First-time visitor · Brighton

First time in Brighton — what locals actually recommend

If it's your first weekend in Brighton, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.

Editor's pickPopular local pick

Top spots in Brighton

  • Royal Pavilion

    Culture

    Old Steine

    Regency seaside palace with Mughal domes and chinoiserie interiors.

  • The Lanes

    Culture

    Old Town

    Twisting alleys of vintage shops, jewellers and indie cafés.

Where to eat

  • Bardsley's

    $$

    Fish & Chips · Baker Street

    Family-run since 1926 — proper hake and mushy peas.

  • Bincho Yakitori

    $$

    Japanese · Preston Street

    Smoky chicken skewers and sake flights — counter seats only.

  • Cyan

    $$$$

    Modern British · Hove

    Tasting menu from Michael Bremner — fish-forward, no fuss.

  • The Salt Room

    $$$

    Seafood · Seafront

    Coal-grilled day-boat fish opposite the West Pier ruins.

Frequently asked

  • Standouts right now: Royal Pavilion, The Lanes. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Brighton and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.

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