Newcastle Upon Tyne’s city centre is the perfect northern destination for a weekend city break in the UK. It’s compact, there’s a burgeoning local food and drink scene and the Geordies pride themselves on their friendly natures.
Planning a weekend in Newcastle is also pretty affordable, with reasonably priced city centre hotel rooms and those infamous cheap-as-chips ‘trebles’ sloshed down later-remorseful necks all over the city every weekend.
I live nearby and have spent a lot of time getting to know the place, so I’ve put together this guide to what to do in Newcastle on a weekend break.
Things To Do In Newcastle On A Weekend Break
Heading to Newcastle this weekend? Whether you’re going on a hen or stag do with a mixed age party who want to descend on The Toon and you need options for partiers and the more laid-back, relaxed attendees; if you’re a solo traveller, a loved-up couple or you’re planning a little lads/lasses day out, Newcastle won’t let you down.
This Newcastle city break guide details all the best places to eat, drink and be merry in the North East’s largest and most famous city.
There’s a reason it’s often named as the UK’s best city for nightlife, so I’ve also included some of the best bars in Newcastle for daytime and late night revelry. I’ve tried to cover a nice mix of civilised spots and rowdier places, so there’s something for everyone. Pack your coat – it’s usually freezing. (Or don’t. The Geordie lasses will respect you more without one.)
If you’re in Newcastle for two days or even just one, a good way to see the main sites and get to grips with the city is to do a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or a walking tour. Or just follow my guide to have the best day out in Newcastle ever!
1. Start with scran: Where to eat breakfast (or brunch) in Newcastle
If you hop off the train at Central Station in the early morning, you’ll probably be ‘clamming’, as they say up here. Head to one of Chloe from New Girl In Toon’s 10 best Newcastle breakfast spots (more saliva-inducing pics like the one above in her post).
Violet’s has become something of a Newcastle breakfast institution, with its charming and cosy interior and yummy comfort food. Quay Ingredient and Olive & Bean are equally good choices.
Planning a boozy girls day out in Newcastle? Your best bet is to start as you mean to go on with a bottomless brunch. Newcastle has a few to choose from, but I believe the best are at No 28, Aveika and Malmaison. I haven’t done any yet, but they’re all on my list!
2. Hit the shops: Newcastle’s shopping hotspots
If you’d prefer to get your steps count up by trawling the shops instead of traipsing around Newcastle’s tourist attractions, you’ll be happy to know that Newcastle’s best shopping areas are all within easy reach of each other.
Start at intu Eldon Square and make your way along Northumberland Street or down the other streets spanning out from Monument Station, where you can spend your pocket money on various high street and luxury fashion brands.
Grainger Market is a more unique Newcastle shopping experience. It’s a covered market with 114 shops, built in 1835 and it’s probably the best place to ‘crack on’ to locals.
Central Arcade is another must-visit, and could be deemed a Newcastle attraction in itself. The grandiose Edwardian arcade has a few shops that might be of interest, but is really just worth peeking into so you can marvel at its beauty.
If you only go to one shop in Newcastle, make it Fenwick. Bonus points if it’s Christmas time because you’ll see the shop window display, whose appearance has become synonymous with the start of the festive season in the North East. I have a guide to what to do in Newcastle at Christmas which should be handy if you’re visiting in December.
Outside of the city but not to be missed if you’ve come to shop, the intu Metrocentre in Gateshead also provides ample opportunity for retail therapy.
3. See the canny side of the city: Cultural things to see and do in Newcastle
If you’ve come to Newcastle for culture, it’s probably staring you in the face: Greys Monument boasts Grade 1 listed status. You can’t miss it as you head down stunning Grey Street, whose grand Georgian buildings house bars and restaurants galore.
Technically located in Newcastle’s neighbouring city, Gateshead, the BALTIC Centre of Contemporary Art is worth making a trip over the Tyne for. It’s the UK’s largest dedicated contemporary art institution and even its location packs a historical punch: it’s housed in an old flour mill. Take in the exhibition and then take in the views of Newcastle’s skyline over the Tyne.
Art lovers should head to the Laing, which was Newcastle’s first art gallery, built in 1901 as a gift to the city.
