Pre-theatre cocktails with an 80s twist

Before seeing a show at The Theatre Royal, head to Bar Valentino, a hidden gem where you can enjoy a range of cocktails to the tune of 80s nostalgia. An intimate, tucked away venue, it’s a great spot for a quick drink before or after the theatre, with special happy hour evenings and tapas plates if you fancy a bite to eat.

Laugh and dance the night away

For a brilliant night out in Brighton, check out Komedia on Gardner Street. For the full experience, grab a package deal from just £21 and enjoy a live comedy show with fantastic fresh food. Komedia welcomes some of the top comedy talent from the UK and overseas, so check the schedule before you arrange your night out in Brighton. Afterwards, drink and dance till the wee hours at the venue’s club night.

Have a beer on the Grand Parade

BrewDog Brighton remains a popular haunt on the Brighton nightlife scene. Industrial chic meets art deco at this much-loved bar, with a wide selection of beers and burgers and a cracking atmosphere. You can expect a warm welcome on your night out, while the venue is spacious enough to accommodate large groups, should your travel plans involve a larger gathering.

The Lanes

A world away from the usual shopping centres, The Lanes is home to numerous independent shops and boutiques where you can expect to find luxury and affordable items aplenty. Highlights include Baroque Bespoke Jewellery for something sparkly, or Frames in the Lanes for cool shades if the sun is shining. At Choccywoccydoodah, grab a delicious chocolately treat for the road.

Brighton Flea Market

For rare finds and collectables, Brighton Flea Market is the place to go. Located on Upper St James’s Street in Kemp Town, expect to find a treasure trove of affordable and luxury trinkets, from antique jewellery and furniture to one-of-a-kind items.

Snooper’s Paradise

Get retro at Snooper’s Paradise, with more than 7,000 square feet of retro clothes, bargains and bric-a-brac. There is an on-site independent makers’ boutique, so a visit to Snooper’s Paradise is a must for those who value quality fashion made with care. A trip to this Brighton institution on Kensington Gardens should be high on your travel itinerary.

Brighton Palace Pier

One of the city’s top sightseeing attractions ever since opening in 1899, Brighton Palace Pier is definitely worth a visit. An iconic south coast landmark immortalised in Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock, this buzzing seafront attraction features amusement arcades galore and, of course, brilliant live theatre and entertainment.

Royal Pavilion

The unmistakable Royal Pavilion is one of the key tourist attractions in Brighton. Built for King George IV with construction first starting in 1787, the building is no longer a private residence but is open to the public with around 400,000 visitors a year. Visit the museum and gallery, watch a show in the evening, or stroll through the beautiful gardens during the daytime on your visit.

Brighton Marina

A working harbour and artificial marina, there are plenty of things to do at this popular tourist attraction. At Brighton Marina you can learn to dive or snorkel, book a boat trip or enjoy a wide variety of watersports. With a string of leisure activities, including bowling and a cinema, plus a selection of well-known stores, there is something for everyone at this Brighton sightseeing attraction.

Inspire them at the Brighton Sea Life Centre

The world’s oldest operating aquarium, the Brighton Sea Life Centre is an unmissable family-friendly attraction for a day out with the kids. With a spectacular glass-bottom boat for examining turtles, a wonderful Victorian arcade built in 1872, plus special talks and feeding sessions, it’s easy to see why children love a visit to the Brighton Sea Life Centre.

Treat them to a picnic on the beach

Brighton’s famous pebble beach might not be sandcastle-friendly, but its shallow waters, cafés and colourful carousel make it a fantastic spot for a family day out. With an ice cream parlour on nearby East Street, there is plenty for children and adults to enjoy.

Spark their creative spirit with a spot of pottery

The Painting Pottery Café is a brilliant family attraction on North Laine. Children can choose from more than 200 pottery items and begin their own painted artwork. Baby facilities are available, and parents can bring their own sandwiches, with muffins and biscuits available too.

Wander through The Lanes

Before it gets busy at the height of the afternoon, explore this mazy patchwork of streets and narrow alleys. Be a tourist for the day and treat yourself to a souvenir at one of the many quality independent boutiques.

Saunter down to the seafront

Brighton’s iconic seafront is not to be missed, and is home to many top attractions. Visit Brighton Pier for a dazzling array of amusement arcades, and chill out afterwards on Brighton Beach and watch the waves.

Grab some seafood and eat fresh

On your seaside jaunt, check out the local food scene for a taste of the ocean. Fishmekan is a popular restaurant for modern seafood, while Riddle & Fins offers a unique setting for beachside dining.

City Books

Get an affordable page-turner for the coach journey home at City Books, a cosy little shop off the beaten path. It has a large collection of signed copies, so you might even find a rare collectable.

Coffeefix

Perfect for cheap bites on the go, grab a sandwich, pastry or coffee at this popular new joint. It’s an ideal staging post during your weekend sightseeing session in Brighton.

Chattri War Memorial

If you fancy an explore on the fringes of the city, climb the beautiful South Downs and check out the stunning views from the Chattri War Memorial, which commemorates the lost Indian lives from the First World War.

Popular routes

• London to Brighton
• Gatwick to Brighton
• Brighton to London
• Brighton to Heathrow