brighton trip guide

Skip To Main Content

• All Year Round
• Family Friendly
• Museums & Galleries
• Breweries & Vineyards
• Parks & Gardens
• Walking & Hiking
• Health & Spa
• Adventure & Outdoor
• Workshops & Experiences
• Beach & Water Sports
• Comedy & Cabaret
• Clubs & Bars
• Music Venues
• South Downs National Park
• The Living Coast
• Events Calendar
• Submit Event
• Valentine's Day
• Mother's Day
• Father's Day
• School Holidays
• Christmas & New Year
• Self-Catering
• Camping & Glamping
• Pet-Friendly
• Stay in Sussex
• Restaurants
• Cafes & Afternoon Teas
• Pubs & Bars
• Vegetarian & Vegan
• Independent
• Local Produce
• North Laine
• Brighton Marina
• London Road
• Rottingdean
• Travel Information
• Visitor Information Points
• Tide Timetables
• Weather Forecast
• Accessibility
• Work with Us
• Enewsletter sign-up
• Film & TV
• Famous People
• Sustainability
• Itineraries
• Conference Guide
• Submit an Enquiry
• Sector Strengths
• Delegate Booking
• Incentives & Experiences
• Inward Investment

Already saved an Itinerary?

• Accommodation
• Things to Do
• Food & Drink

Welcome to Brighton!

An inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex. With a blend of modern culture and exotic architecture, sea and countryside, make Brighton your base and discover new places and experiences both inside the city and out.

What’s Brighton like in a nutshell?

Ever since royal party animal George IV fell in love with Brighton back in the 18th Century, the city has been a magnet for visitors in search of fun, frolics and fresh sea air. With its majestic Regency squares and crescents, iconic Royal Pavilion and famous piers, today Brighton is as well-known for being a welcoming and diverse city with a passion for culture, creativity and sustainability as it is for its historic landmarks.

With art, live music and entertainment on tap, plus an ever-growing abundance of independent shops, boutique hotels and award-winning restaurants, what more could a city have to offer? Quite a lot, it turns out! Apart from having eight miles of beach on its doorstep and being bang in the middle of a UNESCO World Biosphere Region, it also borders the magnificent South Downs National Park , which is itself an International Dark Sky Reserve. And given that it’s a one-hour train journey from London and a half-hour train journey from London Gatwick Airport, it couldn’t be easier to get here.

So here at VisitBrighton HQ, we’ve gathered together everything we know about our fabulous city that could be of interest to you and organised it into handy sections to help you plan your trip. You’ll find information on things to do , what’s on , where to stay , and where to eat, drink, shop . We also have a helpful plan your visit section and a meetings and conferences section .

Are you ready to

be inspired!

Inspiration.

• 18 May 2024 19 May 2024

Earlier this week I shut down the laptop and enjoyed a delightful morning in Lewes exploring the new exhibitions at Charleston.

We have so much happening

all year round

What's on highlights.

We are delighted to bring the awesome Brazilian rock duo Yur Mum to Brighton for a matinee show. A…

Lemon Wax (headline Show)

Lemon Wax will be bringing an exciting performance to The Brunswick on Wednesday 12th June with a…

The Branding Needs Work

For new comedians and established comedians trying out new material.

Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo

Join TV dance sensation Johannes Radebe and a host of eclectic characters in this brand-new…

Nuha Ruby Ra, Muck Spreader, Genie Genie

London-based art-punk artist Nuha Ruby Ra. This is an 18+ event.

The Sussex Steam Rally

The Rally will host a variety of exhibits from steam traction engines to vintage vehicles with…

Easter Eggs-plosion Trail

Hop on down to Leonardslee, where the Easter magic’s set free. An eggs-plosive adventure, a sight…

Adhdaf: Alien Nation

Unidentified ADHD left you feeling like an Alien? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There’s a whole planet of us..…

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The local children spend 3 days putting together a show ... come and show your support, or perhaps…

AGMP Concerts presents The Skids 'Days in Europe 45th Anniversary Tour' with special guests Spear…

11/04/2024 - 28/11/2024

Meet our incredible Jazz performers: Will Gardner is a local Jazz musician from Brighton who will…

The Neil Diamond Story

The Neil Diamond Story with Bob Drury and his band Described in Las Vegas as “one of the world’s…

Spew + Map 71 + Minor Dents + DJ Fiery Biscuits

Spew is a post-punk wonk-funk 4-piece from London utilising sax, bass, drums and a noise guitar (or…

Vanessa Forero - Songs & Stories Tour

Recently featured on Ben Fogle's: New Lives in the Wild, South-Americana singer-songwriter Vanessa…

Iain Stirling: Relevant

Brand new comedy show from Iain Stirling.

Ladyboys of Bangkok: 25th Anniversary Theatre Tour

This BIG anniversary show boasts a glamorous cast of 16 in a fun-filled outrageous new production…

My, my! It’s time for Waterloo to be performed again at Brighton Dome. The same stage. The same…

Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit

Rhod Gilbert & the Giant Grapefruit When life gives Rhod lemons… In his last show ‘The Book of…

A Wednesday song is a quilt. A short story collection, a half-memory, a patchwork of portraits of…

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

The Dublin-stand-up and regular guest on *Mock The Week* returns with a new show of observational…

Charlie Parr

Roots, blues and Americana from Minnesota's Charlie Parr.

Pride Rock: Tigercub, Stone Angels, Hawxx + More

After the success of last year’s launch, Brighton Pride’s first Rock/Metal/Alternative event PRIDE…

Splintering Heart - The Marillion Experience

Splintering Heart a tribute to Marillion, deliver an authentic performance bringing passion,…

Foreverland in the Park: Brighton

BRIGHTON Foreverland in the Park makes its debut on Bank Holiday Sunday 5th May A whole day of…

• 2 Lemon Wax (headline Show)
• 3 The Branding Needs Work
• 4 Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo
• 5 Nuha Ruby Ra, Muck Spreader, Genie Genie
• 6 The Sussex Steam Rally
• 7 Easter Eggs-plosion Trail
• 8 Adhdaf: Alien Nation
• 9 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• 10 The Skids
• 11 Weekly Live Jazz
• 12 The Neil Diamond Story
• 13 Spew + Map 71 + Minor Dents + DJ Fiery Biscuits
• 14 Vanessa Forero - Songs & Stories Tour
• 15 Iain Stirling: Relevant
• 16 Ladyboys of Bangkok: 25th Anniversary Theatre Tour
• 18 Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit
• 19 Wednesday
• 20 Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time
• 21 Charlie Parr
• 22 Pride Rock: Tigercub, Stone Angels, Hawxx + More
• 23 Splintering Heart - The Marillion Experience
• 24 Foreverland in the Park: Brighton

Get to know Brighton & Hove

like a local

• Sign up for e-newsletter
• Submit event
• Business Directory

Stay in touch with us

• Accessibility Statement
• Data Protection Policy
• Terms and Conditions

© Visit Brighton 2024. All Rights Reserved

Don't Miss

Book Experiences

Top 50 Things to Do

Brighton Goals

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Brighton Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Brighton is a seaside resort town on the southern coast of England that’s known for being quirky, bohemian, artsy, and very LGBTQ-friendly. It’s an extremely popular place to visit in the summer.

I really like this town — even during the summer when it gets crowded!

Considered the hippest city in the UK, Brighton comes to life during the summer with festivals and events. There’s a lot to do here beyond just going to the beach or shows and I think people really miss out on the charm of the city when they just focus on those two things. Brighton is actually a fun year-round destination for anyone looking for a short trip from London .

This travel guide to Brighton will help you plan a fun, affordable, and off-the-beaten-path visit to this underrated city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Brighton

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Brighton

1. Wander Brighton Pier

Brighton’s most famous attraction, the Brighton Palace Pier is a great place for a stroll. It’s particularly beautiful during sunset and sunrise. There has been a pier here since 1823 but the pier in its current form opened in 1899. It has been through both world wars as well as many, many storms (some of which destroyed the previous versions). During the day, lots of people come and hang out at the arcades, ride the rides, and restaurants. It’s great for relaxing and people-watching. At night, it’s lit up with 67,000 lights which makes for a pretty cool spectacle.

2. Visit the Royal Pavilion

Completed in 1823 for King George IV, the Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s most iconic building. Although King George was only able to visit the Royal Pavilion twice, it was often used as a royal summer home and, during World War II, it was transformed into a military hospital. Many of the rooms, including the banqueting room, the kitchen, the saloon, the music room, and three bedrooms have been restored to reflect how it would have looked during the Regency era. There’s also a pretty garden in front that you can visit for free to get photos of the exterior. Admission is 17 GBP and includes unlimited return visits for one year.

3. Spend time at Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach can get touristy and crowded in the summer, but it’s the best place to swim (be warned, the water is never warm!) and get some sun. It’s a pebbly beach but there’s plenty to do with lots of watersports in the sea, the nearby Pier, and a selection of shops and cafés. At the western end of Brighton Beach, near Hove Beach, there is a colorful row of beach huts perfect for some Insta-worthy pictures and a 4-mile (6-kilometer) promenade that’s great for a stroll with nice views.

4. Day trip to Seven Sisters Country Park

Located within the South Downs National Park, the Seven Sisters Country Park is a great place for a quiet afternoon in nature, with an abundance of flora and fauna. The park includes a number of chalk cliffs (almost 700 acres’ worth) that run right up to the seaside. You can find several walking trails as well as cycling, canoeing, and paddle boarding options here. Admission is free.

5. Hike Devil’s Dyke

The largest dyke in the UK, this mile-long valley is part of the Southern England chalk formation and offers panoramic views across the South Downs. The rare chalk grassland is home to beautiful wildlife, from birds to butterflies, that you can see while hiking or cycling across one of the area’s many bridleways (trails). Devil’s Dyke history dates back to the Stone Age and you can see everything from the remnants of an Iron Age hillfort to the remains of a Victorian funfair. In recent years, it has become a popular spot for hang gliding. It’s only accessible by car and parking costs 6 GBP per day.

Other Things to See and Do in Brighton

1. explore the city through the eyes of a local.

Brighton Greeters is a free program that connects visitors with a volunteer local guide. You’ll spend two hours with a guide who will take you around the city on a personalized tour. It’s a unique way to see Brighton and a cool way to connect with an insider. It’s best to book early on in your visit so that you can get plenty of local tips for the rest of your trip. I can’t recommend it enough!

2. See contemporary art at Fabrica Gallery

Located in a former Regency church, this artist-run visual art gallery is free to visit and a wonderful spot for afternoon inspiration. Exhibitions change several times a year and, in the past, have included video installations, contemporary photography exhibits, and large sculpture works. It’s only open for special exhibitions, so visit their website for a schedule of shows. If you visit on a weekend, you can also pop into their new café for a drink and snack.

3. Take a break at St. Ann’s Well Gardens

A beautiful and expansive park near the Hove seafront, St. Ann’s Well Gardens is named after its chalybeate spring (a spring with a heavy concentration of iron in the water). Legend has it that the spring’s waters are the tears of a woman named Annafrieda, shed after she learned that her lover had been murdered. The park has tennis courts, a children’s play area, and numerous local and exotic trees. There’s a small garden café in the park too.

4. Explore under the sea

First founded in 1871, Sea Life Center is the world’s oldest operating aquarium. The aquarium’s star attraction is the new Day & Night exhibition, which includes a 24-hour window into what life in a coral reef looks like, featuring Black Tip Reef Sharks and stingrays. As you walk through the Day & Night aquarium, the lighting changes so you can see different species living in different environments. Other experiences include exploring the Rainforest Adventure zone and riding on an indoor glass-bottom boat (requires a separate ticket). Admission starts at 17 GBP if you book online two or more days in advance.

5. Attend Brighton Festival

Every May, Brighton puts on the second-largest art festival in Great Britain, with music, theater, dance, art, and more across around 35 different venues across the town. Tens of thousands of people attend the event so make sure you book accommodation in advance. Some events are free, while others cost between 5-40 GBP.

6. Attend a special event at the Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre is a huge conference and exhibition center designed in the Brutalist style. Located right on the waterfront, this is where they hold big-name concerts, comedy shows, theater and dance performances, and special events. Check out the calendar to find out what’s on or stop in to see if there are any day-of tickets available. Prices start at around 25 GBP.

7. Get lost in the Brighton Toy & Model Museum

For something a little unusual, the Toy & Model Museum is a fun escape. Located underneath the central train station, this museum has over 10,000 items in its collection, including working toy trains, vintage toys, and 20th-century packaging and advertisements. It’s quirky but also super interesting. Admission is 7 GBP.

8. Party in Kemptown

Brighton is unofficially known as the queer capital of the UK, and most of the gay and lesbian nightlife is in the Kemptown neighborhood along St. James Street. Just a few blocks from Brighton Pier, there are many great LGBTQ-owned bars, venues, and clubs here. The Charles Street Tap is a long-running gay bar with pub nights and pop music blasting on the TV screens, while The Queens Arms is a small venue with daily cabaret shows. If you’re looking to belt some music, Bar Broadway welcomes everyone for show tunes with sing-a-longs.

9. Enjoy panoramic views from the Brighton i360

Opened in 2016, this is one of Brighton’s newest attractions. The i360 tower stands 162 meters (53 feet) tall and is located at the foot of the former West Pier. Designed by the team behind the London Eye, it cost 46 million GBP to build and offers panoramic views over Brighton. On a clear day, you may even be able to see the Isle of Wight some 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. The experience takes less than 30 minutes and costs 17.95 GBP.

10. Shop in the Lanes

The Lanes are a famous spot to catch a glimpse of that hippie Brighton vibe. This area is a collection of narrow streets and alleys, or lanes, with lots of independent small shops, restaurants, and street art. Look for the North Lane Bazaar shopping streets and just poke around the different shops for souvenirs.

11. Attend Brighton & Hove Pride

Held annually over a weekend in August, Brighton’s Pride event is internationally recognized as one of the best in the world with a huge parade, peaceful demonstrations, and community fundraising. Tickets to the Fabuloso event start at 28.50 for one day (the weekend tickets start at 48.50 GBP), there’s a village party and you can camp all weekend.

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

Brighton Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A dorm with 4-8 beds costs 23-38 GBP per night while dorms with 10-12 beds start at 19 GBP. Private rooms start around 60 GBP. Prices can be up to two times higher during the summer. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have either self-catering facilities or free breakfast.

Since Brighton is surrounded by a national park, there are also plenty of camping options available in the area. For a basic tent plot, expect to pay around 20 GBP per night for a pitch without electricity (there’s not great availability in the off-season).

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 60 GBP per night (100 GBP in summer). Expect basic amenities like TV, coffee/tea makers, and AC.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Brighton. Private rooms start at 50-65 GBP per night, while a full apartment averages 100-125 GBP per night. Prices can double when not booked in advance, so book early.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

You can find kebabs for about 5 GBP while fish and chips cost around 8-10 GBP. Indian lunch specials are around 10 GBP. Burritos and sandwiches cost 5-9 GBP, pizza starts at 8-10 GBP, and a fast food combo (think McDonald’s) is around 6 GBP.

For an inexpensive meal at a pub or restaurant, expect to pay between 12-16 GBP for a main course, while a pint of beer costs around 5 GBP. Sunday roasts (13-15 GBP) are a well-known tradition in Brighton, like most of the United Kingdom. Usually served with lots of vegetables, this is a hearty way to end your week. A 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs from 30 GBP.

Some good places for a roast are The Royal Sovereign Pub, The Dover Castle, and The Dorset Bar & Restaurant.

A latte or cappuccino costs around 3 GBP while bottled water is 1.25 GBP.

A week’s worth of basic groceries costs between 40-55 GBP. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.

Backpacking Brighton Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Brighton, expect to spend around 60 GBP per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, walking and using public transit to get around, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and hanging out at the beach. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of about 130 GBP per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, eat out for most meals at cheap pubs and fast food joints, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visit the Sea Life Center and the Toy Museum.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do as many activities and tours as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Brighton Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While the UK is one of the most expensive countries in the world, Brighton is more affordable than other cities thanks to its cheap pubs, public parks, free beaches, and affordable hostels. Here are my top ways to save money when you visit Brighton:

• Visit the parks and gardens – Brighton has numerous parks and gardens that are beautiful to explore during the summer months. Best of all, they’re free!
• Buy an all-day bus ticket – If you need to use the public buses to get around, save money by getting an all-day bus pass for 5 GBP. It’s the cheapest way to get around.
• Eat cheap – If you are going to eat out, stick to fish and chips and other pub foods. While it’s not the healthiest option, it’s the most budget-friendly. For further savings, book accommodation with a kitchen and cook for yourself.
• Relax at the beach – Sunday is beach day and the Brighton Pier and Brighton Beach attract tourists and day-trippers from the surrounding area. Wander around and take in the scene for free.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a better feel for the city, be sure to take a free walking tour. They only last a couple of hours and are a great way to engage with the city’s history. Both Real Brighton Tours and Brighton Greeters have excellent guides and cover all the highlights.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to stay with a local for free. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to cut costs while connecting with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Brighton

As a relatively popular weekend destination, Brighton has a few budget-friendly accommodation options. Here are my suggested places to stay in Brighton:

• Seadragon Backpackers
• Selina Brighton
• HAPPY Brighton
• YHA Brighton

How to Get Around Brighton

Public transportation – The best way to get around Brighton, especially if you stick to the central area, is by foot. The city is relatively compact and everything is easy to reach. However, there is an extensive bus network through Brighton and Hove to get around if you need it.

The easiest way to buy bus tickets is through the Brighton & Hove bus app. A ticket valid for 60 minutes costs 2.80 GBP. If you’re going to use the bus a lot, you can get a citySAVER day pass for 5 GBP (5.50 GBP if you want to use the night buses). You can also buy 2-,3-,4- and 7-day passes. Tickets can also be bought on the bus or in advance through pay stations and shops around the city.

Bicycle – Brighton is a very bike-friendly city, and in fact, Cycling England chose it as one of six Cycling Demonstration Towns to encourage and promote cycling. Brighton’s public bike-sharing program is BTN BikeShare and you can find docking stations all over the city. Unlock a bike for 1 GBP and then it’s just 4p/minute.

Bike rentals from private companies start at around 25 GBP per day.

Taxi – Taxis cost 2.80 GBP to start and then 2.20 GBP per mile. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Brighton but, again, walking or cycling is the easiest way to get around the city on a budget.

Car rentals – You don’t need a car to explore the city, however, it might be helpful if you want to explore the region. Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind driving is on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. Drivers need to be at least 21 to rent a car.

When to Go to Brighton

Summer is peak tourism season in Brighton and temperatures are the warmest during this time — but rarely are they ever above 27°C (80°F). Brighton is bursting at the seams during the summer and the city offers a fun, lively atmosphere thanks to the many seaside attractions. People make the most of the warm weather and there are constantly tons of events and festivals happening. Prices are a little higher so be sure to book early to save money and secure your spot (accommodation can sell out when festivals are happening).

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the crowds have thinned out. It’s still warm enough to hike and explore though you won’t be able to hit the beach. Expect a little rain.

Winter lasts from December to February, and tourism crowds thin out drastically during this time. Temperatures rarely dip below 3°C (37°F), and prices are slightly lower as well. While it’s a fine time to visit, I would try to aim for the shoulder season or summer instead just to beat the grey winter weather.

How to Stay Safe in Brighton

Brighton is safe and the risk of violent crime here is low. Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, especially around tourist attractions like the Pier and Brighton Beach. Pickpockets tend to work in teams so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Avoid leaving your belongings unattended on the beach as bags and purses can get swiped. If you’re out enjoying the nightlife in Brighton, keep your belongings close to deter potential pickpockets and always keep an eye on your drink.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Brighton Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Brighton Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Brighton Travel Guide (with tips, itinerary and map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 5, 2023

Our Brighton Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most popular seaside resorts and cities on the southern coast of England. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Brighton!

Plan your visit to Brighton

Located south of London on the southern coast of England is the popular seaside resort and city of Brighton and Hove. Described as ‘bohemian, hedonistic and colourful’ ( VisitBritain.com ) Brighton is a cute, quirky English city that has it all.

Brighton is also the perfect base for exploring some of England’s prettiest villages or why not take a day trip to the Seven Sisters cliffs located in the South Downs National Park?

What you will find in this complete Brighton Travel Guide

Map of Brighton

When is the best time of year to visit brighton, how many days do you need in brighton, what is the best way to get around brighton, by train from london, by car from london, take a tour from london to brighton, attractions, places to visit & things to do in brighton, where to stay in brighton, tickets, tours and experiences in brighton, books to read about brighton, enjoy your visit to brighton.

FAQs – Visiting Brighton

May to September is the warmest and sunniest time of year to visit. Peak season is July and August when Londoners flock to the seaside during the hot summer months.

It can be breezy in Brighton at any time of year! It can also be chilly in winter so pack accordingly .

The Brighton Festival is held in May and covers the arts – film, dance, comedy, literature, circus, theatre, and opera. Find out more information on the official site.

Plan to spend at least a day to enjoy some of Brighton’s attractions. This would provide enough time to visit the Royal Pavilion and Pier plus enjoy a walk around the Lanes.

Brighton is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or as part of a road trip along the southern coast of England.

Brighton is a compact city and is easily explored on foot.

There is also a hop-on-hop-off bus available to get you around to all the major sights if you prefer.

How can I get to Brighton from London?

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Brighton for the day.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

• Distance from London: 47 miles
• Time taken by train: Fastest is 52 minutes to around 1 hour 20 minutes
• Depart London Victoria. London Blackfriars or London Bridge.

