Did you know what many people simply call "The Lanes" is actually two distinct neighbourhoods - The Lanes and North Laine?

Most visitors don't realise there's a difference. The North Laine begins just below Brighton Station, with Trafalgar Street marking its northern edge, and stretches down to North Street, where it meets The Lanes.

It's where many visitors naturally gravitate after arriving in Brighton. But with hundreds of independent businesses packed into a relatively small neighbourhood, it's easy to spend a day here and still miss some of its best bits.

Originally built around the railway during the Victorian era, the North Laine was saved from large-scale redevelopment in the 1970s after local planning officer Ken Fines successfully fought to protect it. The independent neighbourhood you see today exists because someone decided it was worth preserving.

Here's how we'd spend the day, from speciality coffee and bakeries to record shops, wine bars and some of the city's best places to eat.

Start with coffee!

You're not short of good coffee in North Laine, but if we were only picking a handful, we'd start with 33, Bread & Milk, Dandy, Loam, Bee May Bakery, Bond Street and Triple Point.

If you're arriving by train, 33 and Bread & Milk are ideal first stops. Both sit on Trafalgar Street, so you can grab a coffee almost as soon as you've stepped out of Brighton Station before wandering further into the neighbourhood.

A little further into the North Laine, Dandy and Loam are both worth seeking out. Dandy serves coffee by day before transforming into a cocktail bar in the evening, while Loam rotates its speciality coffee beans regularly, making it a favourite for anyone who enjoys trying something different.

Bond Street Coffee's constantly changing single-origin menu is a draw in itself, while its dedicated filter coffee offering makes it a favourite for speciality coffee enthusiasts.

For something sweet, Bee May Bakery on Gloucester Road specialises in vegan cakes and pastries, all made with organic ingredients.

Triple Point, meanwhile, partners with local roaster Skylark Coffee, making it a great choice if you'd like to try coffee roasted a little closer to home.

Looking for breakfast?

For a proper café breakfast, we'd head to North Laine Café, a neighbourhood favourite that's been feeding locals for years, or The Garden Café, a relaxed spot for everything from full English breakfasts to avocado on toast.

If brunch is the main event, Mange Tout is well worth making time for. As a restaurant, it offers a seasonal menu alongside a full drinks list.

Prefer to eat on the move? The Flour Pot is ideal for a bacon bap, pastry or sandwich before carrying on through North Laine.

A wander through the shops

Half the fun of North Laine is wandering.

If vintage is your thing, Menace, Good As Gold and Modfather are all worth a look.

For homeware and gifts, we'd head to Dowse and Hold.

If you're looking to take a bit of greenery home, Between Two Thorns is Brighton's go-to plant shop, filled with everything from easy-care houseplants to statement indoor trees.

Fold is well worth a browse, bringing together a carefully considered mix of independent brands and in-house items.

For something a little bolder, Blackout has been a North Laine institution for decades, known for its alternative homeware, gifting and unmistakable Brighton character.

Records, books & browsing

With a strong record shop culture, whether you're hunting for a rare pressing or simply picking up something new, these are the places we'd head.

Resident remains one of the UK's best-known independent record shops, with an excellent mix of new releases, classics and regular in-store events.

Mr Bongo is a destination in its own right, specialising in jazz, Brazilian, Latin, African and world music. If you're looking to discover records you simply won't find anywhere else, this is where we'd start.

Dream Street Records celebrates queer artists, icons and underground culture alongside a carefully curated selection of new and second-hand vinyl.

When it comes to books, we'd pop into both Books for Amnesty and The Last Bookshop.

Where to go for lunch & dinner

By now you've probably worked up an appetite. We've got options whether you're after a quick sandwich between shops or somewhere to settle in.

Head to Earls for one of Brighton's best sandwiches (bánh mì), Jack's for a pizza by the slice, or Blue Man if you've got a little longer. Blue Man’s Moroccan-inspired menu is best enjoyed out on the terrace with a cocktail in hand.

The Pond is a great choice for casual dining, known for its steamed bao buns, Asian-inspired street food and excellent beer selection.

Namo serves authentic Thai food from its residency inside The Eagle pub, making it an easy choice if you're after great pub atmosphere and seriously good food.

If you're staying into the evening, these are the places worth booking ahead.

For pizza we'd head to Tony's, a relative newcomer that's quickly built a cult following. VOYA is our go-to for small plates, house cocktails and natural wine, all served with some of the warmest hospitality in the city, while resident DJs provide the soundtrack.

If you're celebrating something, FURNA offers one of Brighton's most exciting tasting menus.

Where to drink

Starting with The Basketmakers Arms, a North Laine institution and one of Brighton's best-loved pubs. Before you order a pint, look at the walls and ceilings. They're lined with old tins, all carrying handwritten messages left by previous visitors.

The Prince Albert is one of Brighton's most iconic pubs, instantly recognisable by the large Banksy mural on its exterior. With live music several nights a week, it's long been one of the city's best-loved grassroots music venues. The Earth & Stars is another local favourite. Tucked away on Windsor Street, it's well worth seeking out for its rotating beer list and events.

For whisky lovers, these two Trafalgar Street spots make a natural pairing. The Great Eastern is known for its impressive whisky selection, vinyl nights and laid-back atmosphere, while neighbouring Cut Your Wolf Loose has become Brighton's go-to whisky bar, with an impressive back bar and cocktail list.

Vine Street Tap is tucked away in a converted garage just off the main streets, serving a great selection of craft beer, natural wine and cocktails. On warmer days, the crowd spills out onto the pavement.

If natural wine is your thing, Patio has a distinctly East London feel, pairing natural wine with vinyl nights and guest chef takeovers.

We hope this gives you a good place to start. If we've missed one of your favourites, let us know - we're always keen to hear what people are loving.