48 Hours in Brighton: Your Ultimate City Guide

From seaside martinis to dreamy spas and fine dining, there's nowhere quite like Brighton for a stylish summer sojourn.

In Brighton, there's no shortage of places to wine, dine and shop this summer. Our carefully-curated edit, the first in our unmissable mini city guide series, is all you need to while away the weekend in style.

All aboard...

When temperatures soar, all roads lead to Brighton. But who wants to be stuck in traffic when the city is connected to London's major train stations? Thameslink goes direct to Brighton from London St Pancras International, which is also perfect for any Eurostar travellers wanting to connect to the coast. If travelling from the City of London, embark at Farringdon or London Bridge for a journey time of 1hr 3mins. For central London departures, the Gatwick Express leaves from Victoria every 30 minutes direct to Brighton in just two stops, taking 1hr 2m.

Check in at one of Brighton's most iconic hotels...

Fresh from an extensive £16.2 million refurbishment, The Grand Hotel Brighton seamlessly blends its rich heritage with modern luxury. The Junior Suite Seaview and Balcony stands out as a Brighton Curated favourite, as does the hotel's stylish new L. Raphael Beauty Spa. The sense of arrival is also worth noting - from the warm welcome by the dapper-dressed doorman to the twirl through the revolving doors and into the striking lobby, this hotel has bags of charm.

Friday evening...

Once you've swiped your keycard and taken in the sweeping sea views, kick back with cocktails in The Grand's Victoria Bar & Lounge, where head bartender Niall McGeady has created a refreshing selection of summer drinks. The Japanese Garden, made with Warner's Blossom Gin, jasmine syrup and cherry bitters, has your name on it!

Other stylish stays include No. 124 by GuestHouse, a contemporary boutique bolthole featuring 32 rooms, Field Trip Spa and the Pearly Cow restaurant. The latter serves flame-cooked Flintstone-sized steaks, juicy oysters and a great selection of English sparkling wines from award-winning Sussex vineyards. These include the Bolney Wine Estate and Ridgeview, that are both within easy reach of Brighton. Later that night, make tracks to 124's seafront terrace, where live DJ beats and nightcaps, including the aptly named Seaside Martini, await.

Alternatively, ask your concierge to book you a cab from local cab company, Streamline Taxis. Still, Uber is, of course, available, and head out to Brusco, a chic little vermouth and wine bar that serves small plates in the city's French-inspired Montpelier quarter. Just a short walk from here, Palmito on the Brighton/Hove border has caused a stir on the city’s culinary scene with its delicious Latin American-inspired dishes, many of which are vegan, and zesty cocktails. But with only 20 seats, you need to book well in advance. Staying Hove-side, Maré by Rafael Cagali received its first Michelin star in February 2026. Its refined culinary offering moves with the rhythm of the seasons and, as such, celebrates produce from across Sussex and the surrounding coastline. For fabulous cocktails and delicious sharing dishes cooked over a wood fire, Embers, tucked away in Brighton's historic Lanes, is among the many Brighton restaurants listed in the current Michelin Guide.

Saturday morning...

A good hotel breakfast buffet is worth taking time over. The Grand, for instance, serves all the classics in the magnificent frescoed Cyan restaurant. Then, tap into Brighton's rich cultural side before you hit the shops. Start by immersing yourself in the spectacular Royal Pavilion, the former home and seaside pleasure palace of King George IV. The awe-inspiring Music Room boasts nine lotus-shaped chandeliers, while the Great Kitchen shimmers with copper pots and palm-tree columns.  

For a deep dive into Brighton's rich history and examples of 20th-century art, textiles, furniture and ceramics, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery next door is well worth a visit. Even if you see nothing else, Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulson's iconic artichoke lights are reason enough to pause and marvel.

Lunch...

Take your pick from a great choice of restaurants located just a five-minute walk from the Pavilion. The Flint House in the heart of the Lanes has a small roof terrace and a tantalising menu featuring a colourful variety of small plates and world wines. Or, for one of the finest vegetarian restaurants in town, there's Terre à Terre. Another modern eatery much loved by locals is Lost in the Lanes. Staying on the casual dining side, The Chilli Pickle, also in the Lanes, serves delicious regional Indian cuisine and has a cosy rooftop garden.

Shop...

For fashion, you'll find plenty of cool men's Scandi brands and Japanese workwear labels at Peggs & Son on Brighton's Duke Street. For those with a nose for niche perfume brands, Soliflore, located in Brighton's North Laine, carries an impressive range of scents and was a recent finalist for the Fragrance Foundation's Retailer of the Year award. You won't find any palm oil or other nasties in Be Chocolat's mouthwatering chocolates, handmade before your very eyes by architect-turned-chocolatier, Michel Clement. With vinyl back in vogue, visit a renowned Brighton record shop. Earlier this year, some 500 fans flocked to see Hollywood A-lister Jeff Goldblum sign copies of his classic jazz album at Resident Records, in Kensington Gardens. And just this month, hours before his sell-out concert in Preston Park, former Kemptown resident Nick Cave, staged an impromptu gig on top of the record store's tiny roof terrace.

