Chinatown

Chinatown featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people
Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown which includes street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people


A collection of Asian restaurants and supermarkets create an interesting cultural district in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Town area. 

Chinatown in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is one of only five Chinatown districts in England. Dine on the aromatic flavors of Asia at restaurants and be part of the annual Chinese New Year festivities. Chinatown runs along Stowell Street in the heart of the bustling city center. There are shopping malls, entertainment centers and centuries-old landmarks located nearby.

A traditional Chinese arch marks the northern entrance to the district. It’s decorated with Chinese calligraphy, and paintings of dragons, serpents and phoenixes. Note the image of the city’s coat of arms and portrayals of scenes and figures from the Tyneside region. Seated stone lion statues guard one side of the gateway and symbolize good fortune and prosperity.

Newcastle’s Chinatown is a great place for authentic culinary experiences and you can sample typical dishes from China, Hong Kong and Japan. Some restaurants have all-you-can-eat buffet options. Buy snacks from a bakery to eat on the move and stock up on noodles, spices and other supplies at a supermarket. Live out your dream of being a world-famous pop star at a karaoke bar.

One of the busiest and most entertaining times to be here is in February for the Chinese New Year festival. A parade with dancing dragons, lions and unicorns begins at Old Eldon Square and continues into the district. Watch acrobats, drumming troupes and folk dancing demonstrations. Shop for souvenirs at the market stalls that set up on Stowell Street.

For more dining and entertainment, visit The Gate leisure complex, located in the same block as Chinatown. It has bars, restaurants, a casino and a cinema. Pass through a covered alley to see Blackfriars, a 13th-century friary whose cloisters have been restored into artisan shops and a restaurant. Remains of the city’s medieval defensive wall frames the western side of the district. It features three towers: Ever Tower, Herber Tower and Morden Tower.

Chinatown is a short walk from St. James subway station. You can park for a fee at The Gate. Grey’s Monument, St. James' Park soccer stadium and the Theatre Royal are all within comfortable walking distance.

Plan a trip to see Chinatown

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Rooms Inn
Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Newcastle-Gateshead

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Royal Station Hotel

Royal Station Hotel

3 out of 5
Neville Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Royal Station Hotel
Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel

Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel

4 out of 5
Gallowgate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel
Maldron Hotel Newcastle

Maldron Hotel Newcastle

4 out of 5
Newgate Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Maldron Hotel Newcastle
County Hotel & County Aparthotel Newcastle

County Hotel & County Aparthotel Newcastle

4 out of 5
Neville Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
County Hotel & County Aparthotel Newcastle
Dakota Newcastle

Dakota Newcastle

3 out of 5
112 Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Dakota Newcastle
Grey Street Hotel

Grey Street Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2-12 Grey Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Grey Street Hotel
Copthorne Hotel Newcastle

Copthorne Hotel Newcastle

4 out of 5
The Close, Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Copthorne Hotel Newcastle
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Newcastle

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Newcastle

3 out of 5
15 Westgate Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Newcastle
Malmaison Newcastle

Malmaison Newcastle

4 out of 5
104 Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Malmaison Newcastle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Chinatown

Chinatown in Newcastle-upon-Tyne offers a vibrant experience with its unique shopping opportunities and delightful eateries. Visitors can explore a variety of Asian shops and restaurants, immersing themselves in the rich cultural atmosphere. Nearby attractions along the River Tyne add to the charm, providing a perfect blend of shopping and sightseeing for an enjoyable day out.

Shopping

Just 62m from Chinatown, Eldon Square Shopping Centre offers a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment, perfect for gift shopping. Only 124m away, Grainger Market features local produce and unique finds. If you're up for a drive, Treacle Wool Shop is 8.7km away for specialty items.

Recreation

The Glasshouse, a vibrant concert venue 497m from Chinatown, offers an exhilarating atmosphere filled with music and entertainment. For sports enthusiasts, the Newcastle United Golf Club, located 1.2km away, provides a picturesque outdoor setting for a relaxing round of golf amidst stunning scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Wet 'n' Wild Water Park, located 3.7km from Chinatown, where you can enjoy various water slides and attractions. For an exhilarating outdoor adventure, visit Beamish Wild, also 3.7km away, featuring zip lines and rope courses that challenge your courage and agility.

For a high-speed experience, head to Karting North East, situated 7.5km away, where you can race against friends on a thrilling karting track, perfect for adrenaline seekers.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Chinatown, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with a visit to the Theatre Royal, just 186m away, or enjoy live music at O2 Academy Newcastle and Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, both 124m from the area, offering a delightful blend of entertainment and culture.

Find the best attractions near Chinatown

Chinatown in Newcastle-upon-Tyne offers a vibrant mix of attractions including urban parks, modern colleges, and bustling tourist precincts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture while enjoying family-friendly activities and a lively city experience. Whether you’re exploring the local eateries or taking a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming area.

  • St. James' Park: Immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of St. James' Park, a renowned sports stadium steeped in culture. With its iconic structure and passionate football matches, it offers an electrifying experience just 124m from Chinatown.
  • Quayside: The vibrant Quayside, located 497m away, presents a picturesque setting for families. Enjoy scenic riverside walks, delightful eateries, and various outdoor activities that capture the lively spirit of Newcastle.
  • University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Situated 249m from Chinatown, this modern university boasts a lively city vibe. Explore its stunning architecture, engaging student life, and cultural events that reflect the dynamic essence of Newcastle.

Best time to go to Chinatown

The best time to visit Chinatown is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.8°F (6.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chinatown

To save money during your visit to Chinatown, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the best deals. Use Expedia to refine your accommodation options and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainability. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights and activities with your hotel stay to maximise savings. For public transport, utilise the local bus system, which is affordable, or explore the area on foot to enjoy the vibrant surroundings without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Chinatown are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Chinatown is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Chinatown is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Chinatown with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.