For a first visit to Brighton, base yourself near the Seafront and The Lanes for easy access to Brighton Palace Pier, shops and restaurants. Kemptown suits nightlife and a bohemian crowd, Hove works best for families and travellers wanting a calmer stay, and the North Laine is ideal for indie shopping and cafe culture. Budget-minded visitors often look slightly inland from the seafront where things are quieter and more residential.
The areas, by traveller
Seafront & The Lanes
The heart of Brighton, wrapped around Brighton Palace Pier and the pebble beach, with the maze-like Lanes full of jewellers, cafes and pubs just behind. Everything is walkable, though it's the busiest and liveliest part of town.
Explore Seafront →North Laine
A colourful grid of streets just north of The Lanes packed with vintage shops, record stores, street food and coffee. Central and characterful, close to Brighton station for easy arrivals.
Explore North Laine →Kemptown
East of the pier, Kemptown is Brighton's famously LGBTQ+ friendly district with a buzzing bar and club scene alongside Regency terraces. Lively at night but still within walking distance of the seafront.
Explore Kemptown →Hove
West along the coast, Hove offers wide lawns, elegant streets and a calmer, more residential feel. A good base if you want the beach without the crowds, with cafes and green space nearby.
Explore Hove →Brighton Station area
The area around the mainline station is handy for quick arrivals and onward travel, with the North Laine and city centre a short walk downhill. Practical rather than scenic.
Explore Brighton Station area →Seven Dials
A residential neighbourhood just north of the station with local restaurants and a relaxed village feel. Slightly removed from the tourist bustle but still walkable to the centre.
Explore Seven Dials →
Practical basics
- Getting in
- London Gatwick (LGW) is the nearest airport, roughly half an hour to central Brighton by direct train to Brighton station.
- Best time to visit
- Late spring to early autumn brings the warmest weather and the busiest seafront, while winter is quieter and cheaper.
- Getting around
- Central Brighton is compact and best explored on foot, with frequent local buses reaching Hove and outer neighbourhoods.
- Currency
- The local currency is the British pound (GBP), and card payment is accepted almost everywhere.
Frequently asked
Where should first-time visitors stay in Brighton?
Near the Seafront and The Lanes, which puts you within walking distance of Brighton Palace Pier, the beach, shops and most restaurants.
Which area is best for nightlife?
Kemptown, east of the pier, has the densest concentration of bars and clubs and is the centre of Brighton's LGBTQ+ scene.
Where is best for a quieter, family-friendly stay?
Hove, just west along the coast, offers wide lawns, calmer streets and beach access away from the busiest crowds.
Cities near Brighton
Hand-picked hotel guides for Brighton — real hotels, exact prices and distances — are on the way. This page will grow into the full recommendation set.
An independent guide to where to stay in Brighton — hotel recommendations are on the way.