If you ask people from Reddit, Newcastle is a great city to live in. The reasons are equally important for tourists: it’s not so close to other big cities, so it has a lot going on. There’s enough going on in the city, you have access to the seaside, plenty of interesting historical places, and on top of that, there is beautiful countryside outside the city. Also, people on Reddit swear that Northern hospitality is something you must experience. So here are some suggestions on how to spend your day in Newcastle.
Food and Drinks
First things first – food and drinks. Doesn’t matter what your preferences are entertainment or shopping-wise, you still have to eat and drink. Some mightl think starting a day off in the UK with a French breakfast is sacrilege, but don’t mind the ill voices. Côte at Home serves delicious French-inspired breakfasts. The best part – they have several locations around Newcastle so you don’t have to drive too far.
Later in the day, take a rest at The Broad Chare down by the Quayside, a fine spot for honest British pub fare. Here, you’ll find proper pints of local ales and, if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, a scotch egg that might change your life, or at least your opinion on scotch eggs.
To finish your day with a nice dinner to remember, Horticulture is a great place. It’s one of the best-rated restaurants in Newcastle that serves hearty, contemporary/fusion food in a relaxed social environment. On top of that, it’s vegetarian-friendly with gluten-free options.
Shopping: Grainger Market and Eldon Square
Grainger Market, now that’s something everyone talks about. This indoor market is often considered one of Newcastle’s most charming places. It dates back to 1835, though you’d hardly guess it when you’re weaving through the stalls selling everything from artisan breads to kitschy phone cases. Perhaps overwhelming for a first-time visitor, but that’s Newcastle for you. If you fancy something a bit more substantial for the stomach, there’s a certain stall that demands attention. It’s called “Mmm… and Glug”, purveyors of fine oils and vinegars. Strange thing to recommend first on a shopping trip, isn’t it? But these little indulgences somehow encapsulate the quirky charm of the city. Plus, there’s something uniquely satisfying about walking through an old market with a bottle of black truffle oil in hand.
If you’re after something more contemporary, venture into Eldon Square. Although it’s somewhat lacking in the soul (as many of these modern malls are), it provides a haven for those looking for Zara, Tommy Hilfiger and other things modern. Fashion-savvy might find accessories choices lacking though, so for complementing the look with perfect frames for example, you might want to look for glasses shop online. In any case, Eldon Square is a bit like every other shopping center in the UK, and yet, surrounded by Geordie banter, it feels different. Perhaps it’s the accent.
What to See
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is something you should visit. A former flour mill was turned into an imposing gallery space. You step inside, and suddenly, you’re not just in Newcastle anymore. You’re in the world of art, of installations that baffle and provoke in equal measure. And, if we’re being honest, sometimes makes no sense at all. But that’s part of the charm.
Across the Tyne, the Sage Gateshead rises like a silvery, futuristic bubble, looking slightly out of place next to the old bridges. While technically in Gateshead, the Sage is inseparable from the culture of Newcastle. Music here is an experience. The acoustics, they say, are among the finest in Europe.
You’ve now spent a day flitting between past and present. It’s the curious paradox of Newcastle, where you might spend the morning browsing boutique jewelry at Northern Goldsmiths and the afternoon in the Tyneside Cinema. And yet, there’s something distinctly Newcastle about it all. The way city doesn’t just allow these contrasts but becomes the contrast. The street names, many of them going back centuries, hint at a long and rich past, while the things that happen around them are full of modern energy. You’ll find yourself equally at home sipping craft coffee in some minimalistic café as you would downing a pint in a centuries-old pub where the walls practically tell stories.