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 centres: 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 kilometres) 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 Centre 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 favourite 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 €179 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€179
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Right by UW."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Graduate by Hilton Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is €258 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€258
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (4,437 reviews)
"Bad - than food left in the fridge from the previous person and hair in the bath tub. Good - KC Chiefs we're there for the preseason game. Saw all the players and coaches"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Hyatt Regency Seattle
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is €130 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€130
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (3,579 reviews)
"Good location and good place for the money when the trip is not not booked on time! The room is a good size, but the bathroom was tiny. The toilet seat was falling because it was super close to the toilet handle."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The price is €181 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€181
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,102 reviews)
"Cafe had excellent coffee!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

The Paramount 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 €169 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€169
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,765 reviews)
"The room was great the staff was was great. It's in the heart of the downtown so getting around is easy. Parking needs to better."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Coast Gateway Hotel

Coast Gateway Hotel

3.5 out of 5
18415 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €183 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€183
25 Aug - 26 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! (7,414 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Coast Gateway Hotel
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 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

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