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Tyne Bridge and The Sage

Newcastle upon Tyne is a port city in the North East of England. It has a population of 250,000 but including the surrounding urban area its population is almost 1 million. It has among the best nightlife in all of Britain, and has a distinct Geordie vernacular.

Understand

Newcastle is a lively and diverse city, known for its nightlife, art, music and sports. Compact, attractive and friendly, it is one of England's core cities and is a centre of culture, architecture and business. Newcastle is a starting point for tours of the Northumberland coast and Hadrian's Wall. The city is also home to the Geordie culture, with a rich heritage of folk music and dance and its own dialect.

History

Newcastle was founded around 2,000 years ago as a Roman fort called Pons Aelius along Hadrian's Wall, a ruin of which remains at Segedunum, a short walk from Wallsend Metro station. The city developed into an important port and was at the centre of the Industrial Revolution during the 18th and 19th centuries. As heavy industry declined, Newcastle's fortunes took a dip. The city has now re-invented itself as a cultural centre and Science City, and is possibly one of the trendiest places in the UK.

Climate

temp
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       56     6 1       39     7 1       51     9 2       52     11 3       50     15 6       55     17 9       45     20 11       61     20 11       58     17 9       57     13 6       62     9 3       59     7 2 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm See the 5 day forecast for Newcastle at the Met Office
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       2.2     43 34       1.5     45 34       2     48 36       2     52 37       2     59 43       2.2     63 48       1.8     68 52       2.4     68 52       2.3     63 48       2.2     55 43       2.4     48 37       2.3     45 36 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Tourist information

All tourist information centres have been closed down, and tourists are requested to do research online instead. It's a good thing you found Wikivoyage!

There is a tourist information kiosk near the check-in hall at Newcastle Airport.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Newcastle International Airport (NCL ^IATA) (10 km (6.2 mi) north-west of the city). Flights are available to the interchange hubs of Heathrow-British Airways, Stansted-FlyBe, Amsterdam-KLM and EasyJet, Paris-Air France/CityJet, Dubai-Emirates and a lesser extent Brussels-Brussels Airlines/FlyBe and Copenhagen-SAS. There are domestic services operated by FlyBe, easyJet and Eastern, as well as low-cost carrier flights to Ireland and many European cities such as Nice, Barcelona and Rome.  

Travel options into the city centre include:

• Most travellers find that the Tyne and Wear Metro is the best all-round option for getting to the city centre. The journey from the Airport station to the city centre (Haymarket, Monument or Central station) takes about 20-25 minutes and costs £3.40. There is a metro every 12-15 minutes. The first metro leaving the airport is at 05:37 (M-F), 05:42 (Sa) and 06:29 (Su). The last metro leaving the airport to the city centre is at 23:12 (daily). The first metro leaving Central station (city centre) to the airport is at 05:58 (M-F), 06:19 (Sa) and 06:43 (Su). The last metro leaving from Central station (city centre) to the airport is at 23:29 (daily). The interior of the metro is not wide. If you have big luggage, it may barely squeeze through the aisle on the metro. Your luggage is probably ok if it protrude slightly into the aisle on the first 6 stops heading into the city due to low ridership in this area, but once you get to South Gosforth station and beyond, you may find that your luggage is blocking the way of many passengers.
• Bus services are operated by Stagecoach between the airport and the city centre, but the metro offers a much better service if running.
• Taxis are readily available outside the airport and it costs about £15 to get to the city centre.
• By car the distance to the city centre is 9.7 km (6.0 mi) and takes up to half an hour to get in. There are several car rental firms with offices in the airport terminal building, although you'll generally pay a premium over city rates. See "By car" for car rental listings.

By train

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in the United Kingdom

Newcastle is served by three long-distance rail operators:

• LNER trains frequently connect Newcastle with London, Edinburgh and principal destinations between (including York, Doncaster and Peterborough). Some services extend on to Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.

• Cross Country Trains run every 30 minutes from Newcastle to Birmingham via Leeds/Doncaster, Sheffield and the East Midlands. Some services extend on to Reading and the South Coast, or through Bristol to South Wales or South West England. Cross Country also run north of Newcastle to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

• Transpennine Express runs direct services from Newcastle to Leeds, Manchester and Manchester Airport.

The local rail network is operated by Northern Rail, with relatively frequent services to destinations such as Carlisle, Middlesbrough, Hexham and Morpeth.

Newcastle Central Station is also served by the Tyne and Wear Metro system, for frequent services into the Newcastle suburbs, and other destinations in Tyne and Wear.

In the UK, tickets can be bought on the day at the station using cash or debit/credit card, but it is invariably cheaper to book in advance. Times and fares information is available from National Rail, +44 8457 484950, or the station booking office.

By car

Newcastle upon Tyne is well signposted from the north, south and west. The city lies at the joining of the A1 (the main East Coast route from London to Edinburgh) and the A69 (a major east-west route to Carlisle and the M6). The A1 bypasses the city to the west.

There are a number of 'park-and-ride' National Park and Ride Directory points around the city to avoid the hassle of parking in the city centre. From these points, the Metro or bus will take you into the city for between £1 and £3. Otherwise, there are over 10,000 spaces in the city centre, though for stays of more than a few hours this may prove expensive. Generally, parking in the city centre costs between £1 and £2 per hour, while parking about 10 minutes walk from the centre will set you back about £0.50 per hour.

• Alamo Rent A Car, Newcastle Airport, Woolsington (Arrivals Hall), ☏ +61 24 965-0162. M-F 7:30AM-11PM, Sa 9AM 10PM, Su 9AM 1PM. 

• Avis, 7 George Street, Newcastle, NE4 7JL, ☏ +44 870 6086350. M-F 8AM-6PM, Sa 8AM-1PM, closed Sunday. Avis car rentals are also available at the Newcastle airport 

• National, 90 Westmoreland Road, Newcastle, NE1 4DZ, ☏ +44 191 219-9102. M-F 8AM-6PM, Sa 8AM-1PM, closed Sunday. National car rental is also available at the Newcastle airport 

By bus

Newcastle Coach Station is at the southern end of St James' Boulevard, near the Centre for Life and is just a short walk from the centre of town. National Express is the main intercity operator, offering regular services to several UK towns and cities. Most National Express tickets include free travel on the Metro system [1], but check this before you board the Metro.

• Megabus, +44 (0)900 1600900 (premium rate).
• National Express, +44 (0)8705 808080.

By boat

North Shields, 7 miles east of the city centre, has a daily ferry service to Amsterdam in Holland. Special buses run from the Central Station to the ferry terminal and are charged at £3.50 (one way). Much cheaper are local stopping buses to the Royal Quays shopping outlet down the road or the Metro (15 min walk to Meadow Well station).

Taxis are available from outside the Ferry Terminal operated by BlueLine Taxis and EastCoast Taxis. A taxi from the Terminal direct into Newcastle city centre is £11.50 for up to 4 passengers.

Get around

Chained up near Newcastle Civic Centre.

By bicycle

Newcastle is a reasonably cycle-friendly city. There are a number of places to lock a bike up in the city centre and cycle lanes exist (though these are often shared with buses or taxis). A few Metro stations also provide secure storage for bicycles, but note that only fold-away bicycles are permitted on Metro trains. Unless you're touring the UK on pedal power, the best use for a bike is to explore the Quayside, Ouseburn and Jesmond Dene areas, travel to out-of-town attractions or head off to more distant places such as Whitley Bay and Seaton Sluice on the coast.

The Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 1 (East Coast) passes through Newcastle from the North to the South.

Bicycle hire:

• Tyne Cycles, 19-20 Rudyerd St, North Shields, NE29 6RR, ☏ +44 191 256-2266, tynecycles@aol.com. 

• HUB (also "The Cycle Hub"), Ouseburn, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE61BU (Directly on the left (Eastern) bank of the Ouseburn where it flows into the Tyne), ☏ +44 191 276-7250, enquiries@thecyclehub.org. M-F 9 to 5; Sat&Sun 10 to 5. A full-service place with a cafe, a shop, a workshop, and a hire with quite a lot of bikes. Definitely expensive, but very good and friendly service: You are really looked after well. half day: ₤15, full day: ₤25. 

• sportsrecycler, 307-312 South Shields Business Works, Henry Robson Way, South Shields, NE33 1RF (roughly opposite Tynemouth), ☏ +44 191 427-4615, trish@sportsrecycler.co.uk. M Tu F & Sa 10:30AM-3PM. A not-for-profit, community-oriented place which is focused on recycling bikes, but also does bicycle hire. It has not been tested by me (the person who made the entry: I arrived in Newcastle on a Wednesday), but sounds friendly and interesting and, likely, more affordable. The website is rather minimalistic, so calling them might be the best option. 

