Have you got friends or family coming to visit? Naturally you're wanting to wow them with this little slice of paradise, and here's how to do it.

Newcastle is loaded with quirky bars, quality coffee and stunning coastal areas to either relax or get active in, so why not take your guests off the beaten track and show them a side to Newcastle they haven't experienced before.

Here's our ultimate weekend guide to Newcastle to impress your friends and fam from out of town.

FRIDAY

Âpé Yakitori Bar

6PM: Start your guests weekend in the best possible way by booking into Newcastle's newest and most fiery restaurant. Âpé Yakitori is a multi-sensory drinking and dining experience, with the entire menu, except for some sides and sauces, cooked over charcoal. Take a seat at the bench style seating to experience all the kitchen theatre and be truly immersed in Âpé's menu which showcases only the best Hunter produce.
Where: The Boardwalk, Shop 3N/1 Honeysuckle Dr

Cocktails Harbourside

Not ready to end the night yet? Take a wander through Honeysuckle's eclectic drinking and dining precinct. Whether it's cocktails at MoneyPenny or Honeysuckle Social, craft beers at Harbour Bar and the Dockyard, or vino's at The Landing, with the bright lights of Newcastle harbour as your backdrop you can sit back, relax and get busy catching up.  

SATURDAY

The Wickham Boatshed

8AM: Take it easy this morning with breakfast harbourside at The Wickham Boatshed. The morning sun will welcome you and the hearty menu will get you charged for what’s ahead.
Where: 91 Hannell St, Wickham

Boutique & Art Gallery Touring

9:30AM: Time to burn off breakfast! Step out from The Wickham Boathouse and follow the edge of Newcastle Harbour for a spectacular morning stroll. If you’ve got the energy walk it out to Merewether Beach, or if you prefer to take it a little easier finish at Queens Wharf Hotel and wander through the city, exploring Newcastle’s boutique shopping scene. Here's a few to keep an eye out for;

- JTaranaki: Shop 1/110 Scott St
- Hey Jude: 63 Hunter St
- Nook Store: 107 Hunter St
- High Tea With Mrs Woo & Studio Melt: Shop 6/18 Wolfe St
- Honest Paper: Shop 8/18 Wolfe St
- House of Elliott: 14 Perkins St

If your guests are more interested in the arts, take a tour of the extensive network of independent galleries which have popped up across the city, including;

- Curve Gallery: 61 Hunter St, Newcastle
- The Lock Up: 90 Hunter St, Newcastle
- Blackstone Gallery: The Lock Up: 90 Hunter St, Newcastle
- Mitch Revs Gallery: 37 Hunter St, Newcastle
- Leda Gallery: 850 Hunter St, Newcastle
- Wester Gallery: 16 Wood St, Newcastle West
- Cooks Hill Galleries: 65 Bull St, Cooks Hill
- Newcastle Art Space: 91 Chinchen St
- The Show Room | Owens Collective: 101 Maitland Rd
- SMAC Gallery: Unit 5/73A Elizabeth St, Tighes Hill

Earp Distilling 

12:00PM: When guests come to visit a stop at Earp Distilling Co. is a must. One of Newcastle's most outstanding venues, start your visit with a collection of seasonally inspired share plates and one of Earp's classic gin flavours of course.

1:00PM: Following lunch it's time to get fully immersed in the gin making process via one of Earp distillery experiences. Whether it's a behind the scenes Distillery Tour, Guided Tasting, or for those who are keen to get amongst the juniper and botanicals take the Gin Blending Class and create your own blend.

Take it easy for the remainder of the afternoon, recharging for the night ahead. But you know what? If you've got the energy, why not check out the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre and grab a souvenir from the wide range of locally made goods. From here, it's only a short walk to Rombergs, Crystalbrook Kingley's very own rooftop bar where you can check out one of the most stunning views of Newcastle.

