Many people would regard Brighton as a second London and it has earned the nickname ‘London by the Sea’ for this reason. The city has a very bohemian vibe and would be considered the UK’s gay hub.

Brighton is easily accessible from London with trains taking as little as an hour from the city centre; this makes it very convenient for those flying from any of London’s main airports. You may want to avoid driving to Brighton as the city is very congested and parking in the city center can be expensive. If you’re arriving from London by train, one of the best budget hotels in Brighton, the Premier Inn, is just a five-minute walk from the train station.

There are excellent bus services operating in and around the city, so if you choose to stay in one of Brighton’s cheaper hotels, which are located on the outskirts, you can easily reach the center by public transport. If you plan to travel around the city, it’s worth buying a day pass for the bus for £3.60.

Possibly Brighton’s most famous landmark is the pier, also known as Palace Pier, where all the usual waterfront attractions and arcades are located. If you’re visiting Brighton in the summer (the time of year when the city is at its best), it’s worth spending time on Brighton’s shingle beach, where watching the sunset is particularly magnificent.

The Royal Pavilion, once a royal palace, is located close to the city center and is easily accessible from all central Brighton hotels. This attraction is an amalgamation of different cultural styles including Indian and Chinese, it is well worth a visit and the guided tour is certainly worth it.

Brighton hosts numerous festivals each year and they are worth investigating, even for those who are not interested in them, as around these dates the budget hotels in Brighton will fill up quite quickly. Remember to book in advance.

Shopping in Brighton is quite different from other UK cities as there are fewer chain stores and more individual boutiques to explore. ‘The Lanes’ shopping district is famous for its unique and interesting shops. Browsing these little shops is a great way to find unique gifts, both for others and for yourself. Shopping is one of the many reasons people come back to Brighton.

Social drinking is very popular in the city and you would be hard pressed to find a street without a pub. Spending an afternoon in and out of the Hanover area pubs can be a great way to pass the time and it’s only a fifteen minute walk to the city centre. As a seaside town, seafood is part of the local restaurant scene, but if seafood isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of excellent chain restaurants throughout Britain.