Brighton can take between 1 to 2 hours from London by road. Take the A23/M23 south until you arrive in Brighton. It is that easy!

There is a park and ride scheme available to get into the city. Alternatively there are number of car parks in the city. Don’t forget to carry change to pay parking meters.

• From London: Seven Sisters and South Downs Full-Day Tour – Explore the beauty of the South Downs National Park and see the famous white cliffs of the coast on a small group tour from London. Visit the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and discover the Neolithic carving of the Longman of Wilmington.
• Private Brighton & Arundel Castle or Petworth House Day Tour – Visit the lovely Regency seaside resort of Brighton and continue to Arundel Castle, home to the Duke of Norfolk for over 700 years. Travel in style in a luxury chauffeur-driven vehicle with door-to-door transfers from central London.

THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON

10 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

PLACES TO STAY IN BRIGHTON

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

Below you will find a selection of the best tickets, tours and experiences available in Brighton. These tours are all available from Get Your Guide which is our tour company of choice due to their flexible cancellation policies and great customer service.

• Brighton Sea Life Centre – Visit the world’s oldest aquarium.
• Grand Brighton Bike Tour – Experience Brighton by bike on a leisurely 2.5-hour guided tour, and explore the artistic back streets of North Laine, the flamboyant architecture of the Royal Pavilion, quaint Fishing Quarter, Georgian architecture of Brunswick Square, and more.
• Brighton Zip Line Experience Ticket – Get an adrenaline rush on the longest zip line on the south coast of England and experience Brighton from a different perspective. Race your friends on a dual zip line or choose the complete package and have a go on the drop zone.
• Guided Chocolate Tour with Tastings – Sample your way around the seaside city of Brighton on this unique guided tour. With a local, visit some of Brighton’s most beloved chocolate shops and taste a selection of delicious sweet treats.
• Brighton Walking Food Tour – Discover the history and cuisine of Brighton on a 2-hour walking food tour, making regular stops for tastings of local food and drink.
• Private Customisable Brighton Tour With a Local – Book a local for a personalised exploration of Brighton. Your local host will give you a local perspective on both top attractions and lesser-known parts of the city with a flexible and exciting itinerary.

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Brighton. You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around England in these travel guides:

• Devon Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Dorset Jurassic Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary & map)
• York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• 10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

How To Spend The ULTIMATE Weekend In Brighton, England

Ready to find out how to spend the best weekend in Brighton? Find out the top things to do, where to eat and where to stay in this Brighton travel guide.

With its fiercely independent spirit, buzzing foodie scene and an old-time English seaside charm, it’s easy to see why Brighton is one of the most popular seaside day trips from London .

As a kid I always looked forward to visiting Brighton. We’d gorge on fish and chips followed by ice cream, trying desperately to dodge the enormous swooping seagulls. We’d ride dodgems on the pier after using up all of our 2ps on the slot machines.

At age nine (and much to my mum’s horror) I returned home dragging a stuffed panda that was as big, if not bigger than me, in one hand, and a rock from the beach the size of my face in the other. “Look how sparkly this one is,” I said picking up a handful of pebbles on Brighton Beach. “I want to take it home.”

So, when the time came to plan my four Visit England ambassador trips, Brighton was my first choice. I’ve been back several times as an adult, enjoying the food scene more and more, exploring the cool boutiques in The Lanes and seeing the city in a different light. Yet, I’d never written about it. With a weekend in the city, I wanted to get to know it more intimately than ever, seeking out its quirks and charm while learning what draws the tourists, plus the secret spots only the locals know.

If you’re visiting for a day trip, check out the video first then scroll down to find out all about my top things to do in Brighton!

Weekend In Brighton Itinerary: Your guide to spending the ultimate weekend in Brighton

British airways i360.

Last time I visited this gigantic tower did not exist, and yet now it’s a top Brighton tourist attraction!  Designed by the same architects behind the London Eye, the British Airways i360 is an exciting new addition to the seafront, and while the views from the top are impressive, the architecture of the structure itself is equally as photo worthy. Holding up to 200 people at a time (there were only around 50 when I visited) you enter the capsule at the bottom and then ascend to a height of 138 metres. The capsule remains at the top for a while before descending again.

There’s a bar in the middle serving cocktails, champagne and soft drinks. Sipping bubbly from our big bubble in the sky was a lovely experience. From the top we spotted a few unique details – I’d never realised that along with street art on the walls around Brighton, there was also some hiding on the rooftops!

Bluebird Tea Company

I visited the Bluebird Tea Company as part of my food tour of Brighton. It’s a Willy Wonka style store for tea lovers! Using their tea mixology skills they’ve created everything from peppermint crème and salted caramel flavour, to ginger beer, mojitea (geddit?!) and chilli kale! It’s definitely worth a visit, whether you’re on the food tour or not.

Brighton Pavilion  

Many who see pictures of Brighton Pavilion won’t believe it’s in England. Looking more like a relative of the Taj Mahal, the impressive building was adapted from an old farmhouse and used by George, Prince of Wales (who became Prince Regent) as one of his entertaining venues. I’ve passed it on trips before, but never ventured inside until now. The rooms are stunning, with Chinoise details, colourful décor and immense grandeur. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a Hollywood movie! The Pavilion also hosts exhibitions, and right now (to tie in with the 200th anniversary of her death) you can find out more about Jane Austen’s relationship with the sea, and specifically Brighton.

What to do on a weekend in Brighton if you’re a shopaholic? Visit The Lanes! Not so long ago, Brighton was virtually free of big brands and high street chains. While that’s not the case these days, with all the standard high street stores and restaurants you’d find in any other city (hello H&M, Topshop, Wahaca, Zizzi etc) there’s still a huge passion for local, independent businesses. The Lanes and North Laine are the places to visit for cute boutiques, vintage stores, hipster cafes, vegetarian and vegan paradise (I’m not just talking vege food, you can buy vege shoes too!) plus gift shops and unique ‘Brighton’ haunts.

There’s the vintage-store-come-plant-shop. There’s a quirky store with the name This Is Not A Butchers. And staying with Brighton’s passion for all things vegan, there’s Eden – the vegan perfumerie that promises to match your favourite big name fragrance to one of their vegan alternatives.

Brighton Food Tour

Brighton is known for its plethora of organic foodie stores, vege cafes, delis, coffee shops, restaurants and more, but if you’re only there for a day, it might be hard to know where to start! One of my fave Brighton activities was the food tour we went on. Angela from Brighton Food Tours showed us some amazing places that I never would have found on my own. From fun flavours of tea at Bluebird Tea Company and delicious crisp Belgian fries at BeFries, to 100% organic chocolate at Rainbow Organic Chocolates and fresh oysters at English’s, it was a great way to get to grips with the city’s eclectic food scene.

Albourne Estate

Beyond the neon glow of the pier and Brighton’s sprawling city, it was nice to venture towards the South Downs for a totally different experience. The Albourne Estate is relatively new, just approaching its fifth harvest, and is one of many vineyards located in the south of England. They produce four white wines and a sparkling blanc de blancs and host tours and tastings by appointment. I’d definitely recommend a visit if you’re looking for things to do near Brighton.

It was interesting learning about their techniques, visiting the production room, and of course, tasting too! While I’ve visited vineyards in some pretty beautiful destinations around the world including Mendoza in Argentina and Ronda in Spain, Albourne’s location overlooking the South Downs is up there with the best of them. There are plenty of great vineyard tours in Sussex, and I can’t wait to return to visit some more.

Food For Friends

Brighton’s vegetarian scene is top notch, and you’ll be hard pushed to find somewhere without vegetarian and vegan offerings on the menu. With my passion for food, I was keen to try one of the top restaurants in town. I’d dined at Terre A Terre several times before, and had vegetarian food so flavoursome that I didn’t miss meat one bit.

This time I wanted to try the other top vegetarian restaurant in Brighton, Food For Friends. I started with oyster mushroom ‘scallops’ on pea puree and couldn’t believe how close they were in texture to the real thing. I also tried the tofu pockets with pickled ginger and rice, which were packed full of tasty Asian flavours with a spicy kick. For mains we enjoyed the battered halloumi and chips (a fun spin on fish and chips) and the sweet potato and oyster mushroom katsu curry with coconut rice. Both dishes were incredibly generous, full of flavour, and sure enough, we didn’t miss meat one bit.

Brighton’s spirit is colourful, but so are its walls! Street art and impressive murals cover parts of the city. Some are artfully crafted on key walls, particularly around The Lanes, while to see others you’ll need to venture down side streets and back alleys. There’s even Banksy’s famous ‘Kissing Policemen’. As mentioned, some you can’t even see from the ground, you’ll need to hop on the i360 and view from above!

Brighton Museum And Art Gallery

Get under the skin of Brighton with a trip to its museum. You can find out all about the history of Brighton, plus check out all sorts of exhibitions. During my visit, the Constable and Brighton exhibition was on, showing the artist’s relationship with the city.

Petit Pois Restaurant , Brighton

One of the best meals I’ve eaten in a long time, this French bistro offers fine dining, on a budget. We tucked into an indulgent duck dish, which was accompanied by a celeriac fondant and a sticky orange and star anise jus. I couldn’t believe it was only £10.50! The greens were as delicious and buttery as you’d have across the channel, and while I didn’t quite have space, the cheese and charcuterie platters looked incredibly appetising! 

Plateau  

Looking for somewhere nice for a glass of wine or a cocktail in Brighton? Plateau is the perfect spot. Along with some intriguing concoctions, the bartender will be happy to mix up your favourite drink or create something especially for you. The bar also serves a delicious menu of beautifully presented sharing plates – it’s the kind of place you pop in for a drink and end up staying all evening!

Bewilder Box

This Brighton escape room is one of the best I’ve ever done, and that is really saying something! Located above The Hobgoblin pub, the escape game was immersive, fun and just the right level of challenging for us. It had an entertaining storyline and I loved how creative some of the puzzles were – definitely in a different league to many we’ve done before. 

We worked as a two, but the game will suit bigger groups, and is a great activity if you’re visiting Brighton for a special occasion, a hen/stag do or just fancy trying something different! I can’t say much more, as I don’t want to give anything away, but WE ESCAPED! 

Brighton Pier

I can’t write about Brighton without mentioning the famous pier… the historic Palace Pier. Along with Southend and Blackpool, it’s the most famous in the country. As I wondered over the wooden floorboards, with a rather ferocious sea lapping below, I was transported back to my visits as a kid. I used to peer through the gaps and dare my sisters to step on the wobbly floorboards. I’d race to the end of the pier to the helter skelter and the dodgems. Then on the walk back I’d beg my dad to buy me a stick of sweet, peppermint rock.

I can report – nothing has changed! The helter skelter is still there. The sickly, fried scent of donut batter still wafts down the pier. The tarot reader wagon still sits on one side … and damn those 2p machines are just as inviting as they ever were. It’s one of those places you can’t miss, whether it’s out of nostalgia, or because you REALLY want to win a gigantic dolphin to take home!              

Brighton and Hove Beach Huts

Classic English holiday scene alert! These adorable colourful beach huts run along the seafront from Brighton to Hove. While I didn’t have time to cover Hove on this trip, I’ve been before and it’s a lovely town, much quieter and calmer than Brighton, but with plenty of charm too. Be sure to fit in this walk to see the beach huts, and you can always stop for a coffee or an ice cream at the café along the route.

Where To Stay In Brighton

When it comes to hotels in Brighton, there are plenty of gorgeous options. Be sure to check out my round of the best hotels on Brighton Seafront . Here are a few of my favourites…

Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa  

This seafront hotel is full of stylish touches. Along with smart bedrooms (many with sea views), there’s a great bar and restaurant on the ground floor (Harby’s Bar and Diner) – the perfect spot for a bite to eat or a pre-dinner cocktail. The best part though? The underground spa where you’ll find a pool, several hot tubs, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas.

There was also a great spread at breakfast, with a mix of hot and cold options available, plus service was really friendly. I think this hotel is in a great location for a few days by the seaside. It’s just a few minutes to the pier, the lanes, and around 15 minutes to Brighton Station. 

We stayed in the Danube Suite – a huge room with regency windows overlooking the Regency Square. There’s  beautiful polished wood throughout with a large coffee table and bedframe.

I also loved the in-room bath, toiletries by The White Company and designer details (funky lighting and smart bedding). With super friendly service and one of the best hotel breakfasts I’d had in a long time, it’s somewhere I’ve continued to recommend. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Brighton?

England is a country obsessed with weather. Don’t know what to say? Comment on the weather! We talk about it a lot, but contrary to what you may have heard, we don’t have awful weather in England. It’s just a little unpredictable and varies from region to region.

You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in London in January / February, and highs around 25°C in July / August.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Brighton, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!

I’ve never been a fan of November in Brighton – it gets pretty bleak! It’s the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic around the country which always puts a smile on my face!

While my weekend in Brighton was a little bit of a trip down memory lane, it was also amazing to discover new places, and even venture just outside to the Albourne Estate for a totally contrasting experience.

If you’ve not visited recently, or are planning your first trip, hopefully you’ll be able to squeeze in a few of my top tips!

I enjoyed a weekend in Brighton as part of my year as a Visit England ambassador, showing you some of the amazing things to do without jetting off to far off destinations. A big thanks to Visit England and Visit Brighton for organising my trip! Find out more about the Join The World campaign here . As always, all opinions are my own.

Enjoyed my weekend in Brighton blog? Why not pin it for later?

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

3 thoughts on “How To Spend The ULTIMATE Weekend In Brighton, England”

Love your photos. I made a nostalgic trip to Brighton a few years ago (where I had last been in the late 1970s) and share your impressions!

Thank you! It really is such a lovely place. I hope you take another trip soon!

Beautiful city and great pics, grettings from Malaga-Spain! Chico el boqueron de Malaga.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Work with me
• Privacy policy

• Years in review
• United Kingdom
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• South Africa
• Africa Overlanding
• Central America
• New Zealand
• Solo Travel
• Budget travel
• Travel tips
• Travel itineraries
• Hidden gems
• Bucket list
• Travel resources
• Digital nomadism
• Blogging tips
• Start a travel blog

1 Day In Brighton: 15 Things To Do On A Brighton Day Trip (2024)

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

I recently spent a day in Brighton and I’m raving about it. Not only is there a beach, but the city is colourful, quirky and friendly with a fantastic eating scene. It’s easy to take a day trip to Brighton from London as well as several other UK cities. I’d been to Brighton a couple of times before but not in the last few years (given my recent globe-trotting I’ve not exactly been anywhere in the UK in a couple of years). I was expecting street art , the beach and food & drink from my Brighton day trip – and that’s what I got plus a bit more! After this trip, it’s safe to say Brighton is one of my favourite places in Southern England , apart from of course Bristol , Bath and my hometown of Oxford ! If you’re looking for UK day trips , read about my day trips to Bath , Oxford , Cardiff and Liverpool. If it’s the beach you’re craving, consider a London to Margate day trip . I also have a post on the top 10 London to the Cotswolds 1 day trips .

BRIGHTON QUICK LINES Accommodation: Booking.com  / Hostelworld.com Copy of Lonely Planet England Activities: GetYourGuide Getting there: Trainline / Busbud Must read: Complete guide to UK travel on a budget

Brighton day trip from London by train

I use Trainline for booking train tickets in the UK. You can compare prices and times throughout the day to get the best deal, plus the website shows live departure times which is helpful when travelling. Tickets from London to Brighton start at £14.50 but ones at decent times usually cost £21.50.

When taking a day trip to Brighton from London, there are several London stations you can depart from. For a direct journey of just 1 hour with no changes, your best bet is catching:

• A Great Northern or Thameslink train from London Blackfriars
• A Southern Railway or Gatwick Express from London Victoria
• A Great Northern, Southern Railway or Thameslink train from London Bridge .

Regardless of the service, use Trainline to book tickets. Consider getting a Railcard if you’re aged 30 or under. After a few uses, you make back the cost of the card and then some.

Search London to Brighton trains .

Day trip to Brighton from London by bus

If you just have one day in Brighton, taking the train is much quicker meaning you have more time in Brighton. However if you’re short of cash, it’s worth noting that Brighton is well connected to London and other UK cities by bus. Journeys to Brighton from London cost just £5 and take 2 hours 30 minutes from London Victoria.

Search London to Brighton buses .

How to spend one day in Brighton – quick itinerary

10am: Arrive in Brighton and head for brunch (see my top picks below) 11am: Wander Brighton Pier and relax on Brighton Beach 12pm: Visit the Royal Pavilion 2pm: Browse shops on North Laine 4pm: Stroll the Promenade and spot other Brighton sights 5pm: Pass Brunswick Square and reach Hove Beach Huts 6pm: Eat dinner in Hove Finish your day out in Brighton & head back home!

How to get around during a day in Brighton

I explored Brighton on foot which is easy to do. You can see most of Brighton in a day without a car or public transport and even make it down to Hove, the other part of the city that is Brighton & Hove. Sightseeing bus: If you’re not much of a walker or prefer the novelty of exploring from the upper deck of a big red bus, book a hop-on-hop-off bus for £17. By bike: Another fun way to see Brighton (and get around a bit quicker) is a Brighton bike tour led by local guides. This will take you from Royal Pavilion to Brunswick Square (opposite ends of the city) in just 2.5 hours meaning you have more time later to relax on the beach and shop at the Lanes.

Best things to do during 1 day in Brighton day trip

Now for the good bit. Let’s run through everything to do during a Brighton day trip including visiting costs and info, plus where to eat and other Brighton travel tips. Here’s how to see Brighton in a day…

1. Begin with brunch

Depending what time you begin your Brighton day trip from London, you may wish to begin with a hearty feed. If you didn’t guess from my many food blogs, feeding myself heartily is the joy of my life! Billie’s Cafe : There are plenty of cafes in Brighton but I would highly recommend Billie’s Cafe on Hampton Place. With the blue checkered tablecloths and generous mugs of builders tea, Billie’s has an old-school vibe that you won’t find in some of the gentrified Brighton restaurants. I had salmon & avo but apparently the star dish is the farmhouse stack with potatoes, sausages, eggs, cheese and beans.

Joe’s Cafe : Another fantastic option for brunch lovers in Brighton is Joe’s. This cosy independent gets busy on a weekend but it’s well worth the queue. The best dish is Lucie’s healthy breakfast with smoked salmon, poached eggs, mushrooms and avocado.

2. Take a walking tour

Want to learn Brighton’s stories from a local? Taking a walking tour is one of my favourite ways to get orientated in a new city. This TripAdvisor award-winning Brighton story walking tour (£17) takes 90 minutes and will bring you up to speed on Brighton’s history and best neighbourhoods.

3. Tour the street art

After finding street art in Bristol , Camden and Shoreditch lately, I’m a huge fan. Set against some of the elaborate townhouses, the Brighton street art is quite the contrast. Lart, much of it tells a story. One urban mural above encourages young women to vote. If you just have one day in Brighton, this is a fun and free activity that will introduce you to Brighton’s quirky side. Mini Brighton street art tour:

• Head past the train station onto Trafalgar Street where the street art begins
• Turn into Trafalgar Lane (where 90% of the above photos were taken)
• Walk along Gloucester Street
• Connect to Gloucester Passage and Kensington Street.

More street art locations in Brighton: Seek out the Astoria building on London Road where there’s a recreation of Banksy’s Kissing Policemen. Find more art on Orange Row off North Road, and on turn-off streets from North Laine.

4. Brighton Palace Pier

It wouldn’t be a Brighton day trip without eating ice cream and checking out the arcades at Brighton Palace Pier. There are also fair rides if that’s your cup of tea but I’m a 27-year-old with less capacity for adrenaline than a toddler so I stuck to my Mr Whippy and chocolate flake! Having survived two wars, Brighton Palace Pier is a Grade 2* listed building with all the charm of yesteryear. But following some big refurbishments, it’s now firmly in the modern day with free Wi-Fi so you can ‘gram your Brighton day trip! Brighton Pier is free to visit but you can purchase a wristband if you’ll be going on the rides. Buying one online in advance saves you 25%. Wristbands are priced differently for weekdays and weekends so make sure to buy the right one.

5. Relax on Brighton beach

I’m so envious of Brighton locals for having a beach on their doorstep (even if it’s stony). If you have time towards the end of the day, return to Brighton Beach and grab yourself a couple of beers (and a blanket to sit on if possible!). This is the perfect way to end a Brighton day trip from London if you’re taking the train and don’t need to drive.

6. Try some classic English foods

What better way to enjoy the British seaside than with ice cream? If there is one, I’m yet to hear about it. A few English seaside foods to try include:

• Mr Whippy ice cream and flake
• Fish and chips (do not take your eyes off them for a second or an evil seagull will steal your chips!)
• A stick of rock (to take home as a souvenir or gift)
• Candy floss!

7. British Airways i360 

Near the remains of the old West Pier is this brand-spanking-new (well, newish – it was built in 2016) addition to the seafront. While some locals were initially iffy about it, you can’t deny it’s a fantastic attraction for tourists wanting a bird’s eye view of the coast. From the glass viewing pod at the top, you can see 360-degree views of Brighton, the English Channel and South Downs. Book a British Airways i360 Ticket for £20 or upgrade to a cream tea experience !

8. The Royal Pavilion

If you’re trying to see Brighton in a day, you can’t squeeze in everything… But I’d recommend prioritising the Royal Pavilion ! This is one of the most impressive buildings in Brighton with a colourful history to boot. King George IV built the Royal Pavilion as a seaside pleasure palace, taking inspiration from India and China. Having been to India a couple of times now, I could appreciate the Indian influence. It’s sometimes called the ‘Taj Mahal of Brighton!’ Inside, there are some incredible rooms to peruse including the Banqueting Room, the Music Room, the Saloon and the Royal Bedrooms. Entrance fees: £18 for adults, £11 for children (under 18). For a free option, snap it from outside and relax in the Pavilion Gardens. Opening times: 9.30am-5.45pm (last admission at 5pm). Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE.

