City guides: Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant city with a great nightlife. There is always something to do, the Metro train line enables you to discover all aspects of the city and more. Most places are in walking distance and everyone has a smile on their face. What's not to like about Newcastle?

Bars and clubs

Newcastle has been voted UK's number one party city and it’s easy to see why. Just off the road from Central Station you will find a number of popular clubs and bars catering for all music tastes and with reasonable prices. Some of the most popular are Perdu, Floritas and The Den, each with their own specific 'special' nights.

Digital in Times Square, The Life Centre frequently hosts many international DJs at the weekends and offers cheap students nights like Born in the 80s with selected drinks at 80p and 80p entry during the week. World Headquarters entertains the alternative student crowd and hosts DJs and bands on a frequent basis. 

Osbourne Road, in the popular student area of Jesmond (featured on Geordie Shore) is well worth a visit with many pubs and sophisticated bars holding Happy Hours every evening with great drinks offers. Many students start their night off at a Trebles bar and there are plenty to choose from all over the city. The most popular are Sinners, Basement and Chase.

Shopping

Northumberland Street is the main shopping street and is close to both universities. Eldon Square's entrance is just off the street and you can find all manner of high-street shops here. Grainger Market is great for cheap fruit, veg and meat and nearby small supermarkets are handy too.

Vintage shops are hidden off Bigg Market and are brilliant for finding some cheap glad rags, and if you want a shopping centre experience, the Metrocentre is a cheap train journey away and a great day out.

 

Eating out

The city centre has loads of chain restaurants with many in Eldon Gardens in the city centre. Cheap pub food is never hard to come by, and The Hancock in between the two universities has a great atmosphere and does drinks offers too. Charles Grey at The Monument above Basement Trebles bar is great too.

Jesmond has loads of cosy little cafes, Indian and Italian restaurants. Francesca's is very popular and offers pizza’s at £4 during Happy Hour.

Entertainment

The Metro Arena and Newcastle City Hall host many famous music artists throughout the year. No trip to Newcastle is complete without checking out the football at St James’ Park, handily on the metro line and a quick walk from a few student halls. It’s always a great experience to check out the Angel of the North which is a quick train journey or car ride away. The Tyne Bridge on the Quayside is great too, with brilliant views down the Tyne. While you’re there why not check out The Sage music venue and prestigious art gallery The BALTIC?

Tynemouth has an excellent market every Saturday and Sunday and is easily accessible on the metro, while Whitely Bay has a great beach and fantastic fish and chips.

Student accommodation

The most popular student areas in Newcastle are Heaton. Sandyford and Jesmond, which are all around a twenty minute walk from both universities and have decent student accommodation. Heaton and Sandyford are usually cheaper than Jesmond but on average you are looking at paying £70 a week.

Top 3 places to see

• Tynemouth
• Quayside
• Football at St James' Park

Newcastle has something for everyone. It's vibrant, cultured, has a great nightlife and is welcoming to students. It's a perfect student city.