Brighton- 7 irresistible sights that make the craziest English city so unique

25.09.2025.

Every corner of Brighton tells a story and every step gives freedom to explore as we miss it in everyday life. Lying at the south coast of UK in the East Sussex, Brighton beautifully intertwines artistic and historical city notes.

Though it’s a popular London day trip, Brighton offers much more to explore including the stunning coastal hikes nearby. Just like Bath or Cotswolds even in a day, Brighton offers a fantastic retreat out of London just like I did. When I return to Brighton, spending few days in this vibrant English city is inevitable.

Though Brighton doesn’t have a vacation beach, its picturesque ambiance is perfect to chill with nothing to do. There’s plenty to explore on the beach, including the famous Brighton pier.

Because of its vibrant atmosphere, Brighton is a city not to miss in England.

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Why to visit Brighton

You will find here an abundant choice of Instagrammable photos to take that make Brighton so adorable. Blending the fun and sea views, Brighton doesn’t lack in the touristic offer. It’s a city to enjoy the street murals, crazy shops and creative choice of restaurants. Here you’ll find the awesome vegan food, being so irresistible.

Brighton is a cultural hub attracting people from the whole world. The English people will come to surf in Brighton, but pay attention to its historical and artistic vibes. With the numerous festivals, you will find in Brighton a perfect blend of the beach lifestyle and urban charm.

Get the close impression of Brighton at my Instagram reel.

How to reach Brighton

From central London it’s easy to come to Brighton, taking only 1h by train. Expect to pay about 10€ for one way ticketso take this opportunity to enjoy the coastal vibes near London. The best way to get the ticket is through the trainline.com site.

Visit the Royal Pavilion

Royal Pavilion is an epic palace to visit in Brighton, permeating the Indian heritage. One of the most beautiful palaces I saw covers a fantastic colour topic through its interior.

Built in the 18th century as a holiday residence of King George IV, its Indo-Mauritian style is unique in Europe.  Serving him to enjoy Brighton’s seaside climate, the story unfolds while being the prince of Wales.

Located within short stroll from central Brighton, Royal Pavilion is a place not to miss in Brighton.

Within the spectacular design you’ll enjoy the luxurious ceilings, elegant furniture and Chinese tapestry.

Visiting the Royal Pavilion is more than exploring a palace- it’s a journey through history and art with exotic shine.

Walking around its gardens is so idyllic to take photos, particularly in the morning when Sun creates the gorgeous reflections. During the winter there’s an ice skating ring in the gardens.

Enjoy the beach

Just like the historical streets of the Lanes, Brighton beach is a fun place to explore. Seeing the fantastic caffes and amazing museums around will captivate your senses to stop the moment.

Except the Brighton Pier, you can admire the starling murmuration set right in the water. It’s an installation that gathers around 40 000 starlings travelling from Scandinavia. Every evening these birds gather and perform the spectacular dance.

There’s a fantastic choice of vegan food that you won’t be able to resist along the beach and on the pier.

It doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy the beach, find the colourful chairs and let the vibe take over you.

Brighton Fishing Museum

Within its picturesque setting, you can explore the history and fishing tradition of Brighton. It’s free to visit and you can learn a lot about Brighton’s roots as a small fishing village. Seeing the traditional dresses adds to this rich exhibition.

Brighton Pier

The iconic Brighton Pier is originally known as the Brighton Palace Pier with the funfair. Looking so Instagrammable, inside you can explore the restaurants and enjoy the rides. For the small fee, you’ll have the honour to try the traditional seaside arcade games.

Band Stand

By the marvelous Band Stand of Brighton you’ll get the best seaside photos. Taking place on the west after the upsode-down house, it experienced a restoration in 2009.

Every seaside town has a band stand and Brighton’s probably the prettiest, living its Victorian glory. Between April and Summer, you can enjoy the live musical performances here with an ice cream in your hand.

Upside-down house

Brighton’s Upside-down House is another unusual place to visit where you can walk on ceiling. Seeing the world from different perspective will give you some lovely photos and stuff will asist you.

You can also get a combined ticket for the Brighton i360 on the next corner.

Brighton i360

Seeing the bird’s eye view from the Brighton i360 might not stick into one day itinerary but it’s very well worth it. Not only you’ll see the fabulous views of Brighton and Hove but the amazing rooftop artwork. It will boost your adrenaline and on a clear sky can be even more stunning.

Book your tickets in advance which will save you time, specially during the summer.

Exploring the Lanes

Wandering through the Lanes unveils a new story of the crazy Brighton as you discover some unique shops and restaurants. Through the narrow streets, you’ll pass by some amazing murals and enjoy the pedestrian oasis.

Stopping by the morning coffe is unmissable, I even got a very cheap pastry from yesterday. You will not be able to resist the awesome food choice, particularly vegan. Some retro fashion stores will catch your attention and perhaps remind a bit of Notting Hill.

In Brighton you’ll find tropical fruit bar, lantern shop, lollipop shop, amazing street vendors and much more. The Berts homestore is the crown of all shops where you can find the incredible books and similar. Some of them include Yoga Cat, Party Tricks For Dogs, How To Speak Cat and other fun stuff.

Food For Friends is a stunning restaurant with creative veggie food and if you want fresh sea food, go to Oysters. The Botanist caffe offers not only a delicious coffe but other unusual drinks.

North Laine

In the North Laine, you can enjoy the visual adventure and admire the street murals. Every wall speaks its story and every corner hides a hidden jewel. This bohemian neighbourhood stretches from Trafalgar Street to Brighton Station.

Strolling along the cute little shops and vintage clothing stores, you’ll have lot of fun. The North Laine is just around the corner from the Lanes so continue this incredible discovery.

Hiking in South Downs National Park

Visiting the South Downs National Park is the best idea for exploring the surroundings of Brighton. Except the pretty Sussex villages, you can hike by the wonderful cliffs of Seven Sisters. Devil’s Dyke also offers the beautiful panoramic views at the highest point of Sussex at 248m. It’s easy to reach Seven Sisters within 40-minutes bus ride.

Your itinerary for the perfect one day in Brighton

• Morning walk through the Lanes with coffee and pastry
• Visiting the Royal Pavilion
• Lunch in Food for Friends or street food on Brighton Pier
• Afternoon walk on the beach & taking photos of murals in the North Laine
• If you stay longer, enjoy an evening chill with the sunset and smoothie on the beach

Final thoughts

Brighton is not only a destination- it’s an experience that awakens all senses.

Next time as you plan your vacation, let yourself feel  the town with the whole heart. Walk through the Lanes, explore the beach, try the local delicacies and enjoy the creative energy at every step. Every walk through this town can be a little adventure and freedom that Brighton offers.

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