9. Shopping in the Brighton Lanes

Right in the heart of Brighton, the Lanes are where to pick up souvenirs during 1 day in Brighton. It’s worth visiting even if you’re not much of a shopper; there are also cafes, pubs and theatres. The spirit of boho, alternative Brighton is best discovered in this part of town. There are two main areas: South Lanes: Here you’ll find lots of cafes, jewellery shops and gift shops. North Laine: My personal favourite! This is the place to be for trinkets, antiques and retro fashion. There are more than 400 independent shops and cafes in this area so I was more than happy to ditch the Starbucks and get stuck in. Food & drink in the Lanes: I visited on a beautiful sunny day so settled myself outside Kooks Restaurant  for a G&T and snacks whilst I read my book and people-watched. If you visit at lunchtime, check out Curry Leaf Cafe for casual Indian food or Lost in the Lanes for hip, wholesome lunch and brunch. Browse the shops in this A-Z to the Lanes .

10. Wander the promenade

After visiting Brighton Beach and Brighton Pier, take a stroll along the promenade. Here you’ll spot some other famous features of Brighton. You can walk all the way to Hove, spotting colourful beach huts and finishing your Brighton day trip with a tasty dinner in Hove. Some sights to see along Brighton’s seafront promenade include:

• The skeleton of West Pier (sandy lost to a fire)
• Brighton Beach Bandstand.

After walking past Brighton Beach Bandstand, you’re just a few moments from…

11. Brunswick Square

It may not be the most common thing to do during a Brighton day trip but I’m always amazed by this part of town. Go and ponder how the other half live at this millionaire square! Built in the 1820s, Brunswick Square was (unsurprisingly) created for the upper classes who were expected to behave accordingly while living in them. While the classes may not be as divided these days, it’s still the fanciest part of town. After having a nosy around, keep walking towards Hove. These two parts of the city are close enough together that you can see Brighton in a day and tag on Hove, too.

12. Hove Beach Huts

I’m no minimalist; I’m obsessed with anything bright and colourful so I was in heaven in Hove, 10 minutes’ walk down the road from Brighton. There’s not much to say about the Hove Beach Huts (apart from some sell for up to £14,000!) but they’re worth checking out as an Instagrammable destination in Brighton !

13. Eat dinner at Fatto Amano

After walking to Hove to check out Hove Beach Huts, I stopped for dinner. If you have just one day in Brighton and limited stomach room, save yourself for pizza at Fatto Amano ! This pizzeria is inspired by Naples and exclusive to Brighton.  The freshly-cooked woodfire pizzas cost between £8.50-£15, perfect if you’re travelling on a budget . If you don’t head all the way to Hove, there’s a branch in the Lanes, too. Check out all the best places to eat in Hove .

14. Take a food tour

Taking food tours is one of my favourite things to do in new cities. I’ve taken them in Mexico, Vietnam, South Africa and now even back home in the UK! I like Viator for food experiences, like this secret doughnut tour !

15. Take a self-guided treasure hunt

For a final fun thing to do during a day trip to Brighton, why not take a scavenger hunt? I love how many of these are popping up in cities all over the world. You use your mobile phone to unlock clues and learn about the city. Being outdoors, they’re great for travel in 2021. Check out this Brighton treasure hunt with Viator (£25) .

Where to stay after a day in Brighton

If you choose to stay over in Brighton, use Booking.com for hotels and self-catering apartments and Hostelworld.com for hostels.

Best budget accommodation – Selina Brighton . The Selina chain is a great option all around the world so you can expect top quality standards. This venue is perfectly placed on Brighton Promenade with rooms from £50. More budget hotels – Britannia Study Hotel / The Lanes Hotel . Splash out hotel – Malmaison Brighton .

Thanks for reading my Brighton day trip itinerary!

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring this city. Whether you’re taking a Brighton day trip from London or any other UK city, there’s loads to do.

Check out some of my other England posts:

• My London archives
• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• How to spend a weekend in Bristol
• The Manchester weekend guide
• The perfect weekend in Dorset
• How to spend a weekend in Norfolk
• Things to do in Liverpool in winter
• How to spend 2 days in the Lake District
• The ultimate Bath day trip from London
• And my guide to backpacking the UK

Visiting the UK? Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting there & around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . For food tours pairing travellers with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

If you liked it, please share it!

See you next time for more adventures,

Ps. Liked this day out in Brighton? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

Brighton: Planning Your Trip

Things to Do, Places to Stay, Dining, Festivals and Fun at "London's Beach"

Westend61 / Getty Images

Planning Your Trip

Things to do, where to eat and drink, where to stay, getting there, money saving tips.

Brighton is a hip, colorful, and unusually urban seaside resort town about 54 miles from the capital. Known as "London's beach" and renowned for its many festivals and thriving LGBTQ+ scene, Brighton is a great day trip or short break destination all year long, offering much more than just its lively seafront. It's home to the most scenic pier in Britain, while shopping, dining, a hoot of a fantasy palace, a brilliant aquarium, great nightlife and theaters, block after block of Regency houses, traditional pub scene, and a tolerant and breezy ambiance make Brighton a very cool place to visit.  Plan your ultimate Brighton getaway, whether it’s a day trip or a long weekend by the water, with our guide to the best places to eat, stay, play, and make the most of your time in this exciting British locale.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer is busy but fun, with great weather for riding the thrill rides at Brighton Palace Pier and festivals happening all season long. The Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe are typically in May, while the Brighton & Hove Pride and Paddle Round the Pier Festival happen each July. Winter is cold and blustery by the water, but the annual Burning the Clocks event on December 21 is worth checking out if you're in town.
• Language:  While the majority of people in Brighton speak English, you may also hear other languages spoken by members of the international community who live in and visit this part of the U.K.
• Currency: The pound sterling, also referred to as “the pound” (GBP) is the official currency of the United Kingdom. Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Brighton, while others like American Express and Diners Club are not as commonly used. Be aware that smaller shops, cafes, and restaurants may only take cash or require a minimum of five pounds to be spent in order to use a credit card.
• Getting Around:  Brighton can easily be explored on foot, by bike (check out BTN BikeShare while you're in town), or by using one of the many available taxis or environmentally friendly zero-emissions buses. Guided sightseeing day trips from London or from Brighton to other nearby locales are another great option for checking out the area.
• Travel Tip:  Be prepared to wear a wetsuit in the water (it’s quite cold, between 45 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of year) and bring along some water shoes to protect your feet. Brighton Beach is often referred to as “shingle beach” due to the flint pebbles and stones you’ll see and step on along the shoreline.

While Brighton’s beach and pier are the main draws to this part of England’s southern coast, it's also home to many cultural and historical sites, as well as world-class shopping, beautiful gardens, and scenic walks along the English Channel. Give stand-up paddle boarding a try at Surf SUP Brighton or Paddleboarding Brighton , or rent a kayak from Brighton Watersports for a memorable day out on the water. Head to Brighton Palace Pier to play carnival games of chance, unleash your inner child on the theme park’s rides, or, like the Victorians, simply take in the view from a third of a mile out to sea.

If time and weather allow, take a ride up to the top of the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower , a 20-minute London-Eye-like experience offering incredible views of the region. Back on solid ground, check out Old Steine Gardens near Brighton Beach or head north to explore St. Bartholomew’s Church and Preston Manor and Gardens, each just a few minutes’ drive from the trendy North Laine neighborhood.

• Catch a show at the Brighton Dome , a rocking theater where legends like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd once performed. The former King's stable is still the best place in town to see live music and stand-up comedy. Too tame? Why not sample the nightlife scene at one of Brighton's hottest clubs? Head to Concorde 2 , Komedia , or The Hare and Hounds to see live music and comedy acts alongside the locals and other international visitors.
• For a truly memorable night out in Brighton, head to the Kemptown neighborhood, where LGBTQ+ culture is celebrated among the many bars, clubs, cafes, shops, and bed and breakfasts along St. James Street. Catch a cabaret or drag show if you can.
• See how the other half lived at The Royal Pavilion , an extravagant, fantasy summer "cottage" built for Prince Regent (and later, King) George IV in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Tour the royal bedrooms and great kitchen, stroll through the Saloon and Banqueting Rooms, and view the home’s various galleries and exquisite gardens. There’s also an interesting exhibit on the servants who helped bring the place to life.
• Shop to your heart’s content as you wander The Lanes, a collection of narrow passages that are home to the last remnants of medieval Brightenhelm , as well as a wealth of antique and jewelry shops, bars, and cafes. For modern luxury and alternative fashion, head to North Laine, a residential and shopping district where chic, new age​, and boho styles exist side by side.

Find out about more things to see and do in Brighton with our full-length article on Brighton tourist attractions , with more details about the town’s top sights and tips for making the most of your stay.

If you don't try some fish and chips during your time in Brighton, you are a fool to yourself. There is nothing quite so fine as a golden, crisply fried piece of fish and some nicely floppy British chips (fries) eaten in a bracing sea breeze. If the fish is landed locally, as it is in Brighton, so much the better. Avoid the stalls on Brighton Palace Pier, unless you enjoy paying too much for far too little, and try local favorites like family-owned Bardsley’s of Baker Street , Bankers Traditional Fish and Chips , or Regency Restaurant , known for its celebrity visitors and Italian-style twists on the popular dish.

Otherwise, traditional pub fare reigns supreme, with popular items like bangers and mash, meat pies, Sunday roasts, puddings (desserts), shepherd’s pie, and other gastropub bites on most menus. While in Brighton, make sure you try “Brighton Rock,” a popular snack made with hard-boiled sugar and peppermint (and other flavors) that also makes a good souvenir (pity your poor teeth, though). Another dessert, Banoffee pie, was born here in Sussex, the result of a botched coffee toffee pie being fixed by using bananas. Other regional favorites from the area include Arundel mullet, Pulborough eel, Amberley trout, Rye herring, Selsey cockle, Chichester lobster, and Bourne Wheatear. 

As far as beverages, Brighton Gin offers distillery tours and craft cocktails from its headquarters on Camden Street. Brighton is also known for its regional ales and Tuaca, an Italian brandy-based liqueur that’s recipe dates back more than 500 years. Mixed with vanilla spice, citrus, and sometimes, butterscotch, dried fig, and cola, it’s a favorite among local university students and visitors alike.

Brighton accommodations range from luxurious suites by the sea and trendy boutique hotels to small guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and upscale hostels ideal for budget travelers of all ages. Camping in the beautiful English countryside is another popular option, as are vacation rentals, easily bookable through sites like VRBO and Airbnb.

There’s something for everyone in Brighton, whether you’re a beach bunny who wants to slumber near the seafront or you’d rather be closer to the shops in North Lane or near all the action in the city center. Just make sure to get a good recommendation or review the reviews on TripAdvisor and other similar sites if you’re not staying in a hotel or hostel, as some of Brighton's bed and breakfasts can be distinctly seedy and a number of its grand old dowager hotels have really seen better days.

While driving offers the most flexibility (it’s only a 90-minute drive from London’s city center and you’ll be able to venture out beyond the seaside town and explore more of the countryside with a car), Brighton is just as easy to reach by train, bus, or ferry , depending on where you’re coming from. 

• Trains to Brighton leave from London’s Victoria Station twice an hour for a journey of about 55 minutes. There’s also regular train service from London’s St. Pancras International station, which connects London with the rest of the U.K. and the European continent with Eurostar service from Paris and Brussels. 
• If you’re planning on flying into the U.K., Gatwick is the closest of London's airports , only half an hour away by train, whereas the journey is two hours and 15 minutes from Heathrow via London Victoria, 2.5 hours with multiple changes from Stansted, and two hours from Luton via Thameslink.
• Coach service is also available from the airports mentioned above as well as other parts of the U.K. via National Express , while Transmanche Ferries operates regular service from Northern France (Dieppe year-round and Le Havre in summer months) to Newhaven, located about 25 minutes by train or car from Brighton.
• Sticking to Brighton’s free attractions (the beach, pier, and marina, among others) can help you save money during your time here. The Booth Museum of Natural History , which originally served as a Victorian collector’s private museum, is free to check out, as are the Brighton Fishing Museum and the Hove Museum & Art Gallery .
• For those who love being outside, Brighton is full of interesting and scenic walks. Start with a relaxing stroll along the Undercliff Walk, a sea wall walkway built in the 1930s that stretches from Brighton Marina to nearby Rottingdean Beach.
• Take a walk along Brighton's free Public Art Trail , a one-hour walk from the train station that shows off sculptures, murals, architecture, and other works of art by local artists. Free guided walking tours with local guides are available through companies like Real Brighton Tours and the International Greeter Association .
• Just a 15-minute drive from Brighton is the Devil’s Dyke, part of a free-to-enter National Trust area known for its scenic views and epic hiking trails through the stunning Sussex countryside.
• Drive an hour northeast to South Downs National Park , where, for free, you can picnic as you take in views of the Seven Sisters white cliff formation and check out the Chattri War Memorial, built to honor the Indian soldiers who perished in WWI.

How to Travel From London to Brighton by Car, Train, and Bus

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

The Top 12 Things to Do in Brighton

Your Trip to Birmingham, England: The Complete Guide

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

Your Trip to Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

What to Do in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn

Your Trip to London: The Complete Guide

Tenerife Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Complete Guide

Siena Guide: Planning Your Trip

One Week in England: The Perfect Itinerary

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

The 7 Best Beaches Near London

North Coast of France: The Ultimate Road Trip From Dieppe to Calais

France Travel Planner for Every Vacation

While I'm Young

• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• North America
• South America

The Best Brighton Day Trip Itinerary

Travel , UK | October 3, 2023

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you buy anything mentioned here. It doesn't cost you anything extra.

Colourful, alternative and packed with young people: Brighton quickly became my new favourite UK city when I first visited. Here’s my brilliant Brighton day trip itinerary for first-time visitors.

While Brighton’s attractions are numerous and diverse, one of the best things to do in Brighton is simply to take an aimless walk around the city and soak up the atmosphere, which vibrates with a contagious energy.

The south east seaside destination has just enough grit to hold appeal for edgy folk in their 20s and 30s, but it still has the classic British beach attractions that have made day trips to Brighton popular with Brits since the 18th century.

The LGBTQ capital of the UK feels like a place where anything can happen .

The city wears its personality on its sleeve and it’s reflected right back in its residents’ faces.

I spent my entire day trip to Brighton gushing about how much I loved the place!

Seriously, can I just move there?

What to do on a Brighton day trip

Here’s what to see in Brighton on a day trip. I’ve included the usual tourist attractions, photogenic places in Brighton and quirky spots that will make your day trip to Brighton super memorable.

1. Walk along Brighton Pier

Brighton Palace Pier is a must-see if you’re only in Brighton for a day trip, so head there to start your day in Brighton.

One of the most photographed piers in Europe, this 1,722ft long Victorian pier epitomises everything that’s golden about a day at the seaside.

Grab fish and chips and wander the fairground attractions, two arcades and various stalls on the pier.

This is one of the best free things to do in Brighton. You don’t have to pay to people watch there!

If you’re enjoying a Brighton day trip with kids, you can take them to the indoor soft play on the pier. Ideal for rainy days!

Get ideas for more things to do in Brighton with kids on Zena’s Suitcase’s site.

2. Sunbathe on Brighton Beach

Brighton’s beach might not be the comfiest on the old bum bones – there are about 614,600,000 pebbles lining the shore – but it’s popular among sunbathers in the summertime.

You can rent a deck chair and spend the day chilling and watching the waves if you so desire – or do some water sports if you’re feeling brave. 

Book a jet ski ride to kick your day in Brighton up a notch here , or book a powerboat ride here .

There are loads of bars, cafes and other facilities lining the seafront.

Don’t miss the famous colourful beach huts, which are over in Hove!

3. Take a stroll along the Promenade

Brighton’s seafront promenade is probably the loveliest I’ve been to in Britain.

As well as lots of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating that give the city a real cosmopolitan vibe, there are galleries in the Artists’ Quarter that spill out onto the paving from the arches.

You can pick up unique souvenirs here and there are plenty of free activities to keep kids busy, including a basketball court.

You’ll also find a free fishing museum , ice cream shops, seafood stalls, children’s play areas and of course the carousel.

You could easily spend the best part of an afternoon soaking up Brighton’s seafront attractions!

4. Pose with the Upside Down House

The peculiar Brighton tourist attraction on the promenade is amusing to take a photo with, but the real intrigue is inside this curious structure!

Within the aquamarine house that’s turned on its head; you’ll find the ‘UK’s first inverted photo experience’.

The Upside Down House is a museum of illusions that’s brilliant if you’re looking for a rainy day activity in Brighton.

This is one of the most fun places to go in Brighton with kids, and you’ll come away with great pictures to remember your day trip to Brighton.

5. Reach high on a flight on the Brighton i360

The Brighton i360 is a unique attraction in Brighton for all ages.

Buy a ticket and enter a futuristic glass pod, then soar 415ft into the sky to take in breathtaking panoramic views of Brighton’s cityscape from the top of the observation tower.

There’s an onboard bar where you can order a sparkling wine and an exhibition room back on the ground, which details the creation of the tower.

You’ll need to book your i360 flight online in advance. You can do this here .

The attraction also has an open-air rollerblading rink, so you can get your skates on and have some fun there too!

6. Visit the Royal Pavilion

This might be one of the best places to go in Brighton for photographers, but unfortunately all the scaffolding meant the Royal Pavilion wasn’t looking its best during our day out in Brighton!

Built as a seaside retreat for King George IV, this historic house was later redone with inspiration from Indian architecture.

These days it radiates Regency grandeur with an oriental aesthetic.

While it’s magnificent to take in from the outside, you can also book tickets online in advance to explore the interior of this grand structure.

There’s an imposing banqueting room, royal bedrooms and a music room complete with pagodas where Rossini performed in 1823.

7. Wander along North Laine

If you’re planning a day trip to Brighton, you cannot miss North Laine !

This vibrant mecca for the alternative is a melting pot of colour, bohemian style and gastronomy. It’s a hive of activity and is viewed as the cultural hub of Brighton.

Join the outlandishly dressed throngs for a stroll around the countless independent shops, boutiques and galleries, then pull up a pew in the street for a light bite and enjoy watching life unfold in what has to be one of England’s most fascinating streets.

It’s Brighton’s diversity that made me fall in love with the city, and nowhere is it better epitomised than North Laine.

Saturdays get very busy on North Laine, so if you’re visiting Brighton on a day trip at the weekend you should take this into consideration.

TIP: Get around Brighton with ease via City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus tour . It’s a simple way to see more of Brighton if you’re only there for 24 hours.

8. Go shopping for vintage gems

If you’re into vintage fashion, Brighton is your spirit city.

North Laine is jam-packed with overflowing vintage shops and antiques bazaars.

If you’re ever lost for things to do in Brighton when it’s raining you can easily lose a whole morning wandering the shelves of Brighton’s vintage treasure troves.

Some of my favourites are Snooper’s Paradise , To Be Worn Again and Waiste Vintage .

Take a deep breath and get ready to rummage.

I actually got a headache because I was so overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of stuff in these shops and felt like my eyes couldn’t possibly take it all in at once!

9. Explore The Lanes

Brighton’s Lanes are a rabbit’s warren of narrow streets lined with independent shops, pubs and eateries.

Once a tiny fishing town, this is another of the top places to visit in Brighton, whether it’s your first visit or your thirtieth.

Walking around the Lanes is a bit like stepping back in time in the best possible way.

If you’re in the market for some one-of-a-kind jewellery, I highly recommend a trip to the Lanes’ jewellery quarter.

We went early in the morning when the Arabic jewellers were finishing their coffee and catching up on the cobbles before opening their shops.

10. Hunt out Brighton’s street art

No modern city would be complete without its fair share of street art and Brighton is no exception.

Among the rainbow coloured houses and vibrant shopping streets, you’ll find a plethora of incredible wall murals and less curated graffiti that conveys the city’s bold character.

Some of the most well known street art areas in Brighton are The Prince Albert Pub on Trafalgar Street, with its lurid depiction’s of some of Britain’s late great artists, and Gloucester Road, Kensington Street and Orange Row.

I reckon Brighton’s street art rivals Bristol’s – what do you think?

11. Visit Brighton’s top museums

If your day trip to Brighton isn’t blessed with dry weather you can take shelter and find amusement in some of the city’s museums and galleries.

Brighton Museum in Pavilion Gardens is a must-visit. It’s open all week except Mondays.

There’s also the Crane Kalman Brighton Gallery for photography lovers, Hidden Gallery for contemporary art and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum which will appeal to children and adults alike.

You’ll find lots of small independent galleries around the city. Just wander in and you might find something truly special!

12. See Brighton’s Marina

Did you know that Brighton’s boasts one of Europe’s largest floating Marinas?

Whether you drive along the coast or stroll along the beach towards the area, Brighton’s Marina is worth visiting.

Buy lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants and browse the high-end shops that line the attractive harbour.

There’s free parking, an outdoor ping pong and chess tables so you can even have fun at the Marina if you’re visiting Brighton on a budget.

If you take your bike along for your day in Brighton, you can cycle along Brighton’s coastline and finish at Newhaven & Seaford beach, where you can jump on the train back to the city.

13. Experience Brighton’s nightlife

Brighton offers visitors a great night out whether you’re there with friends, family or your significant other.