By bus

City Centre

Quaylink services run every few minutes between the city centre and the Newcastle/Gateshead quayside. Single fares are 80p and the distinctive yellow livery makes the service easy to recognise.

Suburbs

There are 2 bus stations in the city, Haymarket with services to the north of the city and Northumberland. Eldon Square Bus Station mainly serves Gateshead, County Durham and Teeside. An extensive and efficient network of bus routes radiate out of Newcastle into the surrounding towns and suburbs. Though the services are operated by several different operators they are coordinated by Nexus, Tyne and Wear's transport authority. Maps and timetables can be found on the Nexus website, though it may be easier to use a personalised journey planner such as Traveline.

Bus operators include:

• Arriva North East, 21 Bridge St, Blyth, ☏ +44 167 036-3300. 
• Classic Coaches, ☏ +44 1207 282288. 
• Go North East, 117 Queen St, Gateshead, ☏ +44 1207 282288. 
• Northumbria Coaches, ☏ +44 1670 520577. 
• Stagecoach Newcastle, Shields Road, Walkergate, ☏ +44 871 200 22 33. 

The participating bus operators for the Plusbus ticket are: Stagecoach, Go-North East and Arriva.

By foot

Newcastle city centre is relatively compact and is therefore easy to navigate on foot. Many areas are pedestrianised. Being on the banks of the River Tyne, some areas slope quite steeply. Buses and taxis are fairly cheap and plentiful should this pose a problem.

Newcastle and Gateshead walking directions can be planned online with walkit.com walking route planner.

By metro

The Tyne & Wear Metro is a fast, safe and reasonably cheap way of getting around the city and also to outlying suburbs and surrounding towns including Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, North and South Shields, Sunderland and Newcastle International Airport.

There are two lines: the Green Line runs from Newcastle Airport to South Hylton (in Sunderland) and the Yellow Line runs from St James Park to South Shields via a lengthy loop via the coastal towns of North Shields, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. Note that the east-west and north-south sections of the Yellow Line cross at Monument Station, so if, for example, you are travelling from St James Park to South Shields, it is much quicker to transfer to the southbound Yellow Line at Monument rather than riding along the entire route. The Green Line shares tracks with the Yellow Line for the majority of the section through central Newcastle and Gateshead.

Services run approximately every 6–10 minutes between 6AM and 11PM. Single tickets range from £1.80 to £3.40 depending on the distance travelled, return fares and day passes are also available. The DaySaver allows for unlimited travel on one day and costs £2.70 (one zone), £3.70 (two zones) and £4.60 (all zones). Some ticket machines only accept coins (10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2) although change is given; most stations have been fitted with new ticket machines that accept notes and credit/debit cards. Although there are no ticket barriers at many stations and hopping (riding without paying) is widespread, it is advisable to keep your ticket handy as trains and stations are patrolled by ticket inspectors. Major stations have automatic ticket gates, but these may be left open at quiet times.

Smoking is banned on the entire system, including open-air stations. However, this rule is often overlooked and it's not uncommon to see people smoking on the trains, particularly late at night, despite the CCTV surveillance cameras.

The Plusbus ticket is not valid on the Metro.

By train

Regional rail services are regular and offer quicker access to nearby towns such as Durham, Sunderland, Hexham and Corbridge. Details are available from National Rail Enquiries or Northern Rail.

See

North East England has established a reputation as one of the most beautiful regions in Britain. And Newcastle is becoming more and more of a popular tourist destination thanks to regeneration within the city and also its close proximity to areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the Northumberland coastline and the Pennine hills.

The Central Arcade.

• The River Tyne is a short walk from the station, and has a pedestrian quayside path on the north side reminiscent of the Queen's Walk in London. There are also city walks along the river, running from May to November. Information can be found at the Tourist Information Centre, near the Monument Metro station.

• The Jesmond Dene is an artificial park around the Ouseburn river, somewhat east of the city centre. It was laid out by captain of industry and inventor Lord Armstrong in the 19th century and later donated to the people of Newcastle. Although funding for its maintenance does not seem to be available in abundance, it truly deserves its designation as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Probably the best place to go if you want to escape from the city and relax, weather permitting.

• 1 Tyne Bridge. A good example of a compression arch suspended-deck bridge famous the world over.  

• 2 Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Acclaimed worldwide for its physical and aesthetic beauty. Tilting times are announced regularly at the Gateshead Council web site.  

• 3 Newcastle Castle, The Black Gate, Castle Garth, ☏ +44 191 230-6300. Daily 10AM-5PM (last admission 4:15PM). Remains of the Castle Keep and the surrounding castle garth, the "new castle" of the city's name. Parts of it were built by Henry II between 1168-1178. The original castle was built by the brother of William the Conqueror in 1067. Some of the outer walls were removed to allow the railway through in the 19th century. Adults £6.50, concessions (students/seniors/unwaged) £5.50, children (5+ years) £3.90. (updated Apr 2015)

• 4 Central Arcade, Grainger Street. A beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade, which houses the Tourist Information Bureau and Windows of the Arcade, one of Newcastle's oldest music shops.  

• 5 Grainger Town. The beautiful and historic heart of the city. Based around classical streets built by Richard Grainger between 1835 and 1842, some of Newcastle upon Tyne's finest buildings and streets lie within the Grainger Town area of the City centre including Grainger Market, Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Grainger Street and Clayton Street. Grey Street was voted as England's finest street in 2005 in a survey of BBC Radio 4 listeners.  

• 6 Grey's Monument (At the Monument Metro station). At the heart of Grainger Town is a Grade I listed monument to Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey built in 1838. The wide base of the monument is a popular spot for people-watching, and often acts as a venue for buskers (most notably Apu with their Andean music), religious speakers and political activists/protesters. These days, unfortunately, people tend to crowd around the monument so much it is nigh impossible to view the plaques.  

• 7 St Nicholas Cathedral (Corner of Mosley Street and St Nicholas Street), ☏ +44 191 232-1939. Su-F 7:30AM-6PM; Sa & Bank Holidays 8AM-4PM. Worth visiting during opening hours. The seat of the Bishop of Newcastle. Free (suggested donation £5 for adults). (updated Apr 2015)

St. Nicholas Cathedral Chancel

• 8 Chinatown. Walk around Newcastle's Chinatown centred on Stowell Street in the city centre, it contains many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants and shops, and has its own Chinese arch.  

Galleries & museums

Vases by Jon Lewis on display at the Biscuit Factory.

• 9 University Gallery and Baring Wing, Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle, NE1 8ST, ☏ +44 191 227-4424, universitygallery@northumbria.ac.uk. M-Th 10AM-5PM; Fr Sa 10AM-4PM; Su Bank Holidays and during exhibition changes closed. The gallery was established in 1977 as a teaching gallery and Northumbria University’s link between town and gown, the University Gallery’s policy is to present exhibitions by artists of national and international distinction, as well as less established but promising artists. Admission is free. (updated Apr 2015)

• 10 Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Contains fossils, mummies, stuffed animals and information about the history of the local area. Close to Newcastle University campus, near Haymarket metro station. Free, and a must. Free.  

• 11 BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead (Right at the Gateshead Millenium Bridge, south side of the river), ☏ +44 191 478-1810, info@balticmill.com. Daily 10AM-6PM (except Tu 10:30AM-6PM); last admission 15 minutes before closing time. Constantly changing modern art exhibits are the hallmark of this gallery, on the banks of the River Tyne in one of Newcastle's landmark industrial buildings. Admission is free.  

• 12 Seven Stories (National Centre for Children's Books), 30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, NE1 2PQ (About 10 min walk east of Manor Metro), ☏ +44 845 271 0777 ext 715, info@sevenstories.org.uk. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su & Bank Holidays 10AM-4PM.. Seven Stories is the first gallery and archive in the UK wholly dedicated to the art of children's books. Step inside and discover how books spark creativity and imagination with exhibitions and special events for all ages. £7.70.  

• 13 The Biscuit Factory, Stoddart St, ☏ +44 191 261-1103, art@thebiscuitfactory.com. Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM; M and Su 11AM-5PM. Britain's biggest original art store is 35,000 square feet with two floors of exhibition space and artist's studios. The commercial gallery sells paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and glass by contemporary artists hailing from all over the world. Admission is free.  