There’s also The Biscuit Factory, the UK’s largest independent commercial art, craft & design gallery. It’s not slap bang in the city centre, but worth heading out to Ouseburn to visit if you’re so inclined.
Those who want to delve into the city’s past might be interested in Victoria Tunnel: a fully preserved 19th century coal wagon-way and WW2 air-raid shelter. And of course, there’s Newcastle Castle.
In the summer months, you might be lucky and find that there’s an outdoor movie screening during your trip to Newcastle, at the Screen On The Green in Old Eldon Square.
Want to follow in the footsteps of the city’s many great inhabitants of past and present? Plaques dedicated to some of Newcastle’s best-loved and most successful locals are laid along the stretch of pavement from Baltic Square to the Swing Bridge. Across the river, they continue along the Quayside to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Take a walk!
Newcastle also has plenty to offer in terms of live entertainment. Before your trip to Newcastle, check out what’s on at Theatre Royal, Live Theatre, Metro Radio Arena, City Hall and the Sage.
Football lover? Book a tour of the Toon’s Stadium.
4. Get ‘nebby’: Find the best places to relax in Newcastle city centre
The best things in life are free, and one of the best free things to do during the day in Newcastle is people watching on the Quayside. In the summer months, see if you can bag yourself a deckchair at the Quayside Seaside, a pop-up beach on the banks of the Tyne.
On Sundays, you can grab something tasty from the adjacent Quayside Market and feel the sand beneath your feet.
If you’re lucky, you might get to see the Millennium Bridge ‘wink’ as it lifts to let ships pass. The unusual site is one of Newcastle’s top attractions and it stops quayside strollers in their tracks!
If your weekend in Newcastle is blessed with sunshine, why not cross the bridge and sit outside The River Brew Co, a shipping container village where local food vendors feed the masses at weekends.
If the urban scene isn’t really your thing, you can always head out to Jesmond Dene. A 15 minute taxi ride from Central Station towards Newcastle’s east end transports you to a calming green oasis, complete with free petting zoo!
5. Get some ‘bait’, the Geordie term for dinner
If it’s local delights you’re after, try to find a menu offering pease pudding. It’s best served with ham on a stottie cake!
Newcastle has loads of good lunchtime restaurants but it’s worth booking ahead at weekends, especially if you’re visiting in a large group.
The best lunch places in Newcastle are often disputed, but new-ish pasta join Zucchini gets rave reviews. I also love Lola Jean’s (chintzy decor and a strong menu).
There are plenty of casual restaurants in Grey’s Quarter of Eldon Square too, so take a walk through there if you’re struggling to choose (or if it’s raining!)
6. Divvent wait until the neet: Where to go for casual daytime drinks in Newcastle
If it’s too early to hit the clubs, calm doon pet, Newcastle has a plethora of buzzing daytime bars. There are plenty of cheap n’ cheerful boozers like The Beehive keeping day drinkers hydrated. You won’t get fancy cocktails there, but you will get four drinks and change from a tenner.
Other cosy city centre boozers include Bridge Tavern and Crown Posada.
The Tyne is a pleasant walk along the Quayside and people sprawl across its large outdoor area on sunny days.
Prefer exotic concoctions and Instagram-friendly decor? Some of my favourite Newcastle cocktail bars are Pitcher and Piano on the Quayside and The Botanist for elaborate cocktails in a floral themed greenhouse. The Glass House and Pleased To Meet You are also lovely.
Ready for my number one recommendation? Recently opened STACK is the creative social space that Newcastle was crying out for. With eateries like Cluck Cluck Moo and Sushi Me Rollin’ and a beautiful floral gin bar, this is one place you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Newcastle for a lads or lasses trip. STACK is a great place to go for groups visiting Newcastle, because there are long benches you can spread out on.
If the sun is shining during your trip to Newcastle, head to one of local travel blogger Stephanie Fox’s favourite Newcastle bars and pubs with outdoor terraces.
7. Ready for a brew? Where to get the best Afternoon Tea in Newcastle
Ladies of leisure visiting Newcastle might prefer something more elegant: afternoon tea in one of the city’s eateries. I recommend The Great British Cupcakery for Instagram-worthy interiors and scrumptious cakes, but other highly recommended options are Six at The BALTIC for afternoon tea with a view of Newcastle (I’ve only been for dinner, but you can read my Six at The Baltic review if you’re interested), or The Vermont. Afternoon tea is a lovely option for a ladies day out in Newcastle.
