From experience, 1 day in Brighton is certainly enough time to visit the main sights, and can easily be done on foot too, however, staying overnight allows you more time to explore without the rush.

I'd say having the chance to visit Brighton in the Summer would allow you to see the city in the best light, however, I suspect during the school holidays the city would get booked up and would be much busier.

When I visited in March 2022, I was blessed with a heatwave and clear skies, which meant roaming the streets and sitting on the beach to read and relax was even more enjoyable, but it goes without saying that English weather is unpredictable and a heatwave in March is not the norm!

When in Brighton, there are a number of both free and paid attractions you can visit. You could easily spend the day wandering around, without paying for any excursions.

So, if you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Brighton city, I've compiled a few of my favourite places to explore during a day trip to Brighton.

One of the biggest draws to Brighton is its coast location and pebbled beach. As with most coastal destinations in the UK, Brighton's beach is free to visit (although you will have to pay for hiring deck-chairs if you want) and you are welcome to take your own food and drink or picnic, as long as you tidy up after yourself.

If you don't fancy sitting on the beach, there is a beachside path that has a choice of bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs along it.

The perfect partner to Brighton Beach? Fish and chips of course! There's plenty of restaurants and stalls to grab yourself a portion - but watch-out for the seagulls if you don't want to share!

 It would be wrong to visit Brighton and not take a walk along the pier - it's a must-visit when visiting the beach. From fairground attractions to arcade machines, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Brighton Royal Pavillion 

One of the most iconic sights to see in Brighton, and unlike anything I've seen in the UK, this former royal residence dates back to 1787 and was built for King George IV and is situated in Pavilion Gardens - a true souvenir photograph of Brighton.

Brighton i360 is situated right next to the beach, offering the chance to view the coast, including the former West Pier and the city of Brighton from above.

The Lanes 

A series of twisting alleyways, The Lanes are home to antique stores, jewellers and designer boutiques.

North Laine 

Spread over several street, this bohemian quarter has over 300 independent shops and is also home to vibrant street art and an eclectic mix of cafes and record stalls.

If you’re travelling from Peterborough, the East of England or London, Brighton is easily accessible by train in just over a couple of hours. Brighton train station is only an hour away by train from London and there are regular trains that run all day.

In terms of places to stay, Brighton is host to a range of hotels and AirBnBs. I've stayed in the Travelodge closest to the coast, and also in the Jury's Inn by the train station, and found the latter to be a more comfortable stay. Whatever your budget, you’re bound to find a hotel in the city centre that suits you. To save you some ££, I'd recommend staying Friday- Saturday, or during the week, instead of Saturday-Sunday, as the hotel prices shoot up over the weekend, and during peak seasons.

When booking a hotel online, to get a % back from your stay, be sure to use a cashback website. I always use Quidco or TopCashback. If you’re not already signed up to TopCashback, you can get a £10 sign-up bonus to TopCashback using my referral link.

There is a great selection of food and drink establishments in Brighton. I’ve only been to a few, but I’d recommend Shelter Hall for the most variety. They're a food court located on the coast with a range of global eats available (Zest by Hanoi served a lovely Signature Rice Bowl with Beef Brisket and tasty Mixed Veg Gyozas), plus cocktails, wine, craft beer and weekend live music.

If Bao Buns are your thing, I'd urge you to try 'The Pond' , situated just behind the train station. 

For Brunch, I'd recommend Moksha Caffe, located a short walk from Brighton Train Station, they served a full English breakfast, as well as pancakes (my breakfast of choice).

In terms of an evening meal, I had a lovely evening meal at The Ivy, which I’d recommend for a special occasion meal. As we were making a delayed anniversary/birthday trip, we let them know and were gifted a lovely dessert.