• 14 The Hatton Gallery, The Quadrangle, Newcastle University, ☏ +44 191 222-6059. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. An art gallery on the campus of Newcastle University that was founded in 1925. The gallery was redeveloped in 2017. Admission is free.  

• 15 Centre For Life, Times Square, ☏ +44 191 243-8210. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM. This 'science city' in the centre of Newcastle has interactive exhibits that kids of all ages will likely enjoy. The facility houses a state of the art research facility, the Life Science Centre, where its scientists are the first people in Europe - and only the second in the world - to get a licence for stem cell research on human embryos. There is also an interactive museum that looks at DNA, the human body and the origins of life, as well as a visitors centre. Admission prices depend on your age, whether you are a UK tax payer and if you want to make a charitable donation.  

• 16 Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, NE1 4JA (Near Newcastle Central Station). M-F 10AM- 4PM, Sa Su 11AM-4PM. Science and engineering museum including Turbinia designed by Sir Charles Parsons in 1894, the world's first ship powered by steam turbines and at the time the fastest ship in the world, reaching speeds of up to 34.5 knots. Free.  

• 17 Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge St, NE1 8AG, ☏ +44 191 278 1611. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 2PM-5PM. Traditional art gallery opened in 1901, with a notable collection of British paintings. Don't be put off by the nearby motorway. Free, charges for special exhibitions.. (updated Nov 2016)

• 18 Side Gallery, 5 & 9 Side, NE1 3JE. Tu-Su 11AM-5PM. Documentary photography gallery. Reopened in 2016 following refurbishment. free. (updated Oct 2016)

Further afield

• 19 Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum, Buddle Street, Wallsend, ☏ +44 191 278-4217. Apr-May: daily 10AM-4:30PM; June-Aug: daily 10AM-5PM; Sep-Nov 1: daily 10AM-4PM; Nov 2-Mar: M-F 10AM-2:30PM. The remains of the Roman fort at Segedunum, a short walk away from the Wallsend Metro stations. In fact many of the signs at the metro station have been translated into Latin, including the aptly named Vomitorium. Adults £5.95, concessions (60+ and students) £3.95. (updated Apr 2015)
• 20 Tynemouth Castle and Priory, Pier Road, Tynemouth, NE30 4BZ (Metro stop: Tynemouth; alternatively take Arriva service 306 which takes about 45 min from Haymarket Bus Station), ☏ +44 191 257-1090. Daily 10AM-5PM. The Tynemouth Castle and Priory is a fortress and religious site that is perched on a rocky headland overlooking Tynemouth Pier. The moated castle-towers, gatehouse and keep are combined with the ruins of the Benedictine priory where early kings of Northumbria were buried. adults £4.90, children £2.90, concessions £4.40.  
• 21 The Angel of the North, Gateshead (Right in between the A1 and A167 (Durham Road); take Go North East bus services 21 or 22 from Eldon Square Bus Station). A modern sculpture designed by Antony Gormley, is just a short drive from Newcastle city centre in Gateshead. It can be seen from quite a far distance (including some parts of Newcastle) whilst travelling to it, which makes it even more enjoyable to some. It is 20 metres tall. (updated Apr 2015)
• 22 Stephenson Railway Museum, Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, ☏ +44 191 200-7146. 11AM-4PM weekends and school holidays. A museum where visitors can re-live the glorious days of the steam railway. Admission is free.  
• There are remains of Hadrian's Wall, a stone and turf fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of England, in the west of the city and further out in Northumberland.

Do

A very good source of information on what is going on in and around Newcastle seems to be The Crack magazine (http://www.thecrackmagazine.com/), It is free and can be found lying around in cafes and bars.

• 1 River Cruises (River Escapes). Mar-Oct: Su; Jun-Sep: Tu Th Sa. Cruise from central Newcastle upriver to the countryside or downriver to the sea, or on a shorter Saturday cruise under the Tyne bridges. 1 hour cruise £6 - 3 hour cruise £12. (updated Nov 2016)

Theatre

The Tyne Theatre.

• 2 Theatre Royal, 100 Grey St, ☏ +44 191 244-2500, boxoffice@theatreroyal.co.uk. The theatre is an easy walk from the city centre or the train station (it is closest to the Monument station on the Metro). Opening in 1837, the Theatre Royal presents more than 380 performances a year. It is the third home (after London and Stratford-upon-Avon) of the Royal Shakespeare Company, which usually does several shows there in the autumn. 

• 3 Tyne Theatre, 117 Westgate Rd, ☏ +44 191 243 1171. This Grade 1 listed building is both beautiful and functional, with a capacity of up to 1,100. It has played host to an assortment of events from opera to theatre shows, from comedy to pantomimes, concerts to conferences. The theatre opened in 1867. (updated Aug 2017)

• 4 Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Quayside, ☏ +44 191 232-1232. This theatre focuses on producing new works by writers from and/or living in the North East of England. Live Theatre has its roots in the identity of the North East of England but creates and presents work that is both challenging, popular and of relevance to all. 

• 5 Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, ☏ +44 191 230-5151. Formally the Gulbenkian Studio Theatre. On Newcastle University's campus, it features a range of independent performances. 

• 6 People's Theatre, Stephenson Road, Heaton, ☏ +44 191 275-9875, theatremanager@peoplestheatre.co.uk. The premier amateur theatre company in the North of England and one of the largest and oldest established in the country. (In other words, really good for an amateur company.) The theatre stages up to 12 productions a year in its newly refurbished main auditorium that holds 500 seats. 

• Newcastle upon Tyne Shows Website. Listings for all of the major music and theatre shows in and around Newcastle upon Tyne. 

Music venues

The Sage Music Centre.

• 7 Sage Music Centre, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, ☏ +44 191 443-4666. Attend a concert at this contemporary venue in Gateshead, opened in 2004. It is a short walk to the other side of the Tyne. If you can't go to a concert, just go in as the building is certainly worth seeing, there are frequently informal events in its atrium, and there is an excellent cafe. The building was designed by Norman Foster.  

• 8 Metro Radio Arena, Arena Way, ☏ +44 844 493 4567. This is the largest music venue in Newcastle actering for 12,000 during concerts, situated in the south of the city centre near the Centre for Life.  

• 9 O2 Academy Newcastle, Westgate Rd, ☏ 0905 020 3999 (premium rate), boxoffice@o2academynewcastle.co.uk. A large venue featuring big-name musical acts from the UK and around the globe.  

• 10 Newcastle City Hall, Northumberland Road, ☏ +44 191 277-8030. A venue right in the heart of the city hosting concerts, comedy acts and musicals. (updated Aug 2018)

• Northumbria and Newcastle University have large venues in their unions' for mainstream and indie acts alike and attract some of the biggest names from across the UK and abroad.

• For smaller, indie gigs check out Head of Steam, The Cluny and Tyne Bar

Festivals

• 11 The Hoppings, Town Moor. every June. the largest travelling fair in Europe, taking place most years in late June, but check before travelling. (updated Apr 2018)

• The annual MELA held every August bank holiday weekend is a celebration of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine, music and art.

• The city hosts popular Chinese New Year celebrations every year.

• At Christmas the city centre has decorations, the large department store Fenwick hosts a famous window display and there is a Continental Christmas Market.

• The city hosts a summer gay pride event called Northern Pride.

Sport

• Watch football: Newcastle United play at St James Park, about half a mile north of the railway station. They play in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.

• Attend a Newcastle Falcons game (Rugby Union) at Kingston Park in the suburb of Kingston Park in the north of the city.

• Attend a Newcastle Eagles game at Northumbria University's "Sport Central" one of the country's most successful basketball teams the club achieved a "clean sweep" of trophies, including the BBL Cup, BBL Trophy and Championship "double".

• Attend a Newcastle Vipers ice hockey game at Whitley Bay Ice Rink.

• Attend a Newcastle Diamonds Speedway meeting at Brough Park Stadium in Byker in the city's east end.

• Attend a Greyhound meeting at Newcastle (Brough Park) Stadium.

• Attending a horse race at Newcastle Racecourse in the north of the city at Gosforth Park. Newcastle Racecourse attracts top jockeys and hosts the prestigious Northumberland Plate, one of the richest two-mile (3 km) handicaps in the world.

• Attend an athletics meeting at Gateshead International Stadium, just across the river from Newcastle. The multi-use stadium hosts many international league rugby matches. Many of the world's top athletes compete at Gateshead, which hosts the British Grand Prix. In 2006, Asafa Powell equalled the then world record of 9.77 seconds here.

