Where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne

BySamantha King Published: Updated:

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is an underrated city in northeast England close to the border with Scotland. While some might view it as an unattractive, industrial city the plain brutalist and modern architecture like many cities in England.

Others see it for what it is, a lively and friendly city with lots of things to do. Due to its popularity with travellers from elsewhere in the UK, there are lots of options for choosing where to stay in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Newcastle, as most people call it, is a relatively large city in the UK with a population of just under 825,000. It sits just north of the River Tyne which flows into the North Sea and has close connections with the town of Gateshead, which sits on the southern banks of the Tyne. 

It’s a quintessential university city with a large student population. This means the nightlife is amongst the best in the country and there are also lots of pubs, clubs, bars, and restaurants that cater to all tastes.

NEWCASTLE, UK - View across the River Tyne towards Newcastle upon Tyne with the church of Saint Willibrord with All Saints clock tower to the centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, UK, Western Europe

Plus, the history of Newcastle actually dates back to the Romans and it has its own unique cultural offers. You can find ruins, castles, museums, and galleries all over the city. You could never get bored in Newcastle!

Due to its sprawling size, it’s extremely easy to find fantastic hotels in Newcastle, UK. You can find accommodation Newcastle-on-Tyne to suit all travel styles and budgets. 

This guide will show you which neighbourhoods in Newcastle are best for your needs. It will also help you find the best hotels in Newcastle as well as hostels, guesthouses, B&Bs, and apartments so that you have a fantastic time in Newcastle-upon-Tyne!

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Newcastle City Centre – Where To Stay in Newcastle upon Tyne for First Timers

Newcastle City Centre really does offer something for every type of traveller. It’s the most central location in the city which makes it quick and easy to walk, take public transport, or take a taxi to other neighbourhoods in the city. 

It also offers a huge range of accommodation options and it’s not difficult to find a hotel in Newcastle City Centre with beautiful city views or within walking distance of everything you need.

These are just some of the reasons why Newcastle City Centre is, by far, the best neighbourhood if you’re looking for where to stay in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for first-timers!

Most of the galleries and museums in Newcastle city are in this neighbourhood. The Biscuit Factory and Laing Art Gallery exhibit some of the best British artwork with a bias towards artists from northeast England.

The Great North Museum: Hancock is housed in a Victorian building and displays natural history as well as Ancient Roman artifacts from Hadrian’s Wall and they also have a planetarium.

There are so many hotels in the centre of Newcastle. Lots of them offer discounts to nearby car parks so don’t worry if you’re driving into the city as you’re sure to find somewhere to park for affordable prices.

Many of the hotels in the city centre are chain hotels so you might be able to use a membership or points that you have to pay for part of your stay. The best hotel in Newcastle City Centre is one that’s great value for money, right?!

Things to do in Newcastle UK

Best places to stay in  Newcastle City Centre

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Newcastle City Centre

Budget accommodation in Newcastle City Centre

Mid range accommodation in Newcastle City Centre

Family Friendly accommodation in Newcastle City Centre

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Newcastle City Centre

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - The view from the High Level Bridge over the River Tyne to the Swing and Tyne Bridges on May 21, 2018. The bridges connect Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead.

Quayside – Where To Stay in Newcastle upon Tyne With Family

One of the biggest criticisms of Newcastle is that it’s not a pretty city and it’s not a great place to visit with family. Anyone that says that has never spent much time in Quayside!

Newcastle Quayside is the neighbourhood that covers both the north and south banks of the River Tyne and covers the area from the High-Level Bridge in the west to the Ouseburn neighbourhood in the east. If you’re looking for where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne with family, this is it.

This is where you’ll find the best views in the city, not only of Newcastle’s skyline but over the famous Seven Bridges. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bridges in the city.

There are also lots of cool eateries like the HWKR Food Market and the Quayside Sunday Market. It’s still a bustling neighbourhood but much quieter than in the city centre so it’ll be easier for you and your kids to get to sleep at night.

Due to the fact that it’s so pretty, there are lots of accommodation options in this area. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental apartment or a modern hotel room, you’ll find it in Quayside.

Best places to stay in Quayside

Budget accommodation in Quayside

Mid range accommodation in Quayside

Family Friendly accommodation in Quayside

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Quayside

Newcastle, England - Bridges over river Tyne at Newcastle Quayside viewed from High Level Bridge on an early spring day

Gateshead – Best Neighbourhood in Newcastle upon Tyne for Couples

Gateshead actually isn’t a neighbourhood in Newcastle, despite it being so close. Nope, the area south of the River Tyne is actually an entirely different town. Many people still put the Newcastle Gateshead areas together though as they’re very closely linked!

It’s a huge place with lots of residential areas but it still has plenty of great bars and restaurants.

