A guide book has revealed what Brightonians have known for years – the city is one of the top highlights in the country.

The Rough Guide to Great Britain 2012 puts the city as the second best place to visit, with only the Gower Peninsula in Wales above it.

The latest edition of the guide describes Brighton’s appeal as “faintly bohemian vitality, a buzz that comes from a mix of English holiday-makers, foreign-language students, a thriving gay community and an energetic local student population from the art college and two universities”.

The news comes at an opportune time, with the city’s tourism bosses hoping to cash in on the huge influx of people during the Olympics this summer.

Adam Bates, from Visit Brighton, said: “I am not surprised.

“All the things they have mentioned are real and valid reasons.

“We are in festival season and there are a huge range of fantastic events too.

“It is not just one thing but different events and activities taking place every day of the week and keeps us fresh.

“The Olympics is a real opportunity to showcase the city to other parts of the world.”

Draw for tourists

Mr Bates said the city needed to keep changing and evolving to continue being a draw for tourists.

Claire Ottewell, of Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance, was delighted the Rough Guide has recognised what Brighton had to offer.

She said: “This is terribly good news. Any positive publicity that we can get, especially in relation to the Olympics, to draw visitors to our city is brilliant.

“I could not be more pleased.

“With London being the centre for 2012 it is good to see other destinations, the jewels in Britain’s crown, being polished.

“Brighton has a lot to offer and we need to appeal to the developing markets such as Brazil and China. We are only a stone’s throw away from London.”

Sussex was also revealed as the UK’s top spot for sunshine in a national newspaper while OscarUK, a concessions site for over-50s, put Brighton as fifth in its members’ choice of city break destinations.

Brighton’s highlights according to the Rough Guide:

The Royal Pavilion – “Brighton’s exotic extravaganza” is “an extraordinary confection of slender minarets, twirling domes, pagodas, balconies and miscellaneous motifs.”

The Palace Pier – “every inch devoted to cacophonous fun”.

The Lanes – “Long-established antique shops, designer outlets and several bars, pubs and restaurants generate a lively and intimate atmosphere in this part of town.”

North Laine – “Here the eclectic shops, selling second-hand records, clothes, bric-a-brac and New Age objects, mingle with earthy coffee shops and funky cafés.”

What is your city highlight?