University District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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

Staypineapple, University Inn, University District Seattle
Staypineapple, University Inn, University District Seattle
2.5 out of 5
4140 Roosevelt Way Ne, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$184 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
NZ$184
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy an outdoor pool, free bicycles on site, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Property was fine. Didnt like that you get charged for parking and no continental breakfast."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Staypineapple, University Inn, University District Seattle
Graduate Seattle
Graduate Seattle
4 out of 5
4507 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$235 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$235
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this boutique hotel in Seattle. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Loved the decor- such great furniture and deco vibe. Staff friendly- usually only one person at front desk, but very helpful. Our room was lovely. Bathtub was nice and deep. Felt like I was in an apartment rather than a hotel room. Super convenient to the light rail which is just right across the ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Graduate Seattle
Staypineapple, Watertown, University District Seattle
Staypineapple, Watertown, University District Seattle
3.5 out of 5
4242 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$229 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
NZ$229
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy a fitness center, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,061 reviews)
"Staff was excellent. Amenities were nice. We had a great stay."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Staypineapple, Watertown, University District Seattle
The Belltown Inn
The Belltown Inn
2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$216 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
NZ$216
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,571 reviews)
"Close to Pike Place Market and the Waterfront. Staff was super friendly and overall great experience."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

The Belltown Inn
Mediterranean Inn
Mediterranean Inn
3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
The price is NZ$289 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
NZ$289
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,643 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Mediterranean Inn
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$324 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$324
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,942 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Regency Seattle
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 Gas Works Park or Lake Union.

Wallingford
Green Lake Park

Green Lake

If you're spending some time in Green Lake, Green Lake Park and East Green Lake Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Green Lake
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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
Woodland Park Zoo featuring zoo animals

Phinney Ridge

Phinney Ridge is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Woodland Park Zoo and Green Lake Park.

Phinney Ridge
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 Volunteer Park 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 featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and boating

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 Corazon, 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

University District Travel Guide

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