For a touch of luxury on your getaway, check into the stylish Dakota Hotel on the Quayside. For unforgettable views, the Hilton NewcastleGateshead offers a stunning overlook of the iconic Tyne Bridge, or opt for the elegant Vermont Hotel, located right beside Newcastle Castle.

Prefer something more central? There are plenty of great options in the city centre, such as Motel One, Maldron, and Crowne Plaza all offering a comfortable and stylish stay within walking distance of Newcastle’s best bars, restaurants, and attractions.

Expect beautiful surroundings, a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and top quality Pan-Asian food at The Muddler, on Grey Street. Sushi lovers will be in their element with the extensive sushi menu and platters on offer, or if you fancy something different, there are plenty of classics to choose from including chicken katsu curry, spicy peppered squid or pad thai.

Mother Mercy, is a stunning underground cocktail and wine bar nestled beneath The Old George Pub. Its cosy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for Friday night drinks.

Not sure which cocktail to try? Take a spin at the exciting tableside experience, A Twist of Fate, where fate decides your next drink. Spin the bespoke roulette wheel, featuring a mystic hand holding a crystal ball, to reveal the destiny of your cocktail choice. It’s a fun way to add a bit of mystery and excitement to your night.

If you’re looking for Newcastle’s oldest pub, then make your way to The Old George Inn which dates back to the 16th century boasting royal links. Located off the famous Bigg Market, Friday and Saturday nights are not to be missed due to its party atmosphere in the outdoor courtyard where you can dance the night away to live music and DJs.

After some drinks, head to The Stand comedy club to catch a show. Featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, alongside rising local talent, it’s no wonder this venue is the best in town. The Weekend Shows (Thurs-Sat) feature 5 acts over a 2 hour comedy showcase. So, grab yourself a seat, get comfortable and prepare for a night filled with laughter!

Home to hundreds of local traders and small businesses, Grainger Market boasts everything from cobblers, florists, and jewellers to haberdasheries, artisan bakeries, high-quality butchers and greengrocers. Visitors to Grainger Market can pick up fresh fish, meat, fruit and veg, while browsing the mini bazaars, as well as indulging in a slice of fresh, stonebaked pizza, rich mac n cheese, Mexican tacos, crispy fried chicken or handmade cakes at one of the many independent cafes - it's a hit with local foodies!

Newcastle and Gateshead are full of parks and gardens, making it easy to enjoy fresh air without travelling far. One of Newcastle’s finest city parks is Exhibition Park. Enjoy the park's mix of tree-lined paths, large informal lawned areas, beautiful flowerbeds and a lake as well as a selection of recreational areas. Grab yourself a coffee from the lovely Urban Green Café and enjoy the scenic walk.

Set within the stunning surroundings of Exhibition Park, Wylam Brewery is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Housed in the historic Palace of Arts, this independent brewery combines award-winning beers with a taproom and event space. Whether you’re stopping by for a pint, enjoying street food at one of their iconic food battle festivals, or catching live music, Wylam Brewery is the place to be.

Blackfriars Restaurant and Parlour Bar is an award-winning restaurant where you’ll find traditional-British cooking using local seasonal produce, supplied by nearby farms and markets. The restaurant serves up lunches, afternoon teas and stunning fine-dining multi-course dinners. Set in a beautifully preserved 13th-century friary, it offers a unique atmosphere where history meets modern dining.

The Ship Inn is a family-friendly pub situated in the heart of the Ouseburn and one of the must-visit pubs on any popular Ouseburn pub crawl. If you’re looking for a pub with a fantastic atmosphere, great drinks and with some chilled out music, then make sure to visit The Ship Inn.

One of Newcastle's coolest spots, The Cluny is a bar, art gallery and music venue all rolled into one. Attracting many of the city's more artistic residents, it's situated right in the heart of the Ouseburn Valley, which is one of the city's most exciting areas of change and regeneration. Head over to catch a gig, you'll see some up and coming artists alongside established smaller bands. You'll be in for a great night of live music in an intimate setting.

A Sunday visit to the Quayside Market is a must when in Newcastle. You’ll find a lively mix of artisan crafts, handmade jewellery, unique gifts, and independent local stalls, offering everything from organic produce and homemade baked goods to quirky artwork and eco-friendly products.

Feeling hungry? The street food scene is a highlight, with vendors serving a variety of global flavours, from loaded burgers and fries, wood-fired pizza and tacos, to sweet treats like crepes, artisan doughnuts and ice cream. It's one of the best food markets in the city, that's for sure.

Make sure to include a stop at the iconic BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead after strolling along the Quayside. Housed in a converted flour mill on the south bank of the River Tyne, BALTIC is the largest gallery of its kind in the world.

With an exciting and ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and interactive installations, BALTIC provides a unique and engaging introduction to contemporary visual art. It’s the perfect cultural pitstop to inspire creativity and curiosity. Make sure to browse their gift shop on your way out, it's packed with local artwork, gifts, cards and so much more.

The Hooch is a bar and cafe situated in one of Newcastle's most beautiful buildings with some of the best Quayside views around. Grab yourself a seat and enjoy people watching while you sip on their exclusive range of wines, spirits and signature cocktails and excellent coffee. They also serve delicious food. You can enjoy a chilled-out atmosphere, with a musical soundtrack of jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop and Reggae music.

Wander through Fenwick Newcastle, a premier department store renowned for its luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware collections. The store’s beauty hall, the largest outside of London, is a must-visit for beauty lovers, featuring high-end brands, skincare essentials, and exclusive fragrances. Whether you're picking up a unique souvenir, treating yourself to a designer handbag, or simply browsing the latest trends, Fenwick is the ultimate shopping destination in Eldon Square.

To mark the end your long weekend getaway, why not treat yourselves to a touch of elegance at Dobson & Parnell. It's a stylish restaurant located on Newcastle’s beautiful Quayside serving up refined British and European dishes with a focus on locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. It’s a classy yet relaxed setting to enjoy some delicious food, especially a Sunday dinner.

Head to The Glasshouse to catch some of the best shows in Gateshead. All kinds of music can be heard here including world, rock, pop, classical, acoustic, indie, country, folk, jazz, electronic and dance music, and its own orchestra Northern Sinfonia is at the heart of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music's classical programme. It's an international home for music and musical discovery.