69 Things to Do in Brighton that Every Local Should Try at Least Once

A cheeky, totally biased, slightly naughty bucket list for grown-ups who love fun, friendship, and flirty weekends.

At Connected Brighton, we believe in living local to the max, because when you know the best spots in town, every weekend can feel like a staycation. Whether you're newly moved, a born-and-bred Brightonian, or somewhere in between, this list is your unofficial, unapologetically curated guide to doing Brighton & Hove properly.

This isn’t a “go to the Pavilion and eat fish and chips” type of guide. This is the good stuff: the cocktails, the cabaret, the courtyard cafés, the karaoke, the under-the-pier moments (interpret that how you will).

Ready to tick off some new experiences? Here are 69 must-do Brighton moments, because nice things come in cheeky numbers.

🍷 SIP & SNACK

The best bites, brunches, booze, and Brighton-made indulgence.

• Share a Sunday roast at The Chimney House (don’t skip the cauliflower cheese).

• Get nostalgic at Bom-Bane’s—quirky, musical, and delightfully weird.

• Order cocktails with a twist at Valentino’s—elegant and effortlessly cool.

• Share a pizza (and the fries!) at Fatto a Mano—Brighton’s unbeatable pizza spot.

• Graze small plates at Burnt Orange—buzzy, boujee, and beautiful.

• Slurp noodles at Pompoko—with BYO beers.

• Share tapas at Tinto Taperia—Spanish vibes in the Lanes.

• Grab a table outside at Nostos and people-watch.

• Go full-on foodie at Shelter Hall—views + vibes + variety.

• Munch on vegan doughnuts from Glazed—worth the sugar rush.

• Eat a jacket potato with tuna or grab an iconic ice cream from Marrocco’s, then nap.

• Wine & dine at Fourth & Church—small plates and big wines.

• Get brunch at Lost in the Lanes—chic and satisfying.

• Feast on North African flavours at The Blue Man—a hidden gem with soul.

• Try the tasting menu at Apiary—flavours that hit differently.

• Dine on seafood classics at English’s—the oldest restaurant in Brighton.

• Grab fresh fish from the beach huts or a hot mackerel sandwich at the Fishing Quarter.

🎭 PLAY & EXPERIENCE

Your Brighton bucket list for creativity, chaos, and full-on fun.

• Belt out bangers at Panalo—no shame, just serotonin and Filipino food.

• Laugh out loud at The Secret Comedy Club.

• Get your groove on with Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco—let out your inner Spice Girl.

• Ice skate at the Royal Pavilion—wobble into winter joy.

• Sauna then sea dip at Beach Box—total main character energy.

• Make pottery at Painting Pottery Café—messy is good.

• Tour Brighton & Hove museums—you’ll love the culture here.

• Ride the Brighton Zip—scream, smile, repeat.

• Catch a show (or five) during Brighton Fringe.

• Sing along at a Great Escape gig—future headliners, guaranteed.

• Take the Christmas Day sea dip—mad, magical, Brighton AF.

• Join a Parkrun at Hove Prom or Preston Park—done by 10am!

• Do a beach clean—good vibes and good deeds.

• Quiz night at The Cleveland Arms with your new crew.

• Late-night tacos at La Choza (essential).

• Swim at Sea Lanes, then recover with a pint at Bison Beer.

• Naughty fun at Drag Bingo at The Bedford—camp chaos and big laughs.

• Watch the lantern parade at Burning of the Clocks—Brighton’s magical winter tradition.

🧘 EXPLORE & UNWIND

Because Brighton’s more than parties—it’s peaceful pockets and soulful strolls too.

• Wander Kemptown’s antique shops and peek in courtyards.

• Browse Snoopers Paradise and lose an hour (at least).

• Sunset watch from the Brighton Bandstand.

• Walk to Rottingdean via the Undercliff path—reward with a pint.

• Visit Brighton Museum & Art Gallery—quiet inspiration.

• Explore the North Laine in the rain—moody magic.

• Sit in St Ann’s Well Gardens with coffee and a book.

• Tour the Artists Open Houses—support local talent.

• Buy treasure at Brighton Flea Market in Kemptown.

• See a film at Duke of York’s Picturehouse—go alone or bring a crush.

• Watch your dog live their best life at Hove Lawns.

• Try every flavour at Bird & Blend Tea Co.—yes, every one.

• Take a nostalgic stroll on Brighton Palace Pier.

• Ride the i360—just once, for the view.

• Journal under a tree in Queen’s Park after a wild night out.

🌙 AFTER DARK DELIGHTS

This city’s nightlife is unmatched—whatever your flavour.

• See a show at Theatre Royal Brighton—classic glam.

• Watch drag cabaret at Ironworks Studios—camp brilliance.

• Go dancing at Revenge (you’re not too old).

• Sip something strong at The Golden Pineapple—indie cocktail heaven.

• Discover live music at The Old Market.

• Get dressed up and see something bold at Brighton Dome.

• Have a cocktail and a chat at The Black Dove.

• Laugh, sip, repeat at Komedia Brighton.

• Find romance (or at least a good story) under the pier.

• Belt out show tunes and sip cocktails at Bar Broadway—Kemptown’s campest corner.

🛍️ SHOP & SUPPORT LOCAL

Fill your bags with things that feel like Brighton.

• Browse Tidy Street General Store for candles, chaos, and charm.

• Find your next read at City Books Hove.

• Pick up prints from the galleries on Dukes Lane.

• Buy a birthday gift from the indie stores on Portland Road (and one for you).

• Treat your pooch to something posh from Bone Idol.

• Get caffeinated at Red Roaster—chic, green, delicious.

• Visit Hello My Moon for cosy vibes and a killer brunch.

• Sip and snack at The Joker—craft beers and banging burgers.

• Staycation at The Southern Belle—local luxury at its best.

❤️ AND OF COURSE...

• Join Connected Brighton: Expand your Social Circle—because life’s better with mates.

Whether you’re ticking these off solo, with a partner, or as part of our Connected Brighton community, this list is your go-to for living your best Brighton life. Think of it as your flirty field guide to finding fun, friends, and maybe even a little mischief.

Ready to start ticking them off?

Join the Social Club or Connected100 today and get exclusive access to local events, hidden gems, and a crew to explore them with.