Urban Deli and Bar

6PM: Kasia Idczak and Tim Atkinson bring to Newcastle its very own boutique deli, wine bar, and bistro venue. A delight to dine Urban Deli and Bar's menus inspiration is drawn from delicatessen classics such as cold cuts, cured meats, Europeans cheese together with Mediterranean olives, tapas, chutneys, pickles, and spreads.
Where: 143 Darby St, Cooks Hill 

OR

Pino's

If you’re in need of a plant-based menu Pino’s in Islington offers an Italianish style menu that’s loved by the locals.
Where: 98 Maitland Rd, Islington

Newcastle Comedy Club

7PM: Keen for some serious laughs, Newcastle Comedy Club is the only place to go. Dark and dingy, its got an ever-changing line up of comedic talent and it’s the perfect way to get charged for the rest of the night.
Where: 1a Darby St, Newcastle

The Underground

9:30PM: You've taken them to the rooftop, now it's time go underground. Situated beneath the heritage listed Grand Hotel, The Underground brings some old-school nostalgia together with modern charm. The extensive menu offers up some classic cocktails and makes for the perfect way to end your evening. 
Where: 32 Church St, Newcastle

SUNDAY

Equium Social

8:30AM: One of Newcastle’s best breakfast venues, Equium Social is a Mayfield hotspot offering up a wholesome and morish menu, the Sourdough Crumpets and Kimchi Pancakes are some of the goodness you can expect. Also known for their quality coffees, there is always a great vibe and makes for a easy way to wake up on a Sunday.
Where: 1/5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East 

Newcastle Afoot

10AM: A fun and informative walking tour of Newcastle East, Newcastle Afoot's Seascapes to Laneways Walk will have you exploring the eclectic streets between the harbour and the sea. Find hidden houses, art and laneways, and check out exciting local businesses, stumbling across some of Newcastle's most interesting hidden historic sites and architecture, beautiful beaches, and new creative hubs.

Baked Uprising & Fish Co-op

12:00AM: Time to pick up a few ingredients for a picnic lunch at one of Newcastle's best seaside locations. Drop into Baked Uprising and collect some sourdough, and perhaps some treats for your trip home. Where: 21 Downie St, Maryville. Next stop is the Fishermen's Co-op at Wickham for some prawns and oysters. Don't forget your esky and ice so your seafood loot stays nice and fresh. Where: 97 Hannell St, Wickham

Hickson Street Lookout

12:30PM: For lunch you'll be stopping at Hickson Street Lookout with this little gem a favourite amongst locals and hang gliders looking to take off. Spread out your picnic rug and take in Newcastle’s best coastal views whilst enjoying some of the region’s best seafood and sourdough.
Where: 14 Hickson St, Merewether

Modus Merewether

1:30PM: One of 2021’s most exciting openings, Modus Merewether is a relaxed eats and drinks oasis, with its sandstone shades and breezy design it's made for long lunching. For those who love the world of craft beer book into one of Modus’ behind-the-scenes brewery tours and hear how this incredible locally owned and run brewery all began.
Where: 20 Merewether St, Merewether

OR

The Beach Hotel

1:30PM: No visit to Newcastle is complete without a beer and some bites to eat overlooking the beach. The Beach Hotel in Merewether has some of the best views along the east coast and is the perfect way to end your visit to Newcastle.
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether

Whilst this brings us to the end of your short but very sweet visit to Newcastle, the good news is you’ve only just scratched the surface. There’s plenty more to see and loads of reasons to return very soon.

Accommodation

If you're needing some accommodation options for friends and family who prefer their own space, Quest Newcastle West is situated in the ideal location being a short stroll from the Newcastle Interchange or why not give them the choice to stay in one of Newcastle's newest 5 star hotels QT Newcastle and Crystalbrook Kingsley.

New Annual

Plan your visit to Newcastle around the city's biggest arts and cultural festival. From 23 September - 02 October, immerse yourself in ground-breaking contemporary dance, aerial acrobatics, Indigenous workshops, and the multi-sensory Van Gogh Alive experience.

For more trip planning inspiration, head to www.visitnewcastle.com.au

This article is sponsored by City of Newcastle.