• Attend a Gateshead Thunder rugby game at Gateshead Stadium.

• Watch cricket at Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street, 10 miles south. This is home to Durham County Cricket Club, one of the 18 "First Class Counties", the top tier of English cricket. County matches normally last 3-4 days. The stadium also frequently hosts international or "Test Matches", lasting up to five days. The stadium is 200 yards from the railway station, frequent trains take ten minutes from Newcastle.

Cinema

• Empire Cinema, The Gate, Newgate St, ☏ +44 871 471 4714. Shows all the latest blockbusters. 

• Tyneside Cinema, 10 Pilgrim St, ☏ +44 845 217 9909. A beautifully detailed theatre showing independent films. (updated Dec 2017)

• Side Cinema, 1-3 Side, ☏ +44 191 232-2208. A small, artsy, 50-seat cinema showing independent films. 

• The Star and Shadow, Stepney Bank, ☏ +44 191 261-0066. In the battlefield area of Newcastle, this cinema is run entirely by volunteer members. The aim is to show a truly independent film program as cheaply as possible, as well as providing a venue for artists and musicians of all varieties. 

• Odeon Cinemas, 38 Russell Way, ☏ +44 871 224 4007. In the Metrocentre in Gateshead, this cinema is IMAX enabled and shows all the latest popular films and rivals the Empire Cinema in Newcastle. 

Hadrian's Wall

• Daytrip to Hadrian's Wall: Take bus AD122 from Central Station at 9:30AM to Chester Roman Fort (£4.50). Visit the roman fort and museum (Entrance fee adults £5.00/concession £4.50), then hike on the Hadrian's Wall Trail to Housesteads. Visit the Housesteads Roman Fort and museum (Entrance fee adults £5.00/concession £4.50). Walk to the road (entrance to parking lot) and flag down the bus AD122, which passes here at 17:34 back to Newcastle (£5.50, attention, this is the only one direct to Newcastle).

Learn

There are two universities and a college in Newcastle:

• Newcastle University, ☏ +44 191 222-6000. One of the most important and respected universities in the UK and Europe, near the city centre. An easy walk from the Haymarket metro station, their small Museum of Antiquities is open to the public. 
• Northumbria University, ☏ +44 191 232-6002. The Poly; with more of a focus on vocational courses such as fashion, design and IT, also near the city centre. It also incorporates Newcastle Business School. The Northumbria University Student Union is a popular venue for visiting bands. 
• Newcastle College, ☏ +44 191 200-4000. A large campus on Rye Hill in the Elswick area west of the city centre. It features purpose built facilities for engineering, sport, performing arts, food and leisure, science as well as various A level courses. 

Work

As with the rest of the UK, European Union nationals have the right to work without a UK work permit, but most other nationalities require one. Newcastle's economy is buoyant at the moment and supports most types of businesses, so it is possible to find a job in a reasonably short period of time. There are a lot of call centres in and around Newcastle which provide an easy supply of short term work. It is seldom difficult to find employment in Newcastle's many pubs, clubs and bars.

Buy

Newcastle is the top shopping destination in the North East with a multitude of shops ranging from high-street department stores to designer boutiques.

• Northumberland Street. Newcastle's main shopping street (pedestrian zone) is known as the "Oxford Street of the North." Shops include Next, HMV, Marks and Spencer and the flagship Fenwick department store, the most successful independent department store outside London. Outside of the capital, the area is the most expensive place to own a shop. 
• Old George Yard, ☏ +44 191 281-0609. Features design stores and vintage clothing shops. 
• Ophelia Boutique, 3a Clayton Road, Jesmond, ☏ +44 191 281-0609. A boutique that offers fine cashmere clothing and luxury lingerie. 
• Grainger Market. M W 9AM-17:00; Tu Th-Sa 9AM-17:30; Su closed. A restored indoor market dating from 1835. It is a lively working market that includes the Victorian Marks & Spencer. 
• 1 Eldon Square. Shopping centre is in the centre of Newcastle, boasting a wide array of shops and is undergoing major expansion. Home to John Lewis and a flagship Debenhams department store.  
• 2 Metro Centre. The is a 15-minute bus or train ride from the city centre to Gateshead. Constructed in the 1980s and expanded in the early 1990s and again in 2005, this is Europe's largest shopping centre and leisure complex. Flagship stores include Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and House of Fraser. Parking here is plentiful and free, but traffic can be heavy, so make use of the frequent public transport links. Note that - despite its name - the Metro Centre is not served by the Tyne and Wear Metro, only by national rail.  
• 3 Royal Quays. An outdoor complex consisting of outlet stores in nearby North Shields with a range of shops. It is accessible by walking from the Meadow Well Metro station, but has good bus services and is next to the Ferry Terminal.  
• Farmer's Market (At Grey's Monument). An outdoor food market with local products that are raised, grown or produced within 50 miles of the location of the market. First Friday every month 9:30AM-14:30. (updated Apr 2015)
• There are five department stores: Fenwick (one of the largest department stores outside of London), John Lewis (still popularly referred to as Bainbridge's), Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and TJ Hughes.

Eat

Newcastle is home to a thriving and creative dining scene that has something to offer to just about any budget.

Budget

Newcastle has plenty of restaurants to suit those with a tighter budget. Look in the Quayside or near Central Station for a good deal. There are also many takeaways in Newcastle upon Tyne which will offer a meal for even less money, usually of the same quality standards. Expect to pay around £8-£15.

• Francesca's, 134-136 Manor House Road, ☏ +44 191 281-6586. M-Sa noon-11PM. Fantastic and cheap Italian in Jesmond. 
• Pani's Cafe, 61-65 High Bridge, ☏ +44 191 232-4366. M-Sa 10AM-10PM. Another great Italian joint on High Bridge that offers free Italian lessons. 
• Uno's Restaurant, 18 Sandhill, ☏ +44 191 261-5264. Yet another Italian offering, this one in Quayside. 
• El Coto, 21 Leazes Park Rd, ☏ +44 191 261-0555. Spanish restaurant serving up tapas, paellas, vinos and of course, sangria. Sometimes features flamenco nights; check website for scheduled events. 
• Koh I Noor, 26 Cloth Market, ☏ +44 191 232-5379. Old-fashioned Indian curry house with specials that include a starter, curry, rice and a cup of coffee for under £10. 
• Lau's Buffet King, 92-98 Newgate Street,, ☏ +44 191 261-8868. Daily 11:45AM-10:30PM. Chinese all-you-can-eat buffet, offering a choice of over 60 dishes. 
• Stowell Street — In the city centre you can find Newcastle's Chinatown which contains many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants.

There are lots of cheap and cheerful restaurants around the Bigg Market, most doing happy hours for around £6.50 for a three course meal. Mostly Italian and Indian cuisine, but also Greek, Vietnamese and Lebanese options available.

• Mamma Mia, Pudding Chare, Bigg Market +44 191 232-7193 offers cheap and cheerful cuisine. Happy hours every week night and weekend lunchtimes, great pizzas and pasta
• Al Basha, Bigg Market +44 191 222-1303 Good Lebanese food including great kebabs. All you can eat buffet available if you have a bottomless pit of a stomach. No booze though!
• Hollie's Deli, 69-71 Adelaide Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8BN (near Ash St (opposite ASCO)). A very authentically local deli where you can have breakfast and get sandwiches for a very modest price. Very friendly staff and owners. A good tip if you happen to be in Benwell anyway. (updated Aug 2015)
• Fanciulli's Deli, 179 - 181 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6AA (just outside the city, at the foot of the hill which Westgate Rd climbs in westward direction). open during the day. One of the few places in Newcastle where you can get Italian pasta at snack bar rates. (updated Aug 2015)
• Zapatista Burrito Bar, 28 Ridley Place, NE1 8JW (Just over the road from Central Station as you walk towards the Monument), ☏ +44 191 261-7769. Absolutely fantastic Mexican food place, serving everything from churros, quesadilla and of course, burritos. Sit in or take away. Burritos roughly £5 each, well worth the money as they come packed full of meat and veg. Veggie options include halloumi and squash fillings. Loyalty card scheme. (updated Mar 2016)

Mid-range

• Pizza Express, 10 Dean St, ☏ +44 191 221-0120. Su-Th 11:30AM- 10:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM - 11:30PM. For well-priced, freshly prepared pizza and a simple Italian menu and wine list. 

