In the city centre, the architecturally fascinating Grey Street was voted Best Street in Britain by listeners of one of Britain's most popular radio stations.

Eating out is a treat for all the senses, with many restaurants having wonderful river or city views. There are also some great places to stay including the glorious new Hotel du Vin on the Quayside and the sumptuous Jesmond Dene House, voted AA Centenary Awards Hotel of the Year 2008/09.

Shopping malls such as Eldon Square and MetroCentre Gateshead, one of Europe’s largest shopping centre, contrast with quirky markets at Jesmond Dene and Tynemouth station. Tynemouth also has thriving surfing and café-bar scenes.

The city is surrounded by open spaces: Jesmond Dene; Saltwell Park and Gibside - home to rare red kites - and award-winning beaches line the nearby coast. Walk or cycle the coastal paths, see the amazing rock stack in Marsden Bay and visit Sunderland, the city by the sea.

For more information visitnewcastlegateshead.co.uk