Alreet! So you have decided to venture up north to Newcastle Upon Tyne for a day trip or perhaps a weekend away, a very good decisio my friend. You won’t be disappointed.
Having lived here and still living here for many years now I am here to help guide you. Cause despite Newcastle being known for it’s legendary nightlife, stag and hen do, there’s more to this city than a cracking night out.
Here’s quick guide on the best things to do in Newcastle in a day and yes, I have thrown in a good brekkie and cafe spot, and fun things to do as well for all ages. Keep in mind, It truly depends on what your interests are and hope this guide helps.
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Content list:
- What is Newcastle Upon Tyne famous for?
- How to get around Newcastle Upon Tyne?
- 15 things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Different Fun things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne – Indoor Golf to Axe Throwing
- Where to eat in Newcastle?
- Day Trips from Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Newcastle Upon Tyne FAQ
In a hurry? Here are my top picks Hotels in Newcastle Upon Tyne:
⭐️⭐️ Easyhotel (By the Quayside, my friends have stayed here before, and it’s actually not bad, clean, and easy access to Quayside and walk to the city centre) : Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Motel One (Heart of City centre and Dog friendly, it’s lovely, my other friends have stayed here as well, the room is great, and literally in between bigg market and grey street) : Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ Dakota Newcastle (By the Quayside, this one is new to the scene and from what I have seen so far, its the poshest one but looks very nice if you feel like splashing out) : Click here for rates & availability.
What is Newcastle Upon Tyne famous for?
Arguably Newcastle United for those into Football and they are progressively a good team now. It’s nightlife is very famous and has been for decades, with abundance of bars, pubs and clubs, there is something for everyone.
Aside from these two aspects, Newcastle Upon Tyne is a very friendly city, its has this chilled vibe as well with a lot of history. The architectural buildings are amazing here and do always try to look up when you are in the city centre. Let’s not forget it’s famous 7 bridges on the Quayside especially the Tyne Bridge and it’s sister bridge in Australia.
How to Get Around Newcastle Upon Tyne (Local Taxis)
Newcastle’s got excellent public transport and a compact city center, which makes getting around dead simple even if it’s your first visit.
The Metro (Your new Best Friend)
The Metro is brilliant, genuinely one of the best things about Newcastle. It’s clean (esp the new ones), runs frequently, covers all the main areas you’d want to visit including the airport and coast, and it’s cheaper than Taxi.
How it works:
Buy a Day Saver ticket for £6.20 from the machines at any station, and that gives you unlimited travel all day across the entire Metro system. If you’re just doing single journeys, fares are £1.90-3.70 depending on how many zones you’re crossing. Trains run roughly every 10-15 minutes during the day, more frequent during rush hour, less frequent late evening.
The system operates from about 5:30am until midnight-ish depending on which line and which day of the week. Download the Metro app before you arrive because it shows you exactly which platform, how many stops, real-time arrival times, the lot. Makes navigating significantly easier.
Key stations for tourists:
- Monument is the main hub right in the city center, everything connects through here
- St James for the football stadium
- Jesmond for Jesmond Dene park
- Tynemouth for the coast (about 25 minutes from Monument on the Yellow line)
- Airport connects directly on the Metro, no need for expensive taxis (Green line)
The Metro has two main lines, Yellow and Green, and they’re color-coded on all the signs so you can’t really get lost. Yellow line goes to the airport and the coast, Green line goes south and west. Also check the board by the rail to see when the next train is coming and to where, this will be you indicator which direction the train is heading to.
Walking (Best Way to See the City Centre)
Newcastle city centre is not very big at all, you can easily walk from Grey Street down to the Quayside, across to Grainger Market, up to Chinatown, and back to Grey Street in about 20 minutes total if you’re moving at a decent pace. Keep in mind, the Grey street walk to the quayside is a downward slope, going down is easy, going up depending on fitness, I naturally huff and puff upwards. I walk everywhere when I’m in town because it’s much easier than a taxi since most of the roads are one way streets and traffic sometimes.
