Why you should visit London’s rebellious little sister this year.
Step aside New York, Copenhagen and Milan. Brighton has officially landed a well-deserved spot on Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World list for 2025.
Some may be surprised by this placement, but locals will have seen it coming.
This effortlessly cool seaside city has been charming day-trippers, artists and eccentrics for years, but now it’s basking in the global limelight.
From pebble-strewn beaches to quirky cafes, Brighton is where escapism meets creativity, and its irresistible charm has captured hearts the world over.
Thinking of visiting? Here’s why Brighton is living its best life — and why it deserves every ounce of the hype.
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Brighton beach
Picture this: the sun setting over Brighton Palace Pier, pastel skies reflecting on the water as you tuck into crispy, golden fish and chips.
There’s something deeply nostalgic about Brighton’s seaside scenes, but with its paddleboarders, beachfront bars and eco-conscious vibe, it’s as modern as it is timeless.
For those in the know, the real magic is at Hove Lagoon, a park featuring a boating lake, where the colourful beach huts provide a postcard-perfect backdrop.
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The iconic shopping lanes
Brighton’s Lanes aren’t just a shopping district — they’re a labyrinth of whimsy and wonder.
Forget high street chains, as here you’ll find independent boutiques, vintage treasures and jewellery stores that feel like Aladdin’s cave.
We recommend local gem Snoopers Paradise, a renowned vintage shop with 90 unique stalls under one roof.
For the edgy and eco-conscious crowd, North Laine is where it’s at. Think record stores, vegan bakeries and graffiti-lined streets buzzing with creative energy.
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Foodie paradise
Forget soggy sandwiches — Brighton’s food scene is officially iconic. From sustainable fine dining to vegan comfort food, the city is an underrated gem for cuisine.
For a meal that feels like a warm hug, book a table at Burnt Orange, where Mediterranean-inspired small plates take centre stage.
Brighton also happens to be the UK’s unofficial vegan capital, so plant-based foodies are in for a treat.
Hit up Purezza for wood-fired pizza that you won’t even realise is vegan, or pop into Beelzebab for mouthwatering vegan kebabs.
Fancy fish and chips, minus the fish? No Catch’s delicious vegan offering aims to recreate the real deal.
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The ultimate night out
Brighton’s nightlife is the stuff of legend, and whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a karaoke queen, there’s something for everyone.
The city’s LGBTQ+ scene is one of the best in the world, with glitter-fuelled nights at Club Revenge and intimate vibes at The Actors pub.
For lovers of live music, Concorde 2 is the place to be. Set in a historic Victorian arch, this venue has hosted everyone from Foo Fighters to Brighton’s own Fatboy Slim.
Prefer something more underground? Head to Patterns, where DJs and cocktails collide in the dreamiest way possible.
Creative core
Brighton isn’t just a city — it’s an open-air gallery. Its street art, independent theatre and annual Brighton Festival (the UK’s largest curated multi-arts festival) make it a cultural playground.
Even outside of festival season, the Brighton Dome and Komedia offer everything from comedy nights to contemporary dance.
Art-lovers, don’t miss Fabrica, a former church that’s now an exhibition space where creativity knows no bounds.
And, of course, the city’s famous seafront graffiti walls are a must-see for anyone with an appreciation for bold, unapologetic artwork.
Sustainability
Did we mention Brighton is one of the UK’s greenest cities?
Its eco-credentials are as impressive as its nightlife, with initiatives like zero-waste cafes, ethical supermarkets and a thriving bike-sharing scheme.
Pop into vegan and vegetarian supermarket Green Living, or sip a turmeric latte at Redroaster, where everything is as delicious as it is planet-friendly.
How to travel to Brighton from London
There are two main stations in London that trains to Brighton start from — London Victoria and London Blackfriars — however you can also hop on a train to Brighton from London St Pancras, Farringdon, London Bridge and East Croydon.
A train from London Victoria gets you to the seaside city in as little as 58 minutes.
