The best things to do in Brighton in 2025

What is it? Brighton’s Grade-II listed pleasure pier (which is considered the finest ever built) with fairground rides, bars and restaurants stretching out into the sea. 

Why go? The 525 metre platform of sweet treats, games, rides all surrounded by sea is undeniably iconic. It’s withstood storms, wars, and has even been renamed a couple of times, but it continues to stand proud as one of Brighton’s most recognised and postcard-worthy attractions.

Time Out tip: Even if fairground rides aren’t really your thing, this has gotta be the grandest spot in the city to catch the sunset. Brighton Palace Pier is open til 10pm during the summer months, so head here at dusk and soak in the views.

Address: Madeira Drive, BN2 1TW, Brighton

Opening hours: Daily 10am-11pm, closed on Christmas Day

Price: Admission free off-peak, peak season £2 per adult, £1 per child, £5 per family 

What is it? Three year-round public saunas perched right on the pebbles. 

Why go? The sea is great for cooling off, but head to Beach Box Sauna after your dip to warm up. These saunas are nestled adjacent to Kemptown on a much quieter portion of the beach, and it’s a great supplement or alternative to going for a swim if the weather isn’t quite as you’d hoped. 

Time Out tip: There are changing rooms, outdoor seating areas, and a cosy fire pit, as well as an ice bath and cold plunge on offer – don’t forget to don your felt hat. 

Address: Madeira Drive, BN2 1EN, Brighton

Opening hours: Wednesday-Monday 10am-10pm, closed Tuesday

Price: From £12.50-15 per 45-minute session, packages from £25

What is it? Brighton’s artiest district, which is packed with independent shops, restaurants and traditional pubs. 

Why go? There’s a reason why these higgledy-piggledy alleys and avenues are one of the city’s biggest draws, for locals and tourists alike. The shabby, colourful North Laine is the place to head for cracking coffee, pastries and incredible second-hand shopping, whereas the more tranquil, historical Lanes (to the south) are home to lovely restaurants, bars and artsy little boutiques.  

Time Out tip: One of Time Out’s favourite pubs in the UK is hidden away in the North Laine. Once you’ve rummaged through all the vintage clothes and quirky jewellery, cop a spot at The Basketmakers and get comfy.

Address: The Lanes, BN1 1GA, Brighton

Opening hours: Shops and restaurants vary

Price: Free (public area)

What is it? Up for something with a bit more umph than a paddle? Head down to Brighton beach to hire your kit or book onto a lesson with Brighton Water Sports. 

Why go? We’re all for sea swimming, but to properly make the most of a sunny afternoon with calm waters, hiring a paddle-board from Brighton Water Sports – located between the piers – is the way to go. You’ll get brilliant, up-close views of the city’s piers, seafront and a little more tranquility away from the seaside crowd (Brighton beach gets pretty chocker on warm days). 

Address: 185 Kings Road Arches, Brighton Seafront, BN1 1NB

Opening hours: Daily 10am-4pm, weather dependent

Price: £20 per person per hour including equipment hire (wetsuit, buoyancy aid, paddle, showers, lockers)

What is it? A rather fantastical-looking palace in the middle of town. 

Why go? The Royal Pavilion is unsurprisingly Brighton’s most popular tourist attraction – just look at it – and while the opulent domes and minarets stand boldly apart from its surrounding buildings, doesn’t it seem familiar? John Nash, the architect who was in charge of the building’s final extension, was inspired by Indo-Islamic architecture, like that of the Taj Mahal. It’s a remarkable mish-mash of artistic and architectural inspiration. 

Time Out tip: A secret tunnel in the building links the Pavilion to Brighton Dome (once King George’s riding stable). While you can’t see it on the standard tour, special tours of the tunnel and basement run on selected dates. 

Address: Royal Pavilion & Garden, BN1 1FN, Brighton

Opening hours: April-September 9.30am-5.45pm, October-March 10am-5.15pm

Price: Adults £19.50, children £11.75, family tickets £31.25-50.75. Brighton & Hove residents adults £14.75, children £8

What is it?: Once a derelict brownfield site, now the UK’s first open-water swimming centre, complete with cafés, bars, and a sauna. Sea Lanes opened in June 2023, with the aim of bringing swimming provisions to the city (and utilising a previously derelict site).