• Cafe Royal, 8 Nelson St, ☏ +44 191 232-0664, fax: +44 191 261-4509, info@sjf.co.uk. M-Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 10PM-4PM. A casual yet elegant eatery that serves up European fare with an emphasis on organic and seasonal ingredients. While the food lives up to the name of the cafe, the prices are actually lower than one might expect. 

• Zizzi, 42-50 Grey St, ☏ +44 191 261-8360. Daily 11AM-11PM. Italian food served in a charming environment. 

• La Tasca Newcastle Grey St., 42 Grey St, ☏ +44 191 260-3533, latasca.newcastlegreyst@bayrestaurantgroup.com. M-Th noon–11PM, F-Su noon–midnight. Tapas and other Spanish cuisine in an informal setting. 

• Marco Polo, 33 Dean St, ☏ +44 191 232-5533, manager@marcopolonewcastle.com. M-F noon-11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM. The Italian food at this eclectically decorate and very popular restaurant often commands a line out the door. Book in advance. 
• Paradiso, 1 Market Ln (behind Popolo on Pilgrim St), ☏ +44 191 221-1240, office@paradiso.co.uk. M-W 11AM-10:30PM, Th-Sa 11AM-10:45PM. Imaginative Mediterranean cuisine. 

Splurge

• Blackfriar's Restaurant, Friars St, ☏ +44 191 261-5945. M-Sa noon-2:30PM & 6PM-11PM, Su noon-3:30PM. Housed in a 13th century monk's refectory, this restaurant features a menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes with a twist. 

• Rasa, 27 Queen street, NE1 3UG (5 min. walk from the Millenium bridge), ☏ +44 191 232-7799. M-Sa noon-3PM for lunch & 6PM-11PM for dinner. Authenic South Indian food inspired by the well-spiced home-cooking in Kerala. 

• Sachins, Forth Banks, ☏ +44 191 261-9035, info@sachins.co.uk. M-Sa 6PM-11:15PM. An upscale and contemporary restaurant serving all natural Punjabi food. 

• Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond Dene Rd (One and a half miles north of Newcastle city centre.), ☏ +44 191 212-3000. Seasonal, organic, and locally grown foods appear on the menu of this fine dining restaurant. Serves up English cuisine for daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. £41 and over. 

• Café 21, Trinity Gardens, Quayside, ☏ +44 191 222-0755, enquiries@cafetwentyone.co.uk. M-Sa noon-2:30PM & 5:30PM-10:30PM, Su 12:30PM-3:30PM & 6:30PM-10PM. Café 21's chef, Terry Laybourne makes bistro style food with by fresh and seasonal ingredients. The menu is British and French inspired. £26 to £40. 

• Landmark, 20 Stowell St, ☏ +44 191 261-0882. M-F noon-2PM, Sa noon-2:30PM & 5:45PM-11PM, Su noon-2PM & 5:45PM-10:30PM. High-class Chinese restaurant and bar in Newcastle's Chinatown. 

Drink

A pint of beer.

Newcastle is (in)famous for its culture of social drinking, and is a popular destination for hen and stag parties, hence all the friendly-mad people dressed-up in fancy dress in the middle of Winter. No trip to Nukie would be complete with a night out on the Toon.

The Bigg Market, the Quayside and the Central Station area with its "Diamond Strip" of new upmarket bars, are the centres of nocturnal activity in Newcastle, though you'll find a wealth of bars and pubs all around the city. Popular clubs include Digital in Times Square, Liquid/Envy near Northumberland Street and Tiger Tiger in The Gate leisure complex.

Newcastle is home to rather commercialised Newcastle Brown Ale, called by the locals Broon, Nukie or 'Dog'. There are a significant number of less well-known breweries producing real ale that is widely available and of good quality. Local bewers to look out for include Mordue, Wylam and Big Lamp.

Bigg Market

A no-holds-barred area where you won't find much in the way of culture, but you will find a lot in the way of drink. A selection of bars are as follows:

• Blackie Boy, 11 Groat Market, ☏ +44 191 232-0730. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM. A dimly lit traditional pub with a stylish, upmarket feel, it gets stormed by a younger crowd at weekends. £2-5. 

• Babylon, 14-16 Newgate Street, City Centre, ☏ +44 191 269-3021. M-W 7PM-11PM, Th-F 7PM-1AM, Sa 7PM-2AM (last entry 12:30AM), Su 7PM-12:30AM. This pub's 1990s themed decor and tunes will carry you back in time and onto the dance floor. Like most Bigg Market bars, it gets crowded. £2-4. 

• City Vaults, 11-13 Bigg Market, City Centre, ☏ +44 191 221-0850. M-W-Th-Su noon-1AM, Tu-F-Sa noon-3AM. This spacious club features three bars, different music in different rooms, and big screens for showing football on match days. Topless dancers and scantily clad bar staff abound. As if all that wasn't enough, they serve food, including sandwiches, burgers, salads, and curries. £2-5. 

• Idols, Newgate Shopping Centre, ☏ +44 191 232-3887. M-Th 8PM-midnight, F-Sa 7PM-2AM (may change due to football), Su 8PM-12:30AM. Tucked away downstairs in the shopping centre, the main attraction at the bar are the girls dancing on it. After a couple of discount cocktails and some retro music to get you in the mood, you might feel like joining them. If you can take your eyes off the singing, dancing staff, you can watch football. Idols shows every Newcastle United game live. £1-3. 

• Kiss, 18 Cloth Market. Su-Th noon-11PM , F-Sa noon-1AM. Lively and loud, this pub/club is always busy. The DJs spin a mix of dance, house and club music, and the crowd guzzles energy drink cocktails. Pole dancers on Fridays and Saturdays. £2-5. 

• Pop World, 14 Bigg Market, ☏ +44 191 232-0058. M and W-Th 7PM-11:30PM, F 7PM-1AM, Sa 7PM-2AM, Su 7PM-12:30AM. Closed Tu. Disgustingly awful 

• Rewind, 31 Groat Market, ☏ +44 191 261-0924. M-Th 7PM-11PM, F 7PM-1AM, Sa 7PM-2AM, Su 7PM-12:30AM. This popular, seductively lit and stylishly furnished bar features a different soundtrack practically every night, with DJs playing anything from 80s hits to indie music. £1-3. 

Central Station

Central Station is the central stop to start out a night of drinking.

• Centurion, Neville St (in Central Station), ☏ +44 191 261-6611. Daily 10AM-late. An impressively designed bar and restaurant set in the restored Victorian lounge of the Central Station, the Centurion is a favorite stop for commuters. Live sports on a drop-down big screen. Choose from the bustling Grand Room Bar or the more intimate Grants Bar. £5-10. 

• Clear, 8 Pudding Chare (near to the Revolution Bar, close to Bigg Market and Central Station), ☏ +44 191 261-7001. M-Th 11AM-midnight, F-Sa 11AM-1AM, Su 6PM-12:30AM. Closed £2-4. 

• Floritas, Collingwood St, ☏ +44 191 230-4114. M-Sa 11AM-2:30AM, Su noon-midnight. Miami-style beach party kitsch comes to Newcastle. Frequent live music including funk, house, R&B, and soul. Big garden area for BBQs and lounging, a welcoming island feel, and tropical cocktails served in real pineapples, coconuts and watermelons. £3-6. 

• North, Old Ticket Office, Neville St (close to Central Station), ☏ +44 191 222-0646. M-Sa noon-1AM, Su 5PM-midnight. This bar is trendy and modern, with DJs every night, playing jazz, hip hop and reggae. They also serve paninis and salads... or just have a drink and get free bar nibbles! A little uppity at night, so dress like a fashion model and bring some women with you. £2-4. 

• Revolution, Collingwood St, ☏ +44 191 261-8901. M-Th 11:30AM-1AM, F-Sa 11:30AM-2AM, Su noon-1AM. This spacious, ultra-modern vodka bar will impress you with its architecture (pillars, high sculpted ceiling, stainless steel bar and huge windows) as well as its selection of flavored vodkas and cocktails. Dress is "smart casual", which means no baseball caps or hoodies. Music ranges from pop to indie to R&B to house. £4-8. 

• The Bodega, 125 Westgate Road, City Centre (next-door to the Tyne Theatre), ☏ +44 191 221-1552. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM. A beautiful victorian pub with ornate stained glass domes, friendly bar staff and a great selection of real ales and premium lagers. 

• The Forth Hotel, 17-23 Pink Lane, City Centre (near to St Mary's Church and Central Station), ☏ +44 191 232-6478. M-W noon - 11PM, Th-Sa noon - 1AM, Su noon-midnight. A popular and cosy pub with a great selection of real ales, imported beers and wines. Food served M-Sa noon til 10PM & Sunday noon til 9:30PM, Sunday Roasts served all day. Listen to, DJs Thurs thru til Sun. 

