It might be on the doorstep but have you ever experienced the sights and sounds of the Quayside as a tourist?

We’ve done just that – and at the bottom of the page, you’ve got the chance to enter our competition to do the same…

DAY ONE

AM

A Quayside apartment takes some beating if you want a snazzy view to wake up to. We stayed at a Week2Week apartment with a little balcony from where you could clock amazing morning views of the ‘blinking eye’ bridge with a coffee and the papers. Few views rival the the impressive sight of the seven famous bridges connecting Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead (gateshead.gov.uk/bridge).

The apartments offer up a comfy bolthole for a weekend stay – and are great value compared to a hotel for a family or two couples.

The Quayside and Newcastle are within easy walking distance but there’s also a Quaylink bus from outside of the apartments to take you into the city centre or out to trendy Ouseburn across the river.

A well-equipped kitchen makes catering easy – stock up on treats from the Grainger Market – of Fenwick Food Hall if you need some room-time or a feet-up moment after a day sight-seeing.

The two-bedroom ensuite apartment has Quayside views as you lie in bed which is a luxurious treat. But the best bit is definitely being able to take in the gorgeous sunset over the iconic bridges with a cocktail in hand sitting on that balcony.

Our apartment was perfect placed for BALTIC – the biggest gallery of its kind in the world. We could even spy on diners at SIX rooftop restaurant – a great place to book in if you’re staying Quayside.

Take a stroll along the quayside and head to BALTIC. Just a short hop across the River Tyne via the Millennium Bridge, the international gallery is currently showing a dramatic exhibition by artist Rodney Graham which includes mesmerising projection installations and giant lightbox works. Take an exhilarating ride in the glass lifts to Level 5 Viewing Box and see the best uninterrupted views in town of the river and its famous bridges before wandering around the galleries. Treat yourself or a loved in BALTIC Shop where you’ll find striking jewellery, designer homewares, prints, posters and colourful stationery. BALTIC Kitchen is on hand to serve light bites and lunches and if the weather is nice, you can sit outside on the terrace and watch the world go by.

Further along the south bank sits the unmissable SAGE. If you’re staying three nights you’ll definitely find something to fit your taste. It’s a nice spot just to sit with a coffee and soak up the amazing views.

For a unique view from the water of NewcastleGateshead and the River Tyne from the water, River Escapes offers sightseeing trips taking in either the coast or countryside.

Grab some brunch at the well-loved Quay Ingredient or quirky Violets Café for a cute brunch to include the creamiest, yellow-est scrambled eggs – or indulge in amazing cakes!

PM

It’s said the city of Newcastle upon Tyne has three cathedrals, The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, The Cathedral Church of St Mary and St James’ Park. With fifty-two thousand fans regularly going to ‘worship the grounds’ of Newcastle United Football Club’s home ground every week, football is like a religion in Newcastle upon Tyne. Try a stadium tour of this iconic stadium: nufc.co.uk.

In the evening, especially at weekends, Newcastle puts its gladrags on to party hard. The beautiful people pull out all the stops for food, drink and dancing.

Here are some of our favourites:

21
Situated on the Quayside in the heart of Newcastle, 21 provides the perfect place for a great meal with fantastic service. It’s about eating handsome food in comfortable stylish surroundings—polished floorboards, leather banquettes, crisp cloths. Chic, sharp, fun.

Caffe Vivo
Caffe Vivo is an Italian restaurant in the heart of Newcastle. Situated on Newcastle’s iconic Quayside, Caffe Vivo models itself on an Italian Enoteca – a traditional Italian restaurant and bar with a warm easy-going and fun atmosphere – the perfect place for a nourishing meal or a relaxing drink.
As one of Newcastle’s best Italian restaurants, they serve top quality food in an unpretentious atmosphere. Housed in a former warehouse, brick walls, cast-iron pillars, the style is casual, bold and bright. No frills, no fuss, just friendly service and convivial dining.
Awarded a OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award, drop by for a reviving cappuccino or spin out the time and talk over some tasty food – generous, joyful and full of Italian sunshine.

For a Quayside cocktail fix, dress up and head to the lively Aveika for well-loved and distinctive pan-Asian cuisine in a snazzy setting. Dress up!

If you want the ultimate in fine-dining House of Tides will give you a Michelin-star fix of the highest order courtesy of chef Kenny Atkinson.

DAY TWO

AM

Sunday morning forget breakfast and take a lingering walk along the bustling Quayside Market with its amazing aromas – from noodles to crepes and everything in between. An atmospheric spot to fill up street food from chefs who do it well.

Head up to Newcastle’s famous Grey Street. Named the ‘best street in Britain. Maybe even walk to the top of Grey’s Monument – did you know you could? shopnewcastlegateshead.com

If you can fit in a bit of pampering, head for the city spa, House of Savannah in Eldon Square. In a grand building, the spa is home to pampering and beauty treatments for hair and body. The Prosecco pass for 2 includes a detox and relax session in the steam room, sauna and emotional shower experience. Unwind in a fluffy robe in the peaceful Whisper room and relax in the Buddha lounge – with a bottle of fizz.

PM

Spend your afternoon immersing yourself further in NewcastleGateshead’s culture and heritage.

Head back to the Quayside waterfront, perhaps stopping off for a pint of Writer’s Block and the perfect Scotch egg at The Broad Chare – A traditional ale-house on the Quayside serving well-kept beer and honest food. Michelin Bib Gourmand & Top 50 Gastropub 2017. Broad Chare is big on warmth and low on fussiness: stripped wood floors, high bar stools, painted brickwork and comfy leather banquettes. Sup your pint beside the polished-oak bar or tuck yourself away in the Snug behind the frosted glass partition. You can hear yourself talk, concentrate on the crossword or nod off quietly in the corner. Upstairs in the Dining Room, it’s all reassuringly simple with solid wood tables, sturdy schoolroom chairs and shiny brass coat-hooks.

Why not head to Gusto on the quayside this bank holiday Sunday and enjoy some delicious two for one cocktails. The resident DJ will be playing chilled out tunes from 5pm onwards and the indulgent Sunday lunch menu will be available all day.