Newcastle Upon Tyne is a city that beams with northern pride. It’s way more chilled than London, yet on a par in terms of its heritage, culture, culinary scene and nightlife. It’s hip but never pretentious. There is plenty to keep yourself busy without being overwhelmed. It’s a big city, but its neighborhoods are extremely walkable.
In case you need another reason to make ‘The Toon’ your next city break, the distinctive Geordie accent spoken by its dwellers has recently been crowned one of the top 10 sexiest in the UK!
But if it’s your first time heading to Newcastle, you might feel muddled about which of its awesome neighborhoods is right for you.
That’s why our expert travel writers have pieced together where to stay in Newcastle, broken down by neighborhood. So whether you’re seeking culture, arts, the party scene or are on whistlestop visit on your grand tour of the UK, we can tell you the best places to stay in Newcastle.
Let’s get started with the best areas to stay in Newcastle!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are the best places to stay in Newcastle.
Cool Central Apartment in Victorian Build Sleeps 3 | Best Airbnb in Newcastle
A 5-minute walk from the core of the city and in the shadow of the Tyne Bridge, this apartment is found within a refurbished Victorian building. You get the whole space to yourself, including a huge living room with a comfortable sofa and TV. The location is perfect for seeing a bit of everywhere.
Albatross | Best Hostel in Newcastle
The Albatross is one of the top-rated hostels in Newcastle according to Hostelworld, and our team can’t fault it either. There’s an awesome lounge with a pool table, a communal kitchen and the Wi-Fi is strong. The historic building is full of character and you can walk anywhere in the city centre. You even get a free breakie!
Grey Street Hotel | Best Mid-range Hotel in Newcastle
This 4-star hotel is happily affordable and perfectly positioned for exploring the sights and nightlife of the city. Bedrooms are tastefully designed with comfortable furnishings, snazzy artwork, a private bathroom, free toiletries and a restaurant. Easily one of the best places in Newcastle to stay, for all types of traveler!
Quayside
If you’re wondering where to stay in Newcastle for one night you won’t be able to fault Quayside. Get up and close with those 7 legendary feats of engineering by picking a Quayside hotel, where you can get an eyeball of the iconic bridges from your riverside lodgings!
Gateshead
Technically a town in its own right, Gateshead is an extension of the city of Newcastle. It connects to the center with the cheap, cheerful and quick Metro system, or you can take your pick of the footbridges.
Grainger Town
The neighborhood of Grainger Town is the beating heart of Newcastle. Elegant streets lined with neoclassical buildings and a historic market are watched over by the towering Grey’s Monument.
Jesmond
North of the city center, Jesmond is a groovy little suburb with quirky boutiques, eclectic bars and a buzzing student population. It connects to the city center via a 10-minute ride on the Metro making it a nifty spot for checking out the rest of Newcastle.
Ouseburn
Formerly a key player in Newcastle’s industrial past, Ouseburn has paved its way into a cultural and creative base for local artists and musicians.
The most populous city in northeast England sits 8.5 miles inland from the North Sea on the north bank of the River Tyne. Newcastle is famed for its seven dramatic bridges which connect the north and south banks of the city and set the skyline alight.
Modern-day Newcastle Upon Tyne blends its juicy Roman, Medieval and Victorian history, industrial heritage and shipbuilding lineage with all the ingredients of an ultra-modern metropolis. Newcastle is also the gateway to top British destinations such as Hadrian’s Wall, the Pennines and the castle-strewn Northumberland Coast!
The Best Places To Stay in Newcastle
Let’s take a look at the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Newcastle Upon Tyne. They’re each a little different, depending on the type of experience you’re after.
For your First Time – Quayside
If you’re wondering where to stay in Newcastle for one night you won’t be able to fault Quayside. Get up and close with those 7 legendary feats of engineering by picking a Quayside hotel, where you can get an eyeball of the iconic bridges from your riverside lodgings!
