- Brighton was granted city status in 2000 as part of the Millennium celebrations, merging with the neighbouring town of Hove.
- The city is home to the oldest operating electric railway in the world, the Volks Electric Railway, which has been running since 1883.
- During the 19th century, Brighton became the pioneering destination for 'sea bathing' as a medical treatment after Dr. Richard Russell promoted the health benefits of saltwater.
- Brighton is frequently referred to as the 'unofficial gay capital of the UK' due to its long history as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community.
About Brighton
Brighton is a prominent seaside city on the south coast of England, renowned for its diverse cultural identity and regency-era architecture. It serves as a major hub for tourism, featuring the iconic Royal Pavilion and the elevated viewing experience of the Brighton i360. Visitors can explore the historic charm of the city center or relax in public spaces like Preston Park Brighton & Hove. The city maintains a distinct artistic legacy preserved within the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
Highlights of Brighton
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Ascend 138 metres in a glass viewing pod for panoramic views of the Sussex coastline.
Museums
Explore the exotic Indo-Saracenic architecture and opulent interiors of King George IV's former seaside residence.
Zoos
Visit the world's oldest operating aquarium, featuring a Victorian-era tunnel beneath the waves.
Places of interest
Photograph the iconic rows of colourful Victorian-era beach huts along the seafront promenade.
Venues
Experience live performances in a historic venue that has hosted major theatrical productions since 1807.
Museums
Browse diverse collections ranging from fine art to local fashion and the city's unique social history.
Parks
Enjoy one of the largest public park spaces in the city, frequently used for community festivals and events.
Venues
Attend contemporary theatre, music, or comedy performances in this renovated Victorian market hall.
Top things to do in Brighton
The 194 highest-rated places in Brighton, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
Brighton i360 is a vertical observation tower consisting of a glass pod that rises to a height of 138 meters. Located on...
2
Museums
The Royal Pavilion is a Grade I listed former royal residence built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV. It...
3
Venues
The American Express Stadium serves as the home ground for Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club in the English Premier L...
4
Zoos
SEA LIFE Brighton is the world's oldest operating aquarium, having opened its doors in 1872. The facility is housed with...
5
Parks
Devil's Dyke is the longest, deepest, and widest dry valley in Great Britain, stretching one mile in length. Located wit...
6
Parks
Preston Park is Brighton’s largest urban green space, spanning 63 acres of rolling lawns and historic parkland. It serve...
7
Parks
Hove Park is a prominent 40-acre municipal green space situated in the north-west of Hove. The landscape features extens...
8
Places of interest
The Hove Beach Huts are a series of iconic, brightly painted timber structures lining the promenade west of the main Bri...
9
Venues
The Theatre Royal Brighton is one of the oldest working theatres in the United Kingdom, established in 1807. Its archite...
10
Parks
Queen's Park is a Victorian-era public park situated in a valley, known for its terraced gardens and central ornamental...
11
Parks
The Level is a multi-purpose public park located in central Brighton, featuring a major concrete skatepark and a seasona...
12
Museums
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is situated within the Royal Pavilion Estate, occupying a historic building that functions...
13
Parks
Victoria Gardens is a linear public park located in the valley of the historic Wellesbourne stream, which now flows unde...
14
Places of interest
Brighton Seafront is a four-mile stretch of pebble beach characterized by its iconic Victorian pier and historic promena...
15
Venues
The Old Market is a versatile performing arts venue housed within a meticulously converted 19th-century former market bu...
16
Parks
St Ann’s Well Gardens is a historic 3.5-hectare public park located in Hove, known for its diverse collection of indigen...
17
Historical places
The Brighton Beach Bandstand is an iconic Victorian structure designed by borough surveyor Philip Lockwood and opened in...
18
Parks
Kipling Gardens is a tranquil, walled park located in the historic village of Rottingdean, near Brighton. The site was o...
19
Parks
Old Steine Gardens is a triangular urban park in central Brighton that serves as a historic transit hub and memorial sit...
20
Parks
East Brighton Park is a sprawling 60-acre municipal green space situated on the eastern edge of Brighton, characterized...
21
Museums
The Booth Museum of Natural History is a Victorian-era collection founded in 1874 by ornithologist Edward Thomas Booth....
22
Museums
The Brighton Toy and Model Museum is housed within four restored Victorian railway arches located directly beneath the B...
23
Parks
Palmeira Square is a historic Grade II listed garden square located on the border between Brighton and Hove. It features...
24
Temples
Al-Medinah Mosque is a central religious landmark located in the heart of Brighton, serving the city's diverse Muslim co...
25
Parks
Withdean Park is best known for hosting one of the most significant collections of lilac trees in the United Kingdom. Th...
26
Historical places
The Chattri Memorial is a remote stone monument situated on the South Downs above Brighton, dedicated to the Indian sold...
27
Places of interest
Brighton West Pier is a Grade I listed skeletal structure located on the Brighton seafront, originally designed by Eugen...
28
Temples
St Peter's Church in Brighton is a prominent Anglican church designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect later famous f...
29
Museums
30
Parks
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Brighton on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Brighton
Late spring to early summer, between May and June, offers the most pleasant temperatures and drier weather before the peak July and August holiday crowds.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the coastline, regency landmarks, and the shopping lanes.
The city centre is highly walkable; visitors also rely on a robust local bus network and cycle hire schemes.
Stay in the Lanes or North Laine for immediate access to boutique shopping and nightlife, or choose Hove for a quieter residential atmosphere.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices are generally high during peak summer weekends and bank holidays.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 194 curated attractions in and around Brighton, ranked by traveller ratings.
Brighton i360 is the highest-rated place to visit in Brighton right now.
The largest category is temples, with 77 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
Explore more of United Kingdom
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
