What to do or see in Newcastle

I'm flying to Newcastle a week on Sunday. I'm going up to do some work up there on the Monday but would like ideas on how I can fill my time up on Sunday. Any suggestions? Any good pubs etc?

[blondie2007]

wow you really are invisible!
do you have any other superpowers?

[dot.hawkes]

efc you will have to be careful what footie top you wear up their, they are all footie mad lol
I went to the metro centre it was ace.

Got loads of them but if I tell you what they are then i'll get banned again!

Dot - I can't leave my Everton shirt at home, it goes everywhere with me!

[dot.hawkes]

oh another aber Redbel is a scouser but i don't think she is an evertonian, i will ask if i think on.

I'm not quite a scouser!! Originally from Lancashire and now living in Essex.

[scubadiver]

Depends what you want to do. The Baltic art gallery is free and usually good for a mooch around. Likewise, the Discovery museum. If you like rummaging around flea markets, there is a good one at Tynemouth Station on Sundays - just take the Metro. Other things to consider are the Metro Centre for Shopping, Town Moor or Tynemouth Long Sands beach for walking, weather dependant. Also I'm fairly sure that weekend is Chinese New Year, so there is usually something on in and around Stowell Street (Chinatown).
Pub wise - again it depends where you are and what you like- my favourites are the Cluny, Duke of Wellington, The Old George, Pitcher and Piano for brunch and a read through the papers, Crown Posada, Offshore 44, etc etc etc. Give me some specifics re type of pub and location and I'll see what i can suggest

[thedelbwa]

Bars depends on what floats your boat I guess, but some smart bars include Revolution (stunning interior), Tokyo just over the road is also a tidy place, but I've only really been when it's quite quiet - it doesn't seem the biggest of places, so when busy may be a bit of an ordeal. I would also suggest going to the Centurion bar at the train station (honestly, believe me on this one) - the decor inside is unbelievable, was also included in the Observer good bar guide in recent years. Good beers too! Hoko 10 on Dean Street is also good for some cocktails, great little booths to hide away in. The Trent pub, close to St James' Park (if you're at that end of town) is one of the best pubs in Newcastle as far as I'm concerned. Traditional boozer with great beers, free jukebox with so much good music on (think classic soul, groove, dance) - great laid-back atmosphere too. Oh, and for possibly the best views from a bar in the city, try the Pitcher & Piano. OK, it's a P & P, and they're everywhere (I think), but it's located at the Newcastle end of the Millennium bridge, right on the river with huge glass windows (well, being windows, they would be made of glass) and great for an early evening drink. The roof terrace may be off-limits in the current weather however. The Cluny in Ouseburn is prob my favourite bar in Newcastle - about a 15 minute walk along the Quayside and have a great choice of beers. The food's pretty good too.

I would avoid the Metro Centre unless you particularly enjoy shopping, plus it's not in Newcastle, it's in Gateshead, only about 15 minutes away. I live in Newcastle and I wear my Everton shirt about, so I wouldn't worry. Even the odd Sunderland shirt is seen here and there so I think you'll be fine with one of ours.

[thedelbwa]

Baltic gallery is good for a mooch, so's just wandering about the town and Quayside, checking out the great buildings, architecture, oh, and the bars too! Also worth having a look in is The Sage music hall on the Gateshead side of the Tyne - you really can't fail to spot it - just to check it out and maybe have a coffee. Sometimes there's free performances in the entrance hall, so decent enough to wander through and have a nose about.

Enjoy!

Thanks for all the great answers. I'm quite looking forward to it now!