There are clubs tucked away in the beachfront arches, stylish bars for date night and plenty of traditional but quirky pubs rising from corners around the city.

Some of our favourite watering holes are Patterns on the beachfront during the day, Seven Stars for funky late night vibes and The Mash Tun for a decent pint.

The World’s End is a unique pub in Brighton, where you can play retro arcade games as you sip!

For a top-notch night out in Brighton that will introduce you to some new friends, why not join a local bar crawl ?

14. Extending your day trip to Brighton?

From Brighton, you can easily visit nearby Cambridge and Greenwich on a day trip. Book your adventure here .

Alternatively, set sail to the Isle of White !

Where to eat on your Brighton day trip

Trying to recommend the best place to eat in Brighton isn’t easy. With more bars and restaurants per head than anywhere else in the UK bar London, Brighton has a plethora of excellent eateries so you’ll be spoiled for choice when your stomach starts rumbling.

We had mouthwatering Middle Eastern wraps at Lavash on North Laine , which I’d definitely recommend if you’re into that sort of cuisine.

It took me right back to my time in Dubai !

For daytime light bites along Brighton seafront, try West Beach Bar & Kitchen .

They have a beachfront terrace that’s great for watching the world go by and their fish goujons are delicious.

If you’re a carb queen like me, let me direct you to NuPosto . We had a beautiful Italian meal there on the night of our arrival in Brighton.

If you love South Indian food and craft beer, you HAVE to eat at Curry Leaf Cafe in the Lanes.

They’ve won loads of awards and the kooky decor gives the place a wonderfully laid-back feel.

Their Thali trays look incredible, but we were just after something to keep us going for the long drive back Up North so we ordered some open naan wraps.

They were SO tasty – I had paneer and Tom had tandoori chicken.

If you’d like to support some of Brighton’s many independent foodie businesses, book a foodie walking tour which will take you to visit the city’s best-loved independent food producers and street-food vendors.

The tour I’ve linked above includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Got a sweet tooth? This doughnut tour or this chocolate tour will satisfy that!

How to get to Brighton

If you’re planning a day trip to Brighton from London, you can travel via National Express or Southern Rail.

Where to stay in Brighton if you have more than a day

We were hosted at the City Centre ibis and couldn’t fault it.

It’s right next to the station and a quick walk to the Lanes and seafront, so the location is perfect if you only have two days in Brighton.

We had a partial sea-view, the staff were great and their hygiene standards were flawless.

Plus, I just love those grab n’ go breakfasts… in my world, that means sending Tom down to grab them so I can go back to bed.

If you’re after a luxury hotel in Brighton, you can’t go wrong with Malmaison Hotels – but always book direct on their website because they usually have great deals that are only available there.

You can search for your ideal Brighton accommodation using the Booking.com map below.

If you’re planning a day trip to Brighton or visiting the city while exploring England on a trip from overseas, you’re in for a real treat.

I t’s a bohemian city where diversity is celebrated with vigour, and I think every city in the UK could be improved if it took a leaf out of Brighton’s book.

I hope this mini Brighton day trip itinerary has given you loads of inspiration to find the best things to do in Brighton and top places to head to on your visit.

I just wish the city wasn’t such a long drive from Sunderland – or I’d be there every weekend!

More UK travel guides you might find useful

Bristol city guide

Bath city guide

Best things to do in Scarborough

Liverpool weekend guide

Newcastle weekend trip guide

Girls weekend in Manchester guide

Berwick-upon-Tweed trip planning guide

What to do in Leeds on a weekend break

How to have a perfect day out in Knaresborough

Glamping sites in Northumberland

Unique accommodation for couples in Northumberland

All UK travel guides

Use my Travel Resources page to find the best deals on your Brighton day trip

Click here to join my UK Travel Deals group on Facebook. We share lots of great ways to save money on UK trips and fun ideas for days out and places to visit in the UK.

Pin this to your UK travel planning board on Pinterest !

• United Kingdom

Latest Articles

The best hotels to book near brighton pier, uk.

Brighton Festival 2021: What to See and Where to Stay

Pamper Yourself With a Stay in These Brighton Spa Hotels

The Best Hotels to Book in Brighton, UK

The Best Guesthouses in Brighton, England

The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Brighton, England

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in Brighton

The Best Hotels Near Brighton, England

The Best Hotels With Views in Brighton, England

Food & Drink

Explore the local culinary scene, from breakfast to michelin-starred restaurants. sip cocktails, savor desserts, and discover the best local markets., the top 10 brunch spots in brighton, victoria.

The Best Bars In North Laine, Brighton

The 10 Best Restaurants In Kemptown, Brighton

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In North Laine, Brighton

Gastropubs In Brighton You Must Check Out

Things To Do

Plan your sightseeing and activities with our recommendations. explore attractions, book tours, and immerse yourself in the local culture., great date ideas to try in brighton.

Sites and Landmarks in Brighton, UK

Things to Do With Kids in Brighton

The Best Walks Across the South Downs

Sussex Vineyards You Should Visit

The Most Beautiful Parks in Brighton, UK

How to Spend a Weekend in Brighton

Must-Visit Attractions in Brighton, England

Places To Stay

Find the perfect place to stay. whether you prefer boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or budget hostels, we have recommendations for you., the best cheap hotels to book in brighton, england.

Immerse yourself in the local arts, literature, and design. Explore the cultural fabric of the destination through art, literature, and design.

Why is brighton the lgbtq capital of the uk.

The Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Brighton, UK

Brighton travel guide

Brighton tourism | brighton guide, you're going to love brighton.

Brighton was once the favored seaside resort of Georgian kings, and it remains one of the most enjoyable places to spend some time on the English coast.

Reminders of the royal past are everywhere. The stunning Royal Pavilion may be the undisputed star, but Brighton is packed with beautiful buildings. This modern city is also as welcoming as they come, with a lively cultural scene, art galleries, great pubs and bars, and the delights of the pier.

Even better, this hive of cultural attractions, great nightlife, and seaside fun is just a short drive or train journey from London. It's hard to imagine a better coastal English destination than lovable Brighton.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Brighton

1. seaside elegance and a glorious history.

Brighton would be nothing without the sea. In fact, it was only when an enterprising local doctor convinced 18th-century Londoners that the city's seawater had medicinal properties that the city really took off. The next 200 years saw Brighton blossom, attracting millions of tourists every year.

2. The South Coast's Best Nightlife

Modern Brighton is famous for its nightlife. Catch up-and-coming artists at the aptly named Latest Music Bar, enjoy a pint at novelist Graham Greene's favorite haunt, the Cricketers, before diving into pulsating clubs like Funfair or the Coalition Brighton.

3. A Creative Vibe and Plenty of Cultural Attractions

Brighton has always attracted artists and architects like John Nash. These days, there are more galleries than ever. Tiny spaces like iO Gallery jostle with larger institutions like the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, while the Theatre Royal regularly hosts major London plays and musicals.

4. Beautiful National Parks a Short Cycle or Drive Away

Brighton is also on the doorstep of the South Downs, some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful countryside in England. With a rental car, you can easily get to the Chattri, a unique monument to Indian casualties in World War II, see gorgeous gardens like Wakehurst, or just walk the footpaths in a quintessentially English setting.

5. Wonderful Food from All Over the World

These days, Brighton is one of southern England's foodie centers. Highlights are all over town, and with great vegetarian spots like Lydea and superb seafood at Riddle and Finns, everyone's tastes should be covered.

What to do in Brighton

1. royal pavilion: exotic england.

Once a lavish royal residence for the monarchs of England, this gorgeous building has gone through many changes in recent history - first a palace, then a hospital, it is now a beloved tourist attraction. The Indo-Islamic design is jaw-droppingly beautiful and diverges architecturally from the western styles one would expect to find in Brighton. Minarets and domes beckon visitors closer, and inside, the luxurious decor continues. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery isn't far either.

2. Brighton Palace Pier: Iconic Seaside

This beloved entertainment pier was opened at the turn of the 20th century, and it continues to be a staple attraction for locals and tourists alike. Extending out from the sands of Brighton Beach, this sturdy extension into the waters of the English Channel is host to a slew of entertainment. Bars, restaurants, fairgrounds and more await, with something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. From the traditional carousel rides to new-fangled roller-coasters, a day out on the pier doesn't get old.

3. British Airways i360: It's a Bird, It's a Plane...

It's the ultimate observation tower. Shaped like a UFO, this incredible waterside wonder bears tourists up to new heights over the city. Panoramic views await at the top after a climb to over 400 feet in the air - take in the coastline and Isle of Britain as it extends out before your very eyes. Nyetimber Sky Bar offers drinks and champagne during evening trips, while at the base, high-class dining is available at the Belle Vue restaurant.

4. Brighton Toy and Model Museum: Reawaken your Imagination

Brighton's Railway Station is home to this gem of a museum, housed beneath four of its Victorian arches - as atmospheric as they are historical. Toys of all shapes and sizes are celebrated in these halls, bringing to life the children's world of make-believe for admirer's of any generation. An incredible network of model train sets is also found here, representing collector's items from every trend and period for railroad enthusiasts. Niche yet fascinating, this museum cannot be missed.

5. Kemptown: The Place to Be

Nestled behind Brighton Beach, this neighborhood has been the center of the city's shopping scene since the 18th century. Today, the streets are filled with more than just stores, but also trendy cafés, bars, boutiques, and more. Like an upbeat village, this vibrant neighborhood is full of contrasts and boasts an appealing atmosphere that brings locals and tourists together year-round. So take a stroll and figure out which local dig is the one for you.

Activities & attractions in Brighton

Art & performing arts.

Food, Drinks, & Nightlife

Other activities

Where to Eat in Brighton

Few cities in southern England can match Brighton's gastronomic attractions. Some of the highlights include the European-style brasserie Gingerman, the sophisticated No 32, and vegetarian eateries like Lydea. Try to find time for a cup of tea and a cake at classically English tea rooms like the Mock Turtle, and don't miss the fish and chips at Bardsley's. Dining out varies in price. Fish and chips won't cost more than £6 per head, but meals at high-end brasseries could cost upwards of £40 per person.

When to visit Brighton

Most people would say that Brighton is at its best during the English summer, between late June and late August. Well, that's true in part, but the crowds can be a bit much. Try April or May when the weather warms up and the countryside around Brighton is at its most beautiful. You'll find thinner crowds, just as much nightlife, and may even encounter lower room rates.

How to Get to Brighton

The best way for visitors from North America to get to Brighton is via London's Gatwick Airport (LGW), which offers plenty of transatlantic flights. From there, you can catch direct trains for £6.40, which take 30 minutes. Alternatively, car rental outlets like Avis, Hertz, or Europcar can be found at the airport, which is around 40 minutes' drive from the city.

Every day, plenty of trains run from London Victoria and St Pancras to Brighton. Most services only take an hour or so to reach Brighton, and express trains take far less, so it's a good way to transfer from Eurostar trains or flights from London Heathrow.

If you are driving from London, the best road to take is the M23, which becomes the A23 after Crawley. If you are driving from Heathrow, take the M25 southbound and leave it at Junction 7. The M23 is also the road to take if you are arriving from Gatwick.

Brighton is served by both Megabus and National Express, with hourly buses from London Victoria coach station. Buses take around two hours to make the journey but are far cheaper than train travel. There are also regional bus links to Portsmouth, which are provided by Stagecoach and might be handy if you are arriving in the UK by ferry.

Airports near Brighton

Airlines serving brighton, where to stay in brighton.

The Seafront - Brighton is built around its seafront, which is where you will find most of the tourist attractions. The impressive pier offers family amusements, the Sea Life aquarium will delight children, while Volk's Electric Railway offers a quirky way to soak up the atmosphere.

Popular Neighborhoods in Brighton

Brighton City Center - wander up Old Steine, and you'll find the extraordinary Pavilion, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, and most of the city's bars and clubs. Don't miss North Laine as well, one of the city's most interesting shopping streets.

Hove - technically a town in its own right, Hove is a couple of miles up the coast from Brighton, and is a great base from which to explore the area. More sedate than its lively neighbor, Hove has attractions of its own, like the restaurants on Church Street and Sussex County Cricket Ground.

Where to stay in popular areas of Brighton

Most booked hotels in brighton, how to get around brighton, public transportation.

The core of Brighton is walkable, and you can get from the Pavilion to the seafront in around 10 minutes. If you need them, local buses operate all over the city from Brighton Station. The local bus services are mainly operated by Brighton & Hove Buses. Tickets can be purchased on the bus using cash or contactless card payments.

Getting back to your hotel after a night at the theater or a meal in Hove is easy thanks to Brighton's large taxi fleet. Expect to pay a meter drop of £2.80 to start with (£3.80 after 9 pm), then around £3 per mile after that. Uber offers an alternative. Their UberX taxis charge £2.80, then £1.80 per mile.

Renting a car is a great option in Brighton (or at Gatwick Airport). Local branches of Europcar, Thrifty, and Hertz will supply a vehicle for as little as £10 per day, and it's worth the expense. With a car, you can head to London in an hour, visit historic cities like Portsmouth or explore the South Downs whenever you feel like it.

Best car hire deals in Brighton

2 adults, 2 Bags

The Cost of Living in Brighton

Shopping streets.

Brighton is a great place to shop for craft products, particularly jewelry and apparel. If you are after unique, locally made jewelry, the Lanes is the place to go. A warren of alleyways and narrow streets, the area is home to baby boutiques like Loula and Deer, specialist jewelers like House of Hoye, and independent footwear stores like mo Brog. Kensington Gardens hosts an offbeat flea market and a cluster of record shops, which are great places to pick up obscure vinyl.

Groceries and Other

Brighton has plenty of supermarkets to choose from, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, and Waitrose, all of which have broad grocery selections. It's also a fairly affordable city. Expect to pay about £3 for a gallon of milk and £0.80 for a pound of apples.

Brighton travel guide

Brighton tourism | brighton guide, you're going to love brighton.

Brighton was once the favored seaside resort of Georgian kings, and it remains one of the most enjoyable places to spend some time on the English coast.

Reminders of the royal past are everywhere. The stunning Royal Pavilion may be the undisputed star, but Brighton is packed with beautiful buildings. This modern city is also as welcoming as they come, with a lively cultural scene, art galleries, great pubs and bars, and the delights of the pier.

Even better, this hive of cultural attractions, great nightlife, and seaside fun is just a short drive or train journey from London. It's hard to imagine a better coastal English destination than lovable Brighton.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Brighton

1. seaside elegance and a glorious history.

Brighton would be nothing without the sea. In fact, it was only when an enterprising local doctor convinced 18th-century Londoners that the city's seawater had medicinal properties that the city really took off. The next 200 years saw Brighton blossom, attracting millions of tourists every year.

2. The South Coast's Best Nightlife

Modern Brighton is famous for its nightlife. Catch up-and-coming artists at the aptly named Latest Music Bar, enjoy a pint at novelist Graham Greene's favorite haunt, the Cricketers, before diving into pulsating clubs like Funfair or the Coalition Brighton.

3. A Creative Vibe and Plenty of Cultural Attractions

Brighton has always attracted artists and architects like John Nash. These days, there are more galleries than ever. Tiny spaces like iO Gallery jostle with larger institutions like the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, while the Theatre Royal regularly hosts major London plays and musicals.

4. Beautiful National Parks a Short Cycle or Drive Away

Brighton is also on the doorstep of the South Downs, some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful countryside in England. With a rental car, you can easily get to the Chattri, a unique monument to Indian casualties in World War II, see gorgeous gardens like Wakehurst, or just walk the footpaths in a quintessentially English setting.

5. Wonderful Food from All Over the World

These days, Brighton is one of southern England's foodie centers. Highlights are all over town, and with great vegetarian spots like Lydea and superb seafood at Riddle and Finns, everyone's tastes should be covered.

What to do in Brighton

1. royal pavilion: exotic england.

Once a lavish royal residence for the monarchs of England, this gorgeous building has gone through many changes in recent history - first a palace, then a hospital, it is now a beloved tourist attraction. The Indo-Islamic design is jaw-droppingly beautiful and diverges architecturally from the western styles one would expect to find in Brighton. Minarets and domes beckon visitors closer, and inside, the luxurious decor continues. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery isn't far either.

2. Brighton Palace Pier: Iconic Seaside

This beloved entertainment pier was opened at the turn of the 20th century, and it continues to be a staple attraction for locals and tourists alike. Extending out from the sands of Brighton Beach, this sturdy extension into the waters of the English Channel is host to a slew of entertainment. Bars, restaurants, fairgrounds and more await, with something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. From the traditional carousel rides to new-fangled roller-coasters, a day out on the pier doesn't get old.

3. British Airways i360: It's a Bird, It's a Plane...

It's the ultimate observation tower. Shaped like a UFO, this incredible waterside wonder bears tourists up to new heights over the city. Panoramic views await at the top after a climb to over 400 feet in the air - take in the coastline and Isle of Britain as it extends out before your very eyes. Nyetimber Sky Bar offers drinks and champagne during evening trips, while at the base, high-class dining is available at the Belle Vue restaurant.

4. Brighton Toy and Model Museum: Reawaken your Imagination

Brighton's Railway Station is home to this gem of a museum, housed beneath four of its Victorian arches - as atmospheric as they are historical. Toys of all shapes and sizes are celebrated in these halls, bringing to life the children's world of make-believe for admirer's of any generation. An incredible network of model train sets is also found here, representing collector's items from every trend and period for railroad enthusiasts. Niche yet fascinating, this museum cannot be missed.

5. Kemptown: The Place to Be

Nestled behind Brighton Beach, this neighborhood has been the center of the city's shopping scene since the 18th century. Today, the streets are filled with more than just stores, but also trendy cafés, bars, boutiques, and more. Like an upbeat village, this vibrant neighborhood is full of contrasts and boasts an appealing atmosphere that brings locals and tourists together year-round. So take a stroll and figure out which local dig is the one for you.

Activities & attractions in Brighton

Art & performing arts.

Other activities

Where to Eat in Brighton

Few cities in southern England can match Brighton's gastronomic attractions. Some of the highlights include the European-style brasserie Gingerman, the sophisticated No 32, and vegetarian eateries like Lydea. Try to find time for a cup of tea and a cake at classically English tea rooms like the Mock Turtle, and don't miss the fish and chips at Bardsley's. Dining out varies in price. Fish and chips won't cost more than £6 per head, but meals at high-end brasseries could cost upwards of £40 per person.

When to visit Brighton

Most people would say that Brighton is at its best during the English summer, between late June and late August. Well, that's true in part, but the crowds can be a bit much. Try April or May when the weather warms up and the countryside around Brighton is at its most beautiful. You'll find thinner crowds, just as much nightlife, and may even encounter lower room rates.

How to Get to Brighton

The best way for visitors from North America to get to Brighton is via London's Gatwick Airport (LGW), which offers plenty of transatlantic flights. From there, you can catch direct trains for £6.40, which take 30 minutes. Alternatively, car rental outlets like Avis, Hertz, or Europcar can be found at the airport, which is around 40 minutes' drive from the city.

Every day, plenty of trains run from London Victoria and St Pancras to Brighton. Most services only take an hour or so to reach Brighton, and express trains take far less, so it's a good way to transfer from Eurostar trains or flights from London Heathrow.

If you are driving from London, the best road to take is the M23, which becomes the A23 after Crawley. If you are driving from Heathrow, take the M25 southbound and leave it at Junction 7. The M23 is also the road to take if you are arriving from Gatwick.

Brighton is served by both Megabus and National Express, with hourly buses from London Victoria coach station. Buses take around two hours to make the journey but are far cheaper than train travel. There are also regional bus links to Portsmouth, which are provided by Stagecoach and might be handy if you are arriving in the UK by ferry.

Airports near Brighton

Airlines serving brighton, where to stay in brighton.

The best place to stay in Brighton is as close to the sea as possible. The promenade is probably the city's most attractive street and the English Channel makes for a beautiful sight in the mornings. The De Vere is the only five-star hotel in town and is right on the seafront, but other excellent options include the Mercure and the Queens Hotel.

Popular Neighborhoods in Brighton

The Seafront - Brighton is built around its seafront, which is where you will find most of the tourist attractions. The impressive pier offers family amusements, the Sea Life aquarium will delight children, while Volk's Electric Railway offers a quirky way to soak up the atmosphere.

Brighton City Center - wander up Old Steine, and you'll find the extraordinary Pavilion, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, and most of the city's bars and clubs. Don't miss North Laine as well, one of the city's most interesting shopping streets.

Hove - technically a town in its own right, Hove is a couple of miles up the coast from Brighton, and is a great base from which to explore the area. More sedate than its lively neighbor, Hove has attractions of its own, like the restaurants on Church Street and Sussex County Cricket Ground.

Where to stay in popular areas of Brighton

Most booked hotels in brighton, how to get around brighton, public transportation.

The core of Brighton is walkable, and you can get from the Pavilion to the seafront in around 10 minutes. If you need them, local buses operate all over the city from Brighton Station. The local bus services are mainly operated by Brighton & Hove Buses. Tickets can be purchased on the bus using cash or contactless card payments.

Getting back to your hotel after a night at the theater or a meal in Hove is easy thanks to Brighton's large taxi fleet. Expect to pay a meter drop of £2.80 to start with (£3.80 after 9 pm), then around £3 per mile after that. Uber offers an alternative. Their UberX taxis charge £2.80, then £1.80 per mile.

Renting a car is a great option in Brighton (or at Gatwick Airport). Local branches of Europcar, Thrifty, and Hertz will supply a vehicle for as little as £10 per day, and it's worth the expense. With a car, you can head to London in an hour, visit historic cities like Portsmouth or explore the South Downs whenever you feel like it.

