Newcastle Travel Guide

Newcastle International Airport is located approximately 9.5 Km from the city centre. There is a metro light rail link to the city; journey time is approximately 25 minutes; cost is £1.50. There is no bus service from the airport. A taxi is available from the airport; journey time to the city centre is 20 minutes; cost is approximately £12.

World-class culture

NewcastleGateshead is known throughout the world as a vibrant centre of cultural excellence with dynamic attractions, festivals and events. There's an energy and excitement that is distinctly, uniquely its own. It's a city whose Roman, medieval and 18th century past still awes, with architecture that ranks as some of the finest in the UK. NewcastleGateshead is a magnet for lovers of sport, shopping and theatre, staging opera, ballet and contemporary works of international acclaim as well as a six week RSC season every autumn. No wonder NewcastleGateshead was voted Favourite English City 2004.

The dazzling Quayside

Must see attractions includes the historic Quayside, bustling with bars, restaurants and cafes. Soak in the magical atmosphere and stroll over the world-famous Gateshead Millennium Bridge to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. BALTIC attracts the world's leading artists and as there's no permanent collection, you can expect to see something different. The Quayside's latest dramatic new addition is The Sage Gateshead. Poised on the south bank of the Tyne in Gateshead Quays, the spectacular Norman Foster building with its curved glass and steel roof, is set to provide an unrivalled venue for all types of music (open winter 2004/05)

Eat, drink, play

NewcastleGateshead has a fabulous array of restaurants and cafés. There are fashionable Italian pizzerias, Indian dining rooms in railway carriages, soothing Thai restaurants and modern European brasseries. The bars and pubs have a friendly and relaxed attitude. Join the stylish set for a cocktail at one of the cool contemporary lounge bars on the Quayside, the Central Station area or the Gate. If that's not your scene, try one of the many of the traditional pubs for some hand-pulled ale. World-famous DJs play in award-winning underground clubs with anything from indie and dance to retro and house on the play-list. Known on the circuit as having the best atmosphere in the UK, people come from far and wide to sample some of the best nightlife in Europe.

Retail therapy

If it's shopping heaven that you're after, then look no further. Eldon Square in the city centre offers superb shopping and with the opening of a new mall and flagship Debenhams, MetroCentre is set to become the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe. There's also a whole range of independent specialist shops offering designer labels, art, antiques and crafts in the city centre and in the suburbs. View original art and if you feel inclined, buy it. The Biscuit Factory is the biggest commercial arts space in Europe or try the Art Works or David Welsh Gallery & Studios where you can be guaranteed to pick up something original.

Galleries and museums

There's nothing fusty, dusty or dull in NewcastleGateshead's award-winning galleries and museums, rated among the best in Britain. Look out for the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art or the head for the more traditional Shipley and Laing Art Galleries. Museums include the Discovery Museum displaying the world's first steam-powered boat the 'Turbinia', step further back in time at the Museum of Antiquities and the Shefton Museum or for furry and scaly exhibits visit The Hancock, the North's leading natural history museum. Get to grips with the origin of life and other fascinating exhibits at the Life Science Centre with interactive, mind-blowing fun for all the family.