Circle back in the direction of the seafront and continue to meander through Hannington Lane, once home to the city's much-loved department store Hanningtons, where modern-day pieces for the home from a roster of designers including Tom Dixon have been carefully curated by Nick and Alex at & Halt. You'll also find socks by Japanese knitwear designer Nishiguchi Kutsushita. The colours in his latest collection are all inspired by Brighton landmarks, including the cast-iron railings lining the seafront and Brighton & Hove Albion football club's signature blue. Next, try the organic ice cream made with creative flavour combinations including saffron and rosewater, at Brass Monkey, located opposite.

Visit a new neighbourhood...

Suitably refuelled, make tracks to Kemptown. This vibrant enclave to the east of the Old Steine, is also the hub of the city's LGBTQ+ scene, which centres around St James Street. Keep walking east to St George's Road, in the heart of Kemptown Village. Here, you'll find a gaggle of independent shops and foodie hotspots, including Pickle, a cool sandwich shop which prides itself on its pickled and fermented sandwich fillings and beverages. The Open Bakery, a little further along, makes top-notch artisan breads and pastries, while Portland, a gallery/cafe run by artist and curator, Philip Cundall, regularly shows work by local talents on its walls. There are also plenty of thrift stores here. For instance, Brighton Flea Market is hard to miss with its bright pink facade. Meanwhile, former Hackney residents Ben and Louise founded their hand-blended, hand-poured natural candle brand, Bouclé, in 2019. Today, the duo's coveted candles and aromatherapy products sell alongside pieces from local Sussex jewellers, artists and makers including Twofolde at their STUDIO boutique, located at 93 St George's Road.

Saturday evening...

When aperitivo hour rolls around in Kemptown, enjoy a drink or book a table at the newly-opened wine bar, restaurant and bottle shop, The Vine House. The venue also has a sun terrace and serves a refined Sunday lunch complete with all the trimmings. Other notable local drinking holes include natural wine bar The Well, which appeals to a hip crowd.

Alternatively, take a five-minute walk from Kemptown Village back to the seafront and head for the Volks Railway ticket office, opposite Soho House and close to the Pier, for a heartwarming travel experience. The world's oldest operating electric passenger train makes regular trips to and from Black Rock, home to the Reading Room. With its eclectic chandelier-filled interior, vast outdoor terrace and dedicated Aperol Spritz bar, it is the perfect place for a sundowner. Trains depart every 15 minutes from the Aquarium Station, while the 1.25-mile journey takes around 12 minutes one-way, with the last return train from Black Rock Station departing at 6.15 pm.

When in Brighton, fresh oysters and seafood are the order of the day. For the obligatory seaside fish & chips, The Regency, a family-run, retro brasserie-style fish restaurant opposite the i360 viewing tower, is a local institution. And, after a brief hiatus, The Salt Room, located beneath the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Hotel, is back with an exciting new menu. Executive chef Kim Woodward, who trained under Gordon Ramsay, puts a unique twist on dishes. The Seabass Ceviche and the delicious Basque Cheesecake are not to be missed.  For hopeless romantics, the original Riddle & Finns in the Lanes serves Jersey Rock Oysters, Brighton Seared Scallops and more in an intimate, softly lit setting.

Elsewhere, the brilliant Burnt Orange on nearby Middle Street, owned by the same group as the Salt Room, Coal Shed and Tutto, has wood-fired Middle Eastern small plates to lust over together with a late-night cocktail bar.

Sunday brunch...

For brunch, Mange Tout, just a five-minute stroll from Brighton Station, has fast become one of Brighton's favourite independent bistros. Here, feast on a range of egg dishes from poached with Sussex bacon to proper French-style omelettes.

If you prefer to make the most of the seafront views and escape the crowds of central Brighton, then take a 7-minute stroll west from the Grand, along the prom in the direction of Hove's Peace Statue and grab an alfresco seat on the terrace at the newly renovated Meeting Cafe. Walk another 7 minutes from the Peace Statue to Oeuf, a popular brunch spot on Hove's leafy Third Avenue. In addition to strawberry shortcake pancakes and a secret garden, the pastel-coloured interior has a hint of a Wes Anderson set about it.

Sunday afternoon...

Don't forget to factor in a little pampering either before or after you've checked out. The Oxy Revive Fusion Facial at the aforementioned L. Raphael Beauty Spa at The Grand Hotel Brighton is not to be missed. We defy you not to drift off during the Copper Cove Treatment for Two at 124 GuestHouse's Field Trip Spa. And a luxurious manicure at TGB Spa in the centre of town is best enjoyed with a glass of fizz from the spa's very own cocktail bar.

If a sauna and a sea dip sound appealing, then you are in the right place. Brighton's sauna scene is sizzling with stylish huts dotted all along the waterfront from Brighton to Shoreham and Saltdean to Seaford. Luna Hut is among the more familiar hot spots. Forming part of the stunning Sea Lanes outdoor pool complex, it is situated right on the beach, just east of Brighton Pier.

Lastly, before you head home, ask your taxi driver to drop you off a little before the station entrance at 48 Queen's Road. The address is home to award-winning pâtissier Julien Plumart's famous patisserie. Why not stop and pick up some pastel-coloured macarons for the journey as a little reminder of Brighton's hidden treasures?