Most people start at the top of the town these days and work there way down.
Personally my crawl is this:
The Gate - Playas/Keel Row, then go to Sam and Jacks just next door + 2, then go to the Mushroom Bar about 200m away, then back to The Gate at Beyond (upstairs) and sometimes Mood.
After that depends what you want to do next, Perdu is fantastic, theres a few strip joins nearby (Pussy Galore). Also the The Lodge and The Attic are decent places.
Nightclub we normally go Liquid/Envy which is bit of a hike, but has an incredible sound and lighting system and is one of the best clubs in the NE.
The Quayside isn't as popular as it used to be so I'd stay central, although theres loads of nices places there too. Basically, your spoilt for choice!
Gaz.