North Laine

This bohemian quarter north of the railway station contains over 400 independent shops, cafes, and vintage stores spread across six streets. Once a cabbage field, the area developed in the 1960s as Brighton's alternative cultural centre with record shops, alternative fashion, and organic cafes. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Brighton, especially paired with nearby The Lanes. Tickets cost Free to browse, items £2-£200+ and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: experience brighton's alternative culture with Skip if: You prefer chain stores, luxury brands, or conventional shopping experiences Cost: Free to browse, items £2-£200+

Walk in without a plan and browse. The stalls closest to the entrance are the most tourist-facing - the better finds tend to be deeper in. Talk to the stallholders if something catches your eye.

Accessibility: Most shops at street level but some vintage stores have narrow aisles

Experience Brighton's alternative culture with independent shops, vintage finds, and bohemian atmosphere. It is not the first thing you should see in Brighton, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with The Lanes - together they fill a solid half-day. Afternoon tends to work best here.

Skip if: You prefer chain stores, luxury brands, or conventional shopping experiences

• Sydney Street has the best vintage clothing concentration.
• Many shops sell handmade local crafts perfect for unique souvenirs.
• Gardner Street contains excellent vegetarian and vegan cafes.

Insider tip: Resident Records on Kensington Gardens stocks rare vinyl and hosts in-store performances by touring musicians

Colourful street art and quirky shop fronts provide excellent subjects for urban photography