An American traveller has made a surprising declaration, placing a historic city in the north of England above iconic European destinations like Barcelona and Prague, even after enduring what he described as a 'relentless downpour'.
An Unexpected Gem in the Rain
Writer and explorer Walter Meyer was visiting friends in Britain when he decided to make a stop in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Speaking to the Express, Meyer explained that the joy of travel often lies in discovering unexpected delights, free from the overwhelming hype that surrounds more famous spots. He was utterly captivated by Newcastle, a city of 300,000 residents, finding its authentic charm and lack of tourist crowds a refreshing change.
"I am so glad I did. If nothing else, I loved how British the town sounded: Newcastle Upon Tyne," said Meyer, who also shares his adventures on YouTube. His praise extended to the city's historic religious sites, which offered a stark contrast to their packed continental counterparts.
Empty Cathedrals and a Historic Tunnel
Meyer noted that while Newcastle has the requisite old cathedrals, such as St. Nicholas and St. Mary's, they were almost empty and free to enter, unlike Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia or Paris' Notre Dame. He was particularly impressed by the enthusiastic tour guides who were happy to share their knowledge.
Beyond the churches, the Victoria Tunnel became a highlight of his trip. This 2.25-mile-long passage was originally built to transport coal beneath the city before being repurposed as a World War II air raid shelter. Guided tours through this 'shadowy underworld' fascinated Meyer, as he had never encountered anything similar elsewhere.
The Winning Geordie Warmth
However, it was the legendary friendliness of the locals, the Geordies, that truly sealed the deal for the American visitor. "Everyone I encountered in Newcastle Upon Tyne was incredibly friendly and chatty," he recalled. This warmth was exemplified when a laundrette owner kindly gave him 50p to dry his clothes during the heavy rain.
The weather during his visit was notably severe, with relentless downpours even by northern England's standards, causing trips to Hadrian's Wall to be cancelled. Yet, this led to another positive experience: cosy evenings in the hotel bar chatting with the barman, Michael, who doubled as the night receptionist, and a small group of fellow guests.
Local Perspectives on the Praise
The Express sought local opinion on Meyer's glowing review. Laura Hill, a Mirror news editor and native Geordie, was surprised by his enthusiasm for the city's cathedrals, noting that the region is "spoiled" by the far more impressive Durham Cathedral nearby.
Simon Duke, a What's On contributor for Chronicle Live, reflected on the comparison to Barcelona. "You could certainly argue the vibe between the two cities is pretty similar," he observed, highlighting Newcastle's enduring party spirit and thriving culinary scene. He pointed out that Newcastle boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, two of which recently made it into the world's top 1000 rankings for 2026.
Duke also emphasised the city's capacity to host major events, referencing the MOBO Awards and the Mercury Prize in 2025, which showcased Newcastle as a resplendent and vibrant destination on a global stage. "When it comes to throwing a party and doing it in serious style," he enthused, "Newcastle will never let you down."
