Spot the best hotels near Chinatown

Chinatown in Newcastle stands as a colourful pocket of culture tucked away behind the historic town walls, offering a lively escape for anyone seeking authentic flavours and a friendly atmosphere. Entering through the traditional Chinese arch on Stowell Street, you will find a street lined with family-run restaurants and supermarkets packed with unique ingredients. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering through the shops or enjoying a dim sum lunch amongst the locals.

It is a compact area where the streets are lined with lanterns and the smells of ginger and garlic fill the air. You will find it sits comfortably along Stowell Street, offering a different pace to the rest of the city centre.

Planning your visit to the shops

Most of the action happens along a single street, so you do not need to worry about getting lost. The shops here range from small grocers to larger supermarkets stocked with goods you won't find in your local corner shop. Many businesses operate from 11:00 until late in the evening, as the area is popular for both daytime browsing and late-night dining. It is a short 5-minute walk from St James' Park or about 10 minutes on foot from Newcastle Central Station.

Finding unique ingredients and treats

The main draw for shoppers is the selection of authentic supermarkets like Wing Hong. You can spend a good 30 minutes just looking at the different varieties of noodles, teas, and sauces available. If you enjoy cooking at home, this is the place to pick up fresh bok choy or frozen dumplings. Aside from food, you can often find traditional tea sets, waving lucky cats, and ornate kitchenware that make for great gifts or home decorations.

Getting the local experience

To see the area at its most lively, try to visit during the Lunar New Year celebrations, when the streets are packed for the lion dances. On a regular day, the atmosphere is much calmer. A local tip is to head here for a "Dim sum" lunch, which usually takes place between 12:00 and 16:00. It is a social way to eat where you pick small plates from a menu. Before you head out, check the official website or social media pages for individual shops to confirm their current opening times.

Getting around Chinatown is straightforward as it sits right in the heart of the city centre. You will find a wide range of places to stay within walking distance, making it a convenient base for your trip to Newcastle.

Where to stay near the gate

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, look for accommodation near Stowell Street or the Grainger Town area. Staying here puts you just 200 yards from the ornate ceremonial arch that marks the entrance. For those travelling on a budget, there are several modern apartment blocks and reliable hotel chains within a 5-minute walk. If you prefer something more upscale, the area towards Grey Street offers boutique options in grand Georgian buildings, located about 0.5 miles away. This part of town is perfect for families or couples who want to balance quiet evenings with easy access to the bustling food scene. The streets are well-lit and mostly flat, so you won't have any trouble getting back to your room after a late dinner.

Getting to the heart of the district

Reaching the area from Newcastle Central Station is very simple, as it is only a 10-minute walk or a 0.4-mile journey on foot. If you are arriving by the Metro system, the St James Metro Station is the closest stop, situated just 300 feet from the main entrance. Most local buses stop at nearby Newgate Street, and the entire district is pedestrian-friendly with paved surfaces for easy accessibility.

Locating your base near Chinatown is easy when you use eDreams to browse the local area. You can quickly look at different hotels that fit your specific style and budget without any fuss. Pinpoint the hotels that put you right in the heart of the action, ensuring you find the best deals available. Whether you want a spot steps away from the gate or a quiet retreat nearby, just pick the hotel that feels right and get ready for your Newcastle adventure. Book your stay today and enjoy the city.