Eleanor Forrest

Brighton isn’t just candyfloss and fairground rides anymore – not that there’s anything wrong with that. Yes, the beach is pebbly and the seagulls are a menace, but there’s a long list of reasons why this colourful, quirky patch of Sussex coast was named one of the best cities in the world for 2025. It’s got funky concert venues, independent shops, slap-up vegetarian food and top-notch pubs as well as seaside cafés, hidden museums, shiny new wellness venues and copious options for good (and I mean really good) fish ‘n’ chips. So, here are the very best things to do in Brighton. How to have the perfect day trip in Brighton Your day in Brighton should start with some proper fuel – head to Flour Pot on Sydney Street for a coffee and one of their donuts, before mooching through the North Laine and up to Preston Street for some lunch (Halisco and Bincho Yakitori are our faves). If you’re lucky with the weather, head down to the seafront for a chill dip or a go at paddle-boarding, and make sure to grab a pint at Fortune of War. For more brilliant day trip ideas, head to our list of the very best day trips from London.  📍 Sleeping over? Here are Brighton’s best hotels and best Airbnbs Liv Kelly is Time Out’s Travel writer, who is originally from Brighton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our e