Do try and look up while you’re walking around in the city centre. Grey Street especially deserves your attention, the buildings are gorgeous.
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. Newcastle city centre is generally quite hilly, not overly like San Francisco but slight ones, and some of the older streets are cobbled.
Buses (If the Metro Doesn’t Go There)
Stagecoach and Go North East buses run throughout Newcastle and the surrounding areas. They’re useful for getting to places the Metro doesn’t reach, like certain parts of Durham or specific neighbourhoods.
Bus fares are around £2-4 for single journeys within the city, and day tickets are available if you’re planning multiple journeys. The problem with buses if you’re visiting is they can be a bit confusing if you don’t know the routes. They do take cards (most of them). The Metro is generally more straightforward for tourists.
Taxis and Uber
Black cabs and Uber are everywhere in Newcastle and they’re reasonably priced compared to cities like London. Most journeys within the city centre cost £5-10, which is fine if you’re sharing between a few people or it’s late at night.
Late night warning: Taxi and Uber prices surge on Friday and Saturday nights when half the city is out drinking or during Match times. If you’re going out on the town, either queue at official taxi ranks (there’s one outside Central Station, one at Eldon Square, one on the Quayside) or pre-book something to avoid the surge pricing.
There are local Newcastle taxis you can call like Blue line (0191 262 6666) and Budget Taxi (0191 298 5050) and they both have apps like Uber. I feel they tend to be cheaper than the Black cabs and sometimes Uber.
Driving and Parking
If you are planning to just stay in Newcastle City centre, Tynemouth area and Durham or just for a match and coming to Newcastle Upon Tyne by Plane or train, then I wouldn’t recommend driving in Newcastle city centre unless you absolutely have to. Parking is expensive at £2-4 per hour, traffic can be annoying especially during rush hour or on match days, and you genuinely don’t need a car for anything in the central area.
If you ARE planning day trips to places like York, Hadrian’s Wall, Holy Island, Alnwick where you might want a car, then of course. But park at one of the Q-Parks or NCP car parks on the edge of the city centre and use the Metro or walk for everything else or if your hotel or Airbnb provides parking then even better. And if you need a car for this trip, try the Discovercars app.
15 Things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne
1. Explore Newcastle City Centre
Venture around Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre, it’s small enough to roam around for an hour or two. Walk around Eldon Square mall, then around the Monument and head up to Northumberland Street where you can find shops such as TK Maxx, Fenwick, Marks and Spencer, Sports Direct and Primark. There are places to eat and cafes dotted around here which will be on the list below.
If you like to do a popular guided history walking tour:
2. Stroll along the prettiest Grey Street, grab a drink and food
Voted one of the most prettiest streets in England, it’s a downhill street beautifully lined with architectural and historical buildings, and the Theatre Royal is a magnificent building in itself. You’ll find restaurants with cuisines from around the world and some with outdoor spaces perfect for summer time.
What makes it special:
The gentle curve of the street creates this perfect architectural buildings where you can see the whole sweep of beautiful buildings leading your eye down toward the Theatre Royal.
The Theatre Royal sits at the bottom of the street and it’s absolutely stunning, with itsVictorian grandeur and ornate details. If you have time and there’s a show on that interests you, it’s worth catching something here just to see the interior. Or grab a drink at one of the many bars down this street.
As I had mentioned, Grey Street is lined with restaurants from all over the world. Indian, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Mexican, Spanish, you name it. Most of them have outdoor seating in spring and summer which is perfect for enjoying the sun over lunch or dinner.
It leads all the way down to the Quayside which is next on the list.
3. Walk along the Quayside
Newcastle Upon Tyne is home to seven bridges and all along the Quayside. Take in the views of the The Glasshouse formerly known as the Sage, and walk across the Millenium bridge, if you are here during the evening, the bridge changes colour as well. You can find a Sunday market here, and other days there are cafes, cake shops, bars, and a Michelin Restaurant. It’s stunning for photography and a relaxed time. Visit the cathedral up the stairs
4. Grainger Market to sample the Best Street Food in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Grainger Market was originally opened in 1835 and it’s one of the largest covered indoor market back them. I must warn you, you can get lost in here and in a very good way. I have lived here for years and still can’t find the pizza stall at first go. Nevertheless, you can find all sorts in here, from street food from around the world, retro games shop, the oldest M&S stall is here too, bakeries, fruits and veg stalls and butchers. (Check out the list at the end for what to have here for food).
