One Day in Brighton – 8 Awesome Things to Do
While I know Brighton is a beloved seaside escape for many in the UK, it had never really been on my radar – until I went there for a conference and decided to add one extra day to explore the city.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Brighton actually really surprised me.
From the cute streets of The Lanes to the vibrant energy of the seafront, there’s so much packed into this compact city, making it one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
Even if you only have a single day, you can enjoy a mix of classic British seaside charm and fun attractions that make Brighton so special.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to spend one day in Brighton, including the best things to see and do – all without rushing.
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1. Enjoy The Rides at Brighton Palace Pier
The Brighton Palace Pier is one of the most iconic sights in Brighton, and it was the first thing I saw when I exited the bus from London.
Stretching approximately 1,722 feet (525 meters) into the sea, it’s not only one of the UK’s longest piers, but also one of the country’s most famous landmarks.
Unlike a regular pier, Brighton Palace Pier is packed with fun attractions – you’ll find everything from fairground rides and arcade games to food stalls selling fish and chips, candy floss, and ice cream.
For thrill seekers, rides like the Turbo Coaster and Air Race deliver a proper adrenaline rush, while classics like the Waltzer and Helter Skelter are perfect for a more relaxed spin.
Entry to the pier costs £2 per adult and £1 per child, and wristbands for unlimited rides are available for £32 for adults and £27 for children, slightly cheaper online.
Even if you skip the rides, a stroll along the pier is a must — the lively atmosphere, the salty sea breeze, and watching everyone enjoying the rides is such a fun experience.
2. Stroll Along The Promenade
The promenade is perfect for a relaxed walk along Brighton’s seafront. It’s lined with cute cafés, ice cream stands, and plenty of benches where you can sit, watch the waves, or just enjoy the salty sea breeze.
As you walk, you’ll also spot the remains of the old West Pier, which sadly burned down in 2003. The skeletal structure sticking out into the sea makes for a cool photo stop.
If you like a little architecture with your stroll, keep an eye out for the Madeira Terraces, the Victorian cast-iron arches running along part of the promenade.
3. Visit The Upside Down House
Located along the promenade, the Upside Down House is one of the more unusual stops in Brighton.
Everything inside is literally flipped — furniture on the ceiling, rooms turned upside down — and it’s surprisingly fun to walk around and figure out how it all works.
It’s a small stop, so you don’t need hours here. Tickets are around £8 for adults and £6 for kids, which makes it a fun and cheap little detour.
Even if you’re not into touristy stuff, it’s worth popping in for some fun photos — plus, it’s right on the promenade, so you can easily keep walking along the beach afterward.
4. Admire The View From Brighton i360
The Brighton i360 is hard to miss — it’s a sleek, modern observation tower right on the seafront.
From the moment you step inside the glass pod, you slowly rise 162 meters into the sky, giving you amazing panoramic views of the city, the coastline, and even the South Downs on a clear day.
It’s surprisingly slow and relaxing, so you can take your time spotting landmarks, the pier, and the beach below.
Tickets cost around £20.50 for adults and £10 for children, and if you want to make it extra special, you can grab a glass of champagne at the bar. The i360 is open daily, usually from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
5. Grab Lunch & Relax at Brighton Beach
After exploring the pier and the promenade, Brighton Beach is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy some food with a view.
There are plenty of cafés, food stalls, and small restaurants along the seafront where you can grab something small to eat.
If the weather’s good, picking up takeaway and watching the sea while sitting on the pebbles is a simple but perfect Brighton moment.
6. Do Some Shopping in The Lanes
The Brighton Lanes are a maze of narrow, winding streets in the heart of the city, full of character and charm.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a couple of hours just wandering and discovering little treasures around every corner.
The streets are packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops, quirky gift stores, and artisan crafts, so whether you’re looking for unique fashion, handmade jewelry, or a special souvenir, you’ll find something interesting.
Between the shops, you’ll also find plenty of cafés, small restaurants, and pubs where you can take a break and watch the world go by.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, strolling through the Lanes is a quintessential experience you can’t miss on a day in Brighton.
7. Feel The Thrill at The Brighton Zip
If you’re looking for a burst of adrenaline, the Brighton Zip is a must-try. Stretching 450 meters along the seafront, this zip line lets you soar high above the beach and take in the city from a completely new perspective.
It’s fast, fun, and safe — perfect for anyone who wants a quick thrill while still enjoying the views.
Rides cost £18 for a single ride or £32 for a dual ride, and the Brighton Zip operates mainly on weekends, during school holidays, and on bank holidays, usually starting around 12:00 pm.
It’s a short but exhilarating experience that only takes a few minutes from start to finish, but the adrenaline rush and the views are worth every second. Plus, it’s an experience you don’t do every day!
8. Snap Photos of The Hove Beach Huts
A short walk from Brighton Beach brings you to Hove, where the colorful beach huts instantly catch your eye.
These little wooden cabins are painted in bright, cheerful colors, making them a perfect photo opportunity.
They’re privately owned, so you can’t go inside, but strolling along the beachfront is still fun and much quieter than the main pier area.
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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
