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

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 AU$269 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
AU$269
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 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! (1,097 reviews)
Pleasant & Friendly
"Very friendly & helpful. I loved the bed. The cookies are cute."

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Staypineapple, University Inn, University District 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$278 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
AU$278
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! (1,078 reviews)
Wonderful staff, comfortable accommodations
"Stayed here for a night during a power outage. The staff was swamped, constantly getting tons of calls from other families, and the guy who checked me in probably helped 10 other people while he was at it. He was still super fast and attentive and friendly, and I have no ida how he did it all at ..."

Reviewed on 21 Nov. 2024

Staypineapple, Watertown, 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$248 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
AU$248
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
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)
K. Miller Stay
"Room was a little bit chilly even when cranking up the heat. Otherwise everything was excellent."

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

Graduate by Hilton Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$318 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
AU$318
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 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! (4,500 reviews)
"The hotel is too big for the number of lifts, always have to wait a long time. Besides, surprised that there is no swimming pool for a hotel of such category!"

Reviewed on 23 Nov. 2024

Hyatt Regency Seattle
The Belltown Inn
The Belltown Inn
2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$190 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
AU$190
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Book a 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,279 reviews)
"Great value"

Reviewed on 22 Nov. 2024

The Belltown Inn
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$151 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
AU$151
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 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! (2,499 reviews)
"👍"

Reviewed on 22 Nov. 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 Seattle Center and Space Needle, and you can get around town on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station.

Queen Anne

University District Travel Guide

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