Is Newcastle Upon Tyne the "Portland of Europe"? (Durham: legal, clubs)

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Obviously American and European cities are very different, but do you think if there was a European sister to Portland it would be Newcastle? People often compare Portland to Copenhagen and Amsterdam because of liberal attitudes and legal weed but I think Newcastle is probably a better fit. I can think of so many parallels between the two cities!

*The Tyne Bridge and Fremont Bridge look very similar and both cities have many bridges over a tidal river. Aside from the Tyne being a lot narrower there's an uncanny resemblance between the Willamette at Portland and the Tyne in Newcastle.

*Portland has a southern suburb called Durham, so does Newcastle.

*Both have an extensive light rail transit system, built around the same era.

*Both cities are passionate about soccer and are well known for their beer. Though unfortunately Brown Ale isn't actually made in Newcastle anymore. Their soccer teams even refer to their respective fan clubs as their "Army".

*Similar ethnic makeup. Strong Scandinavian and Celtic undertones in the culture of both Portland and Newcastle. Lots of people in both cities are into their Irish, Scottish and Scandinavian heritage. Both cities also have a surprisingly large Muslim population.

*Both cities are post-industrial port cities that are perpetually economically depressed but also artistically inclined.

*Higher than average prevalence of drinking, smoking and tattoos and punk culture in both cities.

*Portland gave us Courtney Love and Tonya Harding, and Newcastle gave us Cheryl Cole. Unfairly or not both cities have a bit of a "white trash" reputation, though due to gentrification this stereotype is quite outdated.

*Both cities are generally considered the "greenest" in their respective countries, as far as being environmentally sustainable go.

*Gentrification of the Quayside in Newcastle happened at the same time the Pearl District was created from the rail yards along Portland's own quays.

*Both cities are sometimes considered to be "stuck in the 90s". Both cities also lost their keystone industries in the 80s-90s, timber and coal.


Of course there are some differences. Portland doesn't have an awesome accent, it's not even 1/10 as old as Newcastle, and it's an American city. Portland is a lot bigger than Newcastle but historically (early-mid 20th century) they were about the same size. But I was pretty blown away seeing pictures of Newcastle's bridges and then realizing the similarities to Portland are more than just skin deep. I'm kind of surprised more people don't compare the two.

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by valsteele

I'm kind of surprised more people don't compare the two.

Having been there (and walked the Winking Bridge) - they don't feel even remotely similar. It reminded me more of Rotterdam than anything in the US.

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Originally Posted by PNW-type-gal

Having been there (and walked the Winking Bridge) - they don't feel even remotely similar. It reminded me more of Rotterdam than anything in the US.

Really? Interesting. I thought Rotterdam had a reputation for being quite ugly while Newcastle looks beautiful in pictures.