You can also take a guided food tour for Grainger Market :
5. Day Trip to Tynemouth and the coast from Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre
If you have time, take a metro to Tynemouth and walk towards the seaside. Taking the metro should take between 20 to 30 minutes from Monument metro station. Here, you can walk along the coast, visit the Tynemouth market if you are visiting during the weekend, check out the lovely independent cafes or visit the famous Rileys Fish Shack and have fresh grilled seafood on the beach. And this is a better list of things to do in Tynemouth should you decide to visit.
6. Explore Newcastle Castle Keep
Visit the historical castle, it is small but mighty. Located on the bottom of the Bigg Market within the city centre. The medieval remains was built on the site of the even older castle that really gave Newcastle its name. Walk around it and if you are here during spring time, there’s a great cherry blossom tree just outside. Venture inside and take a tour of the history of the castle.
7. Explore Newcastle’s Free Museums (Perfect for Rainy Days)
1. Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (Free)
Technically this is in Gateshead, just across the Millennium Bridge from Newcastle Quayside, but I’m including it because it’s brilliant and you’d be mad to skip it. This is one of the best contemporary art galleries in the UK, housed in a converted flour mill right on the riverfront.
The exhibitions change regularly so I can’t tell you exactly what will be on when you visit, but the building itself is worth seeing. Even if contemporary art isn’t your thing, go up to the top floor viewing platform because the views of Newcastle across the river are stunning. And it’s completely free.
2. The Great North Museum (Hancock Museum) (Free)
Located near Newcastle University, this natural history and world cultures museum is excellent if you’re interested in basically anything. The Hadrian’s Wall exhibition is particularly good if you’re planning to visit the actual wall at some point, gives you loads of historical context.
There’s a planetarium inside as well, though that costs a small additional fee on top of the free general admission. Worth it if you’re interested in space or have kids who’d enjoy it.
3. Laing Art Gallery
Victorian art gallery on New Bridge Street with a collection focusing on British art and sculpture. It’s free to enter, the building is lovely, and it’s good for an hour or so if you like art galleries. I’m not an art expert so I can’t give you detailed analysis, but I enjoy wandering through when I want a quiet afternoon.
4. Discovery Museum (Free)
Just by Westgate Road, the Discovery Museum is a free museum and a great place to chill for few hours. This museum has collections of significant maritime history, social history and regimental history collections.
5. Centre for life (Paid)
This is Newcastle’s interactive science center near Central Station. It’s about £12 for adults so not free like the others, but it’s worth the money if you have kids or you’re into hands-on science exhibits. They’ve got stuff about genetics, the human brain, sustainability, loads of interactive displays where you can actually touch things and experiment.
They also do special events sometimes, check their website to see what’s on when you’re visiting.
8. Go back in time at the Beamish Museum
If you have a few days in Newcastle Upon Tyne, do visit the Beamish museum.
Beamish is a world-famous open-air living museum showing life in the North East during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods. The whole place is set up as a working historical town with costumed staff, period buildings you can walk through, vintage vehicles you can ride, and demonstrations of old crafts and industries.
Technically, it’s within Durham which is also a great day trip to visit. Beamish Museum is a nice day out and so interesting to visit.
You get to see how people lived in the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times. It’s worth a visit and for an adult, tickets costs £27.50 per person and I reckon you’ll be here at least half a day.
What’s there:
- A complete 1900s town with shops, houses, and a pub you can actually have a pint in
- A 1900s pit village
- Georgian manor house and gardens
- Working farm with old breed animals
- Vintage trams and buses that actually transport you around the site
You genuinely feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Kids and adults too will love it because it’s not just looking at things behind glass, you can actually go inside houses, ride on trams, taste food from the period bakery and sweet shop.
