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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$220 per night from 27 Nov to 28 Nov
AU$220
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy an outdoor pool, free bicycles on site, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,105 reviews)
Convenient and Comfortable
"Convenient and comfortable location to stay before and after cancer procedure at U of W Med. Ctr."

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

Staypineapple, University Inn, University District Seattle
Graduate by Hilton Seattle
Graduate by Hilton Seattle
4 out of 5
4507 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$275 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$275
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (1,008 reviews)
Really enjoyed my stay!
"I like this hotel. The beds are really comfortable, and the location is solid. I love the Mountaineering Club and the food vouchers for either breakfast in the cafe or food/drink up on the roof is a nice bonus. Hip and fun for when you aren’t working!"

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

Graduate by Hilton 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 AU$218 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
AU$218
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,116 reviews)
"Great stay, very friendly staff , close to the university."

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

Staypineapple, Watertown, University District Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$316 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
AU$316
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,514 reviews)
"An awesome hotel and fantastic staff. My friend and I enjoyed our room and with our minor issues our room had, help came right away and loved being central and convenient would stay here again."

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

Hyatt Regency Seattle
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA
3 out of 5
3100 South 192nd Street, SeaTac, WA
The price is AU$188 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
AU$188
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in SeaTac. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,193 reviews)
"The property was clean and updated however the breakfast was burned 3 out of a 5 day stay."

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$197 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
AU$197
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,392 reviews)
"I love the design of Citizen M. The micro room was thoughtfully laid out and I appreciate the details. The breakfast buffet was a refreshing upgrade from typical hotel buffets. While the staff was kind and helpful, I often heard them cussing openly within earshot of myself and other guests."

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

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 festivals 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 West 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 Lake Union and Fremont Sunday Market.

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 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
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

University District Travel Guide

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