Newcastle Quayside is one of the best places to visit during a break in the city. Set along the River Tyne, it brings together landmark bridges, galleries, live music, restaurants, bars and a popular Sunday market. You can visit during the day for a riverside walk, then return after dark to see the bridges and buildings lit up across the water.
PREMIER SUITES Newcastle is around a ten minute walk from the Quayside. This gives you a central base for exploring the riverfront, city centre and nearby cultural areas without relying on taxis.
Here are the best things to see, eat and do around Newcastle Quayside.
Walk Along the River Tyne
Start your visit with a walk beside the River Tyne. The riverside paths give you clear views of the bridges connecting Newcastle and Gateshead.
Seven bridges cross this stretch of the river. The Tyne Bridge is the best known, while the Gateshead Millennium Bridge stands out for its curved design. The pedestrian and cycle bridge can tilt to allow river traffic to pass underneath.
You will also see the Swing Bridge, High Level Bridge and several railway bridges along the route. Each one reflects a different part of Newcastle’s industrial and architectural history.
The walk is easy to follow, and you can cross between the Newcastle and Gateshead sides of the river. Stop for photos, watch boats move along the Tyne or find a bench and take in the view.
The Quayside is also suited to cycling. You can follow the river east towards Ouseburn or continue along local routes beside the water.
Cross the Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Walking across the Gateshead Millennium Bridge should be part of any Newcastle Quayside visit. The bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists, linking the Newcastle riverfront with Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.
The crossing gives you views towards the Tyne Bridge, the city skyline and the buildings along both sides of the river.
Return in the evening to see the bridge illuminated. The colours change, and the lights reflect across the River Tyne. This creates one of the best evening views in Newcastle.
Bridge tilts take place when boats need to pass. Times can vary, so check the scheduled tilt information before your visit if you would like to see it move.
Visit Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
After crossing the Millennium Bridge, visit Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. The gallery occupies a former flour mill on the Gateshead side of the Quayside.
Baltic hosts a changing programme of contemporary art from local and international artists. Exhibitions cover photography, film, sculpture, painting and large installations.
Entry is free, although donations are welcome. This makes Baltic a useful option when you want to include culture in your trip without adding another ticket cost.
Take time to explore the gallery floors before heading to the viewing areas. From the upper levels, you can look across the Tyne towards Newcastle, the bridges and the surrounding city.
The gallery also has a shop where you can browse books, prints, jewellery and gifts connected to art and design. Opening days can vary, so check the current information when planning your visit.
See What Is On at The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music sits close to Baltic on Gateshead Quays. Its curved glass building is easy to spot from the Newcastle side of the river.
The venue hosts classical music, jazz, folk, pop and performances by the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Check the programme before your stay, as your Newcastle break may line up with a concert or event.
You do not always need a performance ticket to visit the building. The Glasshouse has public spaces, bars, a café and a restaurant, with views across the Newcastle skyline.
It is a useful place to stop for coffee during a Quayside walk or for a drink before an evening performance.
Browse Newcastle Quayside Market
Plan your visit for a Sunday and you can explore Newcastle Quayside Market. The market runs beside the river and attracts local makers, artists, traders and food businesses.
Stalls sell items such as:
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- Artwork and prints
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- Handmade jewellery
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- Clothing and accessories
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- Ceramics and homeware
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- Cakes and sweet treats
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- Hot street food
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- Coffee and local produce
The market creates a busy atmosphere along the riverfront and gives you a chance to support local traders. It is also a good place to pick up a gift or try something different for lunch.
Arrive earlier in the day for more time to browse. The Quayside can become busy on Sundays, particularly during warm weather and major city events.
Find a Place for Lunch
Newcastle Quayside has food options for different budgets and occasions.
For casual food, look for cafés, pubs and outdoor seating along the river. During the weekend, By the River Brew Co offers street food and locally brewed drinks beneath the Tyne Bridge on the Gateshead side.
It is a relaxed place to stop after visiting Baltic or walking across the Millennium Bridge. Outdoor seating lets you continue enjoying the view while you eat.
The Sunday market also has food trucks and produce stalls. This works well when people in your group want different dishes or when you would prefer a quick meal.
You can also return to your apartment at PREMIER SUITES Newcastle and prepare lunch in your own kitchen. This can help you manage your spending during a longer stay.
Book Dinner Beside the River
The Quayside has several restaurants for an evening meal.
21 is a modern bistro serving seasonal dishes in a relaxed dining room. It works well for couples, groups and celebrations.
House of Tides offers tasting menus in a historic building beneath the High Level Bridge. It is suited to guests planning a longer dinner as part of a weekend away.
Tomahawk Steakhouse overlooks the River Tyne and serves steak, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Outdoor seating is available when the weather allows.
You will also find familiar restaurants, independent dining rooms and pubs across the area. Book ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings, as Quayside restaurants can fill up around concerts, football fixtures and city events.
Enjoy Drinks with a View
Newcastle is known for its nightlife, and the Quayside gives you plenty of options for starting your evening.
Choose a riverside terrace for a drink in the sun or visit one of the bars near the Tyne Bridge. You can find pubs showing live sport, cocktail bars and venues with music later in the evening.
The atmosphere becomes busier as the evening continues, but you do not need to plan a full night out. A drink beside the river followed by an evening walk can be enough to experience the Quayside after dark.
Dean Street connects the Quayside with the city centre and has more restaurants and bars along the route. From there, you can continue towards Grey Street, the Bigg Market or the main nightlife areas.
Continue Your Walk to Ouseburn
Follow the river east from Newcastle Quayside and you will reach Ouseburn. This former industrial area has developed into Newcastle’s cultural quarter.
Ouseburn is home to music venues, galleries, pubs, cafés and local businesses. Popular stops include The Biscuit Factory, Ouseburn Farm, The Cluny and the Victoria Tunnel.
The walk between the Quayside and Ouseburn lets you see another side of the city. You can spend the afternoon exploring its creative spaces before returning along the river for dinner.
Families can visit the farm and local attractions, while adults may prefer the pubs, live music and food venues.
Stay Close to Newcastle Quayside
PREMIER SUITES Newcastle gives you a convenient base within walking distance of the Quayside and Newcastle city centre.
The property has 28 one and two bedroom serviced apartments. Each apartment includes a separate bedroom, living and dining area, fitted kitchen and modern bathroom.
Your kitchen gives you the freedom to prepare breakfast, store drinks and cook dinner when you do not want to eat out. This can be useful for longer visits, family breaks and stays with friends.
The separate living space also gives you somewhere to relax after a day of walking. You can plan the next day, watch television or enjoy a quiet evening without being limited to a standard hotel bedroom.
Newcastle Central Station is around 650 metres away, making the apartments accessible when you arrive by train. On site parking is also available, subject to availability and charges.
Book Your Newcastle Break
Newcastle Quayside brings many of the city’s best experiences together beside the River Tyne. You can see its bridges, visit free exhibitions, browse the Sunday market and enjoy food and drinks overlooking the water.
Staying at PREMIER SUITES Newcastle places you around a ten minute walk from the Quayside. You also have your own kitchen, living area and bedroom to return to after exploring.
Book your stay at PREMIER SUITES Newcastle and make the Quayside part of your next city break.