Gateshead is like Newcastle in miniature, so it’s perfect for couples looking for where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne who are passed clubbing and want to stay somewhere more secluded but still close to the city centre. Gateshead is still on Newcastle’s metro line, so it’s super easy.

There’s no denying that there are far fewer accommodation options in Gateshead than there are in most of the other Newcastle neighbourhoods on this list. You’ll still be able to find lots of budget hotels and cosy guesthouses.

Best places to stay in Gateshead

Budget accommodation in Gateshead

Mid range accommodation in Gateshead

Family Friendly accommodation in Gateshead

Newcastle, United Kingdom -Gateshead Millennium bridge on Newcastle Upon Tyne Quayside on a sunny winter morning

Metrocentre – Where To Stay in Newcastle upon Tyne for Shopping

There are plenty of opportunities to stock up on the latest high-street trends and quirky boutique finds in Newcastle’s city centre.

If you’re booking a trip to Newcastle for the ultimate retail experience, however, then you should book one of the hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne near the Metrocentre.

This is an absolutely huge mall to the southeast of Newcastle and people travel from miles around to shop here.

It has every type of clothes and goods store that is available in the UK and it even has its own train station so it’s super convenient to reach.

Since it’s such a popular place, there is a surprising number of great hotels nearby! Most of the accommodations nearby are branded hotels. Most of them provide onsite parking too.

Best places to stay in Metrocentre

Budget accommodation in Metrocentre

Mid range accommodation in Metrocentre

Family Friendly accommodation in Metrocentre

Charles Grey Monument in the city center of Newcastle upon Tyne UK during the day. Blue sky

Grainger Town/Chinatown – Best Neighbourhood in Newcastle upon Tyne for Nightlife

One of the most central neighbourhoods in Newcastle, Grainger Town is the centre of nightlife for the city. Don’t think you’ll just find seedy clubs full of students in their early 20s here as there are diverse entertainment options.

For the clubbers, there’s Sinners and Cosmic Ballroom. For the people who prefer a friendly pub to enjoy a pint or two, they can pop into the Star Inn or Black Garter.

There are also craft beer and cocktail bars as well as the Tyneside Cinema and Theatre Royal for visitors who prefer a different kind of evening entertainment.

During the day, there are historic monuments like Grey’s Monument and the victorian Grainger’s Market. You won’t struggle to find a hotel for your budget in this neighbourhood because there are dozens of them.

You’ll be in a prime location next to Newcastle Central Station and even Newcastle’s namesake castle too!

Best places to stay in Grainger Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Grainger Town

Budget accommodation in Grainger Town

Mid range accommodation in Grainger Town

Family Friendly accommodation in Grainger Town

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Grainger Town

Newcastle Upon Tyne, England - Classical Georgian architecture of Grainger Town, Newcastle upon Tyne, with the famous Tyne Bridge in the background

Jesmond – Where To Stay in Newcastle upon Tyne on a Budget

Newcastle doesn’t have many hostels (though there are still one or two) so those who don’t have a lot of cash to splash will probably be looking for cheap hotels in Newcastle instead.

Luckily, Newcastle is one of the cheapest big cities in the UK to visit. For those who want to know where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne on a budget, Jesmond is a fantastic choice.

This neighbourhood sits just north of Newcastle City Centre and it’s on the metro line so it won’t take you any time (or cost you much) to travel in and out of the city.

Jesmond is a notorious student neighbourhood so you’ll be able to find lots of cheap bars and takeaway options.

There are also lots and lots of budget hotels here and it’s next door to the sprawling park, The Town Moor. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy cheap picnics in the open green space!

Best places to stay in Jesmond

Budget accommodation in Jesmond

Mid range accommodation in Jesmond

Family Friendly accommodation in Jesmond

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Jesmond

Armstrong Bridge is constructed of iron and spans Jesmond Dene

Ouseburn – Coolest Neighbourhood in Newcastle upon Tyne

This is a very small neighbourhood just northeast of Quayside and east of Newcastle City Centre. Ouseburn was once Newcastle’s industrial beating heart with lots of warehouses and factories.

Today, like so many other former industrial areas, it is a hip and trendy neighbourhood with lots of cool urban lofts, farm-to-table restaurants, and street art.

Since it is such a small neighbourhood, there aren’t tonnes of accommodation options though you won’t find it difficult to book short-term rental apartments here.

There are still one or two boutique hotels you can book on the outskirts of the neighbourhood too.

Best places to stay in Ouseburn

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Ouseburn

Budget accommodation in Ouseburn

Mid range accommodation in Ouseburn

Family Friendly accommodation in Ouseburn

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Ouseburn

Jesmond Dene is a deep post-glacial valley providing a quiet haven just one mile from Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre

Arthurs Hill – Best Area to Live Like a Local in Newcastle upon Tyne

To the west of Newcastle City Centre and the city’s main sports stadium St James’ Park is where you’ll find Arthurs Hill. It’s a huge neighbourhood next to one of the main roads into the city and it’s mostly residential.

