The city of contrast is Newcastle upon Tyne. It dates back to the second century and still has several historical sites that coexist with the present. Parts of Hadrian’s Wall, which was constructed to cover the length of England and guard the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, may still be seen in and around Newcastle. The Black Gate and the Norman “new castle,” which still stand on the banks of the River Tyne, took the place of the Roman fort in the 11th century.
Newcastle has an interesting history, and it can be seen in the city’s architecture, which spans several decades. A mismatched combination made up of ultra-modern and historic structures keeps on-lookers fascinated at every turn. From museums, art galleries, and the Theatre Royal to a wide variety of eateries, nightclubs, and bars, Newcastle offers something for everyone.
Furthermore, Newcastle residents are known as Geordies and are among the nicest in the nation due to their distinctive English dialect; you will always be made to feel welcome. Moreover, Newcastle and the nearby city of Gateshead, which is situated across the river, share a cultural connection. Numerous entertainment venues, notably the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead Concert Hall, are located along the river and connected to Newcastle via bridges.
5 reasons to visit Newcastle upon Tyne
Incredible historical sights
Dating back to Roman times, Newcastle has both ruins and restored buildings from that era. From the 11th-century castle to his 19th-century architecture, the sights are full of surprises.
It’s a green city
If you need a break from the city center, Leeds Park and Towne Moor are just minutes away and offer vast green spaces. Get a taste of the countryside by exercising, walking, or biking without leaving Newcastle.
One-stop shopping
Shopping is the main focus of downtown. It’s all around Northumberland Street and Eldon Square. From high street bargains to designer brands, there is a shop for every budget.
Cultural delights
Catch a play or musical at the Theater Royal, find out about local history at the Discovery and Great North Museums, and browse the latest exhibits at the Rain Art Gallery.
Vibrant nightlife
Known as the nation’s premier nightlife destination, Newcastle is popular with fun-seekers of all ages. The Central Station area is hip and laid-back, the Big Market area is lively, and Quayside has bars for every taste.
What are the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne?
Newcastle Castle: passageway to History
Built on the site of a Roman fortress, Newcastle Castle includes the main stone tower, Castle Keep and Black Gate. In 1080, Robert the Crusoe, son of William the Conqueror, built a castle on this site. Henry II started building the fort in 1172, and Henry III started construction. The black gate was added in 1247. Today, visitors can discover its history from Roman times to the Middle Ages in its cloisters and rooms. In 2015 Black Gate reopened as a museum with exciting exhibits and events.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge: In the twinkling of an eye
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a sloping bridge that crosses the River Tyne between Gateshead Quay and Newcastle Quayside and was opened to pedestrians and cyclists in 2001. The bridge he designed by WilkinsonEyre and Gifford. Known locally as the Flashing Eye Bridge for its shape and slope, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is occasionally open to visitors and events such as the Northumbria Water University Boat Race and the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race.
St. Nicholas Cathedral: resurrection from the Ashes
Home to the Bishop of Newcastle and the Diocese of Newcastle, St. Nicholas Cathedral Church was founded in 1091 as a Norman church destroyed by fire in 1216. Completed in 1350, the current building is famous for its 15th-century lantern tower. The building he restored in 1777 and received the status of a cathedral in 1882. Highlights include a marble monument to Admiral Collingwood, commander of the Battle of Trafalgar, stunning stained-glass windows throughout, a 13th-century portrait of an unknown knight, and a 1903 statue of Queen Victoria.
Quayside: Arts on the River
Once an industrial and commercial center, Quayside on the banks of the River Tyne is now a music and arts complex. Visitors can find restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, as well as the BALTIC Contemporary Art Center and the Performing Arts Center Sage He Gateshead. Quayside is home to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which connects the Baltic Center with the Newcastle Courts. Quayside also hosts the annual Great North Run.
Angel of the North: protect the hill
Angel of the North, a stunning contemporary sculpture by Antony Gormley, was unveiled in 1998. Considered the largest angel sculpture in the world, the impressive Steel Angel measures 66 feet and has a wingspan of 177 feet. The statue is located on Birtley Hill and can be seen all year round. Visitors can access the sculpture by bus from Newcastle’s Eldon Square Bus Station or the Gateshead Interchange.
Restaurants in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Stowell Street is home to Chinatown, where lunch would run you about £10. Restaurants are typically dispersed around the city and provide a wide variety of cuisines. Around £40 will be spent per person for a three-course supper at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. The menu features a selection of steaks and traditional French meals with a contemporary touch. Beef stifado and chicken souvlaki are among the dishes available on the Simply Greek Tavern’s set menu, which costs £18 per person.
How to get to Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is less than seven miles from the city center. A connecting flight from London is just over an hour. Taxis are readily available at the airport and will take you to most destinations in the city for less than £10. A rail system also connects the city. A single ticket is £3.30.
Trains arrive at Newcastle Central Station, just minutes from the city center. You can reach your final destination by taxi, bus, or subway. About 3 hours by train from London. If you book early, tickets can cost from £40 and up to £100 for last-minute travel
Driving to Newcastle is direct from all directions. The A1 runs right through the city from Edinburgh to London. The A69 runs from the west coast to the suburbs of Newcastle. It takes about 8 hours by bus from London to Newcastle and 6 hours overnight. The bus is the slowest, but the cheapest way to travel on this trip. Long-distance buses, usually called coaches, stop at Newcastle Coach Station, just a few minutes from the train station.
Where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne
Quayside – Refurbished traditional and new buildings with bars, clubs, and restaurants make Quayside a lively area day and night. Top neighborhoods in Newcastle
City Center – Getting around the city center is easy with shopping, restaurants, museums, and art galleries all within walking distance.
Jesmond – A popular student area with a growing number of bars, restaurants, cafes, and small boutiques.
How to get around in Newcastle upon Tyne
- Public transport
The Tube System is a light rail system that runs underground and above ground from Newcastle to the coast, south of the River Tyne to South Shields and Sunderland. There are also numerous bus routes to all destinations in the surrounding area. Fares are usually £2-3 within Newcastle.
- Taxi
There are various taxi ranks in the city, train stations, and busy shopping and nightlife areas. A taxi between two locations in Newcastle costs less than £10.
- Car
If you’re staying in Newcastle and planning to visit the rest of North Tyneside and South Tyneside, you don’t need a rental car. If you want to go further afield, renting a car is convenient. Midsize cars cost around £50 per day for companies such as Hertz, Europcar, and Avis. There are plenty of car parks and garages in the city, usually costing less than £10 for 3 hours.
Cost of living in Newcastle upon Tyne
- Shopping Cost
Shopping in Newcastle is centered around Eldon Square Shopping Centre, home to all of Britain’s major chain stores, as well as surrounding streets such as Northumberland Street and Gray Street. Department stores such as Fenwick and John Lewis have roughly US-level prices.
- Groceries and other
Fenwick and Marks & Spencer have food halls offering groceries and prepared meals. Prices tend to be higher than regular grocery stores such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose in and around Eldon Square. A loaf of bread, milk, and eggs is 1-2 pounds each.