The Ultimate Student's Guide to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne's Nightlife

Picture this: it’s Friday night and your coursework’s done (or at least… postponed). You’re on the hunt for good vibes, great music, and maybe the best cheesy chips in the North. Sound familiar? Whether you’re new to the Toon or you’ve danced down Bigg Market more times than you can count, this guide to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne nightlife is your passport to some epic student nights.

Why Newcastle-Upon-Tyne?

Newcastle isn’t just known for its friendly locals and iconic accent. It’s a city that parties hard and welcomes even harder. With one of the highest student populations in the UK and a cost of living that doesn’t kill your budget, it’s no wonder this Northern gem is a top nightlife destination.

From hard core clubbers, pub crawlers, and live music lovers, to more chilled evenings out on the town, this gem of the Northeast has all you need for a memorable experience.

The Party Starters You Can’t Miss

If you’re somebody that’s all about the high energy dance floors and TikTok worthy neon nights, these are the best clubs in Newcastle you should hit up tonight.

• Digital: Held in high regard for its world class sound system and regular big name DJ’s. it’s a must visit for EDM fans that want to soak in the electric vibes.
• Tup Tup Palace: If you’re searching for a more bougee atmosphere, then Tup Tup Palace is your place. It’s a great spot for celebrity spotting (Even Rihanna has been sighted here), and some great Instagram moments.
• Boiler Shop: A venue with rugged industrial charm, it hosts everything from wild rave nights to more alternative live music sessions.

These destinations are ready made for a crazy group night out. Make sure you dress to impress (by this we mean leave the trainers at home), who knows who you could bump into!

Laidback Legends for Quiet Pints and Chilled Vibes

While a bonkers night out is something every student experiences at some point in their university life, many young people are opting for a more relaxed evening out these days. In the same breath, you could use these spots to prepare to hit up somewhere louder later in the day.

• The Tyne Bar: An artsy spot that offers fantastic riverside views. It’s perfect for a chilled pint at any time, and allows you to actually hear each other speak as opposed to getting home with a sore throat.
• The Hancock: One of the classic student pubs in Newcastle, The Hancock is located close to both universities and offers great value drinks as well as a great place for meeting everyone.
• Wetherspoons: It’s perhaps the best value pub anywhere in the UK, and a real staple of university life for students everywhere. In Newcastle, there are a total of three branches. The Quayside, The Centurion, and The John Coxon. 

These pubs are all about good prices and even better pints. There’s zero pretence, and students will know exactly what to expect when they step foot into one of these establishments.

Hidden Gems and Indie Hotspots

If you’re growing tired of the regular haunts that can occasionally feel rather routine then these places are great for those wanting to go off-piste.

• Cumberland Arms: A traditional pub with a dynamic flavour. This place offers some fantastic folk nights, quizzes, and promotes local acts that are on their way to stardom.
• Alvinos: There’s nowhere that offers the neon nights quite like Alvinos. The menu features a wide range of vibrant cocktails that rotate to offer a continuously fresh array of flavours. There’s also some retro pinball machines dotted around, making for some added competition in a classic sense.
• No.28: A truly pretty spot for a drink, No.28 has a rooftop oasis featuring fairy lights and some wonderful cocktails. It’s a particularly good spot for those searching for the best places for a date in Newcastle.

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Locations

The LGBTQIA+ scene in the Northeast is as vibrant as anywhere else in the UK, and the Newcastle has some fabulous spots for an inclusive and love filled night out.

• Powerhouse: A true staple of the city’s nightlife. There’s five floors of wild dancing, regular drag nights, and a little bit of drama around every corner (we all love a bit of that on a night out).
• SR44: Underground vibes are at the heart of this place. Enjoy the freedom that it offers to express yourself and dance long into the night.

Everyone’s welcome in these wonderfully inclusive bars, students can benefit from regular discounts and special nights dedicated to them as well.

How to Make the Most of Your Night

First of all, it’s about the pre-game. Start in your student flat, or local Student Union for a cheap drink to get you going. The hit up a local pub before heading into town.

Of course, the main thing is to ensure you get home safely after every night out. So, always have your phone charged and a taxi app installed.

We all love a late night snack to soak up the effects of a long evening. Both Munchies and Red Mezze are the perfect spots for a post club refuel.

Don’t forget to capture your best memories either! While it’s important to live in the moment, you’ll thank yourself for having some of the best moments on camera.

If you’re wanting to learn more about what Newcastle-Upon-Tyne can offer it’s students, check out our dedicated city page for more information.

You Belong in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Regardless of your background, the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne nightlife presents you with the perfect platform for a great experience. There’s a space for everyone here, and it’s more than just drinks and DJ’s. It can be the place where relationships blossom and flatmates become families. You’ll laugh for years about the stories you create.

What are you waiting for? Get out there!