The city of Brighton and Hove is one of England's most exciting seaside destinations. Renowned for its cosmopolitan characters, diverse (and sometimes dizzying) entertainment venues and unsurpassed nightlife, local and international tourists flock to this city at every chance they get, be it for a long weekend or a summer vacation, and Brighton remains one of the most popular day trip destinations from London for foreign visitors. Brighton and Hove's modern atmosphere is strongly contrasted by some of its older Regency and Victorian architecture. The charming village lanes are home to numerous cafés, antique shops and jewellery stores, while not far away, the Palace Pier stretches out over the lapping waves of the sea, the lights and music from its funfair and amusement arcades luring vast, raucous crowds. During the summer, the pebbled Brighton Beach (surprisingly comfortable!) and its waterfront bars and clubs become a vibrant 'anything goes' zone, with locals and vacationers alike throwing all caution to the wind and revelling in the laid-back, summery atmosphere.