Entry: About £27.50 for adults (check website for current prices as they change seasonally)
How long: You need at least half a day, ideally a full day to see everything properly
Getting there: Easiest with a car (free parking on site), or you can get a bus from Newcastle
9. Explore underground the Victoria Tunnel
This one you probably have to book in advance. You will have a guided tour underground in the tunnels from Town Moor to the River Tyne. This is a unique experience in itself.
10. Climb up Grey’s Monument
Get your walking shoes on. In the heart of the Newcastle City Centre there is a monument called Greys Monument, and during the spring and summer months, you are able to climb up to the top and get a great 360 view of Newcastle. Plan ahead and get tickets online for a fiver. If you are interested in climbing Greys monument, I have a post about Grey’s monument , and the full experience.
Is it worth climbing?
Book ahead and grab your walking shoes on and climb up164 steps up a narrow spiral staircase. Costs £5 which is quite reasonable for the experience, piece of history and did I mention the views? On a clear day you can see all seven bridges, inside St James’ Park, the entire city centre.
11. Take a stadium tour of St James Park or catch a football game
Calling all football fans, you have to visit St James Park Stadium, it’s in the city centre, and by Chinatown. Take a tour of the stadium that includes all the behind-the-scenes info you could want, from sitting in the dressing room to walking through the tunnel. Make sure to book ahead. Or just walk around the stadium if you don’t wish to enter. Or definitely go for a match if you happen to be around when a match is on, the atmosphere is incredible. And visit the Strawberry pub next door, it’s iconic!
12. Explore Chinatown and Spot Hadrian’s Wall
Newcastle’s Chinatown is quite small compared to places like London or Manchester, basically one main street called Stowell Street, but it’s packed with excellent Chinese restaurants, Chinese bakeries, and supermarkets.
The Chinatown Gate at the entrance is a welcome sign to the street, the pub next to it is very popular amongst the locals, and you’re basically obligated to take a photo there if you’re visiting. It was a gift from Newcastle’s Chinese community and it’s quite beautiful with all the traditional decorations.
Here’s a nice historical place: At the very end of Stowell Street, behind some buildings, you can actually see a section of Hadrian’s Wall. Yes, the actual Roman wall that crossed Britain built around 122 AD. It’s not much, just a bit of wall poking out, but it’s quite cool that it’s just casually there in the middle of the city. And if you are interested in exploring more on Hadrians wall, take a look at a guided tour below:
13. Wander around Jesmond Dene (Hidden Nature Paradise)
Jesmond Dene is this absolutely gorgeous wooded valley that runs right through the Jesmond and Heaton suburbs of Newcastle, and most tourists have no idea it exists. It’s a proper nature escape without ever leaving the city, and it’s where Newcastle locals actually go when they want peace and greenery.
The Ouseburn stream runs through the bottom of the valley, there are walking trails winding through woodland, a small waterfall (Jesmond Dene Waterfall, imaginatively named), old mill buildings scattered about, and loads of spots perfect for picnics on nice days.
Pet’s Corner is a free little petting zoo with goats, rabbits, chickens, ponies, and other small animals. It’s particularly popular with families but honestly I still enjoy visiting the goats and I’m a grown adult.
How to get to Jesmond Dene:
Metro to Jesmond or West Jesmond station, then it’s a 10-15 minute walk. Or you can walk from the city center, takes about 30 minutes. Buses 30, 31, and 36 all go near it as well.
How long: Allow 1-2 hours if you want to do a proper walk through the valley and maybe stop for a sit down. Or just pop in for 30 minutes if you’re short on time.
This is genuinely where locals go to relax, not the touristy city center. Bring a coffee, maybe a book, and just enjoy being in nature despite being in the middle of a city.
14. Visit the Angel of the North
Created by Antony Gormley and erected in 1998, this sculpture is technically located in Gateshead, however it is the most iconic monument of the North East! Take a bus ride up or drive here and take great pictures! Oh do bear in mind, there isn’t much else going on here except for the Angel of the North. And lookout for it if you are driving to Newcastle Upon Tyne or by bus.
