2 Days in Brighton, England - Best Itinerary for a Weekend in Brighton

Today I want to bring you my itinerary for spending 2 days in Brighton, England. Just an hour south of London, this city on the south coast in East Sussex is known for its pleasure pier, Royal Pavilion, shopping, and nightlife scene. Add to that beaches and water activities, and Brighton is a great place to spend a couple days.

2 Days in Brighton

I’m here for work, but given I’ve brought a friend, it feels more like a girls’ weekend in Brighton. We arrive by train from London on Saturday morning, and we’re lucky with gorgeous weather and lots of sunshine. Our 2 days in Brighton begin on a high note.

Where to Stay in Brighton

We walk down the hill from the train station to the waterfront and check into our hotel, the Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa. It’s right on Brighton Beach, and it has everything from rooms with sea views to a subterranean spa with all the amenities.

There’s a restaurant with stylish decor and outdoor tables overlooking the English Channel, and the staff is warm and welcoming. It’s a great base for a weekend in Brighton, and we’re excited to be here.

Things to Do in 2 Days in Brighton

We get settled into the Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa, then start our 2 days in Brighton with some exploration.

Brighton Beach

Given we’re right on Brighton Beach, we head to the waterfront first. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Brighton, after all.

Walking along the path behind the pebbles, we take in everything from beachfront restaurants to art galleries tucked into arches. In front of us are Brighton’s classic blue-and-white striped beach chairs, and above us is the promenade that runs along the water.

Brighton Pier

Soon we arrive at Brighton Pier, one of the city’s main landmarks. Walking out to the end, we discover everything from arcades to funfair rides and fish-and-chip shops. It’s a classic English seaside scene, and the views of the city are spectacular.

North Laine

From the pier we continue the first of our 2 days in Brighton by walking up to North Laine.

This bohemian area is packed with narrow pedestrianized streets lined with colorful shops, restaurants, and cafes. Street art abounds, and Brighton’s alternative character shines through.

We spend the early afternoon shopping, then stop for fish and chips when we get hungry. We can’t help chasing it up with rainbow cake at a bakery on Kensington Gardens, one of the main streets in North Laine.

After lunch we shop some more, taking in vintage record shops, home goods stores, and jewelry places with stands set up in the street. It’s buzzing today, and the atmosphere is as appealing as the goods for sale.

Royal Pavilion

In the afternoon, the first of our 2 days in Brighton continues as we head to the Royal Pavilion. Also called the Brighton Pavilion, it shows off the best of royal Brighton.

This lavish 18th-century pleasure palace was created by George IV when he was Prince of Wales. Designed as a seaside retreat, the exterior looks like an English interpretation of a Mughal palace. It’s wild.

But it’s the inside that really awes. The interiors feature all things Eastern, with Chinoiserie taking center stage. From porcelain vases and faux-bamboo railings to giant dragons holding up chandeliers, it’s one of the most opulent palaces I’ve ever seen.

We tour the interior, learning about the history of the palace and George’s hedonistic lifestyle as we grow inspired by the bright silk wallpaper, stunning dining room, and artistic flourishes throughout.

Afterwards we stroll through the Royal Pavilion Garden. Designed by prominent Georgian architect John Nash, it’s one of the few fully-restored Regency gardens in the United Kingdom.

As we meander, we spot everything from seasonal blooms to an open-air cafe and the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

Brighton i360

Soon sunset comes and our 2 days in Brighton continue as we hop on the Brighton i360. A focal point on the seaside, it’s the city’s answer to the London Eye.

I’d been on it during a day trip to Brighton when it first opened, and I’m excited to board the giant doughnut-shaped capsule and ride it to the top for views of the city and across the English Channel.

Local sparkling wine in one hand and camera in the other, I set about capturing the views. It’s beautiful to be here as the sun goes down, and I love seeing the sea under soft orange light.

Dinner in Brighton

After sunset, the first of our 2 days in Brighton ends with dinner in The Lanes. This area near the waterfront is full of narrow passageways lined with antique jewelry shops, cafes, and pubs.

Living like locals, we go to a vegan restaurant and tuck into burgers. They’re the perfect way to end what’s been a busy day in the city.

Spa in Brighton

After a good night’s sleep at the Brighton Harbour Hotel, we can’t help starting the second of our 2 days in Brighton with a trip to the spa.

Donning robes and slippers, we head down for an early spa morning and find we have the whole place to ourselves. We take a dip in the two pools, work our way over to the hot tubs, and enjoy the sauna and steam room. It’s a great way to start the day.

The Lanes

Heading back upstairs, we enjoy eggs Benedict for breakfast at the hotel restaurant before going back to explore The Lanes.

It’s sunny again, and we window shop at the jewelry stores, take in the larger-than-life street art murals, and stop for tea at one of the many cafes in the area.