Car rental agencies in Brighton

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The Cost of Living in Brighton

Shopping streets.

Brighton is a great place to shop for craft products, particularly jewelry and apparel. If you are after unique, locally made jewelry, the Lanes is the place to go. A warren of alleyways and narrow streets, the area is home to baby boutiques like Loula and Deer, specialist jewelers like House of Hoye, and independent footwear stores like mo Brog. Kensington Gardens hosts an offbeat flea market and a cluster of record shops, which are great places to pick up obscure vinyl.

Groceries and Other

Brighton has plenty of supermarkets to choose from, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, and Waitrose, all of which have broad grocery selections. It's also a fairly affordable city. Expect to pay about £3 for a gallon of milk and £0.80 for a pound of apples.

No products in the basket.

A weekend guide to Brighton, England

Updated On 9th December, 2021

Brighton is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in England , it’s even a strong contender for the  best places to visit in the UK. There are so many fun things to do and places to visit in Brighton, and in this blog post I’m going to share some of my favourites with you!

What makes Brighton one of the best places to visit in the UK is the colour within the city. Brighton is full of colourful houses, stunning street art and rainbow flags, best known for being the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK. But that’s not all it’s got going for it! The alternative lifestyle, the buzzing nightlife, shopping on the Lanes, fish and chips on the pier and the surrounding countryside for wonderful walks in England make Brighton a unique place to visit on your UK road trip !

Whether you’re staying in  Brighton for a weekend , or just a day, you will definitely have time to explore and enjoy some of the best things to do in Brighton. Don’t forget to pack your camera, so that you can take photos of the wonderful street art and colourful streets in Brighton !

Prior to this recent visit, I hadn’t been to Brighton in years. It was about time I went back to enjoy this city with a pair of fresh eyes, so I packed an overnight bag and headed to the English coast. As usual, I packed in a load of exploring during my weekend in Brighton and have shared all of my top tips, finds and information in this Brighton blog with you!

In this Brighton travel guide I am going to share with you the best places to stay in Brighton, the best things to do in Brighton, the best places to visit in Brighton and my favourite adventures so far.

Other travel guides you might find useful…

• 30 places you must visit in the UK
• 28 best places to visit in England
• My weekend guide to Brighton
• The best things to do in England
• 18 unique things to do in England
• The best places to visit in Surrey, England
• The best things to do in Cornwall, England
• Top things to do in Bournemouth, England
• Weekend guide to the Isle of Wight
• The 15 UK National Parks on a map: Which should you visit?

Where is Brighton?

Brighton is a seaside resort situated on the South Coast of England. It’s in the county of East Sussex, and about 1hr from  London  by train, 3 hours from Bristol, 2.5 hours from  Bournemouth , or 4.5 hours from  Leeds .

How to get to Brighton…

Brighton is well linked to London and the South East of England by train. Alternatively, you can drive, but parking once you’re there can be tricky.

Once you’re in Brighton itself, everything is within easy walking distance so you won’t need a car to get around.

If you’re in a hotel, AirBnb or staying at a friends, be sure to check the parking situation and whether you have a space allocated. Otherwise it’s a little like London: tricky or expensive. Parking can cost up to £20 a day, which can be a bulky expense on top of your trip.

The train station is right in the centre and walking distance from the centre and the beach front. A great option to avoid car hassle, and more environmentally friendly too!

If you’re coming from further afield, it’s easiest to fly into London Gatwick. But, you can get to Brighton from most London airports and from Southampton Airport fairly easily by public transport.

• Check out flights on skyscanner here.
• Book train tickets with thetrainline.com here.
• Get £25 off your first Airbnb here.

Visiting the UK in the winter? Here are 12 tips for adding adventure into your UK winter trip.

Where to stay in Brighton…

Deciding on where to stay in Brighton completely depends on the type of stay you are after. Are you looking for a weekend staycation in a coastal bed and breakfast? A cheap hostel room? A luxury seafront hotel? Luckily, Brighton can do it all!

For example, if you want to stay in a hostel in Brighton, YHA have their YHA Brighton hostel. This is the the perfect option for budget accommodation with close access to places to visit and things to do in Brighton. Book your YHA stay here.

If the price is right then grab a hotel in the centre or even on the beach front. Some of my favourite seafront hotels in Brighton include…

• Queen’s Hotel
• Thistle Brighton Hotel
• Umi Hotel Brighton
• Hilton Brighton
• The King’s Hotel Brighton

The first time I went to Brighton, I stayed at The Kings Hotel on the seafront. The location was perfect and it was clean with great service.

Top tip: Hotels can get pretty pricey and booked up in the summer months of June – September. Try and book ahead to secure a good deal & ensure you actually get a bed! Use booking.com for great deals.

If prices are looking too high, then you can often save money booing an Airbnb. Air Bnb is also perfect if you’re looking for more of a countryside experience. See pictures below of the Shepherds hut we stayed in!

Book this exact Shepherd’s hut here . To get £30 off your first AirBnb experience, click here.

See a bucket list of unique Airbnb stays in the UK here .

Places to eat in Brighton…

Alongside a whole load of fish and chip takeaways, Brighton delighted me with its extensive offering of vegan, vegetarian and health conscious eateries. One of the best things to do in Brighton is to eat your way through the very accommodating and inclusive food scene!

Whatever it is that takes your fancy, Brighton does a flippin’ impressive job to accommodate!

• Fish and chips on the pier. There is no shortage of fish and chip shops if you fancy them!
• The Hilton for afternoon tea with a sea view or a gorgeous Sunday Roast
• The Tempest , where we enjoyed cold ciders, an insane pulled pork burger and a beetroot and goats cheese tart, which was too, amazing!
• Food for friends, in The Lanes, which I would highly recommend. Even if you love a burger you’ll love this restaurant, so don’t be put off by the ‘vegetarian’ thing.
• Choccywoccydoodah.
• Meat Liquor
• Marmalade cafe
• Red Rooster
• Harry Ramsden’s
• Tropical sushi
• Yefsis of Greece
• The Bok Shop
• Alcampo Lounge

Brighton of course also has all your usual chain restaurants, as well as plenty more food options along the seafront and in The Lanes. Comment on this post if you have any more recommendations!  

See the 30 best places to visit in the UK here

Places to drink in Brighton…

Brighton not only has a thriving health and wellness scene, but also an amazing nightlife! (It’s all about balance, right?) One of the best things to do in Brighton is to head to town as the sun goes down and watch the city come to life after dark over a drink or two.

• Juice 42 , for gorgeous raw juices
• The Tempest Bar
• Fortune of War
• Riki Tik Beach Bar – A slice of Jamaica, amazing rum punches and right on the beach front!
• Mash Tun Pub for a more laid back atmosphere
• Pitcher & Piano for cocktails (expresso martinis are amazing! Also picks up with music and atmosphere in the evenings)
• The Cricketers , which is the oldest pub in Brighton.
• Shuffle Bar
• Twisted Lemon
• Revolution , for a night out

Top tip: Head to Trading Post Coffee Roasters for the best coffee in Brighton. Wow. Prepare for it to be busy – you’ll understand why when you get your hands on a cup! They do breakfast too and the yummiest vegan cakes!

See my essential packing list for a UK road trip here.

The best things to do in Brighton…

1. release your inner child at brighton pier..

One of the best things to do in Brighton, and certainly one of the most fun, is to remember what it is to play on Brighton Pier. Head to the arcades for a good session of fun and games and then head out and enjoy some of the rides on Brighton Pier before enjoying some fish and chips or fresh doughnuts to recover some of your energy. Make sure you don’t leave without buying a stick of Brighton rock candy!

2. Go shopping in The Lanes and stop for coffee afterwards.

If you’re planning a visit to Brighton you’ve probably heard of The Lanes, a collection of narrow lanes in Brighton city centre famous for their vintage shops and independent cafes. One of the best things to do in Brighton is to spend a morning or afternoon browsing the vintage and independent shops, stopping for coffee when you need a break.

3. Explore Brighton’s cultural, arts and music scene.

Brighton is pretty famous for having lots of fun things to do and unique events! See whats on at The Brighton Centre if you’re looking for live music, or what’s on at the The Brighton Dome if you’re more into theatre and dance. Alternatively, head to Brighton and keep an eye out for spontaneous events when you’re there: I was lucky enough to stumble across a VW camper exhibition!

4. Eat all the food, and then some more.

As well as all the foodie suggestions above, there are two more fun things to do in Brighton if you’ve got a sweet tooth. First, watch Fudge being made in Roly’s Fudge Pantry & choose your favourite from the numerous flavours. Just make sure you take some home for souvenirs!

Alternatively (or additionally!) you could book onto a cake making class at www.angelfoodkitchen.co.uk – this would definitely be one of the best things to do in Brighton when it’s raining!

5. Head to Globalls for some fluorescent crazy golf!

Globalls has got to be one of the most fun things to do in Brighton… glow in the dark, flurorescent crazy golf! In teams of up to 5, take on the mini golf courses surrounded by positive, bright colours. Who’s going to get the first hole in one?!

The ultimate guide to planning a full UK road trip ft. the best places to visit in England, NI, Scotland and Wales.

6. Enjoy a morning walk along the seafront with a coffee in hand.

While you’re in Brighton, take advantage of being near the water! One of the best things to do in Brighton is to get up early, grab a takeaway coffee, and head out for a seafront walk in the sunshine. The pier is particularly beautiful at sunrise if you’re an early riser, but if not, don’t panic – sunset is stunning too!

7. Hike Devil’s Dyke for amazing views of South Downs National Park.

Take the 77 bus to Devil’s Dyke in West Sussex for some stunning views across South Downs National Park through the countryside. The hiking trails here are some of the best walks in England .

If you’re thinking of extending your stay in Brighton, check out more of the best things to do in South Downs National Park here.

See my 16 hikes in the UK that you cannot miss here.

8. Head up the British Airways i360 for panoramic views.

If you’re looking for panoramic views across Brighton, Sussex & the South Downs , and the Isle of Wight, going up the  British Airways i360 must be on your list of best things to do in Brighton. The 360 views are in the name, and you get to enjoy them all from the glass pod at the top of this 450ft tower. You can also climb an additional 30m to the top of the tower if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush! Check out tickets here.

9. Learn about the Sussex dolphins on a sunset wildlife cruise.

Golden hour is beautiful… but when dolphins are involved, it’s much more exciting! Sightings of these beautiful creatures this close to the coast are rare, but one of the best things to do in Brighton is to enjoy a Sunset Wildlife Cruise to learn about Sussex dolphins, see the city from a new perspective, watch the sun go down, and support a great charity!

See 28 places you should visit in England here.

10. Enjoy a bike or walking tour of Brighton.

If you’re short of time in Brighton, one of the best things to do so that you see more of the city is to take a bike or walking tour.

Bike hire is available in many places in the city, or you could book onto a the Jolly Explorer’s Brighton Bike Tour for a guided experience!

Prefer being on foot? Brighton is a really walkable city, so you can also enjoy a walking tour around the main parts. If you’ve seen a fair amount of Brighton and you’re looking for a more specific walking tour, try a street art walking tour or this walking tour to learn about over 200 years of LGBTQ+ history.

11. Do the Brighton zip wire along the beach front!

The Brighton zipwire is the longest on the South Coast, and definitely one of the most fun things to do in Brighton! There are twin wires, so why not do it alongside a friend?! Book here.

12. Check out the street art and colourful houses in Brighton.

If you’re looking for bright colours and unique street art, Brighton is the place to be. From the Banksy Kissing Police piece outside the train station, to John Lennon on Upper Gardner Street, there are plenty of places to see really cool street art in Brighton.

Blaker Street is one of the best places to see the colourful houses that Brighton is famous for, but there are many more too. For more colourful streets to visit in Brighton, check out this post by Global Traveller Charlotte.

13. Wake up and reconnect at Beach Box Spa.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Brighton, Beach Box Spa is where you want to be. Beach Box is an all year around wood-fired public beach sauna spa, based on Brighton beach. There are 4 unique saunas to choose from, each with stunning views of the beach and Pier so that you can really escape the hustle and bustle of the city, relax and check in with yourself. You can also opt for handmade body treatments, leaf whisks and ice baths!

Book your trip to Beach Box Spa here. 

14. Enjoy a big screen movie experience with Luna cinema.

One of the best things to do in Brighton is definitely heading to the Luna Beach cinema in summer to enjoy movies from the beach. Pack your popcorn and enjoy the ultimate summer cinematic experience, watching popular movies on the 10-metre outdoor LED screen. Check the summer schedule here. 

Discover beyond the UK with these 15 epic road trips to go on in Europe.

15. Tour the Royal Pavilion.

We couldn’t write a list of the best things to do in Brighton without mentioning the Royal Pavillion, one of the most beautiful buildings in Brighton. What used to be the pleasure palace of King George IV was transformed by John Nash between 1815 and 1823 into one of the most stunning buildings in Britain. Expect a beautiful mix of Regency grandeur with Indian architecture and Chinese inspired interiors.

Book tickets for your tour here.

16. Learn to SUP on Hove Lagoon.

If you’re always seeing photos of people having fun out on the water, but you’ve never done stand-up paddle boarding before and you’re feeling a little apprehensive, make sure you visit Hove Lagoon while you’re in Brighton. At the Hove Lagoon Watersports centre they’ll take you through the process step-by-step so you’re feeling more confident for future water adventures!

Already an SUP expert? Check out their SUP Yoga or SUP on the sea sessions, or try something different like wakeboarding or windsurfing!

Find out more about Hove Lagoon Watersports centre here.

See the best walks and hikes to go on in England here.

Have you been to Brighton?

What are your favourite things to do in Brighton? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring…

Join over 8,000 other like-minded Global Travellers in the Facebook family here today!

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

Shop the google map legends

Search by adventure type, active travel, backpacking, budget travel, love and relationships, once in a lifetime, packing tips, solo travel, weekend getaways, where's mollie newsletter, travel shop, search by destination, other posts that you may like....

Fraser Island with Cool Dingo – Part 2

12 things I learnt above love from a broken heart

The best things to do in Costa Rica

The best things to do in Iceland

4 days in Finland: Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and a traditional Karelian cooking lesson

The best things to do in Berlin, Germany

The best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

A complete guide to The Broads National Park, England

A 2-week Cornwall road trip itinerary

Privacy overview.

Brighton Tourism And Travel Guide

With over £750m being earned from the tourism sector in Brighton, the seaside city continues to be a popular tourist destination, since the 1750s. Nearly 8 million visitors flock to the city each year, considering its popularity alongside the likes of Edinburgh and Barcelona . Being one of the most renowned and largest seaside resorts on the English Channel, Brighton stretches about 5 miles along with the steep chalk and sometimes the pebbled shoreline of the South Downs and is lined with amusement arcades & souvenir shops making it a culturally vibrant place to visit. Here’s a travel guide to help you find your way around on your visit to Brighton and ensure you partake in its splendid tourism.

How to Reach

Brighton’s easy to reach from all the major London Airports. Since it sits on the south coast of England , you’ll most likely land at London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, two of the chief airports in the capital of the UK. The closest airport to the city is London Gatwick, which is just half-hour from Brighton, while other airports like London Heathrow’s about 47miles, London City is 48miles, London Luton is 74 miles and London Stansted is nearly 76 miles from Brighton. The Shoreham airport’s the city’s local airport, west of the city and is primarily used by private planes.

Alternatively, you can hire a cab that takes approximately 2 hours at an estimated fare of £100, or a train costing £40 with a journey time of about an hour from the Victoria Train Station in the heart of London. A bus journey takes a couple of hours costing anywhere from £6-£14 from the Victoria Coach Station and is perhaps one of the cheapest ways of reaching Brighton.

The Brighton Train Station’s to the north of the city, just a few steps away from the beach and is one of the busiest stations in the UK. From the London City DLR station, there’s a train for Canning Town every 10 minutes, from there you take the subway to London Bridge station and then board a train for Brighton. The total journey time amounts to about an hour and 24 minutes. If however, you arrive at London Heathrow, then from the Heathrow Terminals 2&3, you can board a train for London Paddington, proceed to Victoria via the subway and then take a train to Brighton.

With a number of access routes available, journey by road to Brighton’s pretty accessible. From the M25 motorway, both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports are well connected with regular coach connections and it takes roughly 2 hours to reach Brighton by the motorway from Southampton, Dover or Portsmouth

Getting Around:

One of the best ways of getting around the city is to explore Brighton on foot, with the city’s centre being just a square mile and its best place of interest, being the beach located a walking distance of most tourist sites and landmarks. But if you’re looking at traveling longer in Brighton, then the bus services here are impeccable, what with the prices starting at just £2.20 for a single ride and an unlimited day’s ticket costing just £4. Then there’s the Electric Railway (a historic tram) which links the Black Rock along the beach to the Palace Pier Jetty and costs about £4. There are several taxi and black cabs operational within the city, with over 40 taxi ranks and can be hailed on the street, unless you find a rank closer.

• How To Reach Brighton

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May):

Months of March through May make spring season rather cold, what with humidity and temperatures ranging from 18°C-10°C. With nearly 5 to 6 days of significant rainfall during this time every month, spring is the second busiest period for tourism in Brighton and perfect for touristy things to do!

Summer (June-August):

Summer season is rather cool with comfortably high temperature and moderate rainfall of approx. 6 days every month. The period of June through August is Brighton’s peak tourist season and hence one may find lodging and accommodation rather expensive during the time.

Fall (September-November):

The autumn months of September through November have an average temperature ranging from 20°C to 9°C, makes it chilly owing to the wind and humidity levels. Rain or snowfall occurs to a significant volume between 5-11 days a month slowing down tourism and influencing hotel tariffs to cost less as well.

Winter (December-February):

Brighton’s winter season is relatively cold with the average temperature oscillating between 10°C and 7°C, and a fair volume of rain or snowfall that lasts between 7-9 days in a month. Tourism is impacted this time of the year and it is the most inappropriate for warm weather travelers.

• Brighton Weather And Best Time To Visit Brighton

Things to Do

Leisure & Sports Activities:

There are a number of leisure and activity centres by Waves with sites spread across East Sussex offering swimming pools, skating grounds, workout sessions and more. Then, there’s a modern city centre called Beauty Secrets in Hove, a multi-award-winning salon with premium facial & body and anti-ageing treatments open through the week. The Yellowave Beach Sports Venue is one of Britain’s first beach sports centres and the city’s the only sandy beach that offers beach activities for all age groups and abilities that include Frisbee, beach rugby, beach volleyball, footvolley and beach soccer.

With Fatboy slim as its celebrity resident, Brighton’s nightlife’s bound to be hot and happening with some of the coolest clubs in town, right from hard house to bubblegum dance to cheesy tunes and Latin beats. Spanning all tastes and genres, club nights in Brighton have loads to offer with some of the best and upcoming live music that will have you tapping your toes to each beat all night long. Some of the best haunts in the city include Rendezvous Casino, Marlborough Theatre and Pub, Pier Pressure, The Old Market, Grosvenor Casino Brighton Seafront and more.

Tours & Sightseeing:

Make the most of your visit to Brighton with its numerous themed and guided tours that include Walking Tours – from blue badge guides to chocolate trails to ghost walks, or guided cycling tours spanning the wider city and stunning countryside of the South Downs, or take a bird’s eye of the city by taking scenic flights. You can also explore getting an inside view of the city by joining a local resident and enjoying the Brighton Greet Tour!

Brighton Festivals:

Brighton’s annual festivals are delightful, exuberant and not to be missed as they come around just once a year. From the Brighton Festival which celebrates music, dance, circus, theatre, film, literature and the arts across different venues, with a majority of them being hosted at the Brighton pavilion, May is abundant with different events to keep your evenings full! The Brighton Fringe Festival’s a diverse event that showcases cabaret, music, theatre and comedy with several upcoming performances that run concurrently with the mainstream Brighton Festival through May and June across the city. Then, there’s the Brighton pride, one of UK’s most popular LGBT events with the main parade, followed by smaller parties on a weekend in August at the Preston Park.

• Things To Do In Brighton
• Tourist Places To Visit In Brighton

Where to Eat

Brighton, being a seafront resort and party place, has a surprising number of places to eat that are excellent choices for food. Given the city’s fascination for burgers, the New Club & 7 Bees comes with a breakfast menu with melted cheese and a sausage patty with eggs on a glazed brioche bun. Its menu further includes a hit list of pastrami sandwiches, fried chicken, fish tacos, dirty dinner classics and more! Then there’s La Choza, one of Brighton’s go-to venue for best burritos, tacos and quesadillas. From the deep-fried catch of the day to the pit-smoked pork (pulled) and chorizo that’s homemade, everything here is fresh and every morsel is full of life.

For those who’re on a shoestring budget, the coal shed specializes in meats cooked on charcoal-fired josper, which is a grill cum oven with its express menu offerings for lunch and early evenings for fares under £10. Iydea offers a variety of vibrant bites from hot vegetarian servings to side salads with toppings and sauces. The Flourtown is a simple joint that serves light meals and upmarket daytime snacks including scrambled eggs with aged cheddar and avocado, sandwiches jazzed up with homemade spicy sauces, loads of tarts, cakes and pastries, baked fresh on-site, in addition, to open puff pastries and American Breakfast Muffins.

