Brighton

Travel Guide

Brighton Beach which includes a pebble beach
Brighton featuring rugged coastline and general coastal views
Chapel Royal
Brighton which includes tranquil scenes and general coastal views
Bodiam Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

A famous beach, grandiose architecture, bohemian lifestyle and bustling shopping and nightlife districts make this one of England’s favorite coastal cities. 

Brighton is among the most flamboyant cities in the United Kingdom. Once a fishing village, its popularity grew when royals came in search of medicinal seawater. Today Brighton blends the charm of a traditional Victorian-era seaside resort with the creativeness of its alternative, hipster population. Bachelor and bachelorette parties flock to Brighton for its nightlife while mods cruise the coastline on scooters and day trippers explore a labyrinth of shopping streets.

Brighton Beach is the quintessential city image, where fish and chip shops, ice cream parlors and fading Victorian-era hotels line a promenade that runs parallel to a long shingle coastline. Thousands descend upon the beach on sunny days to dabble in watersports, play Frisbee and relax on deckchairs.

The amusement rides at Brighton Pier, Brighton Sea Life Centre and Brighton Centre concert venue provide non-stop entertainment for all the family. Snap a photo of the multicolored beach huts that front Hove Lawns.

Wander through The Lanes, an area of zigzagging alleys home to boutiques, chocolatiers, jewelers and milliners. Varied restaurants, comedy clubs, pubs and jazz cafés offer food and nightlife options for all tastes. Hear gruesome crime stories at the Old Police Cells Museum.

Experience the life of British monarchs at the opulent Royal Pavilion. The adjoining Royal Pavilion Gardens is a green oasis in the heart of the city that attracts birds and butterflies. See Egyptian artifacts, exhibits about city history and 20th-century art at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. Brighton Dome and the Theatre Royal Brighton put on year-round schedules of performing arts.

Spot examples of Regency and Victorian architecture in the affluent districts of Clifton Hill and Montpelier. Soccer fans can attend a match of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club at the American Express Community Stadium. View the city from a different perspective on a cruise from Brighton Marina.

Located on England’s southeast coast, Brighton is just a 1-hour train ride from London. Summer is the busiest period and the time for festivals such as Brighton Fringe, Brighton Pride and Brighton Mod Weekender.

Where to stay in Brighton

Brighton showing heritage architecture

Brighton City Centre

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Brighton City Centre. Make a stop by Brighton Beach or North Laine while you're exploring the area.

Brighton City Centre
Brighton Beach featuring general coastal views

Seafront

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Brighton Beach and Kings Road Arches are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Seafront. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and popular shops.

Seafront
Kemptown featuring a sunset and street scenes

Kemptown

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

19th-century Regency architecture defines this residential estate in Brighton, featuring Arundel Terrace, Lewes Crescent, and Sussex Square. Stroll through the Kemp Town Enclosures, a formal garden oasis.

Kemptown
The Lanes which includes signage

The Lanes

Explore narrow lanes filled with small shops and antique stores in Brighton's famous Lanes. Wander from Meeting House Lane to Market Street, discovering hidden gems along the way.

The Lanes
Brighton

Seven Dials

Travelers enjoy Seven Dials for its restaurants and museums. Consider checking out D-Day Aviation Museum while you're in the area.

Seven Dials
Montpelier

Montpelier

5/5(2 area reviews)

Architecturally cohesive with stucco-clad terraced housing, Montpelier boasts significant Victorian churches and landmark buildings like The Temple and Royal Alexandra Hospital. Explore residential squares such as Clifton Terrace and Powis Square.

Montpelier
Leonardo Hotel Brighton
Leonardo Hotel Brighton
4 out of 5
101 Stroudley Road, Brighton, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥15,565 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥15,565
¥18,678 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,298 reviews)
"Very good location, just behind the station through the taxi rank."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Leonardo Hotel Brighton
Maldron Hotel Brighton City Centre
Maldron Hotel Brighton City Centre
4 out of 5
31 Cannon Place, Brighton, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥16,010 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥16,010
¥19,212 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Brighton. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Brighton Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (487 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Maldron Hotel Brighton City Centre
The Grand Brighton
The Grand Brighton
4 out of 5
97-99 King's Road, Brighton, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥20,753 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥20,753
¥24,904 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,507 reviews)
"Have seen it on tv and wanted to try it out. Not quite what I expected. But, very nice and expensive."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

The Grand Brighton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels
Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels
4 out of 5
11 Queen Square, Brighton, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Brighton Beach and Brighton Royal ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (260 reviews)
"Everything was perfect"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels
Upper Rock Brighton Apartments
Upper Rock Brighton Apartments
3 out of 5
3 Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi and premium bedding. Popular attractions Brighton Beach and Brighton Pier are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay here, good communication with host, apartment was lovely and clean. Only downside is sofa more for one person or two squashed can’t really relax to watching. Everything else was perfect"

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Upper Rock Brighton Apartments
Student Only iQ Brighton
Student Only iQ Brighton
2 out of 5
7 The Furlong, Brighton, England
Stay at this apartment in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Brighton Beach and Brighton Royal Pavilion ...
Student Only iQ Brighton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Brighton

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
49
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
45
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It is a beautiful seaside city .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great fun and lots to do - at any time of year.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Brighton is not a quiet medieval town like Canterbury, Winchester or Chichester. Very fast paced with impatient drivers and loud college kids, smoking and drinking. I wouldn't say I felt 'unsafe' at night, but common sense and care should be taken.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We love Brighton! There is a lot to do, or we can walk down to the water and just relax. Lots of restaurant choices for a vegetarian and a vegan.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bit shabby in places but the shopping, top notch. Plus, dining options outstanding.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Essy city to visit, lots of restaurants and full of young people. Good public transportation and beautiful place, would go back for sure.

Cities near Brighton