Why go? Firstly, it’s heated. Second of all the Sea Lanes doesn’t just provide a place to swim but is also home to a number of local fitness well-being, food, and beverage businesses. Funded by local Brighton businesses, the site is made up of 23 carbon-neutral units, reminiscent of shipping containers. Whilst offering a pay-as-you-swim service, the site’s 21st-century design is juxtaposed by its proximity to the 19th-century Madeira Drive, combining the two worlds. 

Time Out tip: The best time to visit? Early morning, before things start getting busy. 

Address: 300 Madeira Drive, BN2 1BX, Brighton

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 6am-9.30pm, Saturday 6.30am-7pm, Sunday 6.30am-8pm

Price: Adults £11.45 per swim, concessions £7.30 per swim, memberships from £55 per month plus £35 joining fee

What is it? A path that follows the shoreline from Brighton Marina to the village of Saltdean.

Why go? Found just beyond Brighton Marina, the Undercliff Path sits beneath the chalk cliffs which line the coast east of the city towards Eastbourne. It takes around half an hour to cycle from the Palace Pier to Saltdean.

Time Out tip: Brighton’s city-wide BTN BikeShare scheme means it’s easy and cheap to get out here on two wheels.

Address: Starts at Madeira Drive by Brighton Marina and runs to Saltdean, Brighton

Opening hours: Open year-round

Price: Free

What is it? A futuristic viewing platform on the seafront. 

Why go? Sure, the i360 might not be the most aesthetically pleasing structure, but the views from this 150-metre-high observation tower are pretty impressive. Here you can gawp at pretty much all of Brighton, out across the South Downs and over the Channel – including, on a clear day, the Isle of Wight. It closed briefly while ownership changed over, but has been welcoming visitors again since March 2025. 

Address: Lower Kings Road, BN1 2LN, Brighton

Opening hours: Daily 10am-8.30pm (extended to 9pm in summer)

Price: Adults £18.50 timed ticket, £20.50 anytime ticket, £32 Sky Bar ticket with drink, £5 local’s rate 

What is it? A nightly natural wonder that takes place on the seafront throughout winter.

Why go? From late October until March thousands of starlings gather each night just before sunset to swoop and swirl in a magical dance before settling into their roosts beneath the burnt-out West Pier and the iconic Palace Pier. The spectacle makes for incredible viewing: these are the best times to catch them. 

Time Out tip: Head to the Palace Pier for close-up views of the birds in action.

Address: Kings Road, BN1 2FL, Brighton

Opening hours: You can’t access the structure, but you can view it from pretty much anywhere on the seafront 

Price: Free 

What is it? A beachside events space, bar and restaurant offering a calendar of wellness activities

Why go? When it comes to brunch or drinks with a view, there are few places better positioned than Rockwater in Hove. However, the space also runs Rockwater Life, a timetable of wellness events which includes everything from puppy yoga and mat pilates to breathwork classes. Stretching it out with the waves crashing in the background sounds pretty relaxing, right?

Time Out tip: Rockwater also has a roof terrace, for when you desperately need a cocktail after all that exercising. 

Address: Western Esplanade, Kingsway, BN3 4FA, Hove

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-1am, Sunday 8am-11pm

Price: Yoga sessions start from £12

What is it? Home to one of Time Out’s top picks for fish ‘n’ chips across the UK. 

Why go? It’s established that when it comes to sinking your teeth into a crispy, properly battered plate of fish ‘n’ chips, you should only really be looking by the seaside. Brighton has a brilliant lineup of restaurants, from Rybka in the South Lanes (which is one of our top spots for fish ‘n’ chips in the country) to seafront spots like Lucky Beach Cafe and Captains chippy. 

Time Out tip: Check out our full list of the very best places in Brighton for fish ‘n’ chips.

Address: Various

What is it? The Sea Life centre in Brighton is in the world’s oldest operating aquarium.

Why go? It’s hard not to be taken aback by the striking original Gothic arches as you enter this building, which dates back to 1872. We particularly like the Lagoon, populated with beautiful stingrays, and the interactive rock pool where you can touch a starfish or sea anemone. 

Don’t miss: The aquarium’s latest attraction, ‘Day and Night’, lets visitors experience a coral reef as it moves through the day into night, thanks to £2.7 million refurbishment. 