Where to Shop

The Snooper’s Paradise is one of the best places to shop at if you love rummaging through retro stuff, with some unique gems, located in the heart of North Laines, while Beyond Retro is a huge market that includes a variety of vintage clothing and accessories, albeit a bit expensive, which you can haggle your way through! One of UK’s long-standing fragrance houses, the Pecksniffs offers a typical range of treatments to pamper your inner Diva/Hunk at exceptional standards. A fragrance consultation will have your perfume formula stored, ready for order at any time, and it can also be incorporated into a Bath & body care range for your wardrobe.

Choccywoccydoodah is one of the city’s finest gems and a must-visit for any Brighton Tourist with its chocolate westies to cakes in all shapes and sizes. Then, there’s Oliver’s, ideal for Harry Potter Fans with a unique offering of wizarding treasures, wands, enchanted jewelry, broomsticks and more! The iO gallery is a unique souvenir shop, run by and for artists’ who’d like to sell their wares with good quality and at affordable pricing to customers who appreciate art inclusive of ceramics, jewelry, paintings & prints to glasswares.

Before You Go... Got Questions?

Find the best brighton packages from top travel agents.

A weekend in Brighton and Hove: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Everything you need to know for a seaside city break in East Sussex

• Newsletter sign up Newsletter

1. Why you should visit Brighton and Hove

2. top attractions: things to see and do, 3. hotels and accommodation: where to stay, 4. where to eat and drink, 5. transport: how to get there, 6. what the locals say….

The East Sussex seaside city of Brighton and Hove is known for being “quirky, bohemian, artsy, and very LGBTQ-friendly”, said the Nomadic Matt travel blog. Considered one of the “hippest” places in the UK, it really comes alive with festivals and events in summer, but it’s actually a fun year-round destination.

A weekend in Belfast: travel guide, attractions and things to do A weekend in Cardiff: travel guide, attractions and things to do A weekend in Glasgow: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Twenty-five years ago, Brighton merged with Hove in a move that “proved controversial at the time”, especially among some residents in Hove, said The Argus newspaper. The newly-united town then gained city status four years later in January 2001.

This “vibrant” city by the sea is where “hipsters, drag queens, hippies and families blend into a happy urban whole”, said destination expert Louise Roddon in The Telegraph . With “colour and character in droves”, it’s hard not to be “wooed” by Brighton’s “inclusive impulsive vibe”.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

It’s “without a doubt” one of the best places to visit in England – and it’s even a strong contender for the best places to visit in the UK, said the We Are Global Travellers blog. The alternative lifestyle, buzzing nightlife, shopping, fish and chips on the pier and the surrounding countryside make Brighton unique.

Whether you love “rummaging for cool vintage clothes, sipping on single-origin coffee or heading to the seaside for a family adventure”, this is the place to be, said Time Out . If you want to marvel at “glorious Regency architecture”, explore some “excellent” museums or eat at some of England’s best rated restaurants, then Brighton has got your back.

Brighton Beach

Brighton’s pebbly beach is one of the most famous in the UK, said The Beach Guide . Its four-mile promenade “buzzes with life in all seasons” and “unsurprisingly”, it can get very crowded on bank holidays, but “that’s all part of the appeal”. Although the water “can be chilly”, it’s a popular spot for swimming and watersports such as windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and wakeboarding. “They all look good from the comforts of a deckchair!”

Brighton Palace Pier

On the seafront you will find Brighton Palace Pier, an “iconic” part of the skyline, said Yasmin Syed on SussexLive . One of the city’s main tourist attractions, the Victorian pier is “the first thing most people think of when they hear Brighton – especially out-of-towners”. The ultimate tourist stop, it feels as though “us locals” rarely frequent it. “Maybe we’re missing out.”

British Airways i360

If you want spectacular views of Brighton, then you can’t beat the British Airways i360 – a 162m-tall moving observation tower on the seafront which opened in August 2016. It could have been designed to “feel less like a corporate entertainment lounge on a stick”, said Oliver Wainwright in The Guardian . “But by night, when it glows like a sword plunging down from the heavens, it is hard to resist.”

Royal Pavilion and Museum

Located in the heart of the city, the Royal Pavilion is a “most remarkable” building that’s a “delightfully over-the-top domed and pinnacled fantasy”, said Fodor’s Travel . The spectacular seaside palace of Prince Regent George IV was transformed by British architect John Nash between 1815 and 1823. Today, the Royal Pavilion is a popular museum and attraction.

Shopping in The Lanes

Brighton’s artiest district is packed with independent shops, restaurants and traditional pubs, said Time Out . Much of Brighton “oozes character and cool”, but The Lanes are definitely leading the charge. The narrow streets are home to “brilliant” independent cafés, record stores, vintage emporiums, bookshops and art spaces. “Wandering this maze of passageways” is an “excellent way” to spend an afternoon. Don’t get The Lanes confused with North Laine though, said Jennifer Barton on Insider . North Laine is “another cool shopping area brimming with independent boutiques”.

Hove: ‘seriously hip’

If you are heading to Brighton for a break, then don’t forget to visit Hove as well. It has a quieter seafront and “seriously hip” artisan shops, gin bars and niche restaurants, said Roddon in The Telegraph .

Brighton is “continuing to evolve into a chic weekend destination”, said Louise Roddon in The Times . And staying in the city “has never proved so pleasurable”. The Grand gets top billing on many lists of the best hotels in Brighton. Nicknamed the “Palace by the Sea”, it carries “stacks of history” and a third of its bedrooms boast “unbeatable sea views”.

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole review: a major makeover with added thrills

Spread over two early 19th-century townhouses in Kemptown, Paskins Town House is “charmingly quirky” and one of the first vegetarian-friendly hotels in the city, said The Telegraph . Other top places to stay include The Square Hotel, “a golden eagle amidst a flock of seagull B&Bs”, and Hotel du Vin & Bistro Brighton, which is “ideally placed for The Lanes and the city’s major attractions”.

If a boutique B&B is what you desire, then head to Hotel Una, said The Independent . With side views onto the sea and the i360, this 18-room hotel “exudes good looks”. Think “handcrafted furniture, funky pendant lamps and sparkly abstract paintings that enhance rather than mar the regency footprint”.

Embracing the city’s long and colourful legacy is the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole , which has completed an extensive £26m refurbishment that celebrates the building’s glamorous past and eye-catching period design. The refurbishment includes the hotel’s 370 rooms, as well as its public areas, lobby, restaurant and bar.

Restaurants

Brighton is a “food lover’s paradise by the sea”, said The Eat Your World Blog . On the seafront there are plenty of eateries offering traditional fish and chips wrapped in yesterday’s newspaper. But for those who “prefer their lunch on a plate”, the city is home to some excellent seafood restaurants, including The Salt Room, which offers a signature surfboard platter, and English’s Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar, whose menu is “impressively extensive, incorporating lots of British ingredients”.

There may be no Michelin-starred restaurants in Brighton and Hove, but there are some otherwise notable entries worth celebrating, said RestaurantsBrighton.co.uk . Three restaurants – Cin Cin (Italian), Chilli Pickle (Indian), and Burnt Orange (Mediterranean) – have been awarded Michelin ’s Bib Gourmand.

Also worthy of attention is the excellent Isaac At . The restaurant offers “sublime food from an inspiring – and very young – team,” said The Argus . And it is true – head chef Caspian Armani is only 22, while the award-winning sommelier, Alex Preston, is the oldest member of the team at just 27. The restaurant offers a set menu, with plenty of exceptional dishes on offer, including (on the night The Week went along) a bit of cheffy wizardry to start off – a BLT turned into broth. This was followed by nine excellent courses, the stars of which were the delicious plaice with herbs foraged from the local seaside; the homemade sourdough; a selection of cheeses from across Sussex; and a palate-cleansing Pimm’s sorbet to finish. All accompanied by a good selection of English wines, sourced from vineyards across the south of the UK.

According to readers of The Argus , The Regency Tavern topped the list of the best pubs in Brighton. This is a “wonderful” pub, said Green councillor Tom Druitt. “The decor, the colours, the piano, the atmosphere, the bar staff, the ale selection and the punters... it’s a real gem.” Other highly regarded pubs include the Ancient Mariner and The Exchange, both in Hove.

Brighton Station, the city’s main railway station, is about a 20-minute walk to and from the seafront and pier. Some train services take less than an hour from London Victoria, making Brighton an easy day trip from the capital.

The nearest major airport to Brighton is London Gatwick, which is 23 miles away. Trains take an average 39 minutes from Gatwick to Brighton with services operated by Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Southern.

The beach is not the only place to lounge in Brighton, said Rosie Fluskey on The Travel Hack . “You will find fantastic parks throughout the city, as well as the South Downs National Park that backs it”. If you like “cute little museums that are utterly niche”, then Brighton has some wonderful choices, including The Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, and the Brighton Fishing Museum.

In her local’s guide on Insider , Jennifer Barton offers some tips for foodies. If you’re new to English chips, “make like a local” and order them topped with peas or beans. Also, if you’re “tempted by the junk food on offer”, Brighton rock – a colourful, stick-shaped boiled sugar candy – is a “local specialty”.

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox

A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com

Mike Starling is the digital features editor at The Week, where he writes content and edits the Arts & Life and Sport website sections and the Food & Drink and Travel newsletters. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon. 

The Explainer The creation of 'coordinated lunar time' is part of Nasa's mission to establish a long-term presence on the Moon

By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published 4 April 24

In The Spotlight A recent investigation connected the syndrome to a unit of the Russian intelligence agency GRU

By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published 4 April 24

Under The Radar One of the biggest artistic competitions on Earth finds itself in the middle of a widening debate about if — and how — to address the ongoing war in Gaza

By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published 4 April 24

The Week Recommends Modern vibrancy, design legacy and ancient heritage puts Mexico's jewel alongside other art capitals of the world

By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published 26 February 24

The Week recommends Explore the natural beauty, windswept beaches and crystal-clear waters of Eleuthera

By The Week UK Published 28 January 24

The Week Recommends Plan your trip to the Scottish capital

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 13 January 24

The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital

By Kaye O'Doherty Published 9 January 24

The Week Recommends There's far more to Rio than just mountains, beaches, music and dance

By Tom Yarwood Published 7 January 24

The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats

By The Week UK Last updated 3 April 24

The Week Recommends The Urner Haute Route features some of the wildest terrain in the Alps

By The Week UK Last updated 2 January 24

In Depth A look at the travel trends and destinations set to drive the tourism industry

By The Week UK Published 1 January 24

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Advertise With Us

The Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

BRIGHTON TRAVEL GUIDE

Brighton Travel Guide

Brighton is a popular seaside resort in the South of England, shining with diversity and design, this makes a great day trip from London, especially during the summer months.

There are lots of things to do in Brighton; check out the beach, and Brighton Pier, and browse the vintage shops and tasty eateries in The Lanes. Head to Brighton during a festival to really get a full flavor of this wonderfully eccentric city.

Typical costs

Accommodation

Budget:  Dorm beds can be found between £6 – £20 whilst private rooms start at £40.

Midrange:  £60 – £100 depending on location.

Luxury:  Nice hotels on the seafront cost around £120.

Transport: The great thing about Brighton is that everything is in walking distance.

If you do want to get a taxi, you are looking at a £10-£15 cost depending on the time of day whilst buses cost around £2.40-£3 depending on the distance.

If you decide to stay in Brighton, cheap train tickets to other coastal areas such as Eastbourne and Hastings are also available from around £11.

The average cost of food:

Lots of food chains can be found across Brighton, ideal for those looking to save some cash.

Fish and chips can cost between £6 – £11 per person whilst lunch meals cost around the same.

Dinners can cost upwards of £15 per head but check out the pub foods; the Wetherspoon pub chain offer great meal deals for excellent prices.

Best time to visit Brighton

The UK has temperamental weather; it rains far too often and Brighton is not fun when you get caught outside during a rain storm. 

The best time to visit Brighton is May to September when the weather is warm and there is less chance of rain. However, this is England, you always need to have a raincoat or umbrella with you, just in case. 

August is the hottest time of the year and visiting Brighton at this time is essential if you plan on swimming in the sea. However, be warned that this is the summer holidays and Brighton becomes very busy at this time. 

Where to stay in Brighton

Hostelpoint Brighton is a great spot for a night or two, located near all the popular attractions and right near the beach, dorm beds start at £8.99 whilst private ensuite rooms are £40.

Smart Brighton Beach is another popular hotel and again centrally located on the beach and near attractions, dorms start at £6.50 whilst private ensuite rooms cost £40.

The Square Hotel is a modern and stylish spot, offering a great restaurant and sophisticated bar, with rooms starting at £90. Just a short walk from the seafront, YHA Brighton offers bright ensuite rooms starting at £69.

In a great location, the Brighton House Bed and Breakfast has been rated as a luxurious, immaculate hotel with rooms starting at £121, this is a top pick for me.

Overlooking the seafront, Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront is a top choice for couples, with modern 4-star rooms starting at £126 a night.

Save money in Brighton

The UK is an expensive destination to visit in Europe but there are many ways you can save money in Brighton

• Stay in chains – Chain hotels such as Travelodge or Premier Inn can be in many neighborhoods, with rooms costing as little as £60 when booking in advance. Hostels can be found for around £20 and can even include breakfast. 
• Cheap food – Head to a takeaway shop or street vendor for lunches for £5 whilst dinners will cost upwards of £10. Budget chain restaurants you should consider are Nandos, Pizza Express, Wagamamas and the Gourmet Burger Kitchen. 
• The Seafront – Do not eat or sit on the seafront. Prices here are higher than elsewhere and you can either be charged for just sitting in the restaurant or cafe. 
• Walk – Brighton is a walkable destination so plan your days out and get your comfortable shoes on. 
• Book tickets in advance – When heading to the paid attractions (such as the Sealife center), book your tickets in advance to save money. Also, check Groupon for discounted prices and restaurant deals.  There are plenty of things to do in Brighton with kids but avoid spending all of your budgets on entrance tickets.
• Pub food – Typically speaking, eating food in a pub is a lot cheaper than a normal restaurant. Wetherspoons is a great choice for those on a tight budget, with meal and drink deals starting at £6. 
• Visit off-season – The summer is when Brighton comes to life but visiting from October to April will save you money. 
• Visit the parks – Brighton is home to many parks so unwind and relax in these beautiful gardens, especially during the summertime. For a unique walk with great views, enjoy the Seven Sisters Walk , with options for all fitness levels.
• Use the bus – If you intend on using the public buses to get around, you can pick up a Discover Ticker for £9. 
• Free Walking Tours – You can take a free talking tour in Brighton, which lasts a few hours and takes you to the historic sites in the city.  Head to Strawberry Tours, Real Brighton Tours or Visit Brighton Greeters for free tours. 

Best things to do in Brighton

• Brighton Pier
• Royal Pavilion
• British Airways i360 Tower
• Sea Life Brighton
• Walking Tour
• Devil’s Dyke
• Brighton Marina
• Brighton Toy and Model Museum
• Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
• Snoopers Paradise
• The World’s End
• Brighton Dome
• Upside Down House

How to get to Brighton

Bus – Buses are available from Arundel, Chichester, Eastbourne and London Victoria, costing around £8 from London but taking around 2 hours.

Train – For £24 you can get a train from London Victoria or London St Pancras to Brighton, taking just an hour. Nearby popular spots are also accessible by train, including Eastbourne, Chichester, Hastings and Portsmouth.

Drive – Many drive to Brighton, but be aware that parking is incredibly pricey in Brighton centre, with some car parks costing up to £7 for two hours.

Not too far from Brighton is Eastbourne where you can find the popular Beachy Head .

How to get around Brighton

A day bus ticket around Brighton costs £4.60 but the best way to experience Brighton is to walk and wander, get lost down the lanes and discover hidden gems all over this diamond city.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Brighton, England: A Weird & Wonderful Travel Guide

In this blog, I bring you the ultimate Brighton Travel Guide. It’s filled with weird & wonderful facts, the best places to stay, the best things to do (according to my husband Paul who was born and raised here) as well as the best places to eat.

The seaside city of Brighton has been enticing travelers for centuries. It is also called ‘London by the Sea’ because it’s the closest seaside resort to London. Brighton is a little bit weird and a lot wonderful!

Don’t have time to read it now, PIN IT for later here!

Weird & Wonderful facts about Brighton

I told you this isn’t just any old Brighton Travel Guide – I’ve done heaps of research and come up with some very weird facts about this city. Some of the facts even a local won’t know!

Brighton is a weird & wonderful city by the sea, here are some super interesting facts about the city.

• The first Body Shop was opened here in 1976
• England’s first ever casino was opened here in 1962 at The Metropole Hotel
• The Brighton Sea Life Center on Marine Parade us the world’s oldest aquarium. It first opened its doors way back in 1872
• Hitler had his eyes set on setting up home at the Royal Pavillion. He wanted it as his holiday home after taking over the U.K (which never happened, thank god)
• Brighton has the most restaurants per capita than anywhere else in England – there’s approximately 1 restaurant per 250 people
• The city was the first place in the country to open a nudist beach in 1979
• Brighton Pier is made up of over 60,000 light bulbs – imagine their electricity bill

A locals tips for Brighton

After spending lots of time in Brighton (my husband is born and raised here) I’ve come up with what I think is the perfect day in Brighton. It includes excellent coffee shops, the best restaurants as well as awesome sunset spots. Plus, a whole lot more!

What to do in Brighton in the AM

Stroll through the Lanes early in the morning to catch these narrow quirk-filled lanes at their finest. Pop by Snoopers Paradise at Kensington Gardens in the North Laines – a quirky treasure filled department store that you can easily whisk away a few hours. Also, worth a visit is The Duck House on 4 Union Street – in this fun store you’ll find over 300 different types of imaginative rubber ducks.

Are you a coffee fiend – I recommend grabbing a coffee at  Pelicano  on Sydney Street or  Bond St  in the North Laines. In Brighton you are spoiled for choice for great coffee. A good indicator of how hipster/yuppie a city is how many independent coffee shops it has, it’s no surprise then that Movehub’s Hipster index ranked Brighton as the most hipster city in the world!

Other great coffee spots in the city include the very popular Small Batch at 17 Jubilee Street; 44 Poet’s on Poets Corner and Twin Pines in Kemptown.

My Brighton lunch recommendations

Take a long walk along the seafront and try your luck at the slot machines on the Pier. Waste away an hour playing the aforementioned slots, riding the dodgems/ bumper cars at the permanent funfair here and spoil your lunch with a head-sized stick of candyfloss. Then, take a stroll to the Madeira Lift at the seafront in Kemptown – a creaky, very old Victorian lift that brings you up the cliff which links Marine Parade with Madeira Drive. There’s even a lift attendant.

Tired out from all the fun, grab some amazingly authentic wood-fired pizzas at Fatto o Mano in Hove (or London Road). Other excellent lunch spots in Brighton include Trollburger under Brighton Station; Cin Cin in North Laine and 64 Degreees at Meeting House Lane.

After lunch, take the 78 bus to Stanmer Park about a 15 minute drive from Brighton. It’s well-worth a visit, mainly just to explore a little on foot and take photos. There’s also a little tearooms here if you fancy a snack. 

Where to eat dinner in Brighton

Hit the Marina for dinner – did you know it’s the largest marina in the UK. Popular restaurants here include Chez Mal; Cafe Rouge and Malika Indian Restaurant. Or if you want to stay in the city for food –  try  Casalingo  on Preston Street (the hubby’s favorite restaurant) for authentic Italian food.

Where to watch the sunset in Brighton

Okay, I love sunsets. In fact, on vacation I make it my mission to watch the sunset every night. In Brighton I advise ending the day watching the sunset over the West Pier. The best spot for a photo of the sunset is from the Brighton Bandstand, it can get very busy here though.

Some other best sunset spots in Brighton are:

• Walk to the top of Bear Road for a lovely view over the city. It’s a short steep walk up to this hillside grassy area.
• Hove Beach – before sundown snap some photos of the very cute, very colorful beach huts
• Cuckmere Haven – a riverfront beach about a 30 minute drive from Brighton. One of the most iconic photo spots here is the Coastguard cottages overlooking the Cuckmere River, with the Seven Sisters in the background. Walk just above the cottages on the path to get the best shot.

Where to stay in Brighton

We loved  The Grand  if you fancy splurging, or  The Old Ship Hotel  for great-value-for-money, both are on the seafront. Ask for a sea-facing room in both hotels. 

If you fancy an airbnb for a few nights, we love  this unique cottage  a 15 minute bus-ride from Brighton or  this charming house  conveniently located in Hove. Or if you plan to stay for longer (which I highly recommend doing!) your best option is to opt for a room to rent in Brighton !

Is Brighton worth visiting?

Brighton is a city of extremes from its crowded stony beach, to the tourist trap that is Brighton Pier to the quirky hipster-filled North Lanes. On first look,  it may seem like a typical English city but it’s filled with the weirdest characters.  People you wouldn’t see anywhere else in the world. But that’s why we love it. The restaurants are cool, the bars are cool (even the ‘old man’ bars are cool),the coffee shops are cool. Cool.

If you’re spending a few days in Brighton, why not consider visiting the quaint town of Rye – a 2 hour train ride away. It’s so photogenic there and there’s loads of fun things to do in Rye !

How many days do you need in Brighton?

My recommendation is at least 5 – 7 days. It’s especially beautiful and buzzing in Summer. If you want a quieter getaway but still want warmer weather – September is a top choice from me.

You could always combine a stay in Brighton with one of these gorgeous towns in East Sussex .

Planning your Brighton trip, this detailed UK Trip Planning Guide will help you in deciding when to go, what to see, how to get around and even what to pack!

Related Read: If you’re traveling to the UK with little ones you may want to check out my guide to visiting Peppa Pig World ! I’ve included everything you need to know!

What is Brighton famous for?

