University District

Seattle

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

Things to do


Top hotels in University District

Graduate by Hilton Seattle
Graduate by Hilton Seattle
4 out of 5
4507 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA
The price is S$305 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$305
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Rough part of the city. Lived Costas restaurant!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Graduate by Hilton Seattle
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 S$313 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$313
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,262 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly and efficient. The room was extremely clean and comfortable. Very quiet and a great atmosphere, very walkable location. Highly recommend this place!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Staypineapple, University Inn, University District Seattle
Executive Hotel Pacific
Executive Hotel Pacific
3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is S$240 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$240
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (3,429 reviews)
"Forced to pay valet service which was 50+ per day."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
Coast Gateway Hotel
Coast Gateway Hotel
3.5 out of 5
18415 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA
The price is S$246 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$246
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (7,308 reviews)
"Easy to get the shuttle to the airport in the morning. They gave us multiple times to choose from."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Coast Gateway Hotel
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is S$284 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
S$284
29 Jul - 30 Jul
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! (3,432 reviews)
"Love CitizenM! This hotel is adorable, clean, quiet, and walkable to everything! The only inconvenience is parking (like everywhere else in Seattle)."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is S$263 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$263
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (1,544 reviews)
"Overall, the experience in the hotel was nice. However, the parking garage itself is sketchy and having to pay for parking on top of the hotel room is unpleasurable. If the hotel managed to have a deal with the parking garage to make it cheaper, and also made the garage less unsightly and safer the ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
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

3/5(1 area review)

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

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(6 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 featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and boating

South Lake Union

4/5(13 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