Address: Marine Parade, BN2 1TB, Brighton

Opening hours: Daily from 10am, closing 5pm off-peak and 6pm in summer

Price: Adults £15-21.50 online, £24.50 flexi-entry; children £16, under 2s free

What is it? An unmatched roster of vegan cafes, pubs, and restaurants. 

Why go? Brighton has consistently ranked as one of the UK’s most vegan-friendly cities, so what better place is there to tuck into some flavour-packed, plant-based dishes? Whether you’re wandering through the North Laine, along the seafront, or around the city centre’s periphery, you’d be hard pressed to find a pub, cafe or restaurant that doesn’t have at least a couple of decent vegan options on the menu, but there are plenty serving exclusively plant-based meals. 

Time Out tip: Standouts on the city’s vegan scene include Bonsai Plant Kitchen, Botanique, and No Catch. However, if you’re sticking to a veggie diet, try out some of our favourite restaurants, such as Terre A Terre and Food for Friends. 

🧆 Check out the best restaurants and brunch places in Brighton

What is it? Discover queer landmarks and history in what’s arguably the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital. 

Why go? Rainbow flags fly proudly in Brighton, which many consider the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital. If you’ve ever wondered how Brighton became the town it is today, a walking tour from a local expert is a pretty good place to start. Walks take you through 200 years of history to chart the progress from bravery and achievement, in very different times to the more progressive attitudes of today.

Time Out tip: The bonus is you’ll also get to see some of Brighton’s best sights, from the grandeur of the seafront through The Lanes to the ‘gay village’ of Kemptown.

What is it? A timeless beauty spot on the sprawling South Downs.

Why go? Just a few miles out of town, the largest ’dry valley’ in the UK makes the perfect location for a dog walk or simply an aimless ramble as the sun sets. The Dyke has been a major tourist draw since the nineteenth century, and it’s very easy to see why.

Time Out tip: Saddlescombe Farm, just a short hike away, is National Trust-managed farm hamlet with historic exhibits and a charming alfresco tearoom. 

Address: Devil’s Dyke, BN1 8YJ, Brighton

Opening hours: Open daily dawn-dusk

Price: Free entry. You will have to pay for parking

What is it? Check out the coolest new bands at one of the city’s ace independent venues.

Why go? Brighton is known for giving new artists a leg-up thanks to its numerous small venues. Whether you want to see unsigned bands take to the stage at The Hope and Ruin or Green Door Store, or take in a show from hotly tipped acts at Chalk, you won’t be disappointed if new music is your thing.

Time Out tip: Fancy a (really) big night out? Concorde 2 is your best bet. 

Address: Various

What is it? A string of amazing record stores selling the best in new music and classic LPs.

Why go? Brighton has been at the forefront of the recent vinyl renaissance thanks to its brilliant record shops. Whether you want cheap second-hand treasures or the latest heavyweight releases, you’ll have no trouble finding what you’re after.

Don’t miss New record shop on the scene Capsule Records, which opened in 2023: an indie vinyl shop which doubles up as a café, where you can even try the tunes before you buy (via a QR code Spotify link). 

What is it? A wonderfully kitsch homage to the last 100 years of toys and models. 

Why go? Because who doesn’t enjoy a hit of childhood nostalgia? There are more than 10,000 items on display at this museum – everything from Dinky cars and Meccano kits to vintage penny arcade games and puppet theatres.

Time Out tip: The museum is also home to one of the country’s biggest collections of model railways, including a 1930s three-rail O-gauge layout (which is apparently pretty rare).

Address: 52-55 Trafalgar Street, BN1 4EB, Brighton

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-5pm, closed Sunday-Monday

Price: Adults £8, seniors £7, students £5, children £5, family £17

What is it? A curated cocktail bar tour run by a knowledgeable local expert

Why go? Brighton’s bar scene is knockout, but in a new city it can be tricky to tell which spots are going to serve you beautifully crafted drinks, and which will handover a solemn, watering marg. That’s why booking a place on a Brighton Cocktail Tour will serve you well. They’re run on Wednesdays and Fridays by a local cocktail pro who will not only introduce to some brilliant bars that might otherwise fly under the radar, but will get you sampling some intriguing drinks and whacky flavours, too. 

Don’t miss Our roundup of Brighton’s best bars, also handpicked by a local

What is it? A protected nature reserve and abandoned village deep in the South Downs.