15. Pet Animals at Ouseburn Farm
Walking distance from the city centre is the ever popular Ouseburn farm. It’s a charity and community city farm with a lot of farm animals from big to small such as rabbits, pigs, goats, reptiles, and you can help feed some of them too. They have a garden and an orchard that you can explore too. Nearby are great pubs that you can visit for food and drinks. Check out their website on how to get there.
Best for: Families with kids, animal lovers, anyone wanting something completely different from the usual city attractions
Nearby: The Ouseburn area has loads of brilliant pubs and live music venues. The Cluny is famous for indie gigs, Free Trade Inn has stunning views over the city, Tyne Bar is a proper local pub. This whole area is Newcastle’s creative quarter and has a completely different vibe to the glossy city centre.
Different Fun things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Here are some fun activities to do within the city centre, from indoor golf to axe throwing:
1. Crazy Golf (Mr Mulligans and Junkyard Golf)
Both located in the city centre. Mr Mulligans is more child friendly and they also serve food. Junkyard Golf is definitely more for adults, grab a cocktail or two while you go have fun at crazy golf.
2. Axe Throwing
There’s 2 locations for some Axe throwing, Hatchet Harrys and Game of throwing. Throw some axes at a bulleyes and always be careful when you do.
3. Point Blank
Located next to The Gate, get into some laser shooting and of course drinks are available as well.
4. Lane 7
There are 2 locations for this, one by The Gate in the City centre and the other behind Central Station. It’s a great place, an all in one place where you can bowl, play darts, arcade and have cocktails and food as well.
5. Flight Club
Located at Eldon Square by the monument entrance, a lovely bar serving drinks of course and play darts.
Where to Eat in Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre – Cafes, Street Food & Restaurants
There’s so many to choose from. Pubs, cafes, street food, restaurants with cuisines from different parts of the world. Let’s break it down:
Cafe and Brunch/Breakfast spots:
1 Olive and Bean at Grainger Street
This is a delightful place with outdoor seating. Very popular. They serve sandwiches, soups, breakfast and brunch, salads, and a great selection of cakes and brownies. Drinks include coffee, tea, smoothies and more.
2. Lagom Cafe
It’s next to The Gate on an alleyway, a new independent coffee shop, great for vegans and excellent coffee
3. Tsujiri
A Japanese chain by Chinatown Stowell Street which serves matcha, Japanese desserts and cakes. They also serve soft serve ice cream.
4. Tiny Tiny
Love this spot, its a great establishment with a wonderful section of breakfast and brunch food such as Turkish eggs, avo with sourdough, Huevos Hancharos, Reuben. Very popular and a lovely vibe, Great coffee too.
5. Tyneside Bar Cafe
A lovely cafe with history, it is attached to the Tyneside cinema and been around for many years. It’s just across the street from Northumberland st. Great selection of drinks and food such as sandwiches and burgers.
6. Pumphreys Coffee inside Grainger Market
Not a cafe per se, more like a coffee bar and they have excellent selection of coffee from around the world. Worth a shot or an espresso.
7. Greggs
You must have Greggs at least once when you are in Newcastle Upon Tyne, its literally home ground for Greggs here, and there are cafes located in Eldon Square and on Grainger Street to sit in an have a sausage roll and coffee.
8. Aidens Kitchen
A lovely spot on the corner of Sandyford Road, very popular and busy, not a lot of spaces but their food is just divine, from a full english, to Korean chicken sandwich and their version of eggs benedict plus they have cakes and lovely drinks
They have been a staple in Quayside market, just at the bottom of Greys street, its a small cafe with excellent English Breakfasts and brunch food.
“Street Food” at Grainger market
There’s so many to choose from here, and it’s great when you are in a big group and everyone has different preferences. One of you can have dumplings, another pizza and eat them together at a quiet SPOT.
1. Acropolis
Greek street food at its finest. My partner is Greek and he loves this place. Grab a Gyros or a platter to share. Their portion is huge and they don’t skimp on the meat. They have vegan and veg options too.
