University District, WA

Seattle
Husky Stadium showing signage and a statue or sculpture
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


University District Hotel Deals

Staypineapple, Watertown, University District Seattle
Staypineapple, Watertown, University District Seattle
3.5 out of 5
4242 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA
The price is ¥15,410 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥15,410
per night
May 12 - May 13
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! (1,111 reviews)
"Second stay here perfect as the first stay will be back again only problem was I forgot to take the plush dog with me that I paid for oh well I will get him next time!!!"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Staypineapple, Watertown, University District 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 ¥15,566 per night from May 28 to May 29
¥15,566
per night
May 28 - May 29
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! (1,004 reviews)
Sweet stay
"This was a wonderful experience with extremely clean, comfortable rooms and very dog friendly. This will forever be our top choice when in Seattle."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Staypineapple, University Inn, University District Seattle
Graduate Seattle
Graduate Seattle
4 out of 5
4507 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA
The price is ¥23,071 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥23,071
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Seattle. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Loved the entire staff. Always willing to give advice and best places to visit. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Graduate Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is ¥30,917 per night from May 11 to May 12
¥30,917
per night
May 11 - May 12
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,823 reviews)
Nice place to stay
"Everything was great. clean and comfortable. Very beautiful view from the window."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Hyatt Regency Seattle
The Belltown Inn
The Belltown Inn
2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is ¥20,274 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥20,274
per night
May 12 - May 13
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! (2,735 reviews)
Handy in Seattle
"We stayed for 3 nights to explore Seattle. The location of the hotel is ideal for exploring the city on foot. The staff at reception is very friendly and helpful. Our room was quiet and clean, the bed was comfortable. We would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

The Belltown Inn
Coast Gateway Hotel
Coast Gateway Hotel
3.5 out of 5
18415 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA
Fully refundable
The price is ¥24,012 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥24,012
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this 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! (5,466 reviews)
"Very clean, close to airport, great staff, casino and restaurant next door"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

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 neighborhoods around University District

Wallingford

Wallingford

5/5(6 area reviews)

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

While visiting Green Lake, you might make a stop by sights like Green Lake Park and East Green Lake Beach.

Green Lake
Fremont featuring a river or creek, a park and a bridge

Fremont

4/5(108 area reviews)

Fremont is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lake Union and Fremont Rocket.

Fremont
Woodland Park Zoo which includes zoo animals

Phinney Ridge

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Phinney Ridge is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Woodland Park Zoo and Woodland Park and Rose Garden.

Phinney Ridge
Capitol Hill showing heritage architecture as well as an individual male

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee's Grave and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Capitol Hill. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop.

Capitol Hill
South Lake Union which includes a bay or harbor, a coastal town and boating

South Lake Union

4/5(513 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

University District, WA