Historically people from Newcastle have been known formally, especially by outsiders, as Novocastrians, although today this term is not commonly used. In the modern day, the word Geordie is the most common term to describe those from Newcastle. 'Geordie' used to be a term of derision, although it is more often used these days as an informal and even affectionate term. People living elsewhere in the North East do not care to be called Geordies, but outsiders tend not to differentiate, and call the entire region 'Geordieland'.

Newcastle has a reputation of being a fun-loving city with many bars, restaurants and night clubs. It consistently features in lists of the top ten party cities in the world. Recently, Newcastle has become popular as a destination for Stag and Hen parties.

The majority of clubs in Newcastle are located in three main areas. The oldest of these is the Bigg Market a favourite haunt for the more indigenous of the locals, followed by the trendy Quayside area, a spectacular mix of modern and classic architecture which creates a fantastic backdrop for a sometimes frantic saturday night. The newest is "The Gate", which is a new indoor complex consisting of bars, upmarket clubs, restaurants and a 12-screen Odeon multiplex cinema.

A growth in the Theatre Culture has taken place in recent years, centred on the impressive Theatre Royal on Grey Street, which for over 25 years has hosted a season of performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Other Theatres in the City include the Tyne Opera House, the Newcastle Playhouse, the Live Theatre, the Peoples Theatre and the Gulbenkian Studio. There are several other venues in and around Newcastle, such as: Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle Arena and The Sage Gateshead.