Still wondering what to do in Newcastle Upon Tyne? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Newcastle Upon Tyne and book your hotel today!
Newcastle Upon Tyne is a dynamic city in North East England, famous for its industrial heritage, its striking bridges, and the famously friendly 'Geordie' hospitality. The city is instantly recognisable by the seven iconic bridges spanning the River Tyne that link it to Gateshead, including the impressive Tyne Bridge and the tilting Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Newcastle offers a fantastic blend of historic architecture, vibrant culture, and lively entertainment.
You can explore the city’s past at the medieval Newcastle Castle, which gives the city its name, or step into the neo-classical elegance of Grainger Town, home to Grey's Monument. The revitalised Quayside is a hub of cultural activity, housing the Sage Gateshead music centre and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Finding a well-located hotel in Newcastle is the first step to immersing yourself in the buzz of this spirited city.
Choosing your base in Newcastle depends on whether you prefer to be near the historic Quayside, the main shopping and retail hub, or the transport links.
For a scenic and culturally rich stay, the Quayside area is an excellent choice. This location puts you right on the River Tyne, with stunning views of the bridges and immediate access to riverside bars, restaurants, and cultural venues. Accommodation here is often modern and stylish, offering a great atmosphere for a sophisticated city break.
The most central and convenient location is the area around Grey's Monument and the Eldon Square Shopping Centre. This is the heart of Grainger Town and the main commercial centre, offering the best shopping and dining options. Staying here ensures you are close to the main public transport hubs and have a wide selection of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end stays.
For those prioritising transport access, the area near Newcastle Central Station is highly practical. This is the main rail hub and a Metro station, making arrivals and onward travel seamless. It’s still within a very short walk of the central shopping areas and the Quayside, providing a great balance of convenience and proximity to attractions.
Newcastle is served by the excellent Tyne and Wear Metro system, which connects the city centre with surrounding areas and the coast. The main rail hub is Newcastle Central Station, which has extensive national connections. Newcastle Airport (NCL) is directly connected to Central Station and other key city stops by the Tyne and Wear Metro line, making your journey from the airport to your hotel quick and efficient. When booking your accommodation, being close to a Metro stop is a major advantage for exploring the wider region.
To find the best hotel deals in Newcastle, you should aim to book outside of the city's lively sporting and social calendar. The high season, from July to August, sees an increase in prices due to the warm weather and peak tourism.
The two major events unique to Newcastle that cause significant spikes in accommodation costs are the Great North Run half marathon in September, one of the world's largest running events, and any weekend featuring the highly popular Tyne-Wear Derby football match between Newcastle United and Sunderland. These events often lead to accommodation being fully booked months in advance. For the best value, consider visiting during the low season months of January and February. A helpful tip is to look for hotels just across the river in Gateshead. These hotels are only a short walk across one of the iconic bridges but can often offer more competitive rates than those right in the heart of Newcastle.