Formerly known as a working class industrial city, Newcastle Upon Tyne is enjoying a rebirth as a cultural, administrative and entertainment center of England. Innovative architecture, a thriving nightlife, and an expansion of art and theater have made the city one of the hot tourist destinations. In recent years it has become a popular choice for stag and hen parties and was named the Arts Capital of the United Kingdom.
The city has established several shopping centers, malls and markets to appeal to a variety of tastes. Although there are bars, pubs, and nightclubs throughout the city, some of the more popular concentrations are in the Quayside, Bigg Market, Neville Street, and the complex at the city centre known as “The Gate.” There are restaurants offering just about every world cuisine as well as top dining experiences provided by the influx of top chefs who are flocking to Newcastle.
For the more culturally inclined, Newcastle is home to a plethora of museums and galleries. Some of these inclue the Museum of Antiquities, the Discovery Museum, and the Opus Art Gallery. There are also plenty of architectural and historical sites to visit. The Newcastle Caste and town wall are popular attractions, as are the cathedrals of St. Mary’s and St. Nicholas.
Whether you’re looking for shopping, culture, or a place to stay up all night dancing, there are plenty of things to do in Newcastle.