Why go? A short bus ride away, Castle Hill is home to a number of rare butterfly species. Criss-crossed by paths, it’s easy to take a circular route around this hidden part of the South Downs. At the bottom of this deep valley sits Balsdean, a hamlet that was appropriated by the Ministry of Defence for firing practice during the Second World War.

Address: Castle Hill Nature Reserve, Woodingdean, off Falmer Road (B2123), BN2 6NT, Brighton

Opening hours: Open daily dawn-dusk

Price: Free

What is it? The oldest operational electric railway in the world

Why go? Running from the Palace Pier to Black Rock, the Volks Electric Railway is a narrow gauge service that delights tourists and young families alike. Opened by Magnus Volk in 1883, its small carriages run along the coast with views out to sea, passing through banks of wildflowers that are often covered with butterflies in summer.

Address: Aquarium Station, Madeira Drive, BN2 1TB, Brighton

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10.15am-5.15pm, weekends 10.15am-6.15pm. Runs from early April to late September

Price: Adults £5.20 single/£6.70 return, children £3.30 single/£4.20 return, family £12.70 single/£17.30 return, under 5s free

What is it? A huge, eclectic flea market in Kensington Gardens. 

Why go? If you’re after some antique knick-knacks to decorate your room, look no further. Enter through the old-school turnstile of this gigantic emporium and you’ll find two floors positively overflowing with vintage treasure. Each stall inside Snoopers Paradise is independently owned. And good thing – more diversity the better.

Time Out tip: After you’ve bought a quirky hat, jump in the black-and-white photo booth to snap a keepsake.

Address: 7-8 Kensington Gardens, BN1 4AL, Brighton

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday and bank holidays 11am-5pm

Price: Free

What is it? Another big performance venue, the Dome is the Brighton Centre’s slightly more refined sibling.

Why go? Expect a programme of classical music, dance, theatre and poetry. It’s actually three venues (Concert Hall, Corn Exchange, Studio Theatre) – so you’ve plenty to choose from.

Time Out tip: The Dome is right next door to the Royal Pavilion, so if you time it right, you can head to your show after a picnic in its lovely gardens. 

Address: Church Street, BN1 1UE, Brighton

Opening hours: Open during events and tours only

Price: Varies by event

What is it? Brighton’s coffee scene is arguably the best in the UK.

Why go? Brightonians spend more on coffee per head than any other city in the UK. With owners who spend time researching and tasting the best beans, you won’t struggle to find a caffeine fix here.

Don’t miss: Local chains Small Batch and Trading Post can be found throughout the city, but for the best coffee head to Stoney Point.

Address: Various

What is it? A vibrant covered market filled with independent shops, street food and artists’ studios. 

Why go? Soggy out? The Open Market is where to head when it’s sheeting it down. This undercover market packs independent boutiques, artists’ studios and traditional market stalls all under one roof. Shop local and pick up some fresh nosh or grab a book from the dinky bookshop.

Don’t miss: Once your bags are bursting, snuggle up with a coffee from the Flying Saucer.

Address: Marshalls Row, BN1 4JU, Brighton

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 7am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

Price: Free to enter

What is it? An excellent museum and gallery in the city’s cultural quarter.

Why go? Part of the Royal Pavilion, this city-centre museum and gallery is free for locals, while visitors are charged £9. And that’s good value, given the treasures on show – from fine art and ancient Egyptian treasure.

Time Out tip: If insects are your thing, make a beeline for the Natural Sciences collection, where you can meet half a million of the little critters.

Address: Pavilion Gardens, BN1 1FN, Brighton

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, closed Monday except bank holidays

Price: Adults £9.50, children £4.50, family tickets £14-23.50, Brighton & Hove residents £7 adults/£3 young person

What is it? The city has an excellent roster of pubs, but this one is filled with arcade games and even its own escape room. 

Why go? What’s better than arcade games? Drinking while you play them! With its own escape room, a remote-control racetrack and a whole lot of VR booths where you can kill some aliens (or play one of several other games), this pub really is the epitome of a good time. Did we mention you can play Pac-Man here, too? Hell yeah.

Time Out tip: Here on a stag do? You can also book a full escape room experience with all your pals. 

Address: 60-61 London Road, BN1 4JE, Brighton

Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday 5pm-11pm, Wednesday-Thursday 12pm-midnight, Friday-Saturday 12pm-1am, Sunday 12pm-10pm