• The Head of Steam, 2 Neville St (50 yards from Central Station), ☏ +44 191 230-4236. Su-Th noon–2:30AM, F-Sa noon-3:30AM. On the first floor, you'll find a wide selection of real ales, lagers, cider, wine and spirits in a comfortable atmosphere. In the basement, which holds something like up to 50 people, is a live music venue showcasing up-and-coming bands on most nights. Stop in for a pint and you might hear the next band to make it big. The cover charge is usually £4-5. As of July 2015, it was no longer possible to get tickets in advance except via seetickets.com, but events apparently sell out only rarely, so simply showing up is usually safe. £2-5. 

• The Telegraph, Orchard St (on the corner of Orchard Street and Forth Street, behind Central Station), ☏ +44 191 261-8991. M-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM. A local favorite at the back of the station, with a great roof terrace for sunny days, they serve beers, cocktails, wines and food. DJs Thursday- Sunday, live bands on Wednesdays, and occasional Monday quiz nights. 

• The Union Rooms, 48 Westgate Rd (opposite Royal Station Hotel, near the Central Station), ☏ +44 191 261-5718. M-Th 9AM-midnight, F-Sa 9AM-1AM, Su 9AM-midnight. This large, busy pub is part of the Wetherspoon's chain, which specializes in cheap, friendly food and drinks. Curry Nights, Quiz Nights and great drink specials every night. There's a small outdoor seating area (open until 6PM daily) where smoking is allowed. £2-4. 

• Tilleys, 105 Westgate Rd (next-door to the Tyne Theatre), ☏ +44 191 232-0692. Su-Th noon-11PM, F-Sa noon-midnight. A traditional, but modern pub, with a huge selection of real ales, craft and premium lagers and ciders. The food is very good, with the menu consisting of standard pub fare such as burgers, fish and chips, sausage and mash, chilli, along with sandwiches and wraps. DJs play a mix of Rock'n'Roll, Blues, Soul and Funk at the weekend. The pub also has regular free film screenings from its extensive DVD collection. 

• Tokyo, 17 Westgate Rd (opposite the station), ☏ +44 191 232-1122. M-Th 4PM-midnight, F 4PM-1AM, Sa 1PM-1AM, Su 1PM-midnight. A stylish, modern venue with an elegant rooftop garden bar and a good selection of cocktails, spirits, wines and beers. Gamblers will love their "dice club", 4PM-8PM nightly. Roll an even number and win 2 drinks for the price of one; roll a six and win a free round! £4-6. 

Quayside

A pub crawl favorite among young revellers, Quayside is packed full of bars, including:

• The Quilted Camel, 36 Sandhill. F-Sa 6PM-1AM. A renovated cocktail bar providing around 30 cocktails. Quirky interior that includes several very unusual decorations such as a marble statue from a European church among others. £3-5. 

• 1 The Bridge Tavern, 7 Akenside Hill, ☏ +44 191 261-9966. A great craft brewpub: reasonably priced and always busy. 10+ taps on the bar which change regularly. Food served as well. Situated directly under the Tyne bridge, hence the name. 

• Flynn's Bar and Diner, 63 Quayside, ☏ +44 191 232-7218. M-F noon-3PM & 5PM-11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-6PM. With three bars, this pub is known for its cheap trebles and is often overrun with stag/hen parties. It has had a number of run ins with the licencing authorities and is best avoided £4-6. 

• Hoko-10, 16 Dean St, ☏ +44 191 211-1108. Daily until 2AM. A classy Japanese-themed bar with a sushi menu, DJs, weekly live music and a student night that's been voted the best in town. £5-8. 

• Pitcher & Piano, 108 The Quayside, ☏ +44 191 232-4110. M-Th 11AM-midnight, F 11AM-1AM, Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 10AM-midnight. An extensive list of beers, wines, shooters and cocktails made with fresh ingredients. The glass fronted building has two floors and a rooftop terrace, perfect for gazing out at the river and the Millennium Bridge. DJs and occasional live music, too. £5-8. 

• The Akenside Traders, 3 Akenside Hill, ☏ +44 191 230-3465. M-Th 5PM-11PM, F 11AM-1AM, Sa 10:30-1AM, Su 10:30AM-11PM. A chilled out pub during the week with a small group of regulars, this bar becomes a wild party at weekends. There's a good view of the river and Guild Hall from the front, and a DJ provides the music. A great spot for watching live sports on weekdays. 

• The Crown Posada, 31 The Side, ☏ +44 191 232-1269. M-W noon-11PM, Th 11AM-11PM, F 11AM-midnight, Sa noon-midnight, Su 7PM-10:30PM. One of Newcastle's oldest bars, dating back to 1880. It's a well-preserved room, long and narrow, with stained glass windows and a gorgeous wood-paneled ceiling. A gramophone in back cranks out vintage tunes, and it's a great place to try real ales from local breweries. 

• Thirty 3i8ht, Exchange Buildings (corner of Queen Street and Lombard Street, near the Monument station), ☏ +44 191 261-6463. M-Sa 10AM-1AM, Su noon-1AM. New management guarantees it will be badly run £3-5. 

Ouseburn

A few laid-back alternative bars are based here:

• The Cluny, 36 Lime St, ☏ +44 191 230-4474. M-W 11:30AM-11PM, Th 11:30-midnight, F-Sa 11:30-1AM, Su noon-10:30PM. Local and national live bands nearly every night, with styles from jazz to rock and admission from free to £15. A great range of real ales and lagers, and an art gallery off of the main bar showcasing local artists. £4-6. 

• The Free Trade Inn, St. Lawrence Rd, ☏ +44 191 265-5764. M-Th 11AM-11PM, Sa 11AM-midnight, Su noon-11PM. A cosy, traditional pub overlooking the Tyne, with an excellent selection of beers including 8 real ales that vary weekly. A free jukebox supplies the music, and a local deli supplies fresh sandwiches. With two small beer gardens, the river views are the best around. £4-6. 

• The Tyne, Mailing St, ☏ +44 191 265-2550. M-Th noon-11PM, F-Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM. A down-to-earth bar a little way out of the centre, where the Tyne meets the Ouseburn. Taste a selection of real ales from local independent breweries and enjoy their beer garden, which is tucked beneath Glasshouse Bridge. Shelter from the bridge makes it a great place to drink, even in rainy weather. There are even customer-controlled heat lamps! Free live music at weekends, and bands in the garden during summer. £4-6. 

• The Cumberland Arms Very possibly the best pub in Newcastle. Stands on the hill overlooking the Ouseburn. Great ales, a roaring fire and live music and events. Large outside seating area with heaters.

Jesmond

A trendy area, with many bars connected to hotels and what tends to be a more upmarket local clientele.

• Bar Berlise, 102 Osborne Rd (part of the Cairn Hotel), ☏ +44 191 281-1358. M-Th 5PM-11PM, F-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM. A tiny bar that can be one of the quieter bars on the strip, it features a Happy Hour Machine and two large plasma screens for football & rugby games. £4-8. 

• Bar Blanc, 38-42 Osborne Rd (part of Whites Hotel), ☏ +44 191 281-5126. M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM. Connected to an Indian restaurant and attracting a younger crowd of locals and hotel guests, shiny decor and a large outside seating area gives Bar Blanc a cosmopolitan feel. £4-8. 

• Bar Polo, 61 Osborned Rd (above Scalini's), ☏ +44 191 240-7777. M-Th 5PM-11PM, F-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM. A cosy wine and cocktail bar with a Mediterranean feel and Mediterranean appetizer platters to share. £4-6. 

• Mr Lynch, Archbold Terrace, ☏ +44 191 281-3010. Daily noon-2AM. Proud owner of Jesmond's only 2AM license, this eclectic neighbourhood bar specializes in ginger mojitos and hosts free live music four nights a week. £2-4. 

• Osbornes, 61-69 Osborne Rd (part of the New Northumbria Hotel), ☏ +44 191 240-7778. M-F noon-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM. This very spacious bar shows live sports on widescreen TVs and has an outdoor beer garden. £4-8. 

• The Lonsdale, Lonsdale Terrace, ☏ +44 191 281-0039. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-11PM. A traditional pub with a relaxed atmosphere. Quiz nights, digital juke box, and monthly live music. £2-4. 

