Top sights and things to do on Newcastle Quayside

First time visitors to NewcastleGateshead should make sure to pop down to the Quayside as part of their trip to the city. Whether you are daytripping or on a city break, there is much to discover in this popular region of Newcastle. 

Spanning both sides of the River Tyne, the NewcastleGateshead Quayside is an area which includes seven iconic bridges, plenty of top-notch restaurants and bars as well as some must-see art and culture. Sandwiched between Newcastle city centre and the eclectic Ouseburn region, NewcastleGateshead Quayside is ideally situated for visitors to the city and a great place for a stroll or a cycle ride during the day (you'll be relieved to know it is very flat along the river too!).

Once you have enjoyed the cafes, landmarks and art in the sunshine, make sure to return in the evening to experience the Quayside by night with its raft of lively bars and restaurants and Gateshead Millennium Bridge's spectacular lights.

Whether you're hopping on and off the Go North East Toon Tour sightseeing bus, you're out for a bike ride along the popular cycle route or looking for a place for a sunny stroll - don't miss the top sights on Newcastle Quayside. 

Arguably the number one feature of the Quayside and the reason many tourists flock to the area, are the unmissable seven iconic bridges which span the River Tyne at the point where NewcastleGateshead Quayside is found.  

From left to right as you stand on the Newcastle side of the river is the epic Gateshead Millennium Bridge which tilts to let boats pass underneath - don't miss this feat! Then, needing no introduction, is the Tyne Bridge which was completed in 1928 and resembles sister bridge, the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia.  Tucked beside the Tyne Bridge and third in line is the historic Swing Bridge which has operated in its current form since 1876. Following suit are the High Level Bridge, Queen Elizabeth II Metro Bridge (1981 in line with the brand new Metro system), King Edward VII Bridge (1906) and the Redheugh Bridge (1983). 

Art lovers will enjoy a visit to NewcastleGateshead Quayside. Stop off at free attraction BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on Gateshead Quays and explore their changing programme of thought-provoking exhibitions from world-class artists and local talent. It is well-worth a visit to BALTIC Shop for creative souvenirs and stylish gifts, prints, jewellery and books with an art focus. The venue itself cuts an impressive silhouette on the Quayside skyline and visitors can take the lift to BALTIC's viewing platform for unrivaled views up and down the River Tyne. 

BALTIC's nearest neighbour is The Glasshouse International Centre for Music - a dramatic glass building with undulating walls that makes it a truly iconic addition to the Quayside horizon. Step inside any day of the week to wander through the lofty concourse where you'll find a cafe, gift shop and often live performances taking place. The Glasshouse is famous for being a music venue which showcases music of many genres as well as being a hive of teaching for both the very young to the most accomplished.

Visitors will spot public art and sculptures as they take a stroll along the Quayside and don't miss Side Gallery which is a tiny venue tucked away along the cobbles on an aptly named street simply called 'Side'. And if you keep going even further, tackle the many steps and head up to Newcastle Castle which is the starting point for the city's history and a great attraction with outstanding views across the Quayside from their rooftop.

Image: BALTIC 2021 (C) Graeme Peacock

By the River Brew Co is a must-visit container village for foodies looking for a casual catch up in one of the region's most trendy foodie venues. With a wide range of street food from local traders available in the urban Hawker Market at weekends as well as an impressive variety of beers brewed locally by Wylam Brewery on tap seven-days a week... visitors should make a beeline for By the River Brew Co if they want to watch the world go by from a brilliant vantage point beneath the Tyne Bridge. The onsite cafe serves up hot drinks, brunch and cakes while the critically-acclaimed indoor restaurant - Trakol - provides nose to tail dining but be warned, it is one of the hottest tickets in the toon.

Over the river is Hard Rock Cafe Newcastle - the newest addition to Newcastle Quayside which brings the glamour and show-business of the Hard Rock brand to a historic building - the Guildhall. Stop off at Dobson and Parnell for a sophisticated lunch or try out new Indian restaurant, Khai Khai.

You will certainly get your fill on NewcastleGateshead Quayside with the pick of restaurants for all budgets from informal street food hotspots to Michelin starred restaurant when you visit NewcastleGateshead Quayside. There are too many to mention so visit our blog for more recommendation for the top Quayside restaurants.

If you need to refuel after a wander along the Tyne then pop into Urban Garden Newcastle Quayside - an alfresco bar area serving hot drinks and alcoholic beverages from Brewdog. The ideal spot for people watching!

There are some great independent cafes that span the length of NewcastleGateshead Quayside from The Staiths Cafe a short walk beyond the Swing Bridge on the Gateshead side of the river, all the way along in the opposite direction to The Cycle Hub at the entrance to Ouseburn on the Newcastle side of the Quayside. Pull up a chair in the small but perfectly formed Quay Ingredient under the mighty Tyne Bridge on Newcastle Quayside or get ready to over-indulge at Great British Cupcakery where the cakes, milkshakes elaborately laced with traybakes and fancy hot chocolates will leave you with a sugar high for days! 

One of the most popular features of Newcastle Quayside is its Sunday Quayside Market. Visitors flock to see which local traders will be pitched up each week with favourites including locally produced luxury macarons, artist and photographers showcasing their exceptional talent, ceramics, homeware, sweet treats and gifts. Follow your noses to the far end of the market beside the Swing Bridge to find a dedicated area to tickle your tastebuds. Take your pick of street food vendors selling the best in Greek cuisine, Indian street food and German bratwursts.   

Whether you're looking to buy a gift or souvenir, or you're just browsing - there is a lovely atmosphere on a Sunday along the Quayside.

Whenever there is a whiff of sunshine, thirsty visitors and locals alike will spill onto the Quayside to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail at one of the many bars and restaurants. Bask in the late evening summer shine at Gino's at INNSiDE Hotel where you can also enjoy an excellent meal or watch the world go by at Pitcher and Piano which has a prime spot beside Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Evening revellers will find the nightlife vibrant at Aveika and Livello or head to the rooftops to experience NewcastleGateshead Quayside from above with a cold glass of bubbles in hand from a rooftop bar.

If you're looking for a 'proper pub' - you also have a pick of the bunch from The Central Bar on Gateshead's banks to The Redhouse near the Swing Bridge on the Newcastle side of the river and The Broad Chare (about halfway along nearer the Gateshead Millennium Bridge), down to Tyne Bar and The Free Trade at the mouth of Ouseburn. 

A lesser known heritage feature found on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne, a short walk from the Quayside is Dunston Staiths which is thought to be the largest timber structure in Europe. Dunston Staiths harks back to the region's industrial past and is a reminder of the river's important role in trade and export. Take a quieter stroll along from the hustle and bustle of the Quayside to discover the structure. There are often events held around the Dunston Staiths too and heritage walks from time to time.

For those who want to experience the Quayside from the River Tyne itself,  CBK Adventures based at Whitley Bay, run tours kayak up the River Tyne throughout the year. The most spectacular is their popular Glow Tours which take place during the dark evenings of winter months - hop into an illuminated kayak and sail up the Tyne!