Brighton, UK

In 1787, construction began on The Royal Pavilion, which was built to be a seaside getaway for King George IV, who was at the time still the Prince of Wales. Today, this large and stately building still bears a lot of evidence of its royal occupants over the years, and its domed, Oriental-style architecture and minarets stand out starkly against the more traditional English architecture of the rest of Brighton. Visitors to the Royal Pavilion can come daily to see the opulent rooms and buildings and learn about the Pavilion’s history throughout the ages, from its start as a royal residence to its role as a military hospital during World War I.

4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE, UK

The Royal Pavilion provides an epicenter of architectural beauty in Brighton, but it doesn’t stop at the building itself. The Royal Pavilion is also home to the Pavilion Gardens, which provide a stunning green park that is both beautiful and peaceful, right in the center of the action of the city. The volunteers who work to keep the Gardens looking beautiful have restored it as closely as possible to the original plan and vision of their creator, John Nash, with native plants intermixed with more exotic Chinese and Indian varieties, and meandering paths perfect for walking. The Pavilion Gardens are also home to a lovely cafe where guests can enjoy a cup of tea, a coffee, or a pastry or sandwich.

Royal Pavilion Grounds, New Rd, Brighton BN1 1UG, UK

Near to the Royal Pavilion and Pavilion Gardens is the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Here, visitors can explore the collections and exhibits, both permanent and seasonal, to learn about the history of Brighton and the people who have lived there, as well as other exhibits regarding subject matter from around the world. Exhibits range from collections of portraits to ancient artifacts from civilizations like the Egyptians, in mediums such as photography, ceramics, textiles, and even puppets. There are even hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages. Local residents of Brighton and Hove can access the museum for free, but there is a nominal fee charged for visitors and nonresidents.

12A Pavilion Parade, Brighton BN1 1EE, UK

The North Laine is a brewhouse where guests can take a break from exploring the streets and sights of Brighton to enjoy a delicious, craft brewed beer. Its hip and funky interior is an industrial space which has been decked out in bright splashes of color, with white tiles behind the bar and a cool view of the big steel tanks where beer is brewed. Everything on tap at North Laine is delicious, from the Saison du Pier to the Mangolicious Pale Ale, and North Laine even dry hops their own gin, which they use to make delicious concoctions. They serve food too, all made, cured, marinated, and smoked from scratch and right in house.

RVG7+PP Brighton, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-12-73-68-36-66

In centuries past, the area now known as The Lanes was the epicenter of the fishing district for the historic town of Brighthelmstone. Today, the twisting, historic streets and narrow winding alleyways of this district, which butts up against the waterfront and the beach, is home to one of Brighton’s most vibrant shopping and dining districts. In this maze of streets, visitors will find shops and boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, art, knick knacks, vinyl records, high-end antiques, and more. Just a few steps away from this incredibly diverse heart of the Lanes, visitors will find delicious restaurants, upstairs tea rooms, and historic pubs.

At The Seafront of Brighton and Hove, guests can stroll along the promenade as they take in the refreshing sea air and enjoy feeling the breeze as they look out over the water. During the summer, you can join the crowds of sunbathers and merrymakers who relax on the beach or splash in the water, or try out a new sport on the beach or in the water, such as volleyball, sailing, kite sailing, or cycling. At all times of year, the seafront is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal with a view or go shopping along the promenade, which is lined with patios and big picture windows where guests can still catch a glimpse of the sea as they browse the shops or enjoy a drink.

The Brighton Palace Pier, or just the Brighton Pier as it is more commonly known, is an iconic landmark of the seaside resort that is Brighton. Historically, this pier was built in 1899, but there has been a pier in this location since 1823. In the 19th century, the pier was full of booths where fortune tellers, silhouette artists, and palm readers, as well as even more kiosks where guests could buy candy and treats. Today, visitors to the pier can enjoy dazzling fireworks displays, live music, carnivals, and seasonal events and festivals, as well as year-round entertainment and fun like restaurants, souvenir shops, and more.

Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TW, UK, Phone: +44-12-73-60-93-61

With the coastal beaches lined with chalky cliffs, and its historic city centre, Brighton is a beautiful place, and there’s no better way to see it than from above. The British Airways i360 is an observation tower that brings visitors up 162 meters in the air inside a round, glass, domed bubble. As it slowly rises to the top of the spire, visitors will have the opportunity to get a 360 degree view of Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area. You may spot rooftop artwork, windmills, and city landmarks that you may already have visited. There is even a bar on board—the Nyetimber Sky Bar—so you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail, beer, or other beverage as you look out over the city.

Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN, UK

Families traveling with children, or all-ages visitors looking for educational fun will love SeaLife Centre, which opened in 1872 and is the oldest still-operating aquarium in the world. The high vaulted ceilings and original Victorian architecture are lit up in bright colors, welcoming guests into the halls and arcades of the aquarium, where they will find sharks, sea turtles, seahorses, anemones, sting rays, and more. The ocean tunnel allows guest to walk right underneath some incredible sea life as it swims above, and there are several talks and feeding times each day throughout the course of the day so guests can learn about various types of sea life. There’s even a rock pool touch tank, where visitors can touch sea life like starfish and anemones.

Marine Parade, Sussex, Brighton BN2 1TB, UK, Phone: +44-87-12-26-67-70