For a night out drinking there are three main party areas to head for: the Quayside, Bigg Market, and Haymarket.

The Quayside, and the area around it, contains dozens of pubs and restaurants. The variety of drinking experiences is huge; from a genuine old-fashioned pub like the Crown Posada, to modern, so-called lifestyle bars like Chase, and Pitcher & Piano. The area is popular with locals, students, and tourists alike. Drinks prices are on average greater than in other parts of the city. Be prepared to queue to get into certain bars at busy times.

If you like your pubs loud, brash, and in your face, then the Bigg Market is the place to head for. With fifteen pubs and several restaurants and fast food outlets in a small area you do not need to walk far to have a good night. Most of the pubs have very loud music, and some feature live DJs. Liquid is probably the loudest, Yel the liveliest, and places like Bewicks and the Old George offer a slightly more sedate experience. As with the Quayside, be prepared to queue at busy times.

Haymarket is especially popular with students, being close to both of the city's universities. There are fewer pubs than in the Bigg Market and the Quayside, and they are more spread out. There are theme bars, such as Bar Oz, and the Cajun and Creole bar and restaurant Old Orleans.

If you are looking for cheaper beer, then the area around the central station is worth a visit. The JD Wetherspoon pub at the Union Rooms is the cheapest place in the city centre overall, and Yates Wine Lodge just around the corner has selected cheap beers at all times. Places like the Forth Hotel, the Head of Steam, and the Bridge Hotel all have unique characters and attract loyal regulars.

Many areas outside the city centre have lively drinking and dining scenes. Gosforth High Street, and Whitley Bay are two of the most notable.

A couple of years ago Newcastle was declared to be the eighth best party city in the world. Try it.

Clubs

If you want to hit a club, top of your list should be Newcastle's superclub Digital - whose Shindig night was voted Musik Magazine 'Underground Club of the Year' and it attracts top DJs from around the world, or try The Attic and the popular Baja Beach Club.

Clubs of a different kind include the Salsa Club and the Hyena Comedy Club. The Salsa Club does exactly what is says on the tin, with music, dancing and some excellent Latin American food on offer. The Hyena always features a top line-up of stand-up comics. So popular is this excellent venue, that booking in advance in recommended