Quayside is easily the top spot for where to stay your first time since it’s near to all the top things to do in Newcastle. It will appease all culture vultures with its modern architecture and unmissable art institutions. There are a lot of dining options right here on your doorstep and late-night bars to get a piece of upmarket nightlife.
Sleeperz Hotel Newcastle | Best Affordable Hotel in Quayside
Rooms at this budget Quayside hotel are immaculately clean and comfortably furnished. It’s in a prime location for seeing the best of Newcastle – only a short walk from the Quayside and into the city center. Each room has a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and hot drink making facilities. Breakfast can be added to the rate for an extra fee.
The Vermont Hotel | Best Hotel in the Quayside
If you fancy views of Newcastle Castle and the Tyne Bridge as you sip your morning coffee in bed, check out The Vermont. This 4-star Newcastle hotel offers excellent accommodation which won’t break the bank. Be sure to specify at booking if you want a room with a view, and you can add breakfast for an additional cost.
Sunny Manhattan on Quayside | Best Airbnb in the Quayside
This bright, charming and spacious apartment is right on the Quayside, which makes it one of the best places in Newcastle to stay. As well as a fully functional kitchen in which to prepare your meals, the host stock the cupboards with a couple of essentials so you can make a coffee in the morning.
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View on Osprey View on REIIf You’re on a Budget – Gateshead
Technically a town in its own right, Gateshead is an extension of the city of Newcastle. It connects to the center with the cheap, cheerful and quick Metro system, or you can take your pick of the footbridges.
Gateshead is resided heavily by Newcastle city workers, so it’s a place to experience local Toon life. You’ll find a trove of affordable pubs, fascinating museums and galleries and some pleasant green spaces to explore. It’s also the home of the great British icon, the Angel of the North. Gateshead has a number of low-cost hotels and vacation apartments, making it your best pick for where to stay in Newcastle on a budget.
Nifty two bed urban pad near leafy park and city | Best Airbnb in Gateshead
This whole contemporary apartment is available for vacation rentals and has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. It comes with Wi-Fi, TV and free parking. It’s a convenient base for exploring around Gateshead and is only a couple of pounds in an Uber into the city center.
Hotel Express Newcastle Gateshead | Best Affordable Hotel in Gateshead
This simple, no-frills hotel is perfect if you’re looking where to stay in Newcastle Upon Tyne on a budget. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with the option to request a shared or private bathroom. They have family rooms available and free, secure parking is provided. Less than a 10-minute drive to the Angel of the North!
The Globe Hotel Gateshead | Best Hotel in Gateshead
5-star accommodation at a very wallet-friendly price, this Gateshead hotel has a variety of rooms suited to solo travelers, couples or families. The rate includes breakfast and there’s a chilled pub downstairs frequented by friendly locals. There is free parking available and the hosts are extremely accommodating and highly commended.
For Nightlife – Grainger Town
The neighborhood of Grainger Town is the beating heart of Newcastle. Elegant streets lined with neoclassical buildings and a historic market are watched over by the towering Grey’s Monument.
After hours, these beautiful streets turn into a powerhouse for unique pubs, bars and clubs making it our top pick for where to stay in Newcastle for nightlife. Touch base with the city’s dynamic cultural scene by day, and embrace the hedonistic delights of the city by night!
YHA Newcastle Central | Best Hostel in Grainger Town
The YHA Newcastle offers cheap but comfortable dorm rooms in the heart of Newcastle’s party district. All beds come with a secure locker, and dorms have en suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The hostel also has a variety of private rooms available. Sociable, awesome location and great value for money!
Motel One Newcastle | Best Hotel in Grainger Town
A 10-minute walk from basically anywhere you might want to go, this friendly Grainger Town hotel is thoughtfully designed and in an unbeatable location. There is a bar on-site to get your night started before you hit up the local bars, and the reception is conveniently open 24 hours.
