Brighton's nightlife can very roughly be divided into three geographical areas - the seafront, the Lanes and North Laine areas, where there is more variety and most clubs and bars appeal to a larger audience, and Kemp Town, which is also very diverse but with a stronger fringe touch and sense of bohemian abandon.

Koba Bar, 135 Western Road; The Dorset, 28 North Road; and Brighton Rocks, 6 Rock Place, in Kemp Town are all recommended.

Of Brighton's clubs, Concorde 2, Madeira Drive (www.concorde2.co.uk), is a famous music and dance club; Ocean Rooms, 1 Morley Street (www.oceanrooms.co.uk), is a stylish nightclub with action on three floors; and Audio, 10 Marine Parade (www.audiobrighton.com), is a trendy, sophisticated club with regular gigs in an intimate environment.

Live music venues include The Old Market, Upper Market Street (www.theoldmarket.co.uk), good for folk music. Both Komedia, 44 Gardner Street (www.komedia.co.uk) and the Brighton Dome, Church Street (www.brighton-dome.org.uk) are great venues for a wide range of musical styles and genres.