2. SnackWallah
An indian street food spot, vegan and very delicious, also very popular. They have wraps, pani puri, chaat, samosa and more.
3. Nan Bei Chinese Dumplings
Delicious homemade dumplings and bao buns. You can watch them make it while you snack on them as well. They tend to have a deal for 5 pounds for 4 dumplings and a bun or 3 buns. Also try their noodles with wantons, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
4. Sogu & Gogi Express
Get your Korean corn dog fix here! That’s enough said – very nice!
5. Slice
Get your thin crusted pizza by the slice here for 3 pounds each and it’s worth it. The queue can be long but it’s fast and worth it.
6. Geordie Banger Co
Don’t miss this spot, their sausage roll is one of the best in town and they are massive. Delicious and their own homemade sausages.
7. Redheads Mac N Cheese
A favourite for both kids and adults alike. They serve mac and cheese and you get choose the topping.
8. Biang Biang noodle
A lovely noodle spot, authentic and homemade noodles. Delicious.
There’s more places to eat inside Grainger, they have a bagel stall, cubanos, Feds Chicken burger, and a delightful Spanish spot.
Most of their prices can range between 3 pounds to 15 pounds. The cheapest is Slice of Pizza for 3 pounds at present.
Restaurants to try in Newcastle
1. Chilli Padi
A Malaysian restaurant near St James Park. Delicious food from rendang, nasi and mie goreng, authentic. Portions are huge and reasonably priced. They also cater to vegan and vegetarians as well and their food is halal. They have Malaysian drinks and also alcohol is available.
2. El Coto
A Spanish tapas restaurant, an establishment that has been here for decades now and consistently provides great food. A selection of over 30 tapas on their menu and a selection of wine and sangria.
3. Redhouse
A great spot for delicious pie and mash, hits the spot all the time and they area located on the quayside.
4 Rio Brazilian Steakhouse
A proper Brazilian spot located at 2 locations, the original is at Osborne Road in West Jesmond and the second location is at the Quayside. They would come to you with a variety of meats and you should a red and green light system. They will keep coming to you and give you slices till you decide no more meat.
5. Gaucho
If you are looking to splash out a bit more, Gaucho has finally arrived at Newcastle and they serve the finest Argentinian steaks and burgers. The environment alone is amazing.
6. Master Wang
Located opposite Civic Centre and by Northumbria Uni lies an authentic Chinese place and super popular amongst the students and locals alike. They serve handmade biang biang noodles and it’s delicious. Great for a lunch spot. Oh and they closed on Sundays.
7. Greek Tavern
Try out a Greek taverna in Newcastle Upon Tyne, they serve delicious Greek food, Gyros, Stifado and more and the portions are huge! They even have Greek Beer, and my partner who is Greek approves if thats’ any help haha.
8. Stix
Hands down the best Korean fried chicken, located by Stowell Street, Stix is a Korean and Japanese place. Perfectly crunchy, saucy, big and moist chicken – just delicious. They also serve Ramen, Katsu Curry, Kimchi friend rice and more. Real talk – get their K F C (Korean fried chicken).
9. Cook House
They are Michelin guide restaurant, started in a shipping container – refurbished into a delightful restaurant, and now in stripped-back, industrial-style restaurant with a pleasant terrace and a relaxed feel. Very popular and delicious food here, book in advance if you are planning on visiting.
Day Trips from Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle’s location makes it perfect as a base for exploring the wider North East region. Here are the best day trips you can do.
Tynemouth and the Coast (30 Minutes by Metro)
I’ve already covered this above but it deserves mentioning again because it’s so easy to reach. Yellow Metro line from Monument to Tynemouth, 25-30 minutes, covered by the £6.20 Day Saver.
What to do: Beach, Tynemouth Priory ruins, weekend market, Riley’s Fish Shack seafood, coast walk to Whitley Bay
How long: Half day to full day
Durham City (20 Minutes by Train)
Durham is absolutely stunning and criminally underrated in my opinion. The cathedral and castle (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites) dominate the skyline, perched on a hill surrounded by the River Wear.
