| NewcastleGateshead, the new name for the | | | | quarter, alongside the river with its |
| two cities which form the core of | | | | famous bridge, the Baltic gallery and |
| Tyneside, is an exciting and popular | | | | the sparkling new Sage building. A |
| destination for a wide range of | | | | little way outside of the city centre, |
| visitors. Although the conurbation | | | | but easily accessible by Metro, there's |
| boasts excellent modern art and music | | | | the popular weekly Armstrong Bridge arts |
| scenes, along with beautiful scenery on | | | | and crafts market which is held on a |
| the nearby coast, perhaps the most | | | | pedestrianised bridge over the |
| celebrated aspects are its football, | | | | picturesque Jesmond Dene and since 1963 |
| nightlife and shopping. | | | | has hosted scores of local independent |
| High-end fashionistas are well served by | | | | traders selling all kinds of artworks, |
| several stylish stores around Princess | | | | pottery and wooden crafts, knitwear and |
| Square in the city centre. Strand, | | | | jewellery. It's a charming way to spend |
| Cruise and its smaller menswear-only | | | | a Sunday and the best place to pick up a |
| branch, Cruise 2, are said to be | | | | unique gift for someone who has |
| favourites among the well-heeled lads of | | | | everything. |
| Newcastle United FC and of course the | | | | Gateshead is home to the MetroCentre, |
| WAG set. Reiss, just across the street, | | | | the biggest shopping centre in Europe, |
| is the place for classically cut formal | | | | including over 300 shops, an indoor |
| wear while more 'street'-oriented, edgy | | | | theme park, cinema and bowling alley and |
| modern fashion can be found at Union and | | | | over 50 restaurants. Open until 9pm |
| Envy around the towering landmark of | | | | weekdays, or 10 in the run-up to |
| Grey's Monument. | | | | Christmas, crowds flock here to get all |
| The alternative clothing market is also | | | | their Christmas shopping done under one |
| well catered for with a cluster of skate | | | | roof - there genuinely is something for |
| shops stocking extreme sports gear and | | | | everyone. Alternatively, another good |
| American-influenced fashion around | | | | way to get out of the chilly |
| Market Street. There are several more | | | | North-Eastern weather is Eldon Square, |
| outré stores around Old Eldon Square, | | | | located right in Newcastle city centre |
| along with cool independent record | | | | with over 150 stores, including the |
| stores, the best of which are Newcastle | | | | flagship Fenwick department store with |
| institutions Pet Sounds and Steel | | | | five floors of fashion, homeware, toys, |
| Wheels. Many of the students at | | | | cosmetics and an excellent food hall. |
| Newcastle's two universities source | | | | For visitors who prefer to stay and |
| original vintage clothing from Period | | | | sample Newcastle's famous bars and |
| Clothing, Nitro and Attica to perfect | | | | clubs, theatre and restaurants, or who |
| the slightly down-at-heel, 'shabby chic' | | | | simply want to shop till they drop and |
| look. | | | | then chill out in luxurious comfort of |
| Small, independent clothes designers, | | | | an evening, there are plenty of relaxing |
| along with jewellery and other crafts, | | | | and stylish hotels in Newcastle and |
| are out in force at the recently | | | | Gateshead which makes it easy to buy a |
| established Quayside market which runs | | | | little more time. |
| on Sundays in the city's most happening | | | | |