If you’re looking to see a non-touristy side of Newcastle or stick around for a few weeks then Arthurs Hill might just be the best area for you.

Here, you’ll find lots of amenities which make it an easy place to live like a local including lots of large supermarkets, city parks and restaurants.

Despite it being a mostly residential neighbourhood where you can find short-term rental options, there are a handful of cheap hotels which means it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a neighbourhood which will make your budget stretch further.

Best places to stay in Arthurs Hill

Budget accommodation in Arthurs Hill

Mid range accommodation in Arthurs Hill

Family Friendly accommodation in Arthurs Hill

Modern and new houses at river Tyne in Newcastle, England

Newcastle International Airport – Best Place to Stay for Stopovers

Did you decide to visit Newcastle because it seemed like a convenient place for a stopover or layover between another journey? You wouldn’t be the first person to visit Newcastle just because they had a flight into or out of Newcastle International Airport!

If you do need to be close to Newcastle Airport because you have to catch an early flight or you get in on a late flight, there are lots of hotels nearby.

Newcastle Airport mostly has lots of branded, chain hotels dotted around the terminal. This is great news if you’re a frequent flyer and you’ve accumulated points or have a membership as you’ll likely find a hotel here where you can book and get a discount.

Most of these hotels have parking and onsite restaurants and bars too.

Best places to stay in Newcastle International Airport

Budget accommodation in Newcastle International Airport

Mid range accommodation in Newcastle International Airport

Family Friendly accommodation in Newcastle International Airport

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE - Competitors British Airways and Ryanair commercial jet aircraft parked on stands at Newcastle International Airport in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK.

Added Extra: Areas to Avoid in Newcastle upon Tyne

Unfortunately, Newcastle does have a higher-than-average crime rate than the rest of the UK. There are certain characteristics that Newcastle upon Tyne has which make this statistic a bit more understandable. 

Newcastle is one of the largest cities with a sizable population and a high number of visitors. Newcastle’s most common crime is anti-social behaviour which makes a lot of sense considering Newcastle is a university town with one of the best nightlife scenes in the country.

If you plan on enjoying Newcastle’s clubbing scene, it would be a good idea to not drink too much and remove yourself from the company of anyone causing trouble 

There are also some areas you should avoid when looking for where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne. Byker and Elswick have two of the highest reported crime rates after the city centre.

They are also quite residential so there aren’t many reasons why you’d choose to stay in these neighbourhoods anyway. South Heaton, North Walker, and South Walker are a few other places to add to that list.

Rooftop View of Georgian Sandstone Architecture along Side and Dean Street from Tyne Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

FAQ for Where To Stay in Newcastle upon Tyne

Which is the best area to stay in Newcastle?

Newcastle has some fantastic central neighbourhoods that are all fantastic places to stay. If you want to stay in the most beautiful neighbourhood in Newcastle upon Tyne, then the best area to stay in Newcastle is Quayside by the River Tyne.

Here, you have views of the seven bridges and all the nice craft beer bars and art installations on the banks of the river.

The best area to stay in Newcastle, if you are looking for a lively atmosphere with lots of bars and clubs or you want to be close to Newcastle Central Station, is Grainger Town. It has an abundance of restaurants and shops in a relatively small neighbourhood.

If you are staying in Newcastle with a car or have never visited before or want to stay somewhere central, choose Newcastle City Centre. Neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the centre like Jesmond and Wallsends are also some of the best areas to stay in Newcastle too.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne a nice city?

Newcastle is an industrial, modern city and is not known for being ‘nice’ looking or beautiful. However, look more closely and you’ll see that some of Newcastle’s architecture is quite stunning and diverse as the city is over 2,000 years old. 

The locals in Newcastle upon Tyne are also some of the nicest people you could meet in England. They are extroverted and chatty, and will always try and help you if they can. For that reason alone, Newcastle upon Tyne is a very nice city to visit!

Gateshead Millennium Bridge across the Tyne River between Newcastle Upon Tyne and Gateshead

Is Newcastle worth visiting?

Newcastle is such an underrated city, particularly as a gateway to other stunning towns, sites and areas of natural beauty that surround it.

Newcastle is a great place to watch all your favourite music acts and sports games, enjoy the nightlife and have an inexpensive city break.

It has an international airport so it’s a convenient place to visit and does not require too much effort to reach.

It also allows you to visit places like the picturesque city of Durham nearby, the Northumbrian Coast where you’ll find the stunning Bamburgh Castle and cross over to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. 

If you’re keen to visit often-overlooked cities that don’t get a lot of overseas tourists and have very friendly locals, then Newcastle upon Tyne is absolutely worth visiting.

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Where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne
Where to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne

Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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