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 AU$356 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$356
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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)
"Property seems very old but clean."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Graduate by Hilton Seattle
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$288 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$288
27 July - 28 July
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! (3,456 reviews)
"Clean hotel and helpful staff. Good area that was relatively quiet and convenient for walking. Wasn’t as nice as expected for how much we paid."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$342 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$342
27 July - 28 July
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! (3,477 reviews)
"Nice staff. Near the water. Very clean"

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Coast Gateway Hotel

Coast Gateway Hotel

3.5 out of 5
18415 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA
The price is AU$274 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$274
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in SeaTac. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7,345 reviews)
"Great restaurant with lovely bar next door. Shuttle drivers to airport and desk staff very friendly and competent!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Coast Gateway Hotel
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$332 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$332
27 July - 28 July
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! (1,576 reviews)
"Very good property"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$487 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$487
27 July - 28 July
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! (4,417 reviews)
"The property is very accessible, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and the room was outstanding."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

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 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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