Have you got friends and family visiting Newcastle? Depending on how long it's been since they've set foot in the city, they might not know that Newcastle's scored itself a whole bunch of excellent new spots to dine and drink in recent years. Plus, we've got a whole host of iconic establishments and natural gems to explore.

With this in mind, we've put together a fool-proof two-night itinerary to impress your out-of-town loved ones when they come to Newcastle.

Day 1

3pm
Depending on hour of arrival, it's time to get out and start reminding them how good our beach and harbour life is with a few drinks waterside. There are loads of venues to choose from, but this afternoon, we recommend starting near the harbour. You can stick to one venue or work your way through a few – we'd recommend Blanca, Thermidor, MoneyPenny, Âpé Yakitori Bar, and Battlesticks Bar, to name a few.

7pm
Dinner tonight is at one of Newcastle's most acclaimed restaurants, boasting a hat in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide – Flotilla. It's a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience, featuring a hyper-seasonal, hyper-local set menu for both lunch and dinner. 

9pm
If your guests can fit more in after dinner, jump on the light rail at the Newcastle Interchange or Uber into Hunter Street for some more bar hopping. Starting at Hunter Street's west end, drink at funky spots like Bar Mellow, The Koutetsu, Coal and Cedar, Market St Basement, and The Underground.

Day 2

9am
Hopefully your guests aren't feeling too dusty from the previous night. Regardless, take a walk along the break wall at Nobby's followed by a dip at the newly-revamped Newcastle Ocean Baths.

Since you're in the East End, you're blessed for quality breakfast options. We're partial to East End Hub, Estabar, Moor, Bolton Street Pantry, or The Kiosk Newcastle Beach for a more casual affair post-swim.

11am 
Time for a spot of vintage shopping to keep your visitors working up their appetites. Maitland Road in Islington has developed quite the reputation for all things vintage and pre-loved – Hide and Seeker and Stoned Saint Moon are must visits! Fuel your shopping with coffee from Slingtown on Beaumont Street.

1pm
Keep reminding your loved ones about our awesome warm weather and head to Pork Ewe Deli to collect all your favourite charcuterie ingredients. Then, set up at King Edward Park under the trees for an afternoon of bocce and nothing much else. If things get really warm you can wander down to the iconic Bogey Hole for a dip.

5pm
Following an afternoon siesta take your guests to King Street and wow them with this foodie strip. Start with a drink in the courtyard at The Lucky Hotel, then take your pick of the myriad flavours that call King Street home. We love Bocados, Ginger Meg's, and Arno Deli, which is only open for dinner on Fridays. 

Alternatively, cross over the Hunter Street and enjoy dinner at Humbug. Newcastle's only other hatted restaurant besides Flotilla, Humbug serves up contemporary takes on Italian snacks and pasta, featuring traditional Italian ingredients, often with an Asia twist, plus an excellent wine list.

8.30pm
Finish off your meal with a hefty scoop of gelato from Popolo Gelateria. Regardless of the day of the week, you'll often find Novocastrians lined up outside this little King Street establishment, eager to get their hands on its mouth-watering, authentic gelato.

Day 3

8am
Continue to rub the salt and sand between their toes with an early morning stroll along the beach and a couple of laps at Merewether Baths.

For breakfast head into Darby Street, and introduce them to The Autumn Rooms. One of Newcastle's favourite cafes for good reason, The Autumn Rooms not only boasts a beautiful, relaxed space, but an interesting menu and quality coffee.

10am
Once the Darby Street strip opens for business do a lap and take a browse through some of the unique boutique shops. Abicus, Blooms on Darby, Blackbird Corner, and Ramjet are a few of the highlights.

11am
Everyone has to take their visitors for a walk along the ANZAC Memorial Walk. They'll be treated to stunning views over Newcastle's coastline, and they'll maybe even get a bit out of breath climbing the hill from Bar Beach carpark.

1pm
Afternoons are meant for taking it easy, so fit in a classic burger and beer for lunch at The Falcon, Rascal or Newy Burger Co. Make sure you make your final arguments as to why your guests should make the move to Newcastle – or not, if you want to want to keep it to yourself for just a bit longer.