Last week, I spent a couple of days exploring Brighton, England! For those of you from outside the United Kingdom, Brighton is a small city located on England’s southern coast. Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, Brighton was a popular resort destination, and today it is known for its beautiful beach, buzzing nightlife, and up-and-coming arts scene. The coastal city is only an hour train ride from London, so it’s a great day trip or weekend break destination if you’re living in the capital! Here are my recommendations for things to do and see during a weekend break in Brighton!
This post has been written in collaboration with Visit Brighton.
West Pier Ruins 
Palace Pier
Things to Do in Brighton
Palace Pier– When I think of Brighton, the Palace Pier immediately comes to mind. This pier was orginially built in 1899, and it continues to amuse visitors today. On the pier, you’ll find an arcade, street food vendors, and amusement rides like rollercoasters, carousels, and a slide. The Palace Pier was the first place I went when I got to Brighton (partially because it was so close to my hotel), and I loved walking around the pier to enjoy views of the ocean and the seafront.
The Royal Pavilion- The Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton’s most popular tourist attractions, and after visiting, I can totally see why. It’s hard to believe this building dates back to the late 1700s when you see its unique Indian-inspired architecture! The Pavilion was built as a residence for George, Prince of Wales, and King William IV also stayed there! The palace is as ornately decorated on the inside as it is on the outside, so I highly recommend visiting while you’re in Brighton!
The Lanes– Located in the heart of Brighton, the Lanes is an area made up of small streets and alleyways filled with places to eat and shop! You could spend hours exploring this part of Brighton! I had a delicious chocolate cake and tea at Choccywoccydoodah, a chocolate store
Brighton Palace Pier 
The Royal Pavilion
North Laine– North of the Lanes, you’ll find North Laine, a quirky, artistic neighborhood filled with independent shops and cafes. North Laine was my favorite part of Brighton. The whole area has a really cool bohemian vibe, and I loved that there weren’t many chain retailers or restaurants. This is a great place to shop for unique gifts and clothing while in Brighton!
British Airways i360– For an incredible view of the city, you have to visit the British Airways i360! This attraction features a large glass capsule that can take up to 175 visitors 450 feet into the air. As the name implies, you get a stunning 360-degree view of the landscape from the top, allowing you to see a bird’s eye view of Brighton and the ocean!
There are several other major attractions in Brighton, including the Sea Life Aquarium, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum!
I stayed at One Broad Street, a self-service apartment-style hotel located in the heart of Brighton, just a short walk from the iconic Palace Pier. I loved the decor in the rooms- my room had an Instagram-worthy wall of (fake) plants just above the bed! The rooms also come with a smart TV and a digital concierge on a tablet (since there’s no actual concierge in the building)!
Brighton – A Seaside Getaway
Brighton is a great destination if you’re looking for a quick getaway from London. I absolutely loved visiting the Royal Pavilion, and I really enjoyed just walking along the beach and enjoying the sunny weather. Whenever I go back, I’d love to stay in the North Laines area because it has such a cool vibe and so many nice restaurants and shops! Even though I didn’t go out while I was there, it seems like Brighton has a great nightlife scene, with tons of bars and nightclubs located on the seafront. I think this small seaside city has a lot to offer, and with summer coming up, I’d highly recommend visiting soon!
Which British city should I visit next?
Check out what I did in York for more UK travel inspiration!
British Airways i360
