The 7 essential things to do in Newcastle

Visit Newcastle: what are the best things to do and see in the city of Geordies?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a city in the north-east of England with a population of approximately 270,000. The city is located between Edinburgh in Scotland and London. It is known around the world for its football team and for the special accent of its inhabitants, named the Geordies!

The origins of Newcastle date back more than 2,000 years. At the time, the Romans had built an imposing fort there to protect their empire. Years later, the industrial revolution allowed Newcastle to develop actively. The economy was then centred around the steel and coal trade. One of the largest production centres in the world, Newcastle quickly became a rich and attractive city, establishing itself as one of the most important in England.

Today, the city has evolved into a modern, artistic and lively metropolis. Its often original architecture and its museums make it a cultural city in which there is a warm atmosphere. It was also named European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Are you planning to visit Newcastle upon Tyne and wonder what you can discover in this British city? Here is a selection of 7 essentials to visit during your trip.

1. Castle Keep

What would a visit to Newcastle be without going through the "new castle" to which the city owes its name? The discovery of Newcastle Castle and its keep, which dates back to 1178, is possible every day. You can observe a panoramic view of the whole city.

Children's tours are also planned, with re-enactments and costumed guides. Its Norman stone architecture and fun tours make this site an unmissable point of interest in the city. You don't know what to do in Newcastle when you arrive? So don't miss the Castle Keep.

2. The banks of the Tyne

Sure, visiting the quays along the River Tyne is a must to visit Newcastle. On Sundays, you will find a market for clothes, antiques and art called Quayside.

You can also take a stroll along the quays to discover the modern architecture of this area of ​​Newcastle. Among the highlights of the panorama, there is, of course, the Millenium Bridge. This pedestrian bridge was built in 2000. It is the first in the world to use a side rotation system to let boats through. This spectacle, which lasts about 4 minutes, makes it very popular with travellers, as does its colourful illumination at night.

3. Downtown

The heart of Newcastle is bustling with its many shops and restaurants. Neoclassical architecture is very present, especially in Gray Street, often considered one of the most beautiful in England. In the evening, you will discover the hectic atmosphere of a university and cultural city. You will quickly realize this: Newcastle is a festive city!

It is also a student city that hosts a very famous university in England, founded in 1834. It is separated into three faculties: medicine, humanities and social sciences and science. Visiting the campus and its period building is very interesting to discover.

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4. BALTIC Museum of Contemporary Art

The BALTIC museum, located on the banks of the Tyne, is considered an emblem of the city’s modern architecture. BALTIC is one of the largest museums of contemporary art in the world.

His particularity? There is no permanent gallery. This museum hosts constantly renewed exhibitions, as well as numerous events where influential personalities from the artistic world express themselves. BALTIC is a museum to discover without hesitation if you are looking for what to do in Newcastle. There is also a gourmet restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Tyne River!

5. Sage Gateshead

You can't miss this peculiarly shaped building when you visit the banks of the Tyne in Newcastle. It is on the Gateshead side, and you will definitely have to take the Millennium Bridge to get a closer look.

Opened in 2004, The Sage is actually a performance hall, which has been ranked among the best in the world. Its curved glass and steel design can be enjoyed from the outside as well as from the inside. Indeed, it allows you to enjoy exceptional acoustic performance. There are three different stages, which allows the Sage to offer hundreds of concerts each year.

The biggest stars of the song are regularly there. So, if you don't know what to do in Newcastle to occupy your evenings, you can find out about the concerts planned during your stay. The opportunity to live amazing sound experience.

6. The Angel of the North

Angel of the North is a sculpture created by artist Sir Antony Gormley in 1998. It stands 20m high and is 54m wide. Designed as a kind of totem, this work has become the emblem of the city of Gateshead.

It is located on Birtley Hill, above the city centre. Built exclusively of steel, the structure withstands the sometimes complicated weather conditions in England, and it seems that we come to admire it a little for this reason too… It represents the transition from the industrial era to the era of information and marks the evolution of the Newcastle-Gateshead region.

7. Things to see and do in Newcastle

St James' Park stadium: Going to a game in Newcastle is the best way to soak up the bustling city.

Gateshead: Gateshead town centre is great to explore for half a day.

The North Sea: You can get to South Shields by tube and take a stroll by the sea to experience a peaceful country feel, very close to Newcastle.

Sunderland: The small town of Sunderland, connected by the Newcastle underground, is best known for its football team but also has a lot of charm.

Grainger Market: The Grainger Market is a covered market where you can come to eat, buy fresh products or simply visit the many small shops! A must when visiting Newcastle.