Belle’s Essential Guide: 24 Hours Of Fun In Brighton

Brighton has long been a bolthole for tourists looking to soak up its unique and vibrant atmosphere. No longer London-by-the-sea, Brighton is a super city in its own right, with everything that goes with its top tourist town status. From the pier to the palace, fish and chips to fine dining, and some of the most awe-inspiring attractions you could imagine – yes i360, we’re looking at you – there’s so much to do you could spend a month in Brighton and still be left wanting more. But with just 24 hours in Sussex’s shining light, here’s Belle’s essential guide to Brighton.

What to do in Brighton

Brighton’s Upside Down House is a must-visit attraction right on the seafront that is an Insta poster’s dream. Pose in the topsy turvy rooms, flick your photo in editing, and you’ve got yourself a reel of delightful snaps that defy belief. Hang from a bicycle, eat dinner on the ceiling, fall from a toilet, the profile pic opps are endless and your laughs while inside will continue long after as you see what how your ‘upside down’ snaps really look.

Then, as soon as you’re back the right way up, head to the neighbouring attraction of the i360 – a tower which dominates the Brighton skyline and offers regular flights to 450ft above sea level. The spacious pod – shaped like a big glass doughnut moulded around the tower – takes around 25 minutes to ascend to its 138metre peak, from which you can see across the South Downs, marvel at rooftop graffiti, and even spot the Isle of Wight on a clear day. A limited amount of people are allowed on per trip, and it’s spacious enough not to feel claustrophobic. There’s a bar on board, and even special events including sky high yoga and music gigs. The view from the top truly is incredible, and staff are on-hand to point out famous as well as lesser-known landmarks.

What to eat in Brighton

Fish & Chips may be the city’s signature dish, but Brighton is awash with restaurants ranging from cheap and cheerful to fine dining. Meat-lovers, vegans, and everyone in between can find something to suit them in this most cosmopolitan of dining destinations. For traditional fish and chips head to Captains Brighton, right next to the Palace Pier, just beware of the locals – the seagulls- who will eagerly eye up your dinner, and swoop to finish it off if they think you’re taking too long!

A locals’ favourite – Donatello’s Italian restaurant in the Laines is bursting with atmosphere and flavour. The most reasonably priced, friendly and welcoming Italian in Brighton, families, artists and students all flock to make the most of the freshly baked dishes that have been served up on the same site since 1991.

Where to stay in Brighton

The Hilton DoubleTree hotel is instantly recognisable as one of the city’s most established and regal hotels. Overlooking the West Pier, the Victorian-era hotel has a contemporary interior while still proudly showcasing the heritage and character of more than 125 years of hosting visitors ranging from everyday Belles like us to A list celebrities. Many rooms have spectacular sea views – to the right are the remains of the West Pier, which burnt and fell 25 years ago; to the left there is the famous Palace Pier, and you’ll spot sailing boats, swimmers and even a wind farm across the seascape. The Metropole Bar & Restaurant offers casual drinking and dining options, the main restaurant is a more formal setting and hosts breakfast at the hotel.

If you’re looking for something a little more boutique, the Square Townhouse hotel found in trendy Kemptown could easily be the most Instagrammable B&B in Brighton with its opulent décor and flashy furnishings.

What to see in Brighton

From wandering through the North Laines and browsing boutique shops and galleries to strolling past the Royal Pavillion with it’s Taj Mahal-inspired architecture and over to the seafront and the Palace Pier, Brighton has art and entertainment at every turn. Graffiti depicting everything from Stormtroopers to orangutans adorns buildings, and a trip to Quadrophenia Alley is a must for any Mod fan paying homage to the 1978 cult film. Street artists and buskers are commonplace in the city centre and along Madeira Drive which leads to the bustling marina with it’s cinema, bars and restaurants.

Is 24 hours enough time to explore Brighton? Yes, you can get tick off the main attractions, but you’ll be left wanting more and a week wouldn’t be time enough to take in everything this vibrant and beautiful city has to offer, nor would two. In fact, shall we all just relocate and live as Belles by the sea?