What to do:
- Durham Cathedral (one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe)
- Durham Castle (now part of Durham University)
- Walk around the river
- Wander the medieval streets
- Market Place on Saturdays
Getting there: Train from Newcastle Central to Durham Station, about 15 minutes, £6-8 return
How long: Half day to full day depending on your interest level
Durham’s small enough that you can see the main sights in 3-4 hours, but it’s nice enough that you could easily spend a full day wandering around.
Warkworth Castle & Alnwick (1 Hour)
Warkworth Castle is a stunning medieval castle on the Northumberland coast. Really impressive ruins and the setting is beautiful.
Alnwick has two main attractions:
- Alnwick Castle (used in Harry Potter films)
- Alnwick Garden
Getting there: Train to Alnmouth station, then bus or taxi to Alnwick or Warkworth. Or drive, much easier with a car.
How long: Full day
Hadrian’s Wall (45-60 Minutes)
The most famous Roman monument in Britain runs across northern England, and some of the best-preserved sections are near Newcastle.
Best sections to visit:
- Housesteads Roman Fort
- Vindolanda
- Chesters Roman Fort
- Sycamore Gap (the famous tree that was sadly cut down in 2023, but the area is still beautiful)
Getting there: Easiest with a car. There’s an AD122 bus that runs along the wall in summer but it’s infrequent. Alternatively, book a guided tour from Newcastle.
How long: Full day
Whitley Bay (30 Minutes by Metro)
Similar to Tynemouth but with a different vibe. Longer beach, the famous Spanish City building (restaurants and arcade), ice cream shops along the seafront.
Getting there: Yellow Metro line from Monument to Whitley Bay, about 30 minutes
How long: Half day
Bamburgh Castle & the North Northumberland Coast (1.5 Hours)
This is stunning but requires a car or organized tour because public transport is rubbish up here.
Bamburgh Castle is one of the most dramatic castles in England, sitting right on the coast.
Nearby: Holy Island (Lindisfarne), Seahouses, Farne Islands boat trips
How long: Full day
Things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne FAQ
How many days do you need in Newcastle Upon Tyne?
2-3 days is perfect for seeing the main sights and getting a proper feel for the city, plus doing a day trip to the coast or Durham. One day is possible but quite rushed – you’ll hit the highlights like the Quayside, Grainger Market, and Grey Street but miss a lot. 4-5 days gives you time to properly explore, catch a Newcastle United match if the timing works, and do multiple day trips without feeling rushed at all.
Is Newcastle Upon Tyne safe for tourists?
Very safe. I’ve lived here for decades and feel completely comfortable walking around at any time of day or night. The Bigg Market area can get a bit rough on Friday and Saturday nights with drunk crowds, but that’s more annoying than actually dangerous. There will normally be police here to regulate the crowds.
Geordies are genuinely friendly people and if you look lost or confused, someone will probably offer to help before you even ask. Standard city awareness applies, obviously, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, but Newcastle has significantly less crime than London or many other major UK cities.
What is Newcastle famous for?
Newcastle United football club, the seven bridges (especially the iconic Tyne Bridge), nightlife and party culture, Grey Street architecture, being the birthplace of Greggs, and having some of the friendliest people in Britain. The Geordie accent is also famous and sometimes requires subtitles for people from down south. Historically, Newcastle was famous for shipbuilding and coal mining, which shaped the city’s working-class identity and culture.
Do you need a car in Newcastle?
No, absolutely not for the city center itself. The Metro is excellent for getting to the coast, airport, and suburbs. The city center is tiny and completely walkable. You only need a car if you’re planning day trips to places like Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland countryside, or Durham countryside where public transport is limited. Even then, you can do Durham city by train easily. If you do want a car for day trips, hire one for specific days rather than your entire visit and save yourself the parking headaches.
What should I eat in Newcastle?
