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 HK$1,421 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
HK$1,421
HK$1,762 total
24 Aug - 25 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! (1,011 reviews)
"Convenient location of the hotel in terms of proximity to Univ of Washington campus."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Graduate by Hilton Seattle
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is HK$1,312 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
HK$1,312
HK$1,549 total
27 Jul - 28 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! (1,621 reviews)
"Great location. Good service."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is HK$1,248 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
HK$1,248
HK$1,473 total
27 Jul - 28 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! (3,504 reviews)
"Great location close to everything in the city of Seattle. Just a shame that there is no elevator on the lobby floor where the entrance is. Meaning luggage needs to be taken up or down stairs to access lifts."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
Coast Gateway Hotel

Coast Gateway Hotel

3.5 out of 5
18415 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA
The price is HK$1,272 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
HK$1,272
HK$1,446 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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! (7,375 reviews)
Exactly what we needed
"Quick stay to catch a flight. Hotel was quiet, staff was very nice. Easy shuttle to the airport."

Reviewed on 24 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 HK$1,327 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
HK$1,327
HK$1,565 total
27 Jul - 28 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! (3,494 reviews)
"Amazing system + bed"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,799 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
HK$1,799
HK$2,244 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (5,277 reviews)
"Excellent location and a good price for the location on an event night. The bathroom was newly renovated.The room was clean and you could actually open the windows to get a nice good breeze coming through. The one downside are the elevators. They are clearly old and in need of a renovation. But other ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Mediterranean Inn
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 which includes 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 showing 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 which includes a city and landscape views

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