• The Bar at the Brandling, Brandling Village, ☏ +44 191 281-0067. M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM. Popular with students and pretty much everyone else thanks to its great prices, happy hour games, and the fact that it's a great pre-party option. £3-5. 

• Collingwood Arms Situated in the Brandling Village area of Jesmond it has an oldy worldy feel and does fantastic ales as well as the standard booze. Good if you're fed up of Osborne Road. i.e. Drinking off a hangover!

• Brandling Arms Next to the Collingwood, has a massive beer garden and great food at reasonable prices.

Centre for Life/Pink Triangle

Newcastle has a thriving gay scene, centred around the Centre for Life and the Metro Radio Arena. The pubs and clubs in this area are generally lively, colourful and friendly to all persuasions.

• @ne, 1 Marlborough Crescent, ☏ +44 191 260-3841. Daily 11AM-1AM. This trendy bar features live musicians and DJs, plus wonderful two-for-one drink deals Sunday-Thursday evenings. During the day, it's a great place to stop for a coffee and take advantage of free internet access. £3-6. 

• Baron and Baroness, Times Square, ☏ +44 191 233-0414. M-Sa 11AM-1:30AM, Su 11AM-midnight. There are organ pipes above the bar, but the Gothic feel stops with the decor. DJs play a wide array of music nightly, and there's plenty of room for dancing. Quieter during the day, it's favored by visitors to the Centre for Life. There's also a large seating area outside in Times Square. £3-6. 

• Eclipse, 48 Clayton St, ☏ +44 191 230-2795, eclipse@thedogandeclipse.co.uk. Daily 11AM-12:30AM. Formerly Heroes, this bar has been given a head-to-toe makeover, including shiny wood floors. A handful of beers on tap and a decent selection of cocktails and bottled beers. A massive selection of hot & Cold food is served daily until 4PM. £2-5. 

• Powerhouse, 7-19 Westmorland Rd, ☏ +44 191 261-5348. M 11PM-3:30AM, Tu-W closed, Th 11:30PM-3:30AM, F 11PM-4AM, Sa 11PM-6AM, Su 11:30PM-3:30AM. Newcastle's longest running and biggest gay dance club, with four floors of music from the 1990s to disco and more. Admission is £6-10. £3-6. 

• The Dog And Parrot, 52 Clayton St West, ☏ +44 191 261-6998. M-W noon-11:30PM, F-Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM. Newcastle's indie rock n' roll bar, dedicated to good live music and good cheap drinks. They host local bands with fantastic haircuts, as well as quiz nights and an award-winning comedy night. £2-5. 

• The End, 78 Scotswood Rd, ☏ +44 191 232-6536. M-Th 5PM-midnight, F-Sa 5PM-1AM, Su 5PM-midnight. With its comfy couches and homey feel, this bar offers relief from the club scene in the form of a quiet evening with friends and a nice bottle. Live music from jazz to vocal house to salsa, plus talent nights and comedy nights. 

• Twist, Bio Science Centre, ☏ +44 191 261-7676. Daily 11AM-1AM. Under the same management as the Powerhouse, this bar is more relaxed, with outdoor seating in the summers and a video jukebox for all seasons. Food served during the day. £4-7. 

Other assorted bars

Beyond the main pub crawl destinations, there are plenty of bars and pubs all over Newcastle, including:

• Bacchus, 42-48 High Bridge, ☏ +44 191 261-1008. M-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-midnight, Su 7PM-10:30PM. This pub gives a nod to Tyneside's old shipbuilding days with its ocean liner decor. A long drink list includes wines, cask ales and microbrews. Popular with the after-work crowd. £3-8. 

• Bar 55, ☏ +44 191 230-5569. Su-Th noon-midnight, F-Sa noon-1AM. Dance floor, juke box, lots of outdoor seating and multiple TVs! £3-7. 

• Popolo, 82 Pilgrim St (near the City Centre), ☏ +44 191 232-8923. Su-Tu 11AM-midnight, Th-Sa 11AM-1AM. A lounge with a relaxed and sophisticated air, offering a good selection of spirits, wines, continental beers and over 69 creative cocktails, including 12 signature mojitos. DJs play W-Sa nights, with an eclectic mix of music that ranges from Brazilian ghetto funk to left-field hip hop. £3-7. 

• The Five Swans, 14 St Mary's Pl, ☏ +44 191 211-1140. Daily 8AM-11PM. Formerly Luckies Corner Bar, enlargened and renovated into a large, pleasant looking pub that is now part of the JD Weatherspoons chain, offering value for money drinks and food. £2-5. 

• The Hancock, 2a Hancock St, ☏ +44 191 281-5653. M-W 11:30AM-11PM, Th-Sa 11:30AM-1AM, Su noon-10:30PM. At this student bar next to both universities, you'll find multiple juke boxes, pool tables, big screen TVs and game machines, plus an array of DJs four nights a week. £2-6. 

• The Newcastle Arms, 57 St Andrews' St (near Chinatown), ☏ +44 191 260-2490. A traditional, friendly pub with a huge array of cask and real ales which regularly wins CAMRA awards. The pub has large TV screens to show football and rugby and also hosts regular beer festivals. 

• The Strawberry, 7-8 Strawberry Pl (opposite St James' Park), ☏ +44 191 232-6865. hours vary. The pub generally opens 11AM-11PM, but can open as early as 9AM if Newcastle United have a lunchtime kick off. The pub also has licence to remain open until 2AM, though this is rare. Directly opposite the Gallowgate End of St James' Park, this friendly pub is a shrine to Newcastle United, displaying a huge amount of club memorabilia from down the years. Naturally, it is packed when Newcastle play at home with a great atmosphere. Non matchdays find it a little quieter, though still popular. As well as real ales, bar meals are also available. The pub has big screen TVs, a jukebox, pool table and a roof terrace. £2-5. 

• The Trent House, 1-2 Leazes Ln, ☏ +44 191 261-2154. M-Sa noon-11PM, Su 6PM-11PM. Close to the City Centre and Newcastle University. A great selection of real ales, beers and spirits, but most famous for their free jukebox playing soul, rock and 1970s music. Pub-goers can even suggest tracks online to be added to the jukebox's playlist! Very busy when Newcastle are playing football at home. £2-5. (updated Oct 2016)

• World Headquarters - great place to go clubbing for the night with cheap drinks and a crazy audience who are up for it.

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Albatross Backpackers In!, 51 Grainger St, NE1 5JE, ☏ +44 191 233-1330, fax: +44 191 260-3389, info@albatrossnewcastle.co.uk. The Albatross is large youth hostel near the Central Station that is housed in a 150-year-old bank £16.50-22.50 per person. 
• Jurys Inn Newcastle Hotel (close to the International Centre for Life, Central Station, Eldon Square and St James's Park football stadium), ☏ +44 191 201-4400. £59. 

• Premier Inn (Newcastle City Centre (Millenium Bridge)), City Road Quayside, NE1 2AN (Situated in the city centre on the corner of City Road (A186) and Crawhall Road.), ☏ +44 870 238 3318, fax: +44 191 232-6557. Premier Travel Inn is cheap and pleasant, 2 locations on or near the Quayside, 1 location in the city centre, 2 locations adjacent to the airport and 1 location near the Metro Centre. about £70 per room. 

• 2 Rooms Inn, 40 West Parade, NE4 7LB (About 1 mile West of Central Station, along Westmoreland Road / Saint John' Road), ☏ +44 191 273-3034. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Basic hotel in a residential area. Double £30-85, breakfast extra. 

• Village Hotel Newcastle, Cobalt Business Park, West Allotment (8 miles (13 km) from Newcastle City Centre, Newcastle Central Station), ☏ +44 191 270-1414, fax: +44 191 270-1515. From £59. 

Mid-range

• Britannia Hotel, Ponteland, Woolsington (adjacent to the airport), ☏ +44 871 222 0028, fax: +44 871 222 7716, res716@britanniahotels.com. A business hotel equipped with wireless internet and a 400-person conference hall. prices begin at £100. 
• The Imperial Hotel (Swallow Hotels), Jesmond Rd, NE2 1PR, ☏ +44 191 281-5511, reservations.newcastle@crerarmgmt.com. Double rooms from £65. 
• Holiday Inn Express, Waterloo Square St. James Blvd, Newcastle, NE1 4DN (Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre hotel is in Waterloo Square, just off St James Boulevard), ☏ +44 191 224-685, fax: +44 870 4281477, info@expressnewcastle.co.uk. 

