University District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

University District
University District
University District
University District
University District

As you stroll through the collection of urban shopping and historic homes, mix in with students rushing between classes or relaxing when their work is done.

The focal point of Seattle’s University District is the University of Washington, a prestigious public institution on a beautiful 700-acre (280-hectare) campus. Visit in the spring to see magnificent cherry blossoms on the Quad. Look for Denny Hall and the Theodor Jacobsen Observatory, both built in 1895. The Drumheller Fountain is the picturesque centerpiece of the campus, shooting water high in the air from a wide pool.

Visit some of the university’s cultural centers: the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, the Henry Art Gallery, the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse and the Brechemin Auditorium. Watch song, dance or dramatic performances at Meany Hall. Wear purple to cheer on U-Dub’s renowned football team playing other Pac-12 teams at Husky Stadium. Pre-game tailgating is popular among students, visiting alumni and other fans. Bring your own food and drinks.

The university campus is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of downtown Seattle. Cross a short bridge over the manmade Montlake Cut connecting Union Bay and Portage Bay. Stand on Montlake Bridge and gaze down at university rowers practicing in their slim hulls. Step inside the Conibear Shellhouse and look up at the Husky Clipper that the UW eight-oar team rowed to win a gold medal in the 1936 Olympics. Rent a canoe or kayak at the Waterfront Activities Center near the stadium for your own adventure on either of the bays.

Beyond the campus, find dining and shopping on University Way, known as The Ave by locals. Greek Row running north and south has fraternity and sorority homes in elegant mansions along a tree-lined boulevard. Hike along the local portion of the Burke-Gilman Trail that stretches between Puget Sound and Lake Washington.

If you’re a college student, you’ll quickly find your way around the University District. If you’re just visiting, simply ask friendly students for recommendations for their favorite spots.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best University District Hotel Deals

Graduate by Hilton Seattle

Graduate by Hilton Seattle

4 out of 5
4507 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$366 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
NZ$366
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Seattle. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Valet parking is mandatory, which means extra cost. The room doesn’t have fridge or microwave, it is a little difficult to preserve food. The view is excellent, the space needle is clear outside the window."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Graduate by Hilton Seattle
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$335 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$335
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,686 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Delicious breakfast Didn’t like the $64 parking fees per day that wasn’t in the description."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$357 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$357
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,522 reviews)
"Perfect spot . Everything is within walking distance. The valet parking is affordable and a Great feature. I'd come back this hotel for future stays. Staff was wonderful and helpful. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
SureStay Hotel by Best Western SeaTac Airport North

SureStay Hotel by Best Western SeaTac Airport North

3.5 out of 5
3000 S 176th St, SeaTac, WA
The price is NZ$209 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$209
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in SeaTac. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,780 reviews)
"Easy access to airport. Hallway carpet needed a good vacuuming."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

SureStay Hotel by Best Western SeaTac Airport North
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$511 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$511
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,438 reviews)
"Staff was super friendly ,"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Regency Seattle
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$397 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$397
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seattle. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,529 reviews)
"I had a wonderful 3 night stay at CitizenM. The staff was super friendly and attentive. The breakfast bar was amazing! Fresh fruit, protein, eggs and a variety of bread. Great location! Walkable and scenic."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around University District

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Wallingford

You'll enjoy the lake views and sporting events in Wallingford. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Union or Wallingford Center.

Wallingford
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Fremont

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Fremont is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Fremont Troll and Lake Union.

Fremont
Capitol Hill featuring heritage architecture as well as an individual male

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee's Grave while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

Capitol Hill
South Lake Union showing a bay or harbour, boating and a coastal town

South Lake Union

4/5(9 area reviews)

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in South Lake Union. Check out top attractions like Amazon Corporate Headquarters and El Corazón, and jump on the metro at Lake Union Park Station or Terry Av- Mercer St Station to see more of the city.

South Lake Union
Queen Anne featuring landscape views and a city

Queen Anne

Queen Anne is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Space Needle and Seattle Center, and you can get around town on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station.

Queen Anne
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Denny Triangle

If you're spending time in Denny Triangle, check out sights like The Spheres or Pike Pine Retail Core and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Westlake 7th St Station or Westlake Denny Wy Station.

Denny Triangle

University District Travel Guide

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