Very central, light-filled Newcastle flat | Best Airbnb in Grainger Town
Slap bang in the middle of historic and cultural Grainger Town, this Newcastle accommodation can stretch to accommodate 4 guests by using the sofa bed. The Airbnb is safe and secure and has all you need for a great stay, but we just can’t get over the location for this price!
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Grab an eSIM!Coolest Place to Stay – Jesmond
North of the city center, Jesmond is a groovy little suburb with quirky boutiques, eclectic bars and a buzzing student population. It connects to the city center via a 10-minute ride on the Metro making it a nifty spot for checking out the rest of Newcastle.
Potter around the neighborhood shops, cafes and parks by day, and at night head to Osborne Road to sample the laid-back bars and classy eateries that make Jesmond one of the coolest places to stay in Newcastle.
Newcastle Jesmond Hotel | Best Affordable Hotel in Jesmond
There are no hostels in Jesmond, but you can get a cheap private room at this 3-star Jesmond hotel. Compact rooms are kitted out with all that you might need and you can add breakfast to the rate for a small fee. In a top location in one of Newcastle’s best neighborhoods.
Caledonian Hotel Newcastle Tyne and Wear | Best Hotel in Jesmond
A reliable hotel and great for those looking for where to stay in Jesmond with kids as they have affordable family rooms available. Breakfast is available, the hotel has free parking and there is a delightful outdoor terrace for guests to make use of. The bathrooms have fabulous tubs if you fancy a soak!
Luxury one-bedroom apartment in Jesmond | Best Airbnb in Jesmond
This stylish apartment comes with kooky furnishings and a hotel-grade level of comfort. It’s perfectly positioned to make the most of all the bars, restaurants and cafes of Jesmond if you don’t fancy cooking in the kitchenette. They have free parking available and guests are welcomed with a lovely hamper.
Best Neighborhood For Families – Ouseburn
Formerly a key player in Newcastle’s industrial past, Ouseburn has paved its way into a cultural and creative base for local artists and musicians. It’s where you can find the National Centre for Children’s Books and some child-friendly galleries, making Ouseburn our recommendation for where to stay in Newcastle for families.
Ouseburn is located to the east of the city and connects to the center by bus or a leisurely walk along the banks of the River Tyne. It’s cool, hip and where you can find some awesome Newcastle accommodation.
Fantastic Quayside flat with spectacular view | Best Airbnb in Ouseburn
This 2 bedroom Ouseburn accommodation is ideal for families or traveling friends. You get a gated garage if you’re traveling with a car and super-fast Wi-Fi for planning your vacation or catching up on Netflix. The host is highly rated, and the views really are out of this world.
Budget Hostel Newcastle | Best Hostel in Ouseburn
This functional and friendly hostel in Ouseburn has cheap dorm beds and private rooms available. There is a common room available for guests which comes with a kettle, microwave and television. Free Wi-Fi is included and secure lockers can be hired to keep your valuables safe. Spotlessly clean and a top location.
AA Lets City Road | Best Hotel in Ouseburn
Just around the corner from Seven Stories, these tasteful apartments are available as one, two or three-bed rentals. They come with kitchenettes for those who wish to cook and all have a cozy living area for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Ideal spot for where to stay in Newcastle for families.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Newcastle
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Newcastle and where to stay.
What To Pack For Newcastle
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Newcastle
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final thoughts on where to stay in Newcastle
If you’re looking to get that proper northern experience out of your English vacation, look no further than Newcastle. The city’s got it all – a banging cultural scene, awesome shopping, thriving nightlife and some of the friendliest people in the UK.
To recap our guide, we reckon Grainger Hill is the best all-rounder in terms of where to stay in Newcastle. It’s a tad cheaper than Quayside, and you can pick and choose between all the attractions Newcastle has on offer. There’s plenty of options for dining or letting your hair down.
We love the Grey Street Hotel for where to stay in Newcastle. It’s chic, affordable and well-connected but niftily tucked out of the way of the louder bars so you can get a good night’s sleep.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around UK.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Newcastle.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