If you’re prepared to travel a little outside the city centre (we’re talking a few minutes in a taxi here), I have a review of afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House that might entice you.
8. Time for a ‘sitty doon’: Dinner in Newcastle
For an evening meal, head to one of Newcastle’s excellent restaurants. Money saving tip: try to time your weekend in Newcastle with NE1’s Restaurant Week, when diners can eat at some of the city’s fanciest restaurants for £10 or £15 per head.
Foodie blogger Scran On The Tyne posts local restaurant reviews, if you’re in need of some inspiration for where to eat in Newcastle.
One of the best meals I’ve had in the city centre was at Malmaison’s Chez Mal, which is perfect for couples planning a romantic meal in Newcastle. Ask for the window seat for a view like the one pictured above!
9. Get mortal: The best clubs and night time bars in Newcastle
I actually prefer daytime sessions in Newcastle so I can get back home on the last metro (lol am I 70?), but there’s no shortage of nighttime venues in The Toon. There’s all the Geordie Shore haunts, of course, like Perdu, House of Smith, Floritas and Bijoux.
If you’re not planning on going radgie, skip the ‘Diamond Strip’ (Collingwood Street) and go to one of the more sophisticated bars. Or try Lane7, where you can do some bowling while you drink.
Personally, I like Tokyo – especially because it’s just steps from Central Station.
I also highly recommend Boulevard for an evening show, where I had probably the best Newcastle night out ever.
Essential information for your city break in Newcastle
Where to stay in Newcastle
Some of my favourite city centre hotels in Newcastle are Roomzzz (great for groups!), Malmaison and Hotel Indigo. All three are very well located and you could definitely stumble home to save on taxis.
Read my Roomzzz Newcastle review
Read my Malmaison Newcastle review
The usual budget chains like Premier Inn have options in Newcastle too.
If you’re open to staying outside of the city centre and want something more luxurious, Jesmond Dene House is a cosy hideaway and it’s just on the outskirts.
Read my review of Jesmond Dene House
Check all Newcastle hotels prices and availability
How to get to Newcastle
You can fly to Newcastle International Airport from London or get the train to Newcastle Central. If your hotel is closer to Monument Station, get off there.
Flying in? Book a private airport transfer from Newcastle Airport to the city centre so you can get your weekend in Newcastle off to a hassle-free start.
More places to visit in the North East
If you’d like to explore more of the North East’s best destinations, you can book a half day tour to Hadrian’s Wall or spend a day in beautiful Durham.
More North East England travel inspiration
My guide to the best spa hotels in the North East
My Newcastle city guide for stags and hens
The best romantic accommodation in Northumberland
My review of Rockliffe Hall Hotel
What it’s like to sleep in a castle in North East England
What to expect when you visit Beamish
More UK travel inspiration
How to have a romantic weekend in Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Is Madame Taussaud’s Blackpool worth visiting?
Best cities for a weekend in break in Northern England
How to plan an Autumn weekend break in Cheshire
The most stunning glamping yurts in Scotland
What to do in & around Falkirk, Scotland
Weekend guide to Whitby in North Yorkshire
Manchester girls’ weekend guide
Howay, there’s loads of fun things to do in Newcastle. Are you planning a weekend there soon? If you’re a local, please comment with your favourite places in the Toon! I only moved to the North East a little while ago so Geordie insight is always welcome!
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Melis Living says
I love your guide, showing there’s loads more to do here than just a crazy night out. So much variety and you’ve covered it all! Melis
newgirlintoon says
Fantastic guide! Can’t believe how much you’ve covered!
Ruth Hall says
Pani’s on High Bridge Street has amazing Sardinian food, super fast service and great staff. Blake’s Coffee House is open very early for breakfast. The Tyneside Cinema shows a range of excellent films from around the world and has art deco tearooms and other bars and cafés. The Side Gallery on the Quayside is a hidden gem – fantastic photography exhibitions. The Lit and Phil is a beautiful library by the station. For kids: The Centre for Life, The Discovery Museum, Seven Stories, The Great North Museum, Ouseburn City Farm…. So many fab places in the Toon!