Things to Do in Newcastle upon Tyne: Newcastle Upon Tyne Travel Tips from A Local. A Quick List of What to Do in Newcastle upon Tyne from a Local!
This post is part of our City Tips from a Local interview series, where we interview locals for insiders travel tips about their city! Today, we’re chatting to Stephanie Fox, who blogs at StephanieFox.co.uk about the highlights, hidden spots, and best things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you’re wondering what to do in Newcastle upon Tyne, read on for Stephanie’s top tips!
Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links. That means we earn a commission when you use the links on this site to book a hotel, buy your travel insurance, etc.. If you’d like to learn more about how this works, you can read more under our Disclaimer page.
Thanks for Taking the Time to Chat with Us, Stephanie! Can you Tell Us About Your Life as a Local in Newcastle?
I’ve lived in Newcastle all my life and despite my love of travel, I will always be based here and there is nowhere I’d rather live. I work for a travel company and I’m responsible for all the social media and their blog – my perfect role as I’ve been taking photos of Newcastle and my travels for as long as I can remember!
If I’m not away, I love nothing more than a weekend in my own city, trying new restaurants, walking along the quayside and sampling the various coffee shops, taking a look at any events, the markets, the cocktail bars etc.
What Are Your Favorite Spots for a Beer or Cocktail in Newcastle?
Dacantus (30-32 Grey St), The Botanist (Monument Mall), Pleased to Meet You (41-51 High Bridge), the Broad Chare (25 Broad Chare), Bealim House (Bealim House, Gallowgate 17-25), Aveika (10-15 Sandhill), Livello (Lower Dean Street), and The Trent House (1-2 Leazes Ln) are all great recommendations!
What Are Your Top Don’t Miss Highlights In Newcastle?
In the City Centre, the highlights include the Castle Keep, Monument, Grey Street (it’s curved and often makes “prettiest streets in the UK” lists), the Angel of the North (in Gateshead), and all of the bridges on the river Tyne, including Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge.
Also check out St James Park. Football is big in the city and the whole city gets involved on Match Day including restaurants.
Finally, check out The Biscuit Factory art gallery and the Laing art gallery.
What Are Some Hidden Gems You Want Visitors to Know About In Newcastle?
The ruins around the castle keep are great – you don’t even feel like you’re in Newcastle. Near Chinatown and the old castle wall, there’s a very pretty area. The side streets off Grey Street are full of quirky bars and cobbled paths.
What Is the Coolest Neighborhood in Newcastle & What Should a Visitor Do There?
The Quayside is the coolest neighbourhood in Newcastle. Take a walk along the river, enjoy a drink at one of the outdoor terraces or beer gardens in summer, enjoy the Quayside market at a weekend where you can sample local coffee, food companies and art work. Enjoy some of the best pub grub at some of the oldest bars in the city, as well as some of the classiest and newer bars.
Many events either start or end on the Quayside so if there’s one on then stop to watch – Great North Run, ‘Seaside on the Quayside’ in summer are some good ones. Admire the beautiful bridges and landmarks on the banks of the river.
This is also the best area to stay! Stay in either the Malmaison or the Vermont for incredible views over the city.
Things To Do in Newcastle Map
If you’re heading to Newcastle, be sure to save this map by hitting the star icon to the right of the map title. That way, you’ll be able to view these locations in Google Maps on your smartphone.
What’s the Best Place to Get a Great Instagram in Newcastle?
There are a few places I can recommend. From the top of the Botanist Roof Terrace, looking straight down Grey Street is nice – Monument and Theatre Royal will both be in shot.
For the river, go to the bottom of Dean Street, and shoot in either direction at any of the bridges. Also, from the public bridge over the river, where you will get the whole quayside, river and the two famous bridges in shot.
From SIX, the restaurant at the top of the Baltic, you get a view of the whole river, bridges, Newcastle, the cathedral tower, and St James Park!
Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Add? Anything We’ve Missed You Think Visitors Should Know About Newcastle?
The atmosphere and the personality of the city is one of the friendliest in the UK! My favourite aspects are the buzz on a Saturday night when, no matter the weather, the bars will always be overflowing, and the simple happiness of a Sunday stroll along the quayside with a pancake or chips from a street food stall at the market. The whole Geordie concept is one big community and we’re very proud of that.
What’s Your Website, and Where Can We Find You on Social Media?
My blog is Stephaniefox.co.uk, where I write about Newcastle, and all the places I travel to. My focus on Newcastle began from my love of it, but also from making the most of my hometime when you can’t always afford to, or have time to travel.
On social media, the best place to find me is on Twitter or Instagram.
Big Thanks to Stephanie for Sharing Her Newcastle Upon Tyne Travel Tips Today! Be Sure to Read More on Her Blog, and if You Like this Post, Share it to Pinterest!