• Hotel Novotel Newcastle Airport, Ponteland Road Kenton, NE3 3HZ, ☏ +44 191 214-0303, fax: +44 191 214-0633, H1118@accor.com. Rooms start at about £80 
• Newcastle Marriott Hotel MetroCentre, Gateshead, NE11 9XF (about 10 minutes from Newcastle's vibrant downtown, near the Newcastle Airport), ☏ +44 191 493-2233, fax: +44 191 493-2030. Overall, the hotel delivers the comfort and convenience one can expect from a large chain hotel at the price. Rooms start at about £60. 
• 3 The Rosebery Hotel, 2 Rosebery Crescent, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1ET, ☏ +44 191 281-3363, hello@roseberyhoteljesmond.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Boutique hotel in Jesmond, 20 minutes' walk from city centre Rooms starting at £40.. (updated Jul 2015)
• Royal Station Hotel, Neville St, NE1 5DH (The hotel is adjacent to Central Station), ☏ +44 191 232-0781, fax: +44 191 222-0786, info@royalstationhotel.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The Royal Station hotel was opened by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in 1858. Victorian architecture on the outside, the interior of the hotel has been refurbished and caters to those on business and pleasure travels. Double rooms from £65. 

• Thistle Newcastle Hotel, Thistle Newcastle, Nevillle Street, Newcastle, NE1 5DF (Opposite Central Station), ☏ +44 870 333 9142, fax: +44 870 333 9242, Newcastle@Thistle.co.uk. Rooms from £65/night. 
• Travelodge (Newcastle Central), Forster Street, Quayside, Newcastle, NE1 2NH, ☏ +44 871 984 6164, fax: +44 191 261-7105. The listed location is closest to the city centre. If full, check the additional 3 locations dotted about the Newcastle/Gateshead area. Prices start at about £80 per room. 
• Vermont Hotel, Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ (near the Quayside), ☏ +44 191 233-1010, fax: +44 191 233-1234. Double room for £120. 

Splurge

• Close House Hotel & Golf, Heddon on the Wall (8 miles west of Newcastle), ☏ +44 1161 852255, events@closehouse.co.uk. A luxury hotel set in over 400 acres of stunning parkland. Two 18 hole golf courses and Attached Tour Pro Lee Westwood Double rooms from £180. 

• Copthorne Hotel Newcastle, The Close, Quayside, NE1 3RT (Quayside), ☏ +44 191 222-0333, sales.newcastle@milleniumhotels.co.uk. 
• Grey Street Hotel, 2-12 Grey St, NE1 6EE (Quayside), ☏ +44 191 230-6777, fax: +44 191 230-6888, enquiries@greystreethotel.com. The nightly rates for rooms are £59 and up. 
• Jesmond Dene House and Hotel, Jesmond Dene Rd (Jesmond Dene House is one and a half miles north of Newcastle city centre), ☏ +44 191 212-3000, fax: +44 191 212-3001, info@jesmonddenehouse.co.uk. A leafy boutique hotel, no two rooms are alike. Meals at the restaurant come highly recommended as well. Double rooms from £175. 
• Mal Maison, Quayside, NE1 3DX, ☏ +44 191 245-5000, newcastle@malmaison.com. Double rooms from £160. 

Connect

Telephone

Newcastle's local telephone code is 0191, the telephone code for the UK is +44.

Internet

If you are not a smartphone or tablet owner, internet access is not easy to come by. At the central library, they will create a guest account for you so you can go online, Another possibility would be Castle Computer Repairs in Benwell (133 Adelaide Terrace, Benwell, Newcastle, NE4 9JP), who offer internet access at about ₤2 an hour. (They do not advertise this service.)

Stay safe

Newcastle is generally quite a safe city to stay in. As with all other cities around the world, one needs only to use one's common sense and to keep a low profile. Beware of the usual nuisance of petty theft in crowded places. The whole city can get rowdy on Fridays and Saturdays but is still quite safe. Take care after a big football match; though there has been no significant violence for some years, emotions tend to run high amongst supporters. It is a good idea not to wear the colours of Sunderland football club when in central Newcastle, and vice-versa so as not to attract any unwanted attention. Also, confusing a Geordie and a Mackem (a Sunderlander) could potentially lead to some abuse and is easily done.

Still, the crime in this city is generally lower than other cities the same size in Britain, but some inner-city areas in the west and east ends are best avoided at night, but those areas are far from any tourist attractions.

Cope

Newcastle folk are generally very friendly and safe. In fact, Newcastle is renowned throughout Great Britain for its 'family-like atmosphere' and can totally shatter the classic stereotype of 'reserved English' . A peculiarity among Geordies is that they can be found to wear t-shirts and mini-skirts in the middle of freezing winter, so just go with the flow - tourists are spotted by how much clothing they wear but will probably be most welcomed with a big smile or a kiss.

Go next

Newcastle is in the heart of the North East region, renowned for its natural beauty and historical monuments. Popular tourist destination outside the city include:

Cathedral in Durham

• Alnmouth and Alnwick — The historic town of Alnwick is about a one hour drive north of Newcastle. Alnwick Castle, used in numerous films, notably the Harry Potter films and Robin Hood with Kevin Costner, is worth a visit. The castle is also home to the Alnwick Gardens. Bus services to Alnwick depart from Haymarket and are operated by Arriva. The train can also be used from Newcastle central station, but only as far as Alnmouth station, where a connecting shuttle bus is provided to Alnwick town centre. The shuttle departs shortly after a train arrives, but if you've time to spare, you could take a look at the picturesque village of Alnmouth, which is home to several traditional British pubs and small arts and gift shops.

• Durham — The cathedral city of Durham is a roughly 15 minute train ride from Newcastle Central Station. Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral are the main attractions, and together are one of the UK's World Heritage Sites. Durham University, on whose grounds the Castle sits, is also worth a visit.

• Beamish Open Air Museum — About 25 minutes by car, or 50 minutes by bus, is the Beamish museum. Beamish tries to show what life was like in a typical northern town in the early 20th century — much of the restoration and interpretation is specific to 1913. Aside from the main town however there is also the manor house and the railway which are based on 1825. Tram and bus services operate around the museum, and there are a number of interactive displays and tours such as a dentist surgery and coal mine.

• Rothbury and Cragside — The attractive village of Rothbury and the historic house and grounds at Cragside are also worth a visit. Cragside was the first house in the world to be powered completely by electricity. A special bus service operates from Newcastle city centre during the summer, details are normally posted on the Northumberland County Council website [2]. Otherwise, either can be reached in about 40 minutes from Newcastle by car.

• Hadrian's Wall — There are many sites along Hadrian's Wall which are easily accessible from Newcastle. A special bus (number AD122) runs from Newcastle along the length of the Wall's path. The bus service runs year-round, with a tour guide on Sundays and Public Holidays during summer months. A reduced service operates during the winter, check with the operator, Nexus, before travelling.

• Hexham and Corbridge — The historic town of Hexham is about 30 minutes by car or train, and 40 minutes by bus. The smaller village of Corbridge is slightly closer, but can be used an intermediate stop on the way to Hadrian's Wall sites such as Vindolanda and Housteads. Both Hexham and Corbridge sit on a section of the River Tyne.

• Kielder Water — Sitting within the Northumberland National Park, about 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Newcastle is Kielder reservoir and forest. A number of activities are possible here such as abseiling, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking. A special bus service operates from Newcastle city centre during the summer, details are normally posted on the Northumberland County Council website [3].

• Northumberland Coast — There are several beautiful villages and coastlines along the Northumberland coast which are well worth a visit. Warkworth and Bamburgh are particular noteworthy for their castles and tea rooms. Both are easily accessible by car, or by bus from Newcastle Haymarket. Druridge Bay country park offers one of the most outstanding beaches in the country, and includes a lake, which is often used for watersports. The holy island of Lindisfarne is easily accessible from Bamburgh.

• Tynemouth — East of Newcastle, set along the mouth of the river Tyne, Tynemouth is easily accessible by Metro, and boasts an impressive Priory, some nice shops, tea houses and beautiful beaches, as well as a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants, ranging from traditional pubs to upmarket restaurants and trendy wine bars. Tynemouth long sands even has a cafe on the beach! Perfect for a warming hot chocolate in the winter, or summer ice creams!

• Wet-n-Wild Water Park — in nearby North Shields, near the International Ferry Terminal, is the UK's largest water park, Wet-n-Wild. The park is indoors so there's no need to worry about bad weather!

Routes through temp

Edinburgh ← Morpeth ←

N  S

→ Washington → Leeds