kiosk about halfway down.
The final destination on this Brighton itinerary is Blaker Street. Not so much of a Brighton tourist attraction, but certainly an Instagrammable spot! A street full of colourful houses with views of the sea.
Other Things to Do in Brighton
If you have more than a weekend in Brighton, there are plenty of other activities!
Brighton Beach Sauna
Did you know Brighton has a beach sauna? That’s right, you can relax in the heat at Beach Box, a wood-fired sauna located right on the pebbles! Best combined with a cooling swim in the sea afterwards!
Crazy Golf
​Brighton has no less than three Crazy Golf courses along the seafront! Perfect for unleashing your competitive side!
Beach Volleyball
If you’re feeling energetic, head down to Yellowave Beach Sports Venue, where you can hire a court or take a beach volleyball class, which run throughout the year – even when it’s raining!
Ride Volks Electric Railway
Head down to Brighton seafront for a trip on Volks Electric Railway. It is the oldest operating electric railway in the world. Completed in 1883! It takes you from Palace Pier all the way to Black Rock, where you can visit Brighton Marina.
Other Great Brighton Bars and Restaurants
- Easy Tiger – Indian tapas
- Ten Green Bottles – Wine bar and shop
- The Pond – Bao buns and craft beer in North Laine
- The Mesmerist – Live music and cocktails in the Lanes
- Red Roaster – Daytime cocktails
- Plotting Parlour – Cocktails
How to Get to Brighton
If you’re driving to Brighton, make sure you check that your hotel has parking, as parking is expensive and hard to come by in the city. If you can, I recommend taking the train, as once you’re there, there is little need for a car. From London, you can take the train from London Bridge, London Victoria or London Blackfriars, which all take around one hour.
Where to Stay in Brighton
There are lots of excellent places to stay in Brighton, including beachfront hotels, cosy guesthouses and quirky apartment rentals.
Budget – Sea Spray Hotel, a boutique hotel with affordable, compact rooms.
Mid-range – Snooze is a funky guesthouse with individually styled rooms. Located a 4-minute walk from Brighton seafront in the trendy area of Kemptown. Breakfast is included.
Luxury – The Claremont is a 5-star bed and breakfast in a Victorian Villa with a hidden walled garden. An excellent breakfast is included in the rate.
Find accommodation in Brighton
FAQs
How many days do you need in Brighton?
Ideally, spend 2-3 days in Brighton to explore the lanes, great restaurants and see some of the sights. As well as enjoying some time on the beach.
Can you get around Brighton without a car?
Yes, the city centre is compact and there is good public transport in Brighton.
Is Brighton a good city break destination?
Absolutely, Brighton has great nightlife, excellent restaurants and lots of interesting things to see and do, making it perfect for a city break.