Brighton is easily the most famous city in East Sussex and maybe the most famous seaside resort in all of Britain. It is a popular weekend haunt for Londoners (as its only an hour from the capital city), stag and hen parties and for couples looking for an escape. 

And because it’s so close to London you can easily hop on a train to the ‘big smoke’ for the day or night. In saying that, if you’re in Brighton over the festive period, I recommend celebrating New Year’s in London if at all possible – it’s easily one of the best cities in the world to celebrate the New Year !

The city is also home to the UK’s largest LGBT population. In fact its widely known as the unofficial gay capital of the UK.

It’s also famous for the gorgeous Royal Pavillion; its long stony seafront & Brighton Pier as British Airway’s very flashy i360 tower.

What are the most popular things to do in Brighton?

• Blaker Street is certainly one of the most colorful streets in Brighton if not the whole country – an entire road of brightly colored houses, every instagrammers dream right?!
• Brighton’s Victorian Sewers – Southern Water leads tours through these stinky sewers that were still being used for raw sewage up until 1990. The sewers are 7-miles long and lead all the way to the Telscombe Cliffs.
• The Royal Pavillion – easily one of the most beautiful homes ever built. It took over a 20 years to be built for Prince George IV. It is often commented on how similar it looks to the Taj Mahal.
• i360 viewing tower – an enclosed glass pod takes you up 450 feet to the top where you can enjoy glorious views over Brighton.

I hope my Brighton Travel Guide will give you some inspiration for your next visit. There’s so much to see and do in this quirky seaside city and being just an hour from London – it’s so easy to get to.

PIN IT for later!

2 thoughts on “ Brighton, England: A Weird & Wonderful Travel Guide ”

I’ve only been to Brighton once to visit a friend, so I wasn’t able to look around as much as I would have liked. It looks like there are some fun things to do and see though!

You’ve made me want to visit Brighton again. I’ve been many times through the years but not had chance to try many of these things – you can’t beat advice from a local! Thanks for sharing & once we’re allowed out of the local area…I’m getting on the train to Brighton!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Travel Insurance

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Travel Insurance For Indonesia: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Apr 4, 2024, 12:32pm

Table of Contents

Travel insurance for indonesia, what does travel insurance for indonesia cover, does travel for indonesia cover all emergencies, will an insurer cover me if i have a medical condition, cost of travel insurance for indonesia, how do i compare travel insurance for indonesia, frequently asked questions (faqs).

While Indonesia may be most famous for its tourist hub, Bali , the archipelago, as a whole, has grown in popularity in recent months. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported Indonesia replacing New Zealand as the top destination for short-term trips overseas by Australians last year—the first time since the Bureau started collecting travel records nearly 50 years ago.

Roughly 1.37 million Australians visited Indonesia in 2023. While some 86% took a holiday there, 7% visited friends or relatives. Whatever your reason for visiting the country, you’ll want to make sure you’re safeguarded against common mishaps that can arise while away, and even in the lead up to your holiday. Travel insurance for Indonesia can provide this protection, paying out should you fall ill or get injured and need treatment during your stay, if you lose your baggage or belongings or need to cancel your trip. Find out exactly how travel insurance for Indonesia works, what it covers and does not cover below.

If you’re sticking solely to Bali and its associated islands, then you can read more in our guide to travel insurance for the island of the gods.

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

If you’re planning to visit Indonesia, you’ll need travel insurance specifically for the destination. There are three main types to choose from:

• Single trip: for a one-off trip in the space of 12 months to Indonesia
• Annual multi-trip: for more than one trip in the space of 12 months to Indonesia or various destinations. This type of cover can work out more cost-effective than buying multiple single trip policies but not always so it’s best to compare both types of cover.
• Long-stay/backpacker: for an extended stay in Indonesia, of typically 60 or 90 days, or 12 or 18 months. Cover for 24 months may be available, from certain providers.

Depending on the insurer, and the type of policy you choose, you may have the option to take out cover for Indonesia alone, Asia or worldwide destinations. Note that insurers usually offer worldwide policies that include the US and destinations such as Canada, Greenland Mexico and the Caribbean, and worldwide policies that exclude them, depending on where you’re going, as medical costs are extremely high in this part of the world.

A good travel insurance policy will cover emergency medical costs should you fall ill or injure yourself while away. This may also extend to medical rescue, and repatriation costs, for severe cases where you need transporting to a hospital or back to Australia.

Cover for personal liability should you injure someone or damage another person’s property, and trip cancellation for reasons such as falling ill before the trip or suffering a bereavement should also be included as standard. You should also be able to claim for loss or theft of your luggage and belongings. Note that there’s typically a total limit on the amount you can claim for your possessions, as well as an individual limit for each type of item.

A policy may additionally include a number of other forms of cover, such as:

• Personal money: the amount that can be claimed if your money is lost or stolen
• Missed departure: covers the cost of additional accommodation and travel should an emergency cause the policyholder to miss their journey
• Travel delay: pays out if your scheduled transport is late by typically a least 12 hours
• Company insolvency: compensates you if your airline or hotel goes bust
• Personal accident: pays out if an injury causes permanent disability or death

Insurers usually offer basic policies with few benefits and low cover levels and comprehensive policies that provide their widest range of cover and higher cover levels. They may also have one or more mid-level policies for anything in between.

Shopping around will allow you to find the best policy to suit your needs and budget. For help with finding a comprehensive policy, we’ve conducted in-depth research to find what we believe are the top 10 available .

It may be impossible for travel insurance for Indonesia to cover everything that can go wrong with a holiday, but it can cover a wide range of common scenarios, particularly if you opt for comprehensive cover. A policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS) sets out the specifics of what it does and does not cover. You should be able to access this on the insurer’s website, and read it before making a decision on whether it’s right for you.

Bear in mind that most insurers won’t cover a holiday where you’ve travelled to parts of Indonesia that the government’s Smartraveller website has on its “do not travel” list. To avoid this type of problem, it’s best to check the website for updates on Indonesia before purchasing a policy, and before departure. Smarttraveller will also advise if you should travel with caution, warning of risks, such as acts of terrorism, civil and political unrest and natural disasters.

Insurers will also likely reject claims resulting from intoxication from alcohol or drugs, and disorderly behaviour. If you’ve partaken in any sports and activities while away, it’s likely an insurer will only accept related injury claims if you wore the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, or harness.

Having a medical condition won’t necessarily hinder your chances of finding suitable cover for Indonesia, but you may find you’ll have to shop around a little more.

Only some insurers provide cover for what they term “pre-existing medical conditions”. These are conditions that you had before taking out the policy. Those that do provide this type of cover usually raise their premiums to do so, owing to the heightened risk that you’ll make a medical-related claim while away. The policy premium—the price of the policy—will often rise with the severity of a condition. This means cover for a heart condition will be more expensive than for diabetes, for example.

When running quotes on the sites of insurers that provide pre-existing medical cover, you’ll be taken to a medical screening section of the application. Make sure to state what conditions you have and answer the questions about them. This ranges from whether, and how often you take medication, to when you last saw a practitioner concerning your condition. If you later make a claim relating to a condition that you did not declare or detailed inaccurately, an insurer could refuse it.

Insurers refer to a number of factors when calculating how much you must pay for cover. This includes the number of people travelling, and the holiday destination and duration.

More mature travellers and those with pre-existing conditions will likely be charged more than younger travellers and those without conditions, as insurers deem them as high-risk travellers that will likely need to claim while away.

We used the profile of a family of four, aged 42, 40, 14 and 12, spending 13 to 26 May in Indonesia, and assumed they have no pre-existing conditions, (although these providers do offer cover for pre-existing conditions should you need it).

We found basic cover ranged from around $106 to $241, while comprehensive cover started at around $226, with the most expensive policy costing just under $324.

Running quotes on travel insurer websites will allow you to make side-by-side comparisons of their policies based on the types of cover they offer, the various cover levels and prices. Looking through the offerings of a number of insurers can help with finding a deal on the cover you need.

When running a quote you will need to enter details about yourself, anyone else travelling with you and your trip. This includes your name, the age of all travellers, your holiday destination and duration. If pre-existing cover is available, you will also be taken through a medical screening, so the insurer can build a medical profile on each traveller.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Indonesia?

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for travelling to Indonesia. However, it is recommended by Smartraveller, which advises taking out a comprehensive policy that covers all emergency medical costs, including emergency treatment and medical evacuation. Without it, you could be faced with bills for thousands of dollars, which the Australian government will not pay.

What is required to enter Indonesia from Australia?

Australians visiting or transiting through Indonesia should apply for an e-Visa on arrival , at least 48 hours before travelling. You can alternatively get a Visa on Arrival at some international airports, seaports or land crossings.

To apply for an e-Visa on arrival or the Visa on arrival, you need to have an ordinary (non-emergency) passport that will remain valid at least six months after your arrival in Indonesia. Smarttraveller also advises ensuring your passport has a minimum six months validity from your departure from Indonesia, to avoid any issues with leaving the country or with an onward or return flight. You’ll also need to complete an e-customs declaration within three days of departure to Indonesia.

The Bali Provincial Government has introduced a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 ($14.56 AUD) per person for foreign tourists visiting Bali. The levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival. You can pay the levy online before you travel or on arrival at a designated payment counter at Bali’s airport and seaport. Further detail can be found on the Bali Provincial Government’s website .

What is ‘excess’ in travel insurance?

An excess is a set amount you’ll be expected to pay on each approved claim. It’s usually levied per person on the policy, per event, per claim, but you can check the PDS for the specifics concerning your insurer. You usually can pick from a range of excess amounts, from $50 – $250 on average, when taking out a policy.

The more you choose to pay in excess, the lower your policy premium typically will be, while paying less in excess will raise the cost. An excess is usually deducted from a claim amount, so you won’t need to pay for it out of pocket. However, it’s still crucial that you ensure you can afford it. Some insurers may also offer an excess waiver if you pay an extra premium.

• Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Best Seniors Travel Insurance
• Best Domestic Travel Insurance
• Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Best Family Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance Cost
• Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide
• Travel Insurance Cancellation Cover
• Travel Insurance For Bali
• Travel Insurance For Fiji
• Travel Insurance For The USA
• Travel Insurance For Thailand
• Travel Insurance For New Zealand
• Travel Insurance For Japan
• Travel Insurance For Europe
• Travel Insurance For Singapore
• Cover-More Travel Insurance Review
• Fast Cover Travel Insurance Review
• Travel Insurance Saver Review
• Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• 1Cover Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• Australia Post Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review

More from  

Fast cover comprehensive travel insurance review: pros and cons, our pick of the best domestic travel insurance for australians, travel insurance for singapore: the complete guide, the new travel document aussies will need to visit europe, our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers in australia, our pick of the best cruise travel insurance.

I have been writing for newspapers, magazines and online publications for over 10 years. My passion is providing, in a way that is easily accessible and digestible to all, the knowledge needed for readers to not only manage their finances, but financially flourish.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

A local’s travel guide to New York City: what to eat, see and do in three days

Top destinations in New York include a ferry ride, shopping for watches in Chinatown and a Brighton Beach bender

I first came to New York City by accident, after a miscommunication with my father led me to believe my (long-deceased) mother had been desperate to visit the city before she died.

Years later I found out that my mum had actually wanted to go to Paris. But I still had a great time in New York, and ended up moving here a couple of years later.

On that first trip I did all the main tourist things which, owing to the miscommunication, I had thought my mother had wanted to do: I went up big buildings, looked at big buildings, drank in bars beneath big buildings.

It was great and everything, but there’s much, much more to do here – especially if you like eating, riding about by subway and ferry, and bargaining for knockoff luxury goods.

Day 1: Boating and brownstones

A lot of people have heard of the Staten Island ferry , and for good reason. It’s free to travel on the big orange boats between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The route goes right past the Statue of Liberty, and offers amazing views of lower Manhattan.

As a boat lover, I’d also recommend taking the NYC ferry . It has a flat fare of $4 and operates up and down the East River, passing under bridges and allowing riders to snoop at waterside buildings.

If you’re starting in Manhattan (which you probably are), take the southbound ferry from East 34th Street to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo, which stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”. It’s here where everyone with an Instagram account gets their shots of both the Manhattan Bridge and the (older, better-known) Brooklyn Bridge. Plenty of people will visit this area then turn their back on Brooklyn, but I’d recommend sticking around New York City’s most populous and, depending whom you speak to, trendiest borough.

Pop by Jane’s Carousel , an exquisitely restored 1922 ride which is plonked between the bridges, and then walk south through Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll go past several piers – once working docks now transformed into leafy picnic and sport areas. There are magnificent views across to Manhattan. It’s a nice spot to propose to a partner, as my little brother did last year. If you don’t want to do that, but do like to play soccer or basketball or roller-skate, you’re in luck.

After you hit Pier 6, where there’s a pleasant, if expensive, rooftop pizza restaurant called Fornino , walk up Atlantic Avenue for some shopping and coffee at Goose Barnacle , an independent clothing store with a hidden bar in the back. The owner, Dave Alperin, a fourth-generation Brooklynite, is very friendly and knowledgable about the area and can give you tips about everything from where to buy the best sandwich ( Lillo Cucina Italiana – try the Mamma Roma) to the location of a semi-secret basement speakeasy ( Le Boudoir ) nearby.

From there I’d take a bus or cab to Fort Greene, a very pretty neighborhood whose townhouses are the sort of Brooklyn thing you see in the movies, and grab dinner at Olea . If you make it before 6.30pm, there’s a great happy hour.

Day 2: Rude T-shirts and not-quite Rolexes

Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood has all the posh shops, so if you have money, or like looking through windows at expensive clothes and bags, walk east along Prince Street from West Broadway. There are nice buildings to look at around here too – the newly constructed towers that abound in the city are largely absent in this neighborhood. Stop in at Fanelli Cafe , a neighborhood stalwart that has been around since 1847, for a coffee or some food, then head south along Broadway to Chinatown.

There are lots of great dim sum places, including Golden Unicorn , whose large fancy dining hall is located on the second floor of a marble-esque building. From there I’d take a walk along Canal Street, dipping into sidestreets for cheap souvenirs – snow globes, little statues and that sort of thing – and bizarre T-shirts (many of which are very rude).

Chinatown also does a roaring trade in imitation watches and handbags. So if, like me, you will not and cannot spend $30,000 on a watch but have about $100 to spare, you can get (to my eye) a fairly good imitation. The food markets along Canal Street also sell real nice timepieces – they even work – if you fancy sticking it to big watch. You’ll find plenty of “designer” bags too.

Hopefully you’re hungry again, because Great N Y Noodletown is, per its name, great – especially the roast pig on rice.

From there I’d head farther south and stop in at Whiskey Tavern , the friendliest bar I’ve ever been to in my life (and I’ve been to a lot of bars). They print out personalized welcome signs that they will stick to your table or behind the bar, which sounds a bit naff – but isn’t. The real reason to come is to chat to locals and regulars. It’s also one of the closest bars to city hall, which means there’s a regular stream of “Just Married” couples doing shots of whiskey and eating chicken wings.

If you’ve still got energy, and like singing or shouting, go to Up Stairs , a karaoke bar tucked behind a nondescript doorway on Canal Street. Drinks are cheap, and it gets packed with revelers.

Day 3: Seaside shenanigans

If, like me, you’re a fan of once-glamorous seaside attractions that are now in a state of faded glory, then take the F train to Coney Island. People seem to overlook the fact that the city is surrounded by water, and while Coney Island isn’t the nicest beach for bathing (for that, try Fort Tilden or Jacob Riis Park), there’s loads to do.

Kick things off by watching a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Cyclones are a feeder team to the New York Mets. They play at Maimonides Park, tickets are usually dirt cheap and easy to get, and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want a snazzy memento, buy a beer in a foot-long plastic baseball bat. Sometimes they let the crowd “run the bases” after the game, which is a lot of fun, especially if you’ve had more than one of the baseball bat beers.

After the exhilaration of taking in second-tier baseball, walk east towards the Cyclone , one of the oldest and, as far as I can tell, rickety-est rollercoasters in the US. The wooden ride – described as “pretty extreme” by Coaster Critic – will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2027, and it sounds and looks its age. Buyer beware.

Once you’ve stumbled off the ride, go for a settling drink at Ruby’s , the oldest bar on the boardwalk. You can take in the black-and-white shots of Coney Island in its 1930s glory, and if you’re feeling brave, buy a cardboard box full of clams.

Every Friday night from late June to September there is a fireworks show on the beach, which draws a large crowd. You could take it in while eating borscht and sipping coffee or vodka at Tatiana’s , a Russian restaurant-cum-nightclub a 10-minute walk along the boardwalk from the Cyclone.

Side note: you don’t need to wait until summer to visit. I went a day after it had snowed, and it was brilliant.

Question time

How many days do you need to visit new york city.

Three would be fine. If you want to take in all the Instagram favorite destinations, then maybe four.

What’s the most-visited attraction? Is it worth it?

Times Square. And not really. But it’s near enough to other attractions that if you’re heading to a Broadway show then you might as well walk through it.

When is the best time to visit?

The peak of summer can be boiling hot, and winter can be freezing cold. May through early July and September through October are usually a safe bet.

How expensive is it?

New York City is expensive. If you’re staying in Manhattan you’d be (very) lucky to get a hotel room for about $200 a night – but bear in mind that there will usually be hefty taxes on top of that. A bog standard coffee will cost you about $5, a pint anywhere from $6 to $10. The subway fare recently went up: it’s $2.90 a ride now.

Adam Gabbatt is a writer for the Guardian and is originally from the north of England. He has lived in New York City for 13 years and now says “trash” instead of “rubbish” and “sidewalk” instead of “pavement” and his family hates him for it

• Hometown tour

Most viewed

Brighton flop who dealt Arsenal fatal title blow set for unlikely Euro 2024 chance

Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday looking to avenge the home defeat in May 2023 which essentially ended their Premier League title charge with two games to spare

• 07:00, 6 Apr 2024
• Updated 07:41, 6 Apr 2024

Less than 12 months after he helped Brighton deal a devastating blow to Arsenal 's Premier League title hopes, things are really looking up for Deniz Undav.

The German linked up with the Seagulls' first-team squad at the start of the 2022-23 season with high hopes. Signed in January of that year, he stayed at former club Union Saint-Gilloise for the remainder of the campaign and ended it as the top scorer in the Belgian Pro League .

Goals weren't as easy to come by in England, though. Undav managed just five in the Premier League, all in April and May, though one of those helped clinch victory at the Emirates Stadium .

The 27-year-old was allowed to leave on loan in the summer, joining Stuttgart . He has well and truly refound his scoring touch in the Bundesliga , so much so that he made his Germany debut in March and could force his way into Euro 2024 contention for the host nation.

Signed during Graham Potter's reign, Undav scored just once under the Englishman - in a Carabao Cup win at Forest Green in August 2022. He added two more in the Seagulls' run to the FA Cup semi-finals under Potter's successor Roberto De Zerbi, but it wasn't until a 6-0 win against Wolves in April that he got off the mark in the league.

He started on the bench for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, which had plenty riding on it for both sides. Arsenal sat one point adrift of title rivals Manchester City , having played a game more, while Brighton needed the points as they chased a top-six finish.

It was De Zerbi's side who drew first blood, with Julio Enciso heading home after being left all alone in the Gunners' six-yard box. Undav came off the bench with 10 minutes remaining and duly took advantage of another Arsenal gift to lob Aaron Ramsdale for his team's second, before a late Pervis Estupinan goal rubbed salt in the wound.

Did Deniz Undav deserve more of a chance at Brighton? Have your say in the comments section

The win for Brighton came off the back of a 5-1 hammering by Everton . Undav spoke to Sky Sports after the trip to London, praising his team's response while also shedding some light on De Zerbi's approach.

"The manager showed us a Michael Jordan video to show us how he motivated himself each game," the Germai said. "He showed us after the defeat by Everton and I think it was the right choice to show us the video and we showed today how mentally strong we are.”

Undav scored two more before the end of the season, netting in defeats against Newcastle and Aston Villa. However, with new record signing Joao Pedro arriving from Watford over the summer, he was sent out on loan to Stuttgart rather than continuing his development at the Amex Stadium.

While fellow forward Serhou Guirassy stole the headlines with his goals early in the season, Undav wasn't far behind. He already had three to his name by the time he made his first Bundesliga start, and hit double-figures in all competitions before the turn of the year.

Six more goals have followed in 2024, including a hat-trick in an eye-catching 5-2 victory over RB Leipzig. Only three players - Leipzig's Lois Openda, Stuttgart's Guirassy and runaway top scorer Harry Kane of Bayern Munich - have more Bundesliga goals this season than Undav's 15.

His form clearly hasn't escaped Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann. A first senior Germany call-up arrived in March, where Undav came on for the final 10 minutes of the win away to France.

"He told me what I’m doing really well, that he likes my performances, not even the goals but other things, like how I’m fighting, how I play, giving everything, showing effort," Undav, who also qualified to play for Turkey, said of Nagelsmann in a January interview with Bundesliga.com . "He said that I can choose which country to play for, but that he wants players who want to play for Germany.

"So I told him that it's my dream to play for the German national team, because I grew up here. I don't really have anything to do with the Turkish national team.

"I told him that my focus will be on Germany 100 percent, that it's my dream, that I'll do everything I can to play. And if I play, I will give everything I can, as always. He said: ‘OK’."

Undav stayed on the bench for the second of Germany's friendlies in March, meaning he's yet to play for the national team on home soil. That could change in June, though, with Nagelsmann's team going into the Euros as hosts.

