An American travel writer has sparked surprise and delight by declaring Newcastle upon Tyne a superior destination to famed European cities like Barcelona and Prague.
An Unexpected Gem Wins Over a Globetrotter
Walter Meyer, a writer and explorer from the United States, made an unplanned stop in Newcastle during a recent UK trip. He was immediately captivated, not just by the city's quintessentially British name, but by the authentic experience it offered. Meyer contrasted Newcastle with heavily touristed European capitals, where he felt immense crowds could sometimes spoil the visit.
Quiet Cathedrals and a Unique Historical Tunnel
Meyer highlighted the city's historic cathedrals, St. Nicholas and St. Mary's, as standout attractions precisely because they weren't swarming with visitors. He appreciated the lack of admission fees and the genuine enthusiasm of the tour guides. However, the true highlight for him was the Victoria Tunnel.
This unique 2.25-mile-long passage, originally built for transporting coal, was later repurposed as a World War II air raid shelter. Meyer noted that guided tours into this "dark world" offered a fascinating glimpse into the city's dual-layered history, something he hadn't encountered anywhere else in his travels.
Geordie Friendliness Shines Through the Rain
Beyond the landmarks, it was the people who made the deepest impression. Meyer recounted how everyone he met was friendly and talkative. A particularly memorable act of kindness came from a laundrette owner who gave him 50p to dry his clothes during a period of torrential rain. Even with severe weather cancelling tours to Hadrian's Wall, Meyer found warm company in his hotel bar with bartender and night clerk Michael, who offered local insights.
Local Reaction: Bafflement and Pride
When presented with Meyer's review, some local Geordies were taken aback. Laura Hill, a news editor at the Mirror, expressed bafflement at his high praise for the cathedrals, feeling that the spectacular Durham Cathedral nearby often overshadows them.
Simon Duke, a journalist for Chronicle Live, engaged more with the Barcelona comparison. He agreed both cities share a legendary party spirit and a wealth of brilliant characters. Duke also championed Newcastle's flourishing food scene, pointing to its Michelin-starred restaurants and its capability to host major events like the 2025 MOBO Awards and Mercury Prize.
Ultimately, Walter Meyer's experience underscores a powerful travel truth: sometimes the most memorable destinations aren't the ones plastered on every postcard, but those that offer a genuine, uncrowded, and warmly human welcome.
