Brighton is known for its unique livelihood, and part of what makes that up is the varied assortment of places to visit and things to do. Everyone knows about places such as the pier and the beach, but there are some hidden gems that people miss – even when they’re right under their nose! We’ve compiled a shortlist of the best places to visit for anyone, whether you’re a student, a tourist, or just someone who wants to explore more of the city. We’ve already let you into the secret of the perfect day spent in Brighton but Here are the best places to visit in Brighton.
The Sea Life Centre
Right on the seafront, opposite the pier, sits one of Merlin resort’s Sea Life attractions. Based in a building that was built in the late 19th century, the aquarium is definitely high up on places to see in Brighton. The main arcade is full of rainbow lights and ambient music to accompany the wonderful creatures in their lovingly built exhibits. With a large tunnel that goes through the main tank, you can view animals such as sharks and turtles from both above and below. You can even get a ticket to see the creatures swim beneath you on their glass bottom boat!
In terms of attractions, this is a great few hours exploring a world under the sea. However, if you are on a budget, it is one of the pricier places to visit in Brighton.
Brighton Palace Pier
Just over the road from Sea Life is one of Brighton’s most famous tourist attractions: the pier. Built after the West Pier was burnt down, the Palace Pier has a small amusement park, two arcades, restaurants, a bar, and even several food vendors. The crepes are amazing! And all of this is located on a 1,722 foot long pier than has been acknowledged as the ‘finest pier ever’ according to their website! It lives up to the name, especially if you have the chance to go to the Halloween event as a student.
The pier is a must, whenever you visit Brighton. It’s arguably what the city is most known for! Even better, if you’re just there for a view, it’s free. Even if you fancy a couple of goes on arcade machines and some food at Horatio’s, the price isn’t bank breaking. A perfect student location.
Brighton i360 Viewing Pod
Discover Brighton’s best views onboard the Brighton i360 Viewing Pod. It’s one of the best places to visit in Brighton if you love heights (or want to conquer your fear) as you’ll be gliding up 450ft. The Brighton i360 Viewing Pod offers 360-degress views of the city, coastline, and south downs. You can enjoy the view with a drink in hand too, thanks to the Sky Bar onboard the viewing pod serving a range of local favourites – including the award winning English Sparkling Wine, Nyetimber. Each journey lasts 25-minutes, but there’s plenty more to do there afterwards. Why not head to Skate 360 roller rink, or browse the gift shop filled with a carefully selected curation from local artisans. There’s also the beach club and cosy cafes.
The North Laines
Just off Brighton’s high street (North Street), is a world of independent shops, vintage stores and wonderful cafes. It is one of the best places to visit if you’re in Brighton to shop. Beginning with Irregular Choice, a handmade boutique shoe store, the lanes show straight away that they are not your average city shops. They go on for a good while, with highlights such as Family Store, Resident Records, Snooper’s Paradise, Trading Post Coffee, KOOKS, and some gorgeous pubs and restaurants. It’s a good place to go if you want to reinvent yourself, or if you want to understand exactly what this city is about.
Globalls
Over by the Marina, which is a lovely 15-minute walk along the seafront, or a short bus journey from Old Steine, Globalls is an indoor golfing facility. However, it is unlike most other golfing facilities in that not only is it crazy golf (good luck on the final hole!) with all sorts of bizarre obstacles, it is also themed. There is a Jurassic or a Jungle Room, both of which are also relatively dark rooms with neon day-glow animals between the holes and funky décor. During the winter seasons, they play Christmas songs and decorate the dinosaurs and animals with tinsel! It’s a cheap and fun way to pass time, and is right near McDonald’s and a Wetherspoons’.
Bars Galore!
Finally, it would not be Brighton without the pubs and bars that are seen on pretty much every street. We’ve found some of the nicest ones for you.
At the top of our list, and for good reason, is Hobgoblin. A small bar lit by candles, Hobgoblin is a romantic and Instagram worthy bar on the inside, with its vodka slushies and photobooth. But as well as that, it has some classic 90s and 2000s tunes, and a big beer garden out the back! The garden has heaters and tables big enough that your whole student flat could go for a pint if you wanted.
Secondly, we have The World’s End. This venue is painted with the Kraken Rum creature on the exterior of the building. But the inside is much more exciting. With downstairs set up like a relatively average pub restaurant, some people may not realise that the second floor holds a collection of arcade games. Between the games, their amazing video-game themed burgers, and great pub quizzes, it is definitely a popular choice.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, and maybe a little nerdy, try Sidequest on the seafront. It’s a gaming bar/café. They have a full range of video games, board games, card games, and even RPG games. But the gaming is entirely optional. You can just visit for their wonderful cocktails and snacks, or you can go all out and join their Dungeons and Dragons 101. On top of this, they also have a small deck on the seafront, so you can enjoy a card game and a drink by the sea.
Finally, the whistle-stop tour of Brighton bars ends with the White Rabbit. Located in the North Laines, this small bar has outdoor and indoor seating, and frequently hosts live music. It’s a great place to sit on a summer evening, and during The Brighton Fringe or The Great Escape there are artists there pretty much every night!