Niclas Fullkrug, who scored the winner against The Netherlands in Frankfurt, looks the most likely to lead the line. The manager's other options are less orthodox number nines, though, and that could work in Undav's favour after the likes of Timo Werner and injured Brentford star Kevin Schade missed out on the March camp.

At club level, Undav could well be playing Champions League football next term. Stuttgart sit third in the Bundesliga table with seven games remaining, and reportedly have an option to sign the striker permanently for a little over £10m come the summer.

If that happens, Brighton may well find themselves regretting letting another top goalscorer slip through their hands after already losing Swedish hotshot Viktor Gyokeres. They host Arsenal on Sunday having scored just three goals in their last five outings, and a prolific finisher - something which Undav has developed into this term - wouldn't go amiss.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

MORE ON Euro 2024 Brighton and Hove Albion FC VfB Stuttgart Germany football team

Get the free mirror football newsletter with the day's key headlines and transfer news straight into your inbox.

Taking the train in Spain - all you need to know

Apr 3, 2024 • 15 min read

The vintage train from Sóller to Palma de Mallorca is one of the most scenic rail routes in Spain © Shutterstock

Spain boasts Europe’s longest high-speed rail network, second only to China globally, and its trains are exceptional and far-reaching. In one day, you could gawp at Gaudí’s architectural genius in Barcelona , be whisked by rail to Madrid ’s museums, and still arrive in Seville for a sunset flamenco show.

Not that it’s all A to B whirlwind rail routes. There are some outstanding scenic train journeys to slow down and enjoy the Spanish pace of life, whether trundling along the northern coast’s narrow-gauge tracks or meandering into the mountains. And with some new low-cost operators now on the scene, exploring Spain by train has never been more affordable.

With over a thousand stations and thousands more daily departures, getting around Spain by train is a straightforward joy rather than a stressful necessity. Seat reservations on most services guarantee uncrowded carriages, Rioja-serving cafe cars provide perfectly wine-paired panoramic views, and electric-powered trains make journeys even more sustainable. What’s not to love? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a train trip in Spain like a pro.

Train services are generally excellent in mainland Spain

You can traverse all four corners of Spain by train, usually on swift, reliable, well-maintained carriages. Few areas aren’t covered by at least a regional service. And where there are coverage gaps, buses will usually take you the final stretch to that pretty medieval village. While strikes can occur, they are rare, and minimum service levels are generally guaranteed. Compensation payments are offered for delays over one hour, which helps keep timetables on track. 

Renfe is Spain’s national railway company, operating everything from non-stop regional capital connections to short-hop commuter services. Iryo and Ouigo provide low-cost competition on the main high-speed intercity lines, with the latter’s double-decker trains being a welcome addition.

While the numerous names for differing service and train types can be confusing, the trains in Spain can generally be divided into three categories:

• High-speed, mainly long-distance (larga distancia) services link many major cities, mainly via Madrid. These full-service trains can reach 310km/h (193mph) and include Renfe’s AVE (Alta Velocidad Española), its new no-frills Avlo counterpart, and Iryo and Ouigo. There’s an ever-growing network of high-speed routes , including the popular Barcelona–Madrid, Madrid–Seville, and Madrid–Valencia lines.
• Mid-distance services – although they can sometimes cover long distances and reach speeds of 250km/h (155mph) – make up the majority of other major routes. Renfe services these under names including Media Distancia, Avant and Alvia. Intercity and Regional Exprés services are somewhat slower but only call at major stations. Popular routes include Madrid– Toledo , Granada–Seville, and the Euromed coastal service between Barcelona and Alicante . Nearly all long and mid-distance services use sleek, modern carriages.
• Slower trains , including Regional, Proximidad, and Cercanías commuter services (Rodalies in Catalonia), complete the network. The older Cercanías AM trains, previously FEVE, mainly operate on the northern coast’s picturesque narrow-gauge tracks.

Nearly all large and medium-sized train stations are staffed and contain shops or cafes. High-speed train stations operate similarly to airports, with luggage security scanners and boarding gates. It’s advisable to arrive 20–30 minutes early, especially as boarding can close five minutes before departure. The bonus is you’ll have time to admire the stations. Some, like Toledo’s Mudejar-style ticket hall and art nouveau Bilbao Concordia , are attractions in their own right.

There are tourist trains and unique rail services too

In addition to standard train services, Spain has an exceptional selection of specialist rail routes known as “ tourist trains .” These range from seasonal, short routes, such as the scenic Tren dels Llacs in the Pre-Pyrenees, to indulgent, multiday sojourns like the luxury Transcantábrico train hotel. There are currently no standard domestic night trains.

International and island rail routes are limited

Away from the mainland, the rail situation is starkly different. The Canary Islands have no train services, and only Mallorca in the Balearic Islands has limited rail connections . These consist of three short, modern lines and the vintage Sóller train. 

Traveling to and from France by train is possible on France’s TGVs (from Paris) and Renfe’s International AVE services to Marseille and Lyon . Fares start from €29. You can also cross via Hendaye in the Basque Country or take the slower, scenic sleeper service via the Pyrenees . The Trenhotel (night service) between Madrid and Lisbon has been discontinued, leaving the Tren Celta between Vigo and Porto and the slow route to Lisbon via Badajoz as the only connections with Portugal . Work continues on improving the tracks to accommodate a direct, high-speed link between the two Iberian capitals.

Book ahead to save money and guarantee your seat

Spain’s rail operators all use dynamic pricing for high-speed and long-distance services. Therefore, early booking is advised, especially as seat reservations are mandatory. Advanced Avlo tickets between Madrid and Barcelona start from €7, with Ouigo and Iryo also offering competitive pricing on primary routes. A same-day ticket can sometimes cost more than 10 times more than booking in advance. Prices are less competitive on routes solely operated by Renfe. 

When booking tickets online to or from major cities, use the dropdown city name followed by todos (all) to check for direct and affordable tickets from all stations. Provide the Passport or ID number of the photo document you’ll be traveling with, as tickets are personal. The second surname can be left blank – Spanish people take both their father's and mother’s surnames. Tickets can be printed, collected at self-service machines, or displayed as QR codes on mobile devices. Overall, Ouigo and Iryo's websites are easier to navigate than Renfe's, which can be glitchy. While most people would recommend using a third-party booking service – handy for comparing prices between all operators – direct reservations avoid booking fees.

Even short-distance, popular services with fixed fares (some mid-distance and regional trains) can fill up. I’ve previously struggled to get last-minute weekend tickets on the Madrid to Toledo route. Secure all tickets ahead if your vacation coincides with a major holiday such as Easter (Semana Santa) or Christmas, including around Three Kings Day on January 6.

Iryo and Ouigo release tickets many months ahead. Renfe’s tickets should be available at least 60 days ahead, but this isn’t always true. Check regularly in the months leading up to your departure and sign up for newsletters on the three websites to receive ticket availability and discount updates.

Occasionally, two single fares (ida) can be cheaper than a return (vuelta) . Reservations can also be made at station ticket machines (in English) or staffed desks. Larger stations may have separate sales points for particular types of tickets. 

You’ll always be assigned a mandatory seat reservation. However, if you’d prefer to select your own to guarantee a window, you can change it for a nominal fee. Confusingly, Renfe’s website has this step after choosing a payment method. 

Cercanías and Cercanías AM tickets can’t be purchased in advance and should be purchased at the ticket office, self-service machine, or onboard from the conductor when traveling from the tiniest unstaffed stations. This is the only time you’re allowed to board a train without a ticket. 

If you wish to upgrade from basic class (básico) on high-speed routes, you can choose from Elige, Elige Confort and Prêmium on Renfe, or similar options on Iryo. Upgrades can include access to premium station lounges, at-seat food service, and more spacious seats. Solo travelers may want to upgrade to enjoy an individual seat in the 2+1 configured carriages. Ouigo allows these seats as a paid add-on without upgrading.

Discounts and offers: know your benefits and bring ID

Much noise was made about the launch of Spain’s fixed-price travel pass . Yet this system, established to offer discounted fares on repeat return trips, is primarily aimed at locals and commuters.

Renfe does offer a Spain Rail Pass for travelers , covering between four and ten journeys. However, depending on the routes you plan to take, pre-booking discounted, advanced fares can be cheaper. Some region-specific options exist, such as the better value three-day Galica Rail Pass .

Other discounts available on Renfe include:

• Small group discount when booking four or more travelers together.
• Seniors discount, up to 40%, for over 60s. However, this requires purchasing a card ( La Tarjeta Dorada ) in person before making the reservation. Advanced, discounted fares can be better value.
• Youth Discounts for under 25s with a European Youth Card or suitable International Student Card. A digital card can be purchased online by citizens of most countries.  
• Babies travel for free, as do children, although the age cap varies between operators.

Considering an Interrail or Eurail pass? Check on any savings first. All high-speed trains in Spain require seat reservations, an additional cost not included in these passes. Avlo, Iryo, and Ouigo are likewise excluded, and these cheaper advanced tickets may be better value than using the pass, though there is less flexibility.

Money-saving tip: high-speed trains include a free local ticket

If you’re traveling on a high-speed AVE or long-distance service operated by Renfe or Iryo, Combinado Cercanías is included. This allows for free use of local Cercanías trains to reach your departure station and again on arrival. Scan the QR code at barriers, or use the PDF code to get a zero-priced ticket at Cercanías’ self-service machines.

Seat reservations ensure most train journeys don’t feel crowded

Traveling by train in Spain is so enjoyable because all long and mid-distance services require a seat reservation. With no congested corridors or jostling vestibules, these trains never feel crowded, even when full. However, some regional and Cercanías services can be packed, particularly around commuter hours and Friday and Sunday evenings. You might want to avoid peak times or, when available, pay for a regional service seat reservation.

Plan around major events and regional holidays during your trip, such as Semana Santa, when ticket demand and crammed suburban trains are common. Trains in Spain operate every day of the year, though some services may finish earlier on public holidays. If you’re traveling on weekends or during holidays, check onward public transport in advance as small, rural stations may have a reduced weekend bus service.

Train can be the fastest, most affordable transport method

Using the train in Spain can be quicker and cheaper than flying. For example, a flight from Madrid to Barcelona takes 1¼ hours compared with 2½ hours by high-speed rail. But once you factor in security checks, out-of-city airport transfers, and runway taxi times, the overall journey length by plane becomes longer.

Driving distances are considerable. The same journey by car will take closer to seven hours. It’s unquestionably worth renting a car if you’re planning a road trip , but generally, long-distance jaunts are best by rail. 

Most train terminuses are connected to city buses and, in larger metropolises, commuter rail or metro systems. Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Madrid–Barajas Airport are on the train network. If you wish to visit smaller towns or villages that are not on the train network, consider other ways to get around Spain .

Onboard facilities differ between service types

All of Spain’s high-speed train services are spacious, comfortable, clean and well cared for. Carry-on luggage can be placed in overhead racks, while storage areas at either end of the carriage accommodate bulkier luggage. Popular services (especially on Friday and Sunday evenings) can quickly fill, and train staff will usually assist in rearranging suitcases to fit. Cercanías services can be more dated and crowded and often lack enough dedicated luggage space.

If you’re traveling by bicycle, check the luggage policies of Renfe and Iryo . In some instances, bikes must be disassembled or an additional fee paid.

The dining carts on Spain’s trains are typically stand-up, cafe-style rather than seated dining carriages. They’re good for stretching your legs or getting an alternative window view, but dining at your seat table is often more comfortable. A selection of hot meals, snacks and drinks – usually all of decent quality – are available, and certain ticket types offer pre-ordered meals served at your seat. Iryo has particularly impressive dining options .

On some routes, a trolley service may be provided in addition or as an alternative. Mid-distance and Avlo services have vending machines rather than dining carts. Bringing your own food and even alcohol onboard Renfe’s services isn’t a problem.

Complimentary (sometimes patchy) wi-fi is provided on Iryo and Renfe’s high-speed services, alongside entertainment portals accessible on your device. Ouigo charges per connection. Plug sockets (F-type) are available at seats on high-speed and mid-distance trains. Nearly all trains, except commuter services, have toilets.

Plan the perfect train trip with these scenic routes and tips

The most popular train routes for travelers in Spain are the high-speed connections that rocket between Seville, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. But riding the rails in Spain isn’t only about barrelling between urban sprawl. These are some of our favorite scenic rail routes worth planning into your trip. 

• Santander to Oviedo :  Cross the lush landscapes of Northern Spain on this slow, scenic rail route using Cercanías AM’s narrow-gauge tracks. This six-hour journey provides some of the expensive Transcantábrico Train’s panoramas for a bargain €16.55. There are no seat reservations, which is handy, as you can switch sides to marvel at both the sparkling Bay of Biscay and the mighty Cantabrian Mountains , Spain’s answer to the Dolomites. 
• Barcelona to A Coruña :  Once served by the discontinued sleeper Trenhotel, this is one of Spain’s longest rail routes, taking nearly 14 hours. The 9:05am Alvia departure can be affordable to cross seven of Spain’s autonomous communities. Pack snacks and pay for a window seat (ideally on the right) to see the full scope of Spain’s landscapes, from arid pastures and fertile farmlands to the verdant Galician Massif . Consider hopping off a few stops early in Ourense to use the town’s free-to-access thermal pools the following morning.
• Granada to Almería : Leaving the magnificent Moorish Alhambra behind, set off across western Andalucía towards the coastal city of Almería. It’s a showstopping three-hour journey traversing the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, snow-capped peaks looming beyond, before cutting through carpets of cork trees. Book a late afternoon departure for ethereal golden light, or take two single tickets to plan a lunch pause at Guadix, best known for its cave houses. 
• Palma de Mallorca to Sóller:  Step onboard the rickety, wooden carriage of Ferrocarril de Sóller , constructed in 1912, for a one-hour-long trundle from Mallorca's capital to the pretty port town of Sóller. En route, you’ll wend through the Tramuntana Mountains, unlit tunnels, and citrus groves close enough to touch. All seats are excellent, but you might want to stand in the open-air platforms between carriages. 
• Zaragoza to Canfranc :  A one-way ticket on this twice-a-day, 2½-hour regional train costs just €16.90, and you’ll get plenty of panoramas for your money, especially after Huesca when the tracks slowly climb up into the ​​Pyrenees. Our resident rail expert, Tom Hall, calls it one of Europe’s best train routes , partly because the landmark Canfranc Station has recently been reborn as a grandiose hotel .

Station tips when traveling Spain by train

Most large cities have multiple train stations, so always confirm departure points. When traveling to dedicated AVE stations outside major cities, check the station’s distance from the city center and pre-plan your connecting travel. Some stations, such as Antequera ’s Santa Ana, can be as far as 15km (9 miles) from the Old Town. 

Spain’s largest stations, such as Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants, can be confusing due to split-level and separated boarding areas for different services. Don’t be afraid to ask for help navigating the station. A quick flash of your ticket will soon have you pointed in the right direction.

All major stations have cafes and kiosks where you can pick up food, although preparing a train picnic from a delicatessen might be preferable. Still, a quick tapas in Atocha's Tropical Garden, even if the pond-residing turtles have now been rehomed, is a solid start to any journey. If you’re on a connecting service with time to explore beyond the station, most larger terminals have lockers or left luggage desks (​​consigna) .

Many stations are accessible, but there’s room for improvement on older services

Adif, the agency in charge of Spain’s rail infrastructure, provides in-station and boarding assistance for travelers with accessibility needs via the Acerca service, offered at 145 stations.

When booking tickets online, H seats – accessible spaces that can anchor a wheelchair – can be requested on the opening screen, and Acerca assistance can be requested later in the booking process. A minimum of 12–48 hours' notice is stipulated, depending on the operator. However, in larger stations, staffed service centers can usually provide support without pre-booking if you arrive and register at the desk ahead of travel. Check which facilities are available at each station on Adif’s website .

In addition to offering boarding support (many train types require a stair-climber lift, not just a ramp, while others like Avlo have level boarding), Acerca can provide technical aids for hearing and a guided sight service. Contact Adif Acerca for information on induction loop systems or to discuss alternative routes should your planned journey include a non-accessible station without in-person assistance. Tactile paving, step-free access, and elevators are installed at most major stations, and nearly every train has a conductor or staff member onboard who can assist. 

On high-speed, long-distance, and most other services, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are located in carriages with H seats. Ouigo trains have a call button on adapted seats to provide food and drink service, as the cafe is located on the top deck. Cercanías AM carriages have no H seats but offer a dedicated space for wheelchair users with tie-downs. However, many older, narrow-gauge trains lack accessible bathrooms.

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Rolling forests, saw-toothed mountains, bridges spanning river gorges - these European train rides put on quite a show.

Dec 25, 2023 • 11 min read

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 1, 2023 • 4 min read

Oct 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 6, 2023 • 8 min read

Jun 26, 2023 • 5 min read

Jun 18, 2023 • 6 min read

May 19, 2023 • 12 min read

May 5, 2023 • 7 min read

Site search

• Secret Base
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports
• DraftKings Network
• Fantasy Football
• Arizona Cardinals
• Atlanta Falcons
• Baltimore Ravens
• Buffalo Bills
• Carolina Panthers
• Chicago Bears
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Dallas Cowboys
• Denver Broncos
• Detroit Lions
• Green Bay Packers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Los Angeles Rams
• Miami Dolphins
• Minnesota Vikings
• New England Patriots
• New Orleans Saints
• New York Giants
• New York Jets
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Los Angeles Chargers
• San Francisco 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tennessee Titans
• Washington Commanders
• Atlanta Hawks
• Boston Celtics
• Brooklyn Nets
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Dallas Mavericks
• Detroit Pistons
• Golden State Warriors
• Houston Rockets
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• New York Knicks
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Phoenix Suns
• Portland Trail Blazers
• San Antonio Spurs
• Sonics Rising
• Toronto Raptors
• Washington Wizards
• G-League and International
• Bracketology
• Women’s CBB
• Cinderella Stories
• View team list
• Swish Appeal
• Los Angeles Sparks
• Minnesota Lynx
• New York Liberty
• Washington Mystics
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Atlanta Braves
• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox
• Chicago Cubs
• Chicago White Sox
• Cincinnati Reds
• Cleveland Guardians
• Colorado Rockies
• Detroit Tigers
• Houston Astros
• Kansas City Royals
• Los Angeles Angels
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Miami Marlins
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Minnesota Twins
• New York Mets
• New York Yankees
• Oakland Athletics
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• San Diego Padres
• San Francisco Giants
• Seattle Mariners
• St. Louis Cardinals
• Tampa Bay Rays
• Texas Rangers
• Toronto Blue Jays
• Washington Nationals
• MLB Trade Rumors
• Sabermetrics
• English Premier League
• Aston Villa
• Manchester City
• Tottenham Hotspur
• Leicester City
• Southampton
• Manchester United
• Leeds United
• German Bundesliga
• Bayern Munich
• Italian Serie A
• Inter Milan
• Spanish La Liga
• Atletico Madrid
• Real Madrid
• Women’s Soccer
• Mexican Soccer
• U.S. Soccer
• Fantasy Soccer
• MMA Fighting
• MMA Fighters
• MMA Fight Schedule

Filed under:

• Point Forward
• NBA Culture Off The Court

Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner’s guide to international travel on ‘Point Forward’

From hilarious travel stories to hard-hitting geopolitics, NBA players have dealt with it all on the road overseas.

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share this on Reddit
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner’s guide to international travel on ‘Point Forward’

Evan Turner’s first big trip internationally came after his rookie season with the 76ers. It wasn’t a huge trip in miles, but it was a massive first step. Turner treated his entire family, everyone, on a trip to the Dominican Republic — and one moment that’s lodged in his mind was hearing his 98-year-old great grandmother see a freshwater canal, saying it was the most beautiful thing she’d seen in her life. A life that had spanned 98 years.

This was really the start of a love of international travel for Turner. Something that he continues to this day. Traveling to Milan and Madrid with the Celtics madeh im realize that the distance between the East Coast and Europe was the same as a trip out to L.A., and from that moment on he made it his mission to get to Europe every single year to experience the culture and way of life outside of the United States.

It’s something Andre Iguodala regrets not taking advantage of sooner, though Iggy is now learning to branch out more with the help of his Point Forward cohost, with Turner and Iguodala going to Italy together.

Iguodala is only five years older than Turner, but he sees a generational difference between the old timers of the NBA and the younger generation when it comes to travel. Iggy quipped about his first trip to Europe, and the amount of complaining NBA players did about things that weren’t the same as the United States.

The 2010 FIBA World Championships was a turning point on travel for Iguodala. The tournament was held in Istanbul, Turkey — and it absolutely blew him away. He know calls the country “one of his favorite on earth.” Of course, he also mentioned casually that Danny Granger’s dad was the victim of an attempted kidnapping for ransom, but that the criminals were too small to pull it off.

A similarly Turner has a weird story about playing in the World University Games as a sophomore, and during a layover in Germany a random man walked up to the team yelling “AMERICANS!” before saying “Michael Jackson just died,” and walking away.

Aside from the funny moments there are some genuinely tough things about traveling overseas as a notable American, particularly in complex geopolitical environments. Turner notes that he played in Belgrade, Serbia just 10 years after the Yugoslav Wars, and was routinely asked by citizens why they were bombed by the United States, to which he didn’t really have a response.

All of these moments, the heartfelt, the surreal, and even the challenging are part of the tapestry of traveling overseas. Everything is about experiencing the unknown, and growing from it. Both Iguodala and Turner agree that without basketball they never would have experienced the world the way they did — and now they appreciate it so much more than they thought possible.

Loading comments...

Sign up for the newsletter sign up for the sb nation daily roundup newsletter, thanks for signing up.

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.