Newcastle youth guide
About Newcastle
Newcastle is a city full of energy, with a fierce sense of pride and a friendly regional identity. Dramatically located on the steep banks of the River Tyne, the city is an impressive sight whether approached by road or rail. And it’s changing fast. From the Gateshead Millennium Bridge with its distinctive ‘winking’ mechanism to the BALTIC centre for contemporary art this is somewhere making the most of its massive charm and beautiful setting. The city centre is compact and can be explored on foot, and the Metro system can take you to further-flung highlights.
Newcastle really comes alive at night. There is an incredible variety of places to choose from, where you’ll meet thousands of Geordies out on the Toon (as locals call themselves and their city). South of Newcastle is Durham, with its awe-inspiring cathedral, while north of the city Northumberland offers some of the most unspoilt coastline and countryside you’ll find in the country.
Newcastle Tourist Information Centre is at 132 Grainger Street.
For more information visit our Newcastle city guide.
Seeing
Must Do
Take a stroll through Newcastle down to the Quayside in the shadow of the mighty Tyne Bridge to the newest river crossing: the Gateshead Millennium Bridge offers a walkway across to Gateshead as well as opening so ships can pass beneath. The design means that the structure ‘winks’ as it opens.
Across the river, BALTIC is a huge contemporary art venue aiming to champion and inspire new work. There’s also a viewing box for a fine Tyne vista.
Off The Beaten Track
Not so much off the beaten track as highly unusual, The Angel of the North is hard to miss. Visiting the Angel is a startling and essential experience, allowing you to take in the massive size and craftsmanship of the artwork. Bus No 723 and 724 from Eldon Square, or No 21, 21A and 21B from the Odeon cinema, will take you there.
Four miles (6km) east of Newcastle at Wallsend is Segedunum the last outpost of Hadrian’s Wall. There are ongoing excavations of Roman fort ruins. Take the Metro to Wallsend.
Insider Info
Fittingly for a city that’s home to great art, Newcastle is the best regional centre for picking up a work or two of your own. is a good place to start hunting, and has a great café too.
Shopping
Shopaholics might be tempted by the enormous MetroCentre (Gateshead), with 360 shops. A MetroCentre shuttle bus (No 100) runs from the Odeon cinema or the train station.
Eldon Square is at the heart of the city centre shopping options, where you’ll find all the national chains you may expect. The markets here are good fun, like covered Grainger Market and Sunday’s Quayside Flea Market.
Eating
Consider a good meal in Newcastle as the starting point for a raucous night out. There’s a high standard of British and international cuisine here and new places are opening all the time so ask for recommendations when you arrive.
Pizzeria Francesca
Unpretentious with excitable waiters and big platefuls. Tel: +44 191 281 6586; 134 Manor House Road, Jesmond.
Blake's Coffee House
Perfect for caffeine-fuelled recovery time. High-ceilinged, buzzing and great for a coffee with a background of blues. Tel: +44 191 261 5463; 53 Grey Street.
Heartbreak Soup
Sweet place with colourful murals and world-embracing dishes such as Lebanese lamb and Vietnamese monkfish. Tel: +44 191 222 1701; 77 Quayside.
Barn Again Bistro
A special restaurant, from the front bar (which is decorated with Norman Wisdom album covers) to the imaginative modern British cooking. Tel: +44 191 230 3338; 21 Leazes Park Road.
Nightlife
You’ll probably spend evenings in Newcastle gawping at locals heading out into Arctic conditions in the Geordie uniform of as little as possible. It’s all part of the unrivalled passion for a night out that you’ll find here. For current listings grab a copy of The North Guide.
Osborne’s
Up-and-coming Jesmond's most popular haunt but don’t stay out here all night or you’ll miss the fun in town. Tel: +44 191 281 4961; 61-69 Osborne Road.
Pitcher & Piano
In an amazing setting, with an outside terrace, huge plate-glass walls and a prime Tyneside spot. Tel: +44 191 232 4110; 108 Quayside.
Trent House Soul Bar
Come here for the famous jukebox. It’s the kind of place you want to take home. Tel: +44 191 261 2154; 1-2 Leazes Lane.
Tuxedo Princess
Yes, that boat on the other side of the Quayside. It's a popular, cringe-inducing institution with seven different rooms and a revolving dance floor. Tel: +44 191 477 8899; Hillgate Quay.
Sleeping
Much of Newcastle’s B&B and budget hotel accommodation is in Jesmond. Otherwise there are more pricey but still good value options in the centre.
Newcastle YHA Hostel
Nice rambling place with small rooms. Call in advance. Tel: 0870 770 5972 UK only; 107 Jesmond Road.
Adelphi Hotel
Off Osborne Road, attractive, with floral, pleasant rooms. Tel: +44 191 281 3109; 63 Fern Avenue.
Waterside Hotel (www.watersidehotel.com)
A beautiful place with snug rooms in a heritage-listed building and it’s close to the action too. Tel: +44 191 230 0111; 48-52 Sandhill, Quayside.
Malmaison (www.malmaison.com)
Part of the chain of designer hotels, Malmaison is laid-back, achingly hip and has an unbeatable location. Tel: +44 191 245 5000; Quayside.