Don’t miss Grainger Market for international street food, especially the biang biang noodles from Nan Bei, Korean fried chicken from Stix, and Greek gyros from Acropolis. Try a proper Greggs sausage roll because it’s a Newcastle institution and you have to embrace it. Fish and chips from a proper chippie, Sunday roast at a traditional pub, and if you’re here on match day, a pre-match pie from one of the vendors outside St James’ Park. The food scene in Newcastle has improved massively in recent years and there’s genuinely excellent food from all over the world here.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Newcastle?
Occasionally, yes! When solar activity is very high, the aurora borealis can be visible from the North East coast. It’s not common and you need a strong solar storm plus clear skies, but it does happen a few times a year, usually in winter. Best viewing spots are the Northumberland coast away from city lights – Tynemouth, Bamburgh, Holy Island. Check aurora forecast apps and if there’s a strong forecast, head to the coast. I’ve seen it a handful of times from Tynemouth over the years and it’s absolutely magical.
What’s the best area to stay in Newcastle?
For first-time visitors, stay in the city center or Quayside area. You’re walking distance to everything, loads of restaurants and bars nearby, and it’s easy to get around. Jesmond is good if you want a more residential neighborhood feel with independent cafes and restaurants, and it’s well-connected by Metro. Near Central Station works well if you’re planning lots of day trips by train. All these areas are safe and convenient. Avoid staying too far out unless you have a specific reason, you’ll spend ages on transport.
Is Newcastle expensive to visit?
Much cheaper than London or southern England generally. Budget travelers can manage on £50-80 per day (hostel or budget hotel, street food from Grainger Market, Metro transport, free attractions). Mid-range travelers should budget £100-150 per day (decent hotel, mix of restaurants, paid attractions, maybe a show or match). Luxury travelers can easily spend £200+ per day on high-end hotels and restaurants. Food and drinks are very affordable compared to London – a pint is £4-5 in most pubs, meals at Grainger Market are £5-10, mid-range restaurant meals are £12-20.
What’s the weather like in Newcastle Upon Tyne?
Proper seasons with cold winters and mild summers. It’s not as rainy as Manchester despite the reputation, but bring a waterproof jacket because rain can happen any time. Summer (June-August) is 18-22°C on good days, winter (Dec-Feb) is 2-8°C and can feel colder with wind off the North Sea. Spring and autumn are 10-15°C and quite pleasant. It’s rarely extreme in either direction, just generally mild and occasionally wet. The wind is the main thing people underestimate – Newcastle’s on the coast and the wind can be quite strong, especially in winter.
Can you do Newcastle as a day trip from Edinburgh or York?
Yes, absolutely. Newcastle is 1.5 hours by train from Edinburgh and 1 hour from York, making it very doable as a day trip. You won’t see everything obviously, but you can hit the main highlights – Quayside walk, Grainger Market for lunch, wander Grey Street, maybe pop into a museum or the castle. If there’s a Newcastle United home match, that’s another reason to day trip from Edinburgh or York. Just book your train tickets in advance for the best prices.
Is the Geordie accent hard to understand?
It can be, especially if you’re not from the North East or used to regional British accents. Some Geordies have very strong accents and use dialect words you won’t find in standard English. Don’t be embarrassed to ask people to repeat themselves or speak a bit slower, everyone’s used to it and nobody minds. After a day or two you’ll start picking it up. Common words: “wey aye” means yes, “canny” means good or very, “gan” means go, “howay” means come on. Just smile and nod if you don’t understand, most people will clarify when they realize you’re not local.
Are there any free things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne?
Loads! The Quayside walk is free and one of the best parts of Newcastle. Walking around Grey Street and the city centre costs nothing. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is free entry. The Great North Museum (Hancock) is free. Laing Art Gallery is free. Jesmond Dene park is free. Ouseburn Farm is free. Window shopping in Grainger Market is free (though you’ll probably end up buying food). Just wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere costs nothing and honestly that’s half the fun of Newcastle.
Hope this list of things to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne helps you in your next visit!
Courtney xx
Written by Sarah Courtney (@heywhatsupcourtney) updated 09/11//2025
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