Newcastle-upon-Tyne: capital of Geordieland, spiritual home of the Toon Army. Rough, grey and harsh, right? Wrong. Newcastle is now the glittering gem of the north-east (watched over by its very own Angel) and is pulling more international tourists by the year.

Never short of a party, Newcastle, buoyed by the regeneration on the banks of the River Tyne around Quayside and the Tyne Bridge, is the destination for a night on the town. While Londoners may pretend to be bored by the ever-changing bar-scene in the capital, Geordies are unashamedly enthusiastic, and an almost childlike energy infuses the streets on a Friday or Saturday night.

Quayside and Bigg Marketare the places to see and be seen, and the city’s eligible singles are out in full force in a fog of cologne, pheromones and Newkie Brown. Tough as the Geordie male’s reputation may be, it’s the Geordie female that really impresses. Seemingly impervious to the cold, the typical Newcastle lass will endeavour out on the town in 5°C weather wearing scant more than a strategically-placed seatbelt and an insulating coat of fake tan.

With a blend of history and innovation that can see you taking in a tour through Newcastle Castlein the morning, perusing a modern, edgy art gallery in the afternoon and then kissing a stranger in a super club by night, Newcastle is a charming exhibitionist of a city. So be prepared to have it flash its assets in your face with a flourish and a cheeky Geordie grin.

Quayside

This area along the banks of the River Tyne is one of Newcastle’s most popular and cosmopolitan tourist spots. From here you can discover both the Tyne Bridge and the awesomeness that is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge (which you should take a quick walk on).

If you’re more in the mood for a culture-hit, try the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, where events and exhibitions run all year round. History more your thing? The Gateshead Heritage at St Mary’s will take you on an amazing ride through the history of the city. Finish your day by relaxing at one of the many eateries and nightspots in the area (clubbers, you’ll have a ball).

Grainger Town

Newcastle’s historic hub is home to many things to see and do. Your first stop should be the icon of the area, Grey’s Monument. (Yes, it’s the very same Grey who was prime minister back in the 19^th Century and whose name was used for the now famous – and delicious – Earl Grey tea).

Once you’ve had your history/tea fix, get your shopping fix at Grainger Market and Central Arcade, two historic sites that cater to a shopaholic’s every whim. End your day with a nice meal (some top eateries in this area!) and then head over to the Royal Theatre for a show.

Ouseburn

This stunning area is only two miles from the heart of Newcastle and is an absolute treat. Start your day by taking in some fresh country air on an Ouseburn Trust Heritage Walk. Not only will it take you to the area’s top historical sites (Victoria Tunnel, St Ann’s and St Dom’s), but also show you just how beautiful and idyllic the whole area is.

After you’ve walked off the Newkie Brown from last night, explore the stacks of art galleries on offer, including the Mushroom Works, The Art Works Galleries, The Biscuit Factory and the Cluny Gallery, all of which also have art available for purchase. Lastly, kick back at a pub with a pint and a hearty meal.

Like your electronic arts? Pay the biennial AV Festival a visit every other March. There’s a massive array of exhibitions, seminars, workshops and performances showcasing the best of the best in terms of music, visual art and moving images.

The nosh-a-thon that is the EAT! Festival in June is a way to promote and celebrate the increasing popularity and success of Newcastle produce and eateries. A bunch of local restaurants host special deals, international chefs present shows and workshops and a stack of food markets brim with a range of cuisines. Take your stretchy pants.

Early July welcomes the Mouth of the Tyne Festival, a fiesta of world-class street entertainment including music, entertainment, comedy, dance and other, slightly quirky performances. The festival often hosts some big names so it’s definitely worth a look-see.

WHEN TO GO

It’s the north-east, it’s on the coast… you know you’re going to need to carry a jumper even in summer (unless you’re one of those girls we talked about earlier, in which case a silk scarf should probably do the trick).

WHAT TO MISS

• The Metro is a great way to get around, but can get iffy at night. If you’re planning on using it later on, make sure you’re in a group.
• The area around St James’ Park on match days (unless you’re seeing the game, obviously). Like at any football ground in the country, tensions tend to run high.

• Driving straight up the A1 (past theAngel of the North) is the most direct route, but Newcastle is also well served by train and air (the Metro links Newcastle Airport to the city)

• Stagecoach buses and the Metro are the best ways to get from A to B. Fares are cheap and both services are reliable.

The former Roman settlement of Newcastle, officially known as Newcastle upon Tyne, sits in beautiful North East England on the shores of the River Tyne. A vital hub of industry back in the day, Newcastle has become famous for other reasons in the modern era. To be sure, Newcastle still thrives as a commercial city but Newcastle Brown Ale, Newcastle United football and a raucous, legendary nightlife reverberate most with visitors. With a long, diverse history, the city of 270,000 people has a panoply of landmarks and monuments, some of which date back a thousand years. The most notable piece of architecture is of course, the Newcastle Castle. Built in 1080 on the site of a Roman fort, the castle gave the city a new, obvious name. For nightlife that ranks as one of the premier tourist attractions in the United Kingdom, head to the Quayside and Bigg Market area of Newcastle, where many bars and clubs compete for patrons.

• Theatre Royal
• Grainger Town
• Town Moor
• St. James’ Park
• Grainger Market

• Newcastle Beer Festival
• Newcastle Mela
• International Arts Fair
• The Hoppings
• Newcastle United Football

• El Castano
• Marco Polo
• The Spice Cube
• Barluga
• Orchid

• Ikon
• Idols
• Legends
• Tiger Tiger
• Studio

Newcastle’s temperate climate is typical of the United Kingdom, although the Gulf Stream brings slightly drier conditions overall.

• Winter (November to March) 1-8°C
• Spring (April to May) 3-13°C
• Summer (June to August